Digital Transformation: Separating The Average From The Exceptional In 2021
After a year like 2020, “predicting” anything about the future should probably come with a large disclaimer.
In business though, this past year certainly separated the leaders from those merely paying lip service to trendy terms like agile, flexible, pivot, and – the now cringe-worthy “new normal”.
The impact of the coronavirus has also influenced just about every single one of our expectations around what is digitally possible, with our recent learnings prompting us to think very differently about our strategic planning for 2021 and beyond. And it’s very exciting.
Data is (still) all the rage
Data remains a top priority in nearly every type of organisation. Importantly, it’s not a trend as much as an element that is fundamental to a future-focused approach to doing business, no matter the industry. The efficient application of relevant data forms the bedrock of efficiency.
Applying the right kind of data, as with technology in general, has the potential to streamline operational efficiencies, and strengthen the quality of decision-making.
When it comes to creativity in marketing, and advertising in particular, data takes the guesswork out of the equation. Rather than speculating about what a client needs or wants, or relying on the creative director’s “intuition”, data provide measurable insights into actual customer behaviour and preferences.
As such, data allows for connection and personalisation. Brands must understand that data lies at the heart of online immersion. Despite all the buzz, data is simply information – about your clients, your products, your services … down to the smallest details. But that information, or data, is super powerful. It is also the resource that will set the average apart from the exceptional in years to come.
Simply, data is information about people. And with people spending more time online than ever before, brands and businesses can leverage this unique opportunity to gather valuable information that will help them connect with their customers in new, relevant, and very exciting ways.
Click here to find out more!
High five
The impact of 5G is set to dramatically change the way we have experienced internet speed to date. Expected to be at least 100 times faster than 4G, the shift can be likened to the difference between a dial-up modem and fibre.
Entertainment and communication will evolve to a point where engagement happens in real-time. As the roll-out of 5G continues, the boundaries of what’s possible with online experiences – from entertainment to shopping, working, learning, and more – will be pushed beyond what we can currently imagine.
Video still victorious
Video killed the radio star a long time ago, but in 2021 it will likely continue obliterating everything in its wake. Online video consumption shows no sign of slowing down as “people become accustomed to having endless high-quality videos on tap”, according to this report.
We’re likely to see even more brands moving to spend on video production and advertising.
We’re in the golden age of video and the best is yet to come. Businesses will do well in 2021 to make video a key part of their advertising and marketing strategy.
Into the future… and beyond
Business survival in the 2020s and beyond is contingent on truly embracing and adopting a digital-first approach. This starts with elevating the strategic importance of the digital function within an organisation to much more than a nice-to-have. It should, rather, be an integral part of a systemic approach to business growth and performance enhancement.
Business leaders need to stay current with technology, data, creativity, and its endless possibilities. Too many are operating in silos when what is needed is seamless, integrated solutions across not only marketing and advertising channels, but the entire business.
We don’t know what we don’t know, which is why business leaders must commit to staying relevant by prioritising digital transformation. Remember too that digital transformation is not limited to the tools and the technology, but references a holistic approach to business leadership that values innovation, solutions, and a future-forward ethos.
Businesses of the future will have to be fully prepared for the digitally-savvy customer, who expects brand communication to be personal, relevant, interesting, and available – where, when, and how they want it.
If there’s one thing that needs to be a strategic priority in 2021, it’s planning to remain relevant in the context of rapidly-changing local and global demands.
Read full article here
GetFundedAfrica’s mission is to uplift people and economies in Africa through entrepreneurship; helping companies find funding, grow, create jobs and solve society’s greatest challenges
GFA Attract, GFA Mentorship Program & Application Portal For Funding
Would you like to be an impact mentor?
The African continent is going through a revolution driven by its startups. Your experience could help develop the next Facebook, Google or Netflix. You can be part of this story by volunteering your time to mentor an African startup. Apply Here
GFA Attract Interview With Mostafa Khaled Abdel Akher (Entrepreneur Edition)
In this episode of GFA Attract (Entrepreneur edition) we interviewed, Mr. Mostafa who graduated from the German University in Cairo in 2013, where he received a B.A degree in Management Technology with double core majors in Economics and Innovation. Mostafa now works with Makwa. An Egyptian startup focused on innovation, Makwa aims to offer convenience in the dry clean & laundry sector, through the application of digital technology. Watch Here
Apply For Funding
GetFundedAfrica provides equity capital from $1,000 to $50,000.
For larger amounts (Above $50,000)
we organize syndicated funding rounds of up to $500,000.
Apply Here
Follow Us
“Business is always a struggle. There are always obstacles and competitors. There is never an open road, except the wide road that leads to failure. Every great success has always been achieved by fight, every winner has scars. The men who succeed are the efficient few –they are the few who have the ambition and will-power to develop themselves. So choose to be among the few today.”
– Chris Kirubi, Centum Investment, Kenya
