It’s always good to be thinking and looking ahead when you own a business. A new calendar year is the perfect opportunity to do just that. Instead of continuing with the usual business processed, use the New Year to evaluate what you’ve been doing well and what changes are necessary.
Look at trends and seek out what other businesses in your industry are up to. Study, research and take notes so you’re prepared to dive in when the holidays are over. Always be thinking about how the changes and suggestions affect your business and how you can execute on them, so you don’t fall behind.
Personalised Marketing
It’s no longer acceptable to send blast emails or messages that aren’t tailored for anyone in particular. In 2018, marketing is going to get even more personalised. Your email marketing campaigns will need to be specific and social media interactions engaging. Collect data and information about your target audience and who’s buying your products or services. Get to know your customers on a personal basis and show you understand them and appreciate their business.
E-commerce will Continue to Grow
It’s becoming more common that people want to shop from their laptops and phones. There’s no denying that the e-commerce industry is booming and will continue to grow. Consumers are shopping on their phones and wanting to buy no matter where they are. What you can do is get equipped with a supplier portal that smartens up the entire supply chain. It’s a good idea to invest in software solutions that help you run your company more seamlessly. Automate processes and start analyzing your data to help provide continuous improvement across the business.
Technology will be a Main Focus
If you’re not already, get up to speed with technology at your business. It’s beneficial from an internal and external standpoint. It’s a good time to test your security and make sure it’s strong enough to keep out hackers. Clunky technology makes you less efficient at the office and frustrates consumers on the receiving end. Technology isn’t going away. It’s a growing industry and your company has to be prepared to pull out all the stops if you want to succeed.
Remote Workers on the Rise
Companies and employees are agreeing to more and more remote working opportunities. This is another reason you’re going to want to advance your technology. Your staff is going to be all over the place and needing to access files and connect with each other. Instead of fighting the trend, your best bet is to set expectations early and give employees the tools they need to work from home. There shouldn’t be any problems as long as assignments are being met and performance isn’t suffering.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the upcoming trends you should be watching out for in 2018. Start preparing now, so that you’re ready to execute on them in the near future. Be sure to prioritize and focus on the most important updates first.
GET THE COMPLIMENTARY E-BOOK
