“Are you kidding me, Yamo?”
If that was one of the first thoughts that came to your mind when you saw this post, I wouldn’t be surprised.
A few business analysts think that the BABOK is really a dry read. Granted it maybe for various reasons. We will explore a few reasons why BABOK can be a dry reading and what to do about it by diving into the five ways to make the BOK talk to you.
Either by choice or chance, as business analysts we get involved in sustaining innovation – Innovation that helps companies improve the performance of existing products and services along the dimensions that the business values.
So, our proximity to innovation is intimate.
What is disruptive innovation? Click to continue
When I started TheBACoach podcast in June of 2011, my only hope was to get 10 regular monthly listeners. To my utter surprise, I didn’t expect a colossal vacuum to exist in this space. Fast forward one year, we are averaging about 2,500 monthly downloads of the podcast.
We also reached a major milestone this year (in September) when we crossed 50,000 downloads … with an average length of 40 minutes that’s =
The feeling is awesome when I get emails and tweets from total strangers that it has helped them to become better analysts. This is probably one of the best gifts I could give back to the BA community and I am completely humbled by the response. No harm in building good karma I guess.
So, how did we track these stats? The premium hosting service we use for the podcast, provides detailed stats episode-wise. There are stats associated with location based downloads, that allows us to conduct the CBAP/CCBA boot camps in the cities where we are heard most (The recent CBAP Boot Camp in London, is a great example of this).
So, let us do the count down for the top 12, starting from number 12.
A great episode on finding out if you have the skill set and knowledge to become a BA. A must listen if you are on the fringes of becoming a BA. This seemed to be an ongoing question in the community. Laura helped provide a solid context and information to help the transitioning professionals.
An inspiring episodes. Filled with helpful tips on overcoming challenges surrounding office politics. Her biggest message to the BAs was to never stop learning – and no wonder it is in top 12.
10 ->; From Chemistry to Computers – AuthorCast with Karl Wiegers
Being a big fan of Karl’s work and having studied it as part of my engineering curriculum, it was a great experience to interview him. A great and inspiring story about Karl and his inspiration for writing books.
9 ->; How to Manage BAs – Community Cast with Jennifer Doyle
Jenni did a great job in sharing some very useful tips to manage BAs. This was a great listen for BAs too, since they could always reverse engineer what their manager would expect and perform better. She also shared traits of effect BAs and how to spot them while interviewing them.
This episode contained useful info about the BABOK V3 and when it is coming and such. Also, being a continuation of introduction to the BABOK episode (at number 3, below), this episode helped answer a few most commonly asked questions about BABOK.
7 ->; Go Independent after CBAP – BA Interviews with Margaret Marco
This was a well received episode about honing your skills as a BA, how to approach the CBAP mindset and why you should look into going independent after getting your CBAP certification.
6 ->; From Getting things done to Ready for Anything, AuthorCast with David Allen
It was a dream come true to interview David Allen. Interviewing him was a great experience. Having applied and revered his work, it was insightful to hear the story behind the book that inspired the most effective productivity system (GTD®) in the world.
5 ->; Take Charge of and Care About what you do, BA Interview with DavidMorris
David brought forth valuable lessons from his consulting experience. Tips on coming up to speed really quick in a project, and caring about your career were really well received and appreciated by the community.
4 ->; Using Project Patterns and More, BA Interviews with Jonathan Babcock
Jonathan always brings out unique perspectives to help the practitioners. His blog practicalanalyst.com has helped numerous BAs around the globe. In this episode he shared some valuable tips on using project patterns, with practical tips on how to track and use them.
With so much confusion around what the BABOK really is, especially within the BA community (forget outside), this episode did the trick to help. We dived into the history of BABOK and also discussed the writing and review process. This is one of the first podcasts we advise attendees to listen to in our CBAP / CCBA online prep courses and CBAP prep boot camps.
2- >; Conducting Effective Requirements Workshop, AuthorCast with Ellen Gottesdiener
Ellen was once again at her best behind the mic, bringing forward useful and practical advice to help BAs conduct effect requirements workshops. Her extensive experience in facilitation, and coaching added to the educational value of this podcast.
1 – >; 10ish Things I wish I knew Before I became a BA, AuthorCast with Howard Podeswa
This is gotta be one of the best podcast episodes a BA can listen to. I have listened to this 3 to 4 times myself. As they say “Hindsight is always 20/20″, this episode can provide some very powerful lessons for every practicing and aspiring business analyst. If you haven’t yet, go right ahead and do so (like, right now. 
These two episodes missed the top 12 by a whisker:
Sometimes Leave Some Silence, BA Interview with Jonathan Nituch
Which among these and others were your favorite episodes in 2012?
Please use the comment space below to provide your input, feedback and comments.
So, you have an idea, an ambition or a project.
Interested in getting it done?
Then go ahead grab yourself a copy of ”Getting Things Done – The Art of Stress-Free Productivity“, but before that listen to this podcast.
In this part 2 of a two-part series (you can listen to part 1 here), David shares with us how to navigate and apply the GTD system. He also answers a few community questions at the end of the podcast.
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When I was 17, I stumbled upon the fascinating world of audiobooks. The first audiobook that I ever heard was the life changing “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People“, read by the author himself. The riveting real-life examples, practical advice, and the passion in delivery made this book have a huge impact in my life.
Early this week, when I learnt that Dr. Covey passed away, it gave me a sinking feeling and I felt extremely sad.
As a tribute to him, I would like to summarize the seven habits, and provide a parallel of how business analysts can adapt them to be more effective with 3 key BA lessons per habit. These habits have a universal appeal, and could be observed as a common theme with highly effective people.
Let us see what BA lessons we can derive out of them.
(See at the bottom of this post on how to get a free copy of this audiobook from audible)
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Yamo is a passionate and practicing business analyst, author, and blogger from Toronto, Canada. He hosts this blog, and podcast to help business analysts throughout the world, do analysis better, by providing educational, relevant, and inspiring content. 
