In the last two years, I've worked with travel agencies, healthcare companies, software companies and all sorts of other businesses. And because of the diversity in the businesses I've worked with, I've been able to see technology from all angles.
Even though technology has affected all of my clients differently in many ways, there are a select few effects that are the same no matter what industry they were a part of.
1. Be human first
For me, being a digital futurist does not mean that technology is the end all be all. Instead, I see technology as a way to become more human.
With technology, businesses are able to shrink the distance between themselves and the big players in their industry. Even more so, technology has allowed businesses to shrink the distance between themselves and their customers.
Not only can technology allow businesses to reach their customers all over the world, but it can also help free up time to allow them to focus on their personal interactions with customers.
2. Start with success
If you don't have a finish line, how are you going to know where you are headed? The answer is, you're not.
You always have to start with the end in the mind. So, ask yourself, "what does success look like?"
It may seem like a no-brainer, but too many people will get through half of their strategy before considering their objectives and key performance indicators. At that point, the technology is driving the strategy (which is completely backward).
3. Know where you are
After you've defined success, it's time to take tabs on where you are.
Before you add or remove anything else to your stack, you have to have a clear overview of where exactly you stand.
Take some time and map out every piece of tech, every platform and every subscription you currently have.
Then, to take this exercise a step further, make a list of your 5 biggest wins and losses over the last 5 years.
Once you put this all together, you'll have a clear idea of your strengths/weaknesses.
4. Innovate, don't ideate
If you want your creative team to be more creative, don't wait until next week to roll out a new initiative, do it TODAY!
You know my tagline is Press The Damn Button and you can bet your ass it applies here.
If you really want to create an innovative and evolving workplace, you have to E X E C U T E. It's that simple.
You just have to Press The Damn Button and see if it works or fails or if you have to pivot or abandon ship. Sitting around and ideating will not take you to that point.
5. Get ready to be empathetic
Change can take a toll on people and I think that's why we are seeing so many people demand authenticity, transparency and human connection. All of the innovation around us has made us lose trust in marketers and big business and I think that had to happen.
These things had to happen to slow us down and remember to be human and that all of this change and distance from the human condition makes us tired.
Invest in yourself and your employee's mental and physical well being. If people's minds and bodies aren't ready for the changes ahead, it will be apparent in your culture and your end product.
Get Future Ready with Fanzo!
Now, go on and start your future-readiness regimen! Let's make 2020 our year!
Still want more? Listen to episode 124 of the FOMOFanz podcast as I go in more detail and share some additional Future-Ready use cases!
Cheers
Listen below or on iTunes