Taking the plunge into a more digitized world can be easier if you follow certain steps.

Change is a natural part of life, yet it’s often dreaded. After all, who knows what may happen when you take a leap into the great unknown? Business owners know about this uncertainty all too well, especially firsttimers. Once you get your feet wet, however, change usually becomes second nature—you’ll likely even welcome it. One important area where change is necessary is technology, a constantly evolving beast that creates a keepup- or-lose-out reality but also virtually endless possibilities. By leading your company on a digital transformation, you can improve efficiency, increase employee and customer satisfaction, and gain a competitive advantage in your industry. Here are some important factors to consider along the journey.

Do your due diligence

As the term indicates, a digital transformation is often allencompassing for a company; it being a major initiative, then, you must be intentional with how you go about choosing your business’s digital upgrade.

Start by sorting through the many options that are available, such as cloud storage, AI-focused programs, and software like a CRM; if tech isn’t your forte, you could also task your most trusted team members with doing so. Gather your tech and department leaders, and discuss ideas about how a digital transition could benefit their respective departments and your business as a whole. Cost will also be a factor— your processes likely won’t be cheap and may be rife with unexpected expenses—so you’ll need to account for this in your budget.

Remember your why

As you look over your options, keep in mind that you shouldn’t select a system just because it’s popular or it’s what your competitor has. You need to specifically understand the goals, risks, and rewards of making this leap for your business. Is your aim to improve the overall customer experience, process transactions quicker, or improve your team’s efficiency (or all of the above)? Knowing this answer can help you pinpoint the changes you should make.

Buckle up

Frankly, employees tend to be the most skittish about digital change, especially since their current processes and systems may be ingrained in them. In addition, they may have the reasonable fear that AI-based technology could make their jobs obsolete. Here’s where your leadership skills will be vital. Practice complete transparency from the get-go, possibly even scheduling a town hall where you provide all the details and allow your team members to voice questions and concerns. Get them excited about how this change will improve their work lives, assure them that the company will provide ample time for training, and convey that you’re all taking this monumental step toward a brighter future together. Also be sure to test the new systems before launching them fully, giving employees time to try them out and provide feedback. Besides working out any kinks, this will ensure your team that they’re being heard and are a vital part of making this change happen.

Practice and preach patience

Rome wasn’t built in a day; likewise, your business’s digital transformation won’t happen overnight. Because there will be so many moving parts, it’s important to forecast a timeline for completion, share it with the entire company, and stick to it as best as you can. Otherwise, the period of limbo created by such a transition can seem to last forever for everyone involved. That said, the intricate nature of this situation means that things may still take longer than expected. If any delays do pop up, share them immediately along with new projections. Continue seeking feedback from your team (and customers, if appropriate), and make adjustments where necessary to smooth any wrinkles. Most importantly, exhibit steady, calm leadership, and you’ll keep your team and your company headed in the right direction on your digital journey.

TAKE ACTION:
Gather with your senior management team to discuss ways a digital transition could improve your business.