7 Steps to Digitally Transform Your Business

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When we say digital transformation, it is what happens when companies change their business model to be able to adapt to the new market reality. Looking back at the start of the pandemic, there was a dire need to transform everything digitally so as to still thrive despite the lockdowns and economic challenges.

This year, most businesses are just starting to rise up from the effects of 2020 and realize the need for digital transformation. Here are 7 steps on how you can digitally transform your business and prepare for the post-pandemic world ahead.

1. Define your strategy before executing

In this first step, you must be able to determine where you are today, where you want to be tomorrow, and what to do to get there. Having a concrete plan and being able to understand your business well can help you identify what technologies you need and the right processes you have to follow to digitally transform your business the right way.

2. Switch from being product-oriented to becoming customer-oriented

The main purpose of going digital at a time of the pandemic is to continue providing services to customers. A more effective way of doing this is instead of focusing on your products or services, emphasize the need to reach and retain online customers. Remember that it has become harder to compete when everything else has gone digital. Getting the attention of people who spend time online is now the most important thing than anything else.

3. Enable automation and a remote workforce

Remote working is the future of work. We have the technology for employees to stay at home during the pandemic or work from anywhere. This expansion of the workforce is for the better because it gives you a chance to find global talents that will fit your business needs. Going virtual does not limit teamwork because of project management tools and communication platforms that always connect you with your remote team.

Aside from hiring remote workers, there are certain tasks that you can automate. For example, retail establishments that already made their presence online are using chatbots for customer communication. Understanding the available technology and its proper use can definitely help achieve your digital transformation goals.

4. Create a company culture that is open to change

Preparing your current team for digital transformation is also something that you would want to consider. Your team should be open to abrupt changes such as the effects of the pandemic because there are those who still have no idea how to transition to the new normal. That being said, digital transformation may be affected by the current company culture.

Of course, changes to the company culture can help make sure that you have a digitally-ready remote team that can continue with business as usual despite the current crisis. You have to rethink your current roster of talents, redesign your work styles to adapt to the protocols and restrictions, develop agility among the team, and continue learning to be able to adapt to changes quickly as needed.

5. Have an agile IT environment

It’s always been said that “having the right technology to power up digital strategies is fundamental in today’s business world” which means that you have to prepare all the tech you need for a digital transformation. This, of course, would involve your IT team and your company’s readiness to use the technologies such as implementing agile systems and cloud tech.

Aside from these, the ability to create a website and mobile app is part of this IT environment. A good example is in retail stores or shops. Gone are the days when customers would still go to physical establishments. The pandemic has made it mandatory for businesses to have an online presence in order to survive.

6. Revamp the customer journey

As mentioned, customers are now making waves online. They are now the target market of businesses. It is important to revamp and recreate the customer journey so that their digital experience would be seamless.

Content and web design will work hand-in-hand for this one. Online customers expect businesses to produce digital content and maintain their online presence despite the pandemic. Digital design, collaboration, and content production should be involved in the recreation of the online customer journey.

7. Personalize the customer experience

CX or customer experience is now an important part of digital transformation. Going online is a new opportunity to establish better and closer relationships with customers by using their data and behavior.

Personalizing their experience with your digital platforms is highly impactful and can improve their approach towards your business and brand. Making use of technologies that help enhance B2C relationships is an essential part of the new normal. Establishing virtual connections makes it more engaging and interactive.

Final Thoughts

With human interaction becoming more socially and physically distant, going digital is the only way to go. Moving your physical business to different online platforms is the new normal. By undergoing digital transformation and implementing the right strategies, you have the chance to reach modern customers, engage them, retain them, and provide them with a seamless digital experience.

You can finally say that you have digitally transformed your business if you are able to provide your loyal customers with a seamless and innovative digital experience with your brand. You can do this by consolidating your several digital channels and create a single, user-friendly CX.

And by following these steps, your business can fully embrace the new digital landscape that the pandemic has created. By properly executing digital transformation strategies, you can exceed your customers’ expectations and improve their overall experience.

Need help to digitally transform your business? Talk to us!

8 Ways to Build an Awesome Remote Work Culture

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The pandemic has completely disrupted most of the world’s work culture. From a face-to-face office environment, everyone was encouraged to work from home. Those who are already in the remote work setup often fail to touch on the subject of workplace culture just because they think virtual connection is enough.

Without fostering culture in a remote workplace, there is a risk of team members feeling disconnected and losing human touch. It might seem that it’s all work and no play compared to an office setup where they can have fun and enjoy with workmates. The lack of engagement can sometimes lead to lack of motivation and this is something that most remote-based companies are unaware of. It’s time to end that. Here are some creative ways you can build an awesome remote work culture.

1. Communicate using formal and informal channels

Your current communication tools are strictly for work purposes, right? It is good to have a different communication channel where team members feel free and less restricted. In this way, they can go somewhere they can be themselves without having to disturb the flow of work-related discussions. This also promotes openness in terms of connecting deeper with each other outside of work, exchanging ideas, having fun, and building friendships remotely.

2. Set clear agendas for meetings

The most common mistake of remote teams is setting too many meetings that are not really necessary, if you come to think about it. Since time is precious for remote workers, having organized and well-set video conferences with clear agendas can help lessen the time wasted. As a matter of fact, some discussions can be done via email or chat.

3. Always turn on the camera

Speaking of video conferences, it is important to have the camera turned on during these times. Video calling is the closest thing remote workers can ever have in terms of human connection. Seeing faces on the screen somehow lessens the lack of physical interaction among colleagues. It gives you a general idea about the person you are emailing or chatting with. Although virtually, you get a sense of who your team members really are by just merely looking at their faces, their expressions, their gestures, how they talk, and even the background of their office setup.

4. Regularly check up on each other for burnout

Another common misconception about remote work is that people don’t get tired or they are available 24/7. Since remote teams don’t see each other’s working conditions, it might be easy for managers to assume that their members are not swamped with work. This is why some remote workers feel burdened by tasks that are thrown out to them nonstop and in bulk. Managers should be able to understand and help. If possible, check everyone’s workload and address pain points immediately. Be ready to support or delegate tasks. Know if there are external factors such as personal matters that are affecting their performance.

5. Know your company’s mission-vision by heart

Everyone should at least have an idea about the mission and vision of the company. In this way, you can be sure that the team is working towards a common goal and they know where their efforts go. There is no need to memorize, but take time to understand and have something to believe in. It also brings a sense of passion and encouragement to become ambassadors of the company they are working for.

6. Identify and stick to your core values

After learning about the mission-vision, the core values help as a glue to bind everyone to the common goal of how you want the company to become. It is important for remote workers to have values to live by even in a virtual workplace setup. More than the growth of the company, it also aids in personal development of each team member.

7. Remember and celebrate birthdays

Birthdays are special. Though remote workers won’t be able to celebrate and feast together physically, simple and personalized greetings can go a long way in making a person feel appreciated. Giving the celebrants their much-deserved birthday leaves can also be a way of making sure that they enjoy their day without having to worry about work.

8. Create a fun day to virtually bring people together

This can be a weekly habit where everyone gets together for a time of pure fun and enjoyment. Doing a regular leisure activity with team members not only ensures recreation and a time away from work, but also builds camaraderie, fosters engagement, and acts as a bonding session. A closely-knit team of remote workers will ensure productivity, motivation, and better output.

Final thoughts

Handling a remote team is truly challenging because members come from different countries with different cultures, beliefs, and attitudes. Managers must be able to put them all together and build a unified culture for them to be able to work harmoniously and successfully towards a common goal. Thanks to these tips, you can have an idea on how to engage, motivate, and cultivate an awesome remote culture in your virtual workplace that fosters innovation, productivity, and teamwork.