Instant is the new norm in an ever-changing world like ours. Even customer satisfaction boils down to the speed of service. Consumers expect to receive the latest and best services, products, and experience from a company in exchange for their money. In fact, the more advanced technology gets, the higher customer standards become, which is why more and more business owners are embarking on a digital transformation journey. This involves the integration of digital technologies at cultural, organizational, and operational levels, helping to fuel steady growth in any business climate.
However, research shows that less than one-third of digital transformation endeavors are fruitful. Many businesses struggle to implement changes quickly and effectively, but it’s especially difficult for larger ones to use technology to their advantage. This is because technology is only one part of the puzzle – businesses also need to set realistic goals, establish clear procedures, and encourage better collaboration across teams to come out triumphant in their digital transformation.
The Main Challenges of Digital Transformation
Change is rarely easy because it requires leaving your comfort zone and trying something you’re not sure will work. But change becomes even more complex when there’s no clear goal to work towards. Companies who ride the wave of digital transformation without identifying why they started it in the first place can end up drowning in self-inflicted problems. To set clear targets and measure progress, it’s important to determine the depth of transformation needed. An obvious, but often overlooked strategy, is the who, what, when, where, and how technique (5W1H) which can both identify problems and offer solutions.
Getting everyone on board is another challenge that companies face in digital switchovers. There are staff members who eagerly welcome change, but there are also those who resist it because they’ve been used to working one way for a long time. Leaders need to communicate with their team, provide personalized training, and show their commitment to the company’s vision.
Digital transformation is not just about picking the latest technologies available; it’s also about choosing those that are best for your business and team. Believe it or not, many companies end up incurring huge financial losses after investing in software and tools that don’t correspond with their needs. Thus, selecting the appropriate type from the get-go should be a priority.
Recommended Digital Transformation Tools for Small Businesses
Fortunately, small business owners don’t have to do it alone when bringing their digital visions to life. There are plenty of affordable solutions to choose from that can facilitate their digital transformation.
Virtual Phone System: Grasshopper
Online Fax System: MetroFax
How To Create a Digital Transformation Strategy
A successful digital transformation depends on many factors, and one of the most important is identifying a clear goal. While part of this means devising a game plan to widen customer reach and meet expanding customer demands, it also means setting short-term targets that serve as a success compass and motivator for your team. Business owners also need to provide new technology training to prepare and equip everyone with the required knowledge and skills to improve their performance. This prevents poor quality work while enhancing employee satisfaction.
Additionally, companies need to appoint good mentors and partner with experts. Leading by example inspires team members to achieve the company’s goals. Similarly, partnering with experts can create a sense of trust among everyone that changes will provide growth opportunities. Finally, business owners need to regularly evaluate the progress of their digital adoption. If you know what’s working and what isn’t, both for staff members and your small business, you can make the necessary adjustments before it’s too late.
Additional Advice for a Successful Digital Transformation
The road to a successful digital transformation is rocky and treacherous, but small business owners can smooth out the bumps by using the right technologies. Fortunately, there are a plethora of options to choose from when it comes to training, managing finances, and organizing workloads, allowing small business owners to dedicate more of their precious time to building a winning strategy and establishing employee and customer engagement.