Teach yourself SQL

I have found the W3Schools online web tutorials to be very useful for self-learning SQL. I like it as it provides the basics, clear explanations, and provides an online editor so you can write and test your own code.

Learn SQL

How have others found this site?

Google Analytics

Has anyone used or currently uses Google Analytics as a web analytics tool?

If so, what are its pros and cons?

Chris Jordan - Shocking Stats

Communicating results

This is something University never teaches you - communication to a general audience. I remember being taught the simple do's and don'ts of reporting, don't use jargon, define concepts, etc. But no one ever taught me the difference in structuring reports for academia and employers.

Experience, mostly through trial-and-error has taught me the basic elements of effective communication. Probably the most important point I've learned is that decision-makers aren't interested in how you arrived at your conclusion, they are only interested in your conclusion and what it means to the bottom line.

I came across this web article by Meta S Brown, which I've found to be really insightful.

Meta Brown advises Analysts to:
- Get to your main point fast.
- Don't dive into detail.
- Provide supporting evidence, but only address alternative views if they are asked.
- Ensure Executives have the power, let them make the connections.

So what communication tips, gems, pearls of wisdom have you found alone the way?

http://smartdatacollective.com/metabrown/29984/talk-analytics-executives-4-things-you-must-understand