Staying Relevant & Competitive in the Digital Age

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Insight

Business survival depends on the ability to stay relevant and competitive as the world becomes ever more digital.

The role of digital tech has shifted and as mobile, cloud, AI and analytics etc are ever present, our physical and non-physical worlds are colliding.  Business activity, processes and competencies are changing and adapting in order to leverage opportunities presented by these new technologies.  They are the catalyst for change.

Today's most successful business leaders have recognised that digital technology must be optimised in order to continue with innovation and maintain competitive advantage.  

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Firstly, what is 'digital transformation'?

"Digital transformation is the process of adapting existing business practices to new digital methods to increase efficiency and keep up with rapidly-changing market demands."  

(Linkedin Learning)

Businesses tend to digitally transform in one of three key areas;

1. Customer experience
2. Operational processes
3. Business models

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"There is an increasing sense that digital transformation isn't a one-time project, but a constant state of flux.." 

(Forbes)

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The benefits of digital transformation

• Increase in market share and reach
• Increased customer engagement
• Improved customer experience
• Increase in customer retention and growth 
• Greater point of difference vs competition
• More efficient and streamlined business operations
• Culturally diverse and forward thinking business

What might be preventing digital transformation

• Digital skills shortages
• Dependency on existing systems
• Budget restrictions
• Lack of time
• Lack of support from senior management

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Those who achieve digital transformation earlier (both internally and externally) possess a clear competitive advantage. They can learn, analyse and develop before their competition and stay one (or more) steps ahead - all whilst delighting their customer with enhanced CX.

"Business success is increasingly being measured against keeping up with technological advances and customer behaviour."

(Brightlabs)

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Customers are driving digital change

The digital revolution is happening around us, every minute of every day, and whilst the advancement of digital technology is at the heart of this change, it’s actually customers who are in the driving seat.

Over recent months, we've seen incredible growth in digital adoption.  It has been accessed by a wider set of the population, driven by necessity for sure, but it's here to stay.  Customers have high expectations and both desire and expect great CX, speed and convenience.

The impact of digital disruption is huge - from improved communication to greater innovation.  However, there are increasingly blurred lines as businesses diversify and offer customers something new based on the 'behaviour of now'.

Companies who are using technology to engage with employees and customers are seeing greater success in staying relevant as they develop and enhance their business strategies.  

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"Another reason to sit up and take action is the fact that Generation Z are about to step on board. If you thought the millennials were shaking things up, just wait for generation Z to take the driving seat. You need to prepare for your future customers, and whilst millennials pioneered Internet living, Gen Z will be its innovator."

(Altius)

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People are the key to transformational success

Yes, technology plays a fundamental role in driving digital transformation, but it's people (employees) with digital skills who are making it happen and people (customers) who expect their online experience to be quick, easy and safe.

Businesses must look to develop their digital teams with skilled staff who have specialised skills such as SEO and PPC.  By ensuring teams have these experts in place, digital transformation will not only be smoother but quicker and more efficient.  

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To achieve true digital change, businesses must manage both cultural and technological change. Collaboration is key.

"..finding ways to help people across this digital divide and the culture shock that rapid change brings is just as important as the technology we use to get there." 

(Marc Carrel-Billiard, Global Technology R&D Lead, Accenture) 

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How can a specialised digital recruiter help with digital transformation?

The process companies need to go through requires significant time, resources and skills.  By trusting in a good digitally focussed agent, you'll get up to date expertise and market knowledge as well as access to really great talent.

A true specialist recruiter can help with long and short term people planning by combining their understanding of a client's business goals and strategies with their own deep knowledge of roles and responsibilities. Being able to identify the skills required for a client's digital transformation, the roles required to make this change happen and the cultural fit needed, a recruiter can save you a lot of time and energy as they'll only provide candidates' that fit the bill.  

Trust in the experts and your digital growth will happen successfully. 

After all, isn't it better to make a plan and do it once - properly?

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Other supporting information

Beringer Tame: Top Tips for facilitating digital tranformation 

Veeam 2020 Data Protection Trends Report 

Essential Retail - Covid-19: ONS figures show online sales hitting new highs in May

Essential Retail - The digital demands of 2020 on UK retailers

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To discuss your digital hiring needs with one of our agents, please get in touch