The world is changing at a rapid pace. Over just the past 20 years, we’ve experienced innovations such as smartphones, virtual reality, and endless other inventions we now view as standard. How can your business keep up with such an ever-evolving landscape?
If you’re uncertain of what’s to come next in your industry, you’re not alone. Fortunately, future-proofing your business can help. See how your company can navigate the unpredictable with technology.
WHAT IS FUTURE-PROOFING?
When you future-proof your business, you implement processes and improvements that will continue to benefit your organization in the future even as circumstances change. In other words, you make adjustments that won’t become outdated in the coming years, and you’re able to avoid stress and uncertainty as a result.
With so much uncertainty about the future, more companies are putting resources toward future-proofing their operations.
WHY DOES FUTURE-PROOFING MATTER & HOW DO YOU START?
This future-proofing is essential to keep your company up-to-date as trends come and go. When businesses don’t proactively update the technology they use in the workplace, they experience a few side effects.
For example, two in three employees surveyed by ZenBusiness said outdated technology negatively impacted their productivity levels. Furthermore, old technology can impact your operating costs and prevent serious security risks.
Below are a few options for future-proofing your business so you can stay ahead of the curve.
1) Operate using the cloud
One of the most significant – and more than likely permanent – technology trends as of late is the cloud. These days, more companies are transitioning to online-based systems to store their documents and other assets.
This strategy ensures that accessible backup files exist and staff members can locate records even when they’re not at the office. Avoid having to keep track of and organize dozens of papers by transferring them to the cloud.
2) Invest in cybersecurity systems
Keep in mind that with the evolution of technology comes new ways for bad actors to try and infiltrate your network and steal your information. Even for small businesses, the average cost of a data breach in 2021 was nearly $3 million – so if you don’t already have a cybersecurity system in place, now is the time to act. Securing your systems is one of the best ways to help preserve your company’s future.
Investing in cybersecurity measures will give your organization a better defense against various attacks, such as malware and data breaches. If you don’t already have an internal or external internet technology (IT) team, it’s worthwhile to consider hiring one. This staff can implement general cybersecurity tactics to ensure your business is always well-defended.
3) Learn more about your audience
No matter what kind of company you run, you more than likely have a loyal customer or client base. But how much do you know about them? Using technology to discover more information about your audience can inform you of various traits and behaviors that will help you succeed.
Here are a few ideas on how you can use online tools to continuously future-proof your company:
- Use surveys to ask people questions about their purchases or experiences.
- Keep track of comments and engagements on social media.
- Build out buyer personas with online tools to figure out your target audience.
As time passes, your organization will change and so will your audience. When you keep tabs on how their opinions and habits shift regarding your company, you’re better equipped to keep up with them in the future.
STAY AHEAD OF THE CURVE THROUGH FUTURE-PROOFING
The above ideas are an effective way to get started with future-proofing. As you begin to implement different processes, you can figure out which ones make the most sense for your operations. No matter what, taking the time and resources to future-proof your organization will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and unsettled about the unknown.
