How Disney Uses Analytics to Skyrocket Its Business #35
Achille Ettorre, MBA
Artificial Intelligence & Data Science Executive | 'The Digital Advantage' Author | AI Solutions for Business Growth | Advisory Board Member | TEDx Speaker
When you think of analytics, it is only natural to think about the future. A company that has been around for nearly a century may not strike you as the perfect example of such modern techniques to optimize business performance.
However, Disney has definitely changed the game in its favor through the use of cutting—edge, customized solutions regarding Big Data. Aren’t you excited to learn more?
Analytics: Like a Breath of Fresh Air
There are various brands and products in Disney. What Mark Shafer, Senior Vice President for Disney Decision Science and Integration, saw as an opportunity was to use analytics towards monetizing these very assets.
Disney parks and the cruise line were included in this endeavor along with media networks such as ESPN, ABC, Freeform, and National Geographic. As a result, data science took over and a lot of great insights were brought to light.
Through the contribution of useful data, Disney was able to make better decisions for their company. These decisions were in no way based on luck, they were forecasts backed up by solid evidence.
It’s All about Guest Experience
The Disney case study is focused on guest experiences. How can you optimize that while obtaining more profit? This has been a turning point for data analysts who tried to monetize user satisfaction. It might sound impossible, but it actually makes sense.
Happy guests tend to spend more time and ultimately money on a single experience than those who do not. If you make their journey easier, smoother, and more convenient, you will have great leverage.
Although Disney is a well established brand, it is true that some years back it was in need of a boost. Only after having turned to keeping their clientele content did they manage to get back on that upward trajectory.
Forecasts Make All the Difference
Behavioral analytics is crucial when it comes to identifying the best marketing patterns. By interpreting the behavior and actions of your target audience, you immediately gain an advantage over those who do not hold the same knowledge.
When you observe how people react, what they like, and what they reject, you can rest assured that your next decisions will be much more efficient than the previous ones. It is all a matter of improving your performance.
Disney Data & Analytics Conference
Are you interested in advanced decision making towards improving the profitability of your business? If so, this is a conference you should definitely attend. With valuable insights on guest experience, this is just the place to be.
Over the past years, a great number of executives, business leaders, and analysts have taken part in the DDAC. By taking in the knowledge presented so generously, you will get the motivation to change the way your company operates.
The speeches will broaden your horizons and allow you consider the role of data analysts and the applications of their work. A fine example would be that of Michael Schoen, presenting “You’ll Never See TV the Same Way Again.”
Making Use of Brands & Products
Your brand and your products are of paramount importance. Nobody can argue with that. This is, after all, your identity, the image you show to the world. When you have a poor product, there is little you can do towards sustaining your business.
On the other hand, these assets are not enough. They cannot guarantee a steady flow of new customers or even loyal clients.
As a result, you need to figure out how to maintain this flow. This is where analytics steps in and saves the day. Information is gold.
Merging the Past with the Future
Disney holds an indisputable leverage as it claims to embody what our dreams are made of. Iconic heroes, amazing fairy tales, entertainment beyond compare, all these elements combined guarantee sales, or do they?
Even the best product fades away over time. Plus, you need to take into consideration the obstacles getting in the way from the enjoyment of your customers. A long queue to get tickets, overpriced merchandise, too little information on the website, such details determine your success.
What might have been perfect in the past is not going to sell equally as well today. Based on Big Data, you can modify things and win your guests over.
The Disney Case Study
Are you looking for innovation? The Magic Band was a wonderful addition to enhance user experience. Through its various features, a guest can enjoy digital maps, avoid the crowded lines, unlock the hotel room, and enjoy the whole experience to the maximum.
FastPass+ and My Disney Experience in combination optimize the thrills, while at the same time minimizing the discomfort. What more could you ask?
Optimizing Business Performance
Data collection and interpretation will either make or break your business. The way you choose to use that wealth of knowledge is a key factor determining if you manage to lead the way.
Your business performance is always subject to improvement. The sooner you get to realize that, just like Disney, the better your business is going to run.
Investment in the Future
Technology has affected life on so many levels and business is one of them. Every single company can benefit from the latest technological advancements in the corporate world.
Once used properly, data analytics tools help you strengthen your business and stay one step ahead of the competition.
Final Thoughts
Disney has taught us a lot. Of course, the company has a great deal of nostalgia and has many timeless qualities. Nevertheless, it has also taught us never to give up or stop trying to innovate and test new concepts.
By incorporating the power of analytics into the mix, Disney has achieved to redefine its brand to hold up it’s reputation for modern greatness, sophisticated solutions, and customized experiences.
Would you follow Disney’s example?
Make data talk to drive improvement and innovation - Business Intelligence Consultant #LidlEcommerce
3 年Great post! In few words, it gives practical examples of how #Analytics can help to make or maintain a business successful. Looking at details sometimes is the key, as you precisely mention in this post. Thanks Achille Ettorre, MBA for sharing your experience and offering us always meaningful content. Disney is certainly a brand we can all take as a model, able to look at the future without losing the key features that make it an evergreen brand.
Data, Analytics & AI Strategy Advisor | Author of Infonomics & Data Juice
3 年Anyone else tired of "success" stories with no actual indicators of benefits? No doubt Disney uses analytics, but how has it affected the business in demonstrable, measurable ways? Any data analytics leader, or data scientist should be able to show benefits... or be shown the door.
Insights and Strategy Leader | Albertsons Media Collective
3 年Awesome share, thanks Achille Ettorre, MBA!
Sr. Director, Strategic Accounts | Strategic client acquisition, solution development
3 年Outstanding #achilleai - the Disney Decision Science and Integration team are the innovators who set the standard for translating insights to value. I hope you see you at DDA-C
Director @ Smith School of Business | FinTech, Analytics & AI
3 年The Walt Disney Company has been a leader in the utilization of analytics exemplifying incredible success. Finding the right people will remain the biggest challenge for companies looking to leverage data and analytics. Disney got Mark Shafer . Their development of centres of excellence to make the most of their limited talent pool has paid off many times. The interaction between the analytics teams and the business lines, has enabled the cross pollination of digital knowledge. There lies "real" success - when the analytics team understands the business and the business understands the power of analytics, they can work together to optimize and build out their functions. Remember, teaching someone to fish provides longer term benefits than just giving someone a fish to eat today. I hope we can all join one another at DDAC soon!