Technology is here to stay. But it isn’t going to stay still. Most companies are taking the challenge head on by embracing the frequent disruptions that characterise the technology landscape. They are investing in mobile devices, social media, cloud computing and big data to keep customers engaged. Insights are collected obsessively because this is where a business can succeed or fail. You, as an individual, have to take the volatility in your stride.
Here’s how:
Be Willing to Experiment
The role of technologies has been shifting. Interaction is never a one-way street. Customers are using social media to let their grievances be heard and requesting customer service. Employees are working from mobile devices. And businesses are using the cloud to execute case management and solutions. The bottom line is that you cannot hang onto the past – the past could be referring to yesterday, by the way. Change is the norm, so you need to drive change. Business strategy works hand in hand with IT; you need to support low-cost experimentation to realise new and more efficient ways of working. In other words, let the disruption lead to improvement.
Take Advantage of Accessibility
Sometimes, shifts in technology can expose you to new options. Think about third-party data centres that let organisations tap into sophisticated IT tools without having to manage equipment themselves. Also remember that hardware and software resources are offered on remotely hosted servers, or the cloud. This means that you can make experimental prototypes and test models without spending too much of your budget. Another good news is that your customers are more accessible to you because of the proliferation of smart devices. So all the feedback they give you on Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites can be analysed to get better results. Research and development using the help of smarter technology is a must. You need to be a part of the change to create positive results.
Forget Static Plans
Be proactive at all times. Advancing technology is a boon if you are alert in a state of preparation for it. If you aren’t, you can lose everything. How can you stay in ready mode? Become involved in every aspect of your business, including customer feedback, markets and business strategy. Being so deeply involved will enable you to grasp the opportunities that come with the disruptions. In fact, emerging technology gives managers the space for more automation, freeing their focus for other vital matters.
Work Smart
Technology is going from a command-control relationship with humans to more of a partnership. Instead of telling the machines what to do, you’re getting feedback from them. They have perfect memory and fantastic analytical skills. But you are not supposed to let them take over. You have the ability to think, judge and make decisions based on what you’re hearing. Do those things while technology continues to change and be a better companion for you.
Some businesses try to stay stuck to their original business model and lack the flexibility to react positively to technological disruption. It’s your job to share your vision and encourage your organisation to invest in dynamic IT systems and look at marketing strategy and technology changes as two intertwined components instead of standalone features.
