How future proof are you?
BY KERRY ANDERSON
If we don’t even bother to ask that question, there is potential for looming disaster.
Sitting in a predominantly young audience at a Pivot Summit held recently in Geelong, it suddenly occurred to me that this generation has no conception of a world pre-computers and the internet.
We were listening to Apple co-founder, Steve Wozniak’s reminiscences of building a computer from scratch because it was the equivalent to the cost of a house to buy in the 1970’s. Who would have thought that today we would have access to a mini computer courtesy of our smart phone! In fact, who would have thought we’d be carrying our own personal phone not connected by wire to a wall?
Times are changing so rapidly in this digital and technological age. Every decade sees major innovation. Not only new products being invented but the way we work and do everyday tasks is changing.
With the acceleration of driverless cars on to the market, there is a strong chance that the toddlers in our families will never need a driver’s license. Instead there will be a market for recreational driving tracks, similar to riding schools for horses. And cars will be fitted out with beds and luxury screens as customers book an overnight ride from Melbourne to Sydney. Concert tickets may include a pick-up service. The list is endless for discerning business people.
Which brings me to the question. How future proof is your business and community?
If we don’t even bother to ask that question, there is potential for looming disaster. I see it time and time again. A disgruntled business owner closing their doors because they have kept doing the same old thing and wondering why their customers were disappearing.
In my experience there are three good reasons for innovating your business: Growing profits, increasing safety and efficiency, and staying relevant. If you don’t offer that new experience, product or service to your customers, someone else will.
It makes good sense to keep an eye on new trends and to give yourself the space to think creatively. For some this comes naturally, for others it is a foreign language. How can we get ourselves into this head space?
The gurus tell us that we should be reading a new book each week. Hmmm. Well at least follow some interesting blogs on social media that you can skip through over a coffee.
As painful as it may be to take time out of the business, it is important to sign up for at least one interesting business-related event each year. Choose something different. Even an online webinar with an obscure title!
For some a personal business coach may be the answer but it will depend on the quality of that coach as to what results you will get.
Some of the greatest insights come from everyday conversations and observations. The idea for a McDonald’s drive through came from a bank installing a drive through night safe for its business customers.
My advice is to tear yourself away from your usual peer group. Always be curious and make new conversations.
And, from a community perspective the same applies. There are three reasons why rural communities need to pay attention.
#1 Traditional industries are struggling to be competitive in a global market
#2 The way we work is changing with technologies
#3 An ageing population is placing stress on our services
The trick is to anticipate change and explore alternatives well before that major industry your community relies on closes its doors and young people move away to places where new and exciting ideas are the norm.
It's your choice!
KERRY ANDERSON: Author of ‘Entrepreneurship: It’s Everybody’s Business,’ Kerry works with small businesses and rural communities to help them embrace new opportunities. READ MORE