Digital disruptors are popping up in every industry, and yours is probably no different. Most business owners have heard that changes must be made to stay up to the times, but many aren’t getting the picture. Transformation can be scary and challenging to navigate. It’s time to adapt to digital for your business before you get left behind.
Look at what Netflix did to Blockbuster, what Spotify and other music streaming services have done to traditional radio, and what Airbnb is doing to hotel bookings. No business in any industry is safe if they refuse to go digital.
You may feel like it’s too late, and while you have limited time to transform, at least you still have some. Technology is changing and advancing rapidly every day, and you’ve got to get on board! Don’t be the cassette tape (cassette tapes are still cool, IMO); be the .mp3! Say it with me; I will BE the MP3. If we haven’t convinced you yet, don’t you worry. Keep reading!
Better, Faster Customer Experience
We all obsess over the latest app or technology for one reason: we want an easier life. We want our problems solved quickly and easily. The experience for your customers should be at the heart of your digital transformation. What problems are they having with your current products or services, and how can you eliminate or at least minimize those problems?
It may feel like the easiest way to complete this transformation is to emulate your current strategies in a more digital fashion. The truth is that sometimes it’s better to think entirely outside the box. Look at banking, for instance.
“In banking, the mobile app is the digital version of the book you got when you went to a bank and opened an account. That’s what financial services did for a long time. The net effect was a huge disruption when people looked at the process and reinvented it. Digital transformation is about reinventing the business model and the process.”
Brian Coorish, Managing Director, Accenture Interactive
Data Insights
Ah, yes. The data. Good old-fashioned data that can be a total game-changer for your business. It’s so much more than just a bunch of numbers and letters, but you already know that. The trick here is how are you keeping it, and how are you using it? Do you still have a notepad at your desk that tells you what customer purchased which product on which date? It may sound silly to some of you, but believe it or not, many businesses still operate this way!
If this is you, we’re about to blow your mind. Imagine that you sell furniture. A woman, let’s call her Gladys, comes in and buys a new table for her dining room. What if Gladys automatically received an email with a discount on a set of matching chairs? That would be pretty cool and pretty smart, right? Duh! We’re super smart! That’s just one small example of how you can use customer data and marketing tools once you’ve digitally transformed your business. You can create hyper-personalized, real-time offers for your customers that are incredibly effective.
Improves Employee Experienc
Now that we know that your customers will love the new digital you, let’s talk about you and your employees. Technology has allowed employees of all types to get more work done in less time from virtually anywhere. You could be updating inventory, shipping out products, or writing a blog article (like me) from the comfort of your couch. That wasn’t always possible!
So why not take advantage of these technologies within your business. Work with your employees to figure out what systems you can automate. Throw out that notepad and get your customers organized into a digital database that can be accessed by multiple employees wherever they are. Set up automated emails (like we discussed previously) and schedule your social media posts to go up when you’re too busy making sales.
Not only will this make you and your employees more agile and efficient, but it will also show them that you care about their experience at work. Listen to their recommendations and work with them to make their jobs easier. It will benefit both of you in the long run.
Wrap It Up, Already
Ok, fine! The digital landscape is constantly changing, and to be quite honest, your digital transformation won’t ever stop. Successful businesses will continue to change and adapt with new technologies and services. Those who stay stuck in the past will likely face more and more complex challenges as new technology continues to develop. Start your transformation now and your future self will thank you for it. You’re welcome, future me.
Convinced, but not sure where to start? That’s ok! We offer a wide range of digital marketing services and can help you digitally transform many aspects of your business. Contact us today to find out how we can make you look good!
