If you’ve been in the business long enough, you’ve probably seen too many changes take place—from the time of face-to-face sales transactions to paid advertising and data marketing as we know it today.
In the current wave of changes, we can see businesses undergoing digital transformations brought about by the discovery of new technologies and tools. Although the adoption rate is not that exhaustive yet, 55% to 85% of enterprises agree that they should start their digital transformation program by next year.
These companies are aware that a digital strategy can make them more competitive through improved client satisfaction, accelerated growth, wider reach, and plenty more advantages for the business.
As with any transformative venture, going digital entails significant cost and time investments, along with sorting out challenges in key areas of business. With that said, here’s how you can improve your chances at having a smooth and seamless transition – sans the headache – toward digital transformation in your organization.
1. Hire a team of high-performing digital professionals.
You won’t be able to maximize your investment in technology without hiring the right people who understand how these tools work. Your team should not only have the skills needed to thrive in the digital world but should also have the proper perspective toward learning, continuous improvement, and adapting to change.
Likewise, it won’t be healthy to have a team who aren’t strong innovators since innovation is what technology is all about. You should also have team members who are fast learners and critical thinkers. These types of employees have the level of experience and the kind of background your company needs to move forward with a digital transformation initiative.
2. Involve all departments in the process.
You can’t keep digital transformation in a silo. As a business initiative, digital transformation covers a broad range of activities and processes that affect everyone in the organization. That said, every department needs to take part in the initiative and be aware of the role they will play in the entire process.
You will need the support of your HR department to help you share with your employees all the relevant information about your digital transformation program and prepare everyone for the upcoming transition.
3. Identify which areas to prioritize.
Some areas in your organization are highly vital to your business because they drive growth more quickly for the company. Focus your efforts on these critical areas, including customer service, operations, sales, and marketing.
To help you determine the kind of technology they need, talk to employees representing these areas to help you have a better understanding of their existing workflow, tools, processes, and even difficulties they’re facing. Afterward, search the market for quality and cost-effective software, applications, or platforms that will bring optimum results for each department.
4. Adopt a culture of adaptability.
A good and bad thing about technology is that it is continuously evolving. On the one hand, it ensures that systems and processes consistently improve. On the other hand, technology may pose challenges to people who aren’t digitally prepared or empowered, which is why it’s important to cultivate a culture of technological readiness where everyone views technology as an instrument for progress.
Be the resource person that employees and managers can consult when they’re not sure how to respond to technical problems and issues that may arise. All employees and managers should be on the same page in acknowledging the importance and advantages of digitization.
5. Think about the user experience.
We all want our customers to have a positive experience with our products or service. In the same manner, if you’re looking to transform your business digitally, you need to think more from the perspective of end users—your customers, employees, partners, and other stakeholders.
Technology should always promote ease of use and access. It should resolve issues for consumers and improve their quality or way of life. Hence, you should rethink subscribing to any cumbersome or complex technology that burdens rather than assists the user.
6. Work through your budget.
Forecasts predict that digital transformation for businesses will become a multi-billion-dollar trade by 2020. The industry is quickly being commercialized as new businesses jump on this opportunity to monetize this sector, using transformational tools, consultations, support digital transformational efforts.
The truth is, investing in digital transformation means that you’re also investing in improved processes, a more productive workforce, and an enhanced customer experience. However, this can only become possible if you have a solid plan in place to help support your implementation process.
7. Keep an eye out for growth-centric technologies.
Although it’s hard to imagine where we will be a decade from now exactly, you can be sure that disruptions in future digital environments will continue.
Right now, we’re seeing that technologies related to artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, and powerful data analytics are becoming more widespread in many parts of the world. Their applications are so versatile that businesses are really trying to wrap their heads around how they can be used.
Make sure that you keep yourself abreast of what’s happening in your industry so that you don’t get left behind.
8. Make digital transformation a norm.
The digital landscape is ever-changing, which means you need to level-up your digitization efforts as new trends become available to ensure that you stay competitive in your industry.
When you think of digital transformation as a norm, it will be easy for your organization to make adjustments to your business model, whether it’s for the short or the long term because you’ve already established the groundwork for continuous innovation.
If you’re able to normalize digital transformation and create a culture that’s accepting of change, any future transformation or change that your business goes through will become far more seamless.
Parting Shot
While the saying that “possibilities are endless” may sound like a cliché, it’s as real as technology can get these days. Along with technology, effective digital transformation is the best way to move your business forward in the modern marketing age.
Through digital transformation, you can develop a more streamlined workflow and a more dynamic business culture. It’s also helpful in enhancing the customer experience as you provide your clients innovative systems, tools, products, or services that fit their demands and needs.
With the right people, techniques, and resources, your company’s journey to transformation can’t be all that bad. It also won’t hurt to ask for help.
