Are we living in the digital transformation era? Maybe you have an opinion on this or maybe you’ve never even heard of the concept but either way, it is an important conversation to have. For the not yet initiated, digital transformation is exactly what it sounds like, the process of becoming more and more digitized in society and the way we go about our lives. Or in even simpler terms, it is the process of going paperless. I think a strong argument can be made that we are in that era, though it has not yet been fully realized. If we are indeed in the era of digital transformation, businesses and even government entities should be mindful of how they are going about making that transition. This can be overwhelming and intimidating as you are faced with the many options and practices of the digital world. With this in mind, let’s take a look at a strategy for surviving the digital transformation era.
Do Your Research
In order to survive this era of digital transformation, it is important that you are doing your research and understanding your options before you even take your first step. Without a proper understanding of the digital world, you might end up like the notorious Michael Scott, providing “limitless paper in a paperless world”. Though this statement is meant to be humorous, the irony of it rings true. Paper really is becoming more and more obsolete. If we are going to be properly making this transition, we need to understand the digital world we are already living in or we will be left behind.
Find a Starting Point
Once you have done your research, it is important to find a starting point, somewhere you can focus your attention. Without a clear focus, you will become overwhelmed and quickly fizzle out. On the other hand, however, with a clear focus and starting point, you can become efficient and effective in how you approach your transition. A good place to start is with mobile technology. Mobile is at the center of everything these days and focusing your energies here is a good idea. For instance, is your website mobile friendly? A website that is not mobile-friendly has a plethora of negative consequences from poor SEO to a lack of engagement with potential clients. When it comes to making your transition into the digital era, the bottom line is that a lack of focus breeds a lack of effectiveness and ultimately produces few worthwhile results.
Don’t Bite off More than You can Chew
When it comes to making the transition to digital technologies, it is important that you are realistic in your approach. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. It may take a lot of time and a lot of resources before you finally arrive where you want to be but it will be worth putting in all of the extra effort and energy, knowing that you have come up with the best solutions possible for your company. Starting off small in your transition allows you to be more effective as well as helps you avoid disgruntled employees who aren’t a fan of all of the changes.
Look to Others in Your Industry
As you seek to make the transition into digital technologies, looking beyond your own company to others in your industry is key to maintaining a well-rounded outlook and keeping a competitive edge. Looking to other businesses also opens you up to new opportunities. Collaboration and partnerships will aid you as you continue to discover new possibilities and break new barriers.
Consider the Customer
As you make your transition, it is important to consider the needs of the customer. At the center of digital transformation is a focus on the customer’s need for ease and accessibility. The customer desires convenience and a user-friendly experience. Keep your finger on the pulse of the customer’s needs. If businesses are the brains of digital transformation then customers are the heart. Anticipate their needs so that in meeting them they do not look elsewhere for the convenience they seek.
Create Value
Going off of the last point, creating something of value is vital to keeping the customer in mind as you continue in your pursuit of digital transformation. How are your implementations of new technologies benefiting your customer? Asking yourself questions like this will help you see the purpose behind your approach to digital transformation and will ultimately make you come out more successfully.
Never Stop Learning
From cloud to mobile to social and digital marketing, there is a lot to understand and technologies are constantly changing. That is why continuing to educate yourself on changes in the world of digital technology is vitally important. In a world that is becoming more and more digital, knowledge of these technologies is not just important but vital. By keeping up with the changes in the digital world, you will have a greater hope for survival and avoid going the way of the dinosaur.
As you endeavor to make your transition into the realm of the digital, making these considerations will aid you in building a successful strategy for digital transformation. The digital world can be a new and scary place and PointClick Technologies is here to help. If you have any questions about digital transformation, please contact us today. We look forward to aiding you as you make your transition into this bright new era.