Digital first: How innovation keeps businesses ahead

MANILA, Philippines – These days, more entrepreneurs are going digital and using technology to create and manage their businesses. As customers adopt a faster-paced lifestyle, businesses continue to evolve to meet the market’s needs.

Everything is now quick, convenient, and automated. There is also more room to innovate. Technology can enhance day-to-day operations for entrepreneurs, helping them find solutions to various problems.

Almost, if not, all businesses are becoming more dependent on technology for research, development, production, delivery, and continuous improvement. Ensuring fast, safe and efficient operations would not be possible if it were not for digital tools. Imagine if we still had to fax documents to one another or spend thousands on overseas calls just to run a business.

New, digital platforms also enable businesses to launch, test concepts, and innovate with lightning speed. The accessibility of almost every business tool via mobile means there’s more opportunity for all kinds of businesses to grow.

Here’s how technology continues to change the game of business:

Providing innovative solutions to simple problems

Need a car but don’t want the hassle of driving through traffic yourself? Here comes Uber. Navigating your way through the city in a rush? Use Waze. Need to fix your employees’ work schedule and tasks efficiently? There’s When I Work.  

These apps help improve the way of life. It provides businesses a chance to think out of the box and introduce flexible ways to do everyday tasks, and gives consumers more options to do the same.

Uber’s creators, Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp, saw the need for a new kind of car-booking service when a real-life situation called for it. Weather was grim, no cabs passed by and they had a ton of luggage. The idea was simple: improve the experience of getting from point A to point B.

It was a concept that was triggered by one experience, built from the ground up, and has now become one of the most successful start-ups in the world.

Creating more buzz on social media

There are around 2 billion people on social media. On Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, a business can utilize to share photos, videos, or simple statements that can reach millions, or billions of potential customers.

For small businesses, activating social media accounts is crucial for promotion. Huge companies also benefit from being present online to help expand the customer base.

Beyon engaging with customers, social media can also help businesses improve current ideas and create new things that will help the brand grow, increase profit, and even build partnerships and relationships with others businesses.

Harnessing big data and analytics

Analyzing data to improve services is no secret. Top companies such as Amazon and Apple use data analytics for targeted advertising, to monitor customer feedback, and keep up with trends. But more than this, data analytics can help companies understand their market and strategize how to serve them better.

Today, it is possible to create data even out of invisible things – such as personal health numbers. Wearable gadgets such as smart watches can track steps, heart rate, and even sleep patterns. The data derived from these devices can be used by companies to tailor their products to the consumers’ needs.

If you’re thinking of creating or growing your business, think digital first. Everyone is connected, the world is getting smaller, and using technology to your advantage will help you grow. Maximize digital tools to innovate and become bigger. – Rappler.com

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