You don’t have to be a data scientist—but you can’t afford to ignore the numbers.

Introduction

Let’s be honest—not all Business Analysts love numbers. Some of us come from non-technical backgrounds. We love working with people, processes, and ideas... but when a stakeholder says, “Can you pull some data for this?” we quietly panic. 🙈

I used to feel the same. But over time, I’ve realized this: you don’t have to love data—you just need to understand what it’s trying to tell you.

Here’s why it matters (and how you can get more comfortable with it, even if you hate numbers).

1. Data Answers the “Why” Behind Business Problems

Stakeholders might say, “Sales are dropping.” That’s the symptom.
Data helps you find the cause.

It could be fewer returning customers, low-performing regions, or even a seasonal dip. Without data, you’re guessing. With it, you’re solving.

Real Talk: A simple chart or table can give you more clarity than a 1-hour meeting.

2. It Helps You Speak the Language of Decision Makers

When you present ideas with data, people listen. It shows you’ve done your homework—and you’re not just sharing opinions.

Even basic data points like:

“Customer wait time increased by 22% this month”
“80% of complaints came from just two locations”

...can completely shift the tone of a meeting. You become not just a messenger, but a trusted advisor.

3. You Don’t Need Advanced Tools—Just the Right Questions

You don’t need Python or Power BI to get started. Just ask:

What data exists around this problem?
What trends do we see over time?
Are there any outliers or patterns?

Even using Excel and a few filters can uncover gold.

4. It Makes You a Stronger BA—Period

Understanding data helps you:

Write smarter requirements
Spot risks early
Validate whether a solution is working (or not)

It adds a layer of evidence to your analysis and makes your work more reliable.

How I Made Peace With Numbers

I stopped thinking of data as “math” and started treating it like a story with evidence.

I began with small steps:

Watching 10-minute tutorials on Google Sheets
Playing with sample datasets just for fun
Asking, “What question does this chart answer?”

Over time, I stopped avoiding data—and started using it to own the room.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be a data guru. But if you’re a BA, data is your secret weapon. It helps you move from guesswork to insight, from opinion to evidence.

So even if numbers aren’t your favorite thing—try seeing them as part of the story you’re here to tell.

Your Turn

Do you use data in your BA work? Or are you still making friends with it? I’d love to hear your experience—drop a comment or tag me on LinkedIn!

Why Every BA Should Understand Data (Even If You Hate Numbers)