You May Ask . . .
Process & timeline:
“How long does a typical project take?” This varies wildly depending on scope. Ad-hoc analyses might be 1-2 weeks. An enterprise dashboard or application could be 4-8 weeks. An ongoing retainer is open-ended.
“What’s your process from first call to delivery?” Introduction → Scope Definition → Proposal → Kickoff → Analysis → Deliverable → Handoff
“Do you work on retainer, or is it project-by-project?” My bandwidth varies through the year. Time demand will be discussed during Scope Definition.
“Can you start immediately, or do you have a waitlist?” I can start small projects immediately. Long-term arrangements will depend on my client load.
Data & logistics:
“What if my data is messy / in different systems / not well-organized?” Data cleaning is part of my process. If your data needs ETL work, that’s built into the timeline and scope.
“Do you need to visit in person, or can we work remotely?” My work is done remote, but I’m always happy to leave my office for meetings.
“How do you handle sensitive data / confidentiality?” My career has always fallen under supervision of HIPAA, IRB, and the Federal Reserve. Additional documentation and security infrastructure can be arranged.
“What tools/software do I need to have?” I can handle CSVs and spreadsheets for quick projects, or I can access your enterprise tools with APIs. If you have complex data infrastructure, that’s something we’ll scope upfront so there are no surprises.
Scope & expectations:
“How do I know if this is the right fit for my budget?” I tailor my services to ensure that your bottom line is better after I’m gone.
“What industries can you work with?” My background is healthcare and finance, but I’m eager to work across industries. Good methodology travels.
“What happens after the project? Is it a black box, or do you explain what you built?” You’ll get code, documentation, and a walkthrough so you (or your team) can maintain it. No black boxes.
Pricing:
“Seriously, what is this actually going to cost?” A staff data scientist would cost you $100,000-$200,000 per year. I price to ensure your return exceeds the investment. During our first call, we’ll scope the work and I’ll give you a range that reflects the complexity and impact.