A world without the internet is unimaginable. The world that surrounds us today is one that we ourselves have created, and it is also the mark of a new era, unlike anything we have previously experienced. Nearly everything we do these days involves a level of digital skill. Even the ability for you to read this article. And this is only going to become more prevalent as technology continues to advance.
I don’t know about you, but I love technology. From the power of my mobile phone to the benefits of systems like Zoom, Google or Alexa, technology makes life simpler. As the title of my book says, “Disrupt Yourself Or Be Disrupted” because they is no neutral ground.
Digital skills go beyond just knowing how to use a smartphone, social media and even a computer. It is also about understanding when to use, what’s appropriate, how to be efficient and effective in using technology. Making Google search and knowing how to understand search results so that you can pick the best sources for what you want.
So, here are seven reasons to move from a traditional mindset to a digital mindset:
1. We Live in a Digital World.
The internet is connecting billions of people worldwide. As of December 2019, there were over 4.500.000.000 users on the internet. You can only imagine the numbers now especially with Covid19 pushing everyone online. That’s above 50% of the global population. China, India and the United States rank ahead of all other countries in terms of internet users. Online activities today go way beyond just checking emails.
We talk to friends and family online, we search for new things online, we check new fashion and new recipes, we do conferences online, we do church online, we even go on dates online, etc. Chatbots feels so real like you’re talking to an actual human being. Siri can recognize your voice even if you are 5 meters away from your phone. And this is why is important to build a digital mindset.
2. Exponential Change: The Future is Faster than we Think.
The online experience is constantly evolving and the World Economic Forum estimates that more than half (54%) of all employees will require significant reskilling. So, whether you own a business or you’re aiming to work for one, the time is now to take your digital mind more serious and upskill and reskill where necessary.
3. The Rise of Emerging Technologies.
Self-driving cars are no longer fiction in movies. Drones are our realities. Artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, mass 3D Printing, virtual reality, deep learning, augmented reality, smart objects and much more are becoming deeply enrooted into our everyday lives. And now the Metaverse is here, known as the successor to the mobile internet. All of these technological advancements require us to transition from a traditional mindset to a more digitally focus mindset.
4. The Evolution of E-Commerce
The intersection of humans and technology is more visible in e-commerce than anywhere else. Consumers are increasingly using their smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices to purchase products and services online. Every type of business, large or small, across varying industries are making the transition to eCommerce. And eCommerce is a field of modern marketing that has grown exponentially in recent years.
When the internet first came to fruition, platforms like Amazon and eBay heralded a new frontier in business and marketing, but they were largely niche successes. But today, there are empires that inspire businesses the world over to follow in their footsteps. These days, Amazon or Ebay are no longer niche concepts because there are more and more eCommerce platforms popping up out of the woodwork. This is the way of the entire global market. Ecommerce efficiently creates an all-new platform for people to have the world at their fingertips but can you have the world at your fingertips without a digital mindset?
5. Technology can Help you Start or Scale your Business.
Businesses are now operating in an era where having a strong digital presence is essential, not only for success but often for survival too. The lack of a strong digital presence is a contributing factor in the failure of many businesses. Digital skills can also help you take an existing brick and mortar business into the digital space where you can leverage on digital marketing, content writing, SEO to grow business online by creating brand awareness and reaching more people.
Rather than pay a large sum of money to PR agencies to help you grow your business, having digital skills go a long way in helping you build your own brand. You may even have the money to spend on PR agencies but putting yourself out there, building an audience, building connection with people will get you better results because people do business with people. Top CEO’s, top politicians, top influential people of the world can afford any PR company they want and just sit back, but no, they still put themselves out on social media platforms because they understand the power of building connections with people. They understand people do business with people, not just a logo.
6. Tech-Savvy Consumers.
Consumers today are smart and tech-savvy. Organizations know that majority of their customers are on the internet. This is why there is an increase in the demand for websites, digital marketing skills, mobile apps, content etc. Having one or more of these skills sets you apart from other candidates in the labour market. Even if you have a job, you are more useful to the organization than your colleagues due to your versatility.
Also, organizations are downsizing staff due to automation. People no longer need to go to banks to make a deposit, transfer money, open accounts etc. So in the new ear, the people who will have a chance at a job are the ones who are reinventing themselves, building their digital skills and taking advantage of digital transformation.
7. Lack of Digital Knowledge will Affect your Self Confidence.
As much as they are more tech-savvy people now than at any other time in history, they are also still people that don’t understand the world of technology. And so, a digital mindset is important because it gives you the confidence to do things you didn’t think you could do online. Acquiring digital skills will boost your confidence to shop online, search for things and communicate with other people on the internet. Some people sit with problems wondering what to do meanwhile they are just a Google search away from finding answers to some of their problems.
Conclusion
It’s now obvious that reinventing yourself and acquiring digital skills is the key to growing and staying relevant in this digital age. Whether you are looking to start your career, change your job, start a business, grow your business or get a promotion, you cannot afford to maintain the status quo or the traditional mindset.
The digital mindset requires digital skills and with digital skills, you can start your own web business. You can start an online business in any of the following: web development, a digital marketing agency, graphics design, logo design, content writing and much more. The possibilities are endless.
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