Before we delve any deeper, let's consider the meaning of digital transformation. In a nutshell, digital transformation is a profound shift in attitude towards a brand or organisations business activities, processes, and models to leverage digital technologies with an aim to connect, expand and grow.

We live in a digital world and whether you're the founder of a startup, the CEO of a large corporation, or a junior looking to climb the career ladder, understanding how to implement digital skills in your field is critical to ensure long-term success; a failure to do so could result in professional failure.

For a business to thrive in the modern world, a full digital transformation is a must, but astonishingly, only 48% of marketers say they feel highly proficient in digital marketing. Quite a surprising discovery, particularly when you consider 27% of senior executives rate digital transformation as now being 'a matter of survival.'

Businesses across the globe are beginning to wise up to the necessities, and indeed, virtues of digital transformation, but some are lagging behind. To ensure you stay ahead of the pack let's look at how professionals are getting ready for digital transformation:

 

Digital transformation requires you to get analytical

According to Peter Drucker, "what gets measured, gets managed." With almost all of today's businesses living online, exchanges, transactions, social stats, bounce rates, communicative threads, and much more, are being generated almost every single second. When you consider the amount of data that’s recorded on an ongoing basis, it's difficult to ignore the fact that a large quantity of it will help a business to reach out to prospects in a more focused, methodical, and economical manner.

For example, if you're running a blog for your business you will need someone to understand Google Analytics, as well as other similar digital tools to determine what is working regarding engagement, read rate, and conversions, as well as what is not. By doing so, you will be able to create blog posts and marketing campaigns that are more likely to strike a nerve with your target audience and substantially grow the brand.To thrive in this new and cutthroat digital world, it is essential to have a grasp on fundamental data - enrolling in Google Academy's free Analytics course is a good start.

 

Upskill your workforce and become digitalised

According to a report from PwC, 73% of CEOs believe the lack of employees with key technical skills is a threat. That's difficult to ignore. Following on from the previous point: if you're in charge of staff or a freelancer in charge of your professional development, upskilling is critical to ensure a successful digital transformation.

The best way to keep up with the latest developments in the digital world is by reading industry-related publications - HubSpot and Moz prove very effective news and educational tools. To ensure you have the right skills to implement digital processes to your advantage, undertaking an accredited professional qualification in a relevant digital field will help you to thrive and prosper in this new professional climate.

 

Follow the key factors of digital transformation

By now you will understand that a firm grasp of digital is essential to secure success; you will also know that you need to make a start. Following the three factors of digital transformation will help:

• Create a clear cut plan: Did you know?  Around 90% of CEOs know that digital technology is impacting their industry, but less than 15% are digitally transforming with a well thought out plan. Sit down, strategize, map out a timeline, and you'll help streamline your digital success.
• Take action: Don't wait for the perfect moment to start your digital transformation. Start today, be prepared to take risks, and take an offensive approach to your digital game plan. Remember, mistakes are learning opportunities, so don’t be afraid to make a few along the way.
• Rethink your processes: Migration to digital means that you will need to rewire your thinking when it comes to reaching out to your customers and building your business. Pick apart your processes and find out how they will need to be tweaked to fit in with your digital transformation plan.

 

Network and adapt

Digital is an all-encompassing entity and no matter how much you prepare yourself or your organisation for the big change, you as an individual will never know everything. But that's okay.

By creating a well-oiled network of people with competency and skills in particular fields, and by taking the time to collaborate on key projects, as well as major milestones, you will thrive as one professional entity. For perpetual collaboration, taking advantage of digital platforms will make your collective path to success easier. Tools including Google Docs which boasts a commenting facility where those invited to collaborate can start a dialogue on a plan or piece of work; Dropbox, a facility on which key assets can be shared via a cloud-based filing system, and multi-dimensional business messaging application Slack are all great examples.

“There’s still a disconnect between brands listening through technology and knowing what to do with the information they’re hearing.” - Didier Bonnet

The digital age is in full swing, and it's only going to get bigger. Consumers interact with the world in a different way than they did a decade ago and as digital technologies advance so should those working alongside them. For a professional working in the world of business, standing still is not an option. But, not everyone has caught up yet, so the good news is, there's still time to make your transformation.

Good luck.

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