Sounds daunting, right? Digital transformation. Well, I can assure you that it is not nearly as hard as it sounds, and it will probably take less time than you think. However, it’s also something you can’t avoid. If you want to stay ahead of the curve and ensure that your business is performing to the best of its ability, the digital transformation might just become your new best friend. Take a look at my guide, and stop being embarrassed by your digital transformation skills; it’s time to freshen them up.
Digital Transformation: The Details
So, what is this whole digital transformation thing anyway? It’s changing the way we work, moving from traditional methods of business to those that focus more on the digital world. It impacts the entire business, from the lowest levels all the way up to leadership, but it can also lead to massive success. In the beginning, things were simple, but as time goes by, it becomes harder to tell which transformations are actually going to bring you growth.
Is it risk-free? No, and I’ll be honest about that. When you undertake a digital transformation, you are going to need to take a few risks to achieve the desired results. These do vary in terms of size, but they are usually worth it as well. You just have to make sure you take things slow and get it right the first time. So, without further ado, how about I take you through some of the biggest transformation challenges that businesses face?
Changing Customer Experience
This is essential, and probably one of the more challenging tasks to undertake. However, the results are absolutely worth it. The experience is just as important as the product of this age, regardless of whether you are a physical or an online store. In fact, customer service tends to be what makes one business stand out from the other, and it’s a key feature consumer mentions when recommending and reviewing.
You might not even hear that a customer had a bad experience either; most of them just leave without a word. So, it’s important to take a look at the way you run things and start building that customer experience from the bottom upwards. Focus on the journey that the customer is taking, not the sales, and make it all about them. Discover what they want and need, then put it ahead of everything else. They are the new core of your company.
Digital Employee Evolution
Your employees keep you going, and that’s a fact. Without them, things may not run as smoothly, and you’ll end up with more work than you can handle. However, they aren’t always a positive aspect and there even times when they can be a drawback instead. Employees are often suspicious of digital changes because they feel as though their job is at risk, which is bad for morale and productivity.
However, there is also a skill gap when these changes take place, and many employees may end up being left behind. What’s the solution? Training. You need to make sure that your workers are trained and fully updated with regards to the latest digital changes that will impact their work. Yes, it costs money, but it will also lead to a more efficient team that will also feel more secure in their role. Good training leads to happy employees, which then creates the ultimate customer experience.
Adaptation
Customers don’t just visit your store or website; they will be hopping around everywhere before they settle on a solution. They’ll even be looking on mobile devices, and it can take many of them a few days before they decide to make their purchase. Even if you have always relied solely on in-person customers, you are not exempt from these guys. In fact, a weak or non-existent digital presence will drive over half your customers away.
What’s the solution? Well, you need to create multiple sales channels that lead to one location. Pull your customers in from all directions, cater to their needs so that when you pop up, they click you. Without adaptation, there is likely no future for your company, so you need to own it. Yes, it is one of the harder challenges to overcome, but with time and effort, it can be achieved easily.
Better Analytics
Want a fun fact? 53% of companies are unhappy with their analytics abilities. I get that, especially since I started out knowing nothing. A lack of analytics leads to a lack of knowledge, and it makes life much harder for you. It’s not surprising either, because there is constant change within the digital world, and so much to stay on top of. Poor analytics is not good news for you, though, and it’s a sign that you need to educate yourself.
Without analytics knowledge, you are unlikely to meet the needs of your customers and will end up heading to your competition for an experience that they can relate to, and that engages them. You don’t want this; you want good analytics that leads to strong results.
Break Free from Legacy
Don’t be afraid to move ahead in the business world. Take risks, launch new products that you know people need. Kodak invented the digital camera years before anyone else, but they sat on it for fear that it would not succeed. Therefore, someone else was able to claim the glory. This traditional business model of staying the same, maintaining your legacy, needs to be broken. Look forward, be innovative, and share your creativity with the world.
To Conclude
I hope this guide has been able to teach you more about some of the major digital transformation challenges you are likely to come across. Some are easier than others, but they all require hard work and dedication if you want to make your company a success. Time is ticking, and the world is constantly evolving, so what are you waiting for? Get out there and change the way the world sees your company.
