Crossing the chasm - the fear of digital

Why is it that some businesses adopt technology faster than others?

Weather we like technology or not as individuals, if you're a business owner and you want to pass that legacy onto future generations, then maybe it's time to give your stance on technology some serious consideration.

Technology comes in many shapes and forms, some people claim that technology could be described as anything that progresses the human race forward, yet technology still disrupts our lives at every turn, every day. There's little wonder that we feel overwhelmed by it. But when technology is used correctly - it quickly becomes an enabler & can carry substantial benefits.

Many businesses barely have the time to sit down and complete the tasks on their already overflowing task list on a daily basis, so it comes as no surprise that business owners spend more time working in the business rather than on it.

Having worked with businesses to assist with business process improvement and digital roadmapping, i'm constantly amazed at how little time business owners actually put into process auditing & strategy. Many businesses are still operating legacy systems that “get the job done” and using processes that really should have been thrown out with their typewriters. It doesn't have to be like this & businesses shouldn't be scared of change or technology.

As times change, businesses need to remain agile. Many businesses owners I meet with don’t even have a 3-5 year plan for their business, let alone a digital strategy that would align with that plan. With market pressures coming at businesses from every angle, it's imperative that businesses consider how they can make their business more efficient and remain agile in a changing marketplace. What worked in the past will no longer cut it in this ever evolving business world.

The way that your business adapts and adopts to new ways of working will impact you more in the coming 18 months than it has in the past 18 years. Quite simply put, business is not what it once was. With Gen Y & X quickly becoming the key players in today's workforce & business landscape, business owners need to be at the top of their game for multiple reasons & it all revolves around technology adoption;

a) Mobility - this new breed of worker does not want to be tied to a desk, they want to be connected to business information all the time.

b) Security - you need to ensure that information security is front of mind, it is tipped that these millennials will have 5 career changes & over 20 employers before they settle in a role.

c) Talent - if you don't adopt technology, it is highly unlikely that you will attract the best talent. Millennials treat jobs differently to past generations, they are not grateful you have given them a job - they believe that you should be grateful you have their expertise.

Weather the above is right or wrong, it's reality.

Serious, serious consideration should be given to your businesses digital strategy, because it now affects you on so many levels - challenge it all you like, but this wave of change is here to stay and gathers more and more momentum daily.

This information is NOT designed to serve as a warning, merely a reminder. Most businesses that I work with know exactly where they are on this timeline and what needs to be done, they just simply don't have the time or knowledge to map out the transition or strategise new ideas. Coming towards the end of 2015 presents your business with an opportunity to sit down and reflect, engage and prepare.

The machines are not taking over, but in today's busy world it should be every business owner's mission to explore more functional and efficient ways of working, the world isn't changing, it has changed & creating your digital roadmap needs to be at the top of the 2016 to-do list.