Thriving in a changing Digital World

“Necessity is the mother of all innovation.” 

This has never been truer than in today’s current global climate. As a result of COVID-19, we’ve been forced to change, having a direct impact on organisations’ ability to serve customers and look after employees. Internally, the way we interact and engage has changed as Zoom and Teams keep us connected. Externally, new B2C and B2B buying behaviours have forced businesses to adapt.

Companies have had to respond and become extremely agile to ensure business continuity and, in some instances, survival. A key part has been figuring out how to operate from home while engaging effectively with both customers and employees. Organisations have been forced to adapt and innovate in ways not anticipated at the start of the year.

Through necessity, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses to re-evaluate and innovate the way they operate. Digital transformation has been thrust centre stage in businesses where previously it had not been considered important. However, for it to drive meaningful improvements for both customers and employees, the digital strategy must be aligned to the organisation’s commercial strategy.

Deloitte defined digital transformation as being:

 “all about becoming a digital enterprise – an organisation that uses technology to continuously evolve all aspects of its business models … digital transformation is how to future-proof a business.” 

Warren Buffet has described digital transformation as a fundamental reality for businesses, and over the last few months, we have accelerated towards this with tremendous pace. In order to thrive, companies must develop and be re-envisioned through a digital-first lens, not just via an e-commerce bolt-on.

Organisations who embrace a more blended approach which reflects and understands their customers new buying patterns will become more relevant and see greater commercial success. In addressing this, I spoke with Digital and Innovation Director, Wassem Haq, who has held senior roles within companies such as Travel Counsellors, PZ Cussons and Reckitt Benckiser. 

Wassem reflected on the current situation by saying: 

“The consumer experience across all demographics is now digital-first so businesses must transform their business model to service a digital customer experience – create online footfall, take retail to the customer, consider aligned partnerships, create richer digital content and then combine this with the right human interaction to add real value.”