Brent Buchanan is the President & Founder of Cygnal, an award-winning polling and research firm. Brent uses his extensive 11-plus years of experience to help solve critical problems in business and in the political space. Did you know that research can help answer problems like high turnover and actually save you money on tedious split-testing work? It can also help bridge the gap between finding the best clients to work with. On today’s episode, Brent dives into what he does, how it can help the average small business owner, and some of the key benefits owners are missing out on by not tackling the data first.

 

Key Takeaways:

[:20] John introduces his guest for this episode — Brent Buchanan.

[:58] What does Brent do at Cygnal?

[1:20] Is customer research expensive?

[2:15] Decisions are a two-step process and people leave out the first step — gathering information.

[9:25] Back then, gathering customer research was either extremely expensive or incredibly inaccurate. Brent strived to get it right at a price point that made sense.

[12:04] Brent discusses AI and how it helps his business.

[19:53] How many data points does Brent need before he determines something as ‘accurate’?

[26:58] Brent explains the types of marketing problems and confirmation biases his company can help solve.

[36:11] Research can help you figure out why you have such high turnover rates.

[38:59] Brent shares an example of certain data points and discoveries that shocked him.

[43:39] By analyzing how your audience is going to react, you can make your split tests much more effective.

[45:41] Everything comes down to it being a communication problem.

[54:14] Afraid to make the leap on a big decision because you don’t have the answers? Brent’s company can help!

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Cygn.al

Brent on LinkedIn

Gallup

Bridgewater

Bob Riley

Humans Are Underrated: What High Achievers Know That Brilliant Machines Never Will, by Geoff Colvin

I, Robot

Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business, by Gino Wickman

The 12 Week Year: Get More Done In 12 Weeks Than Others Will In 12 Months, by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington

Culture Index