go beyond results to think about implications

In shaking myself from the analysis paralysis condition, I've moved on to realize my focus needs to go beyond just the results of an analytical exercise, but to really get to the implications of those results. What do I mean? Some examples:

In my quest to find a DC buddy, my analysis found that there are a ton of men in DC looking to "hook up." That's a pretty obvious result, but what's the implication. The implication is that reading out to people in DC to hang out with, I need to set clear expectations because otherwise, I will waste a lot of time "getting to know someone" but not getting to my goal of getting to know DC.

In my travel research for Grameen, I've analyzed data on their travel patterns, employee preferences, and the consistency of adherence to the travel policy. Effectively, loads of "interesting" data points. The results demonstrate that botht he travel agency and GF travelers could do more to get "the best price" for a given travel itinerary. OK. Great. So what, I tell myself. The implication is that the travel agency needs to make specific changes to their procedures to be more effective with booking travel with Grameen -- provide alternatives, clarify how a traveler's restrictions will affect the price, etc and Grameen employees need to state clearly what elements of their travel request, if any, are flexible. If neither side is willing to budge, then the real implication is that both parties will continue to be frustrated by the relationship.

The only hick-up I see with this realization is how to I get a reader to get from where they are, to where I am to understand the context of the implication. Maybe the lesson there is that I allow them to ask questions, maybe the answer is I just have the path readily available for viewing, maybe I just don't worry about it.

As an aside, I learned about a site called matrix.itasoftware.com. Apparently, it's the backbone of the travel industry and is a great resource for seeing the "best price" for flights. After conducting all of this research, I have now changed the way that I think about best prices -- I now focus on finding flights that are less 0.10-0.13 per mile using the site. Then at least I feel like I have gotten a relative bargain.