The definitive guide to data partnership strategy
Data Leverage
Unlocking the Surprising Growth Potential of Data Partnerships
By Christian J. Ward & James J. Ward
One of the only books in the world dedicated entirely to building and monetizing data partnerships. Learn how to identify data assets you already own, value them properly, and structure deals that create lasting partnerships.
ISBN: 978-1-7329917-0-5 (paperback) | Published 2019
The DataSmart Method
Most companies sit on valuable data assets without knowing how to monetize them. This four-step framework gives you a repeatable process for turning data into partnerships.
Identify
Map your intrinsic and extrinsic data assets across 15 categories
Value
Place each asset in the right bucket: $0, $10K, $100K, or $1M+
Structure
Choose the right partnership model from 10 proven structures
Protect
Implement safeguards that protect both data and reputation
What Leaders Say
“Data Leverage is a revelation. You know your company's data is valuable, but until you read this book, you won't be able to maximize that value. This is your GPS for data deals -- it will get you safely to a very profitable destination. Keep it nearby, because you'll be referring to every step of the way.”
Josh Bernoff
Bestselling author of five business strategy books including Groundswell and Writing Without Bullshit
“There can be no book more packed with practical, common sense guidance than Data Leverage. It is a must read at every level in every industry.”
Bob Herrmann
President & CEO, Discovery Data
“Data is like electricity for businesses: essential to almost every aspect of its operations, but deadly if mishandled. Although data partnerships increase the potential reward, most companies are paralyzed by the increased risk. In Data Leverage, the Ward brothers have created a manual to help you understand the opportunity, navigate the minefield of risks, and unlock the value of data partnerships.”
Dave Frankland
Co-author of Marketing to the Entitled Consumer
“The Ward Brothers totally nail it in their book "Data Leverage". The currency of the 21st century won't be bricks, clicks, social media followers, or impressions; but in the scale and value of the data you produce as a business and the value it delivers to others.”
Michael Carter
CEO, BizEquity
What's Inside
12 chapters of practical guidance for data partnership strategy
Understanding Data Partnerships
Why you need a data partnership strategy and the DataSmart Method
Data and People
Aligning your organization to new data opportunities
Intrinsic Data
Identifying the data assets you already own
Extrinsic Data
Identifying external data opportunities
Valuing Data Assets
The four buckets: $0 to $1M+
Presenting Data
The three files that prove your data's value
Legal Considerations
Contracts, trade secrets, and protection
Typical Data Partnerships
Ten partnership structures explained
The Innovator Data Partnership
When you're the source vs. the platform
Mutually Beneficial Partnerships
Customer, operational, and marketing-driven deals
Channel Data Partnerships
Affiliate and reseller models
Protecting Data and Reputations
Security, audits, and safeguards
What Readers Say
Reviews from Amazon readers
About the Authors
Christian J. Ward
Entrepreneur since 1999, building data companies across multiple industries. Currently Chief Data Officer at Yext. Academic at heart who loves learning through practice and thinking in public.
James J. Ward
Attorney specializing in data privacy, intellectual property, and technology transactions. Partner at Ward PLLC.