Digital technology has transformed the way businesses operate and communicate across the globe. Whether you want to expand your market, improve your efficiency, or enhance your customer experience, you need to leverage the power of digital tools and platforms. In this article, you will learn how to boost your global reach with digital technology by following these six steps:
Before you dive into the global market, you need to evaluate your current capabilities and challenges. How well do you understand the needs and preferences of your target customers in different regions? How adaptable is your business model and value proposition to different cultures and regulations? How prepared are you to deal with the risks and uncertainties of operating in multiple locations? By conducting a thorough assessment, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses, and prioritize your goals and actions.
?? In my opinion, assessing readiness is the cornerstone of digital global expansion. It involves intricate factors: ?? Digital Infrastructure Examine if your tech stack supports seamless global operations, from CRM to e-commerce. ?? Cultural Adaptability Ensure your digital content is culturally sensitive. Utilize localization, not just translation. ?? Data Compliance Different regions have unique data regulations (GDPR, CCPA). Ensure you're compliant in every market. ?? Ensuring robust readiness isn’t just about preparation, it’s about foreseeing challenges and being agile in response.
Depending on your industry, product, and audience, you may need to use different digital channels to reach and engage your potential and existing customers. For example, you may need to create a website that is optimized for mobile devices, search engines, and local languages. You may also need to use social media, email marketing, online advertising, and content marketing to build awareness, trust, and loyalty. You should research and test the best practices and platforms for each channel, and measure their effectiveness and return on investment.
I also suggest that you do not limit your solutions to traditional channels! Look at things like IOT, AI, various social media (like TikTok), digital displays, etc. Depending on what you are trying to do, your audience may be engaging more in one area vs. the other and sometimes your best avenue to reach them would be to look elsewhere. Heck, I've even leveraged partner digital channels (i.e. enable my capabilities in another companies app or website) to make sure I can reach those customers.
Digital technology can also help you streamline your internal processes and improve your operational efficiency and quality. You can use cloud computing, artificial intelligence, big data, and blockchain to automate tasks, enhance collaboration, increase security, and reduce costs. You can also use digital solutions to improve your product development, innovation, and customer service. For example, you can use digital prototyping, virtual reality, and 3D printing to test and refine your ideas. You can also use chatbots, voice assistants, and customer relationship management systems to provide personalized and timely support.
Prior to being employed by Milwaukee Health Services, Inc. I worked exclusively in a paper environment. When my career began there, the prevailing system was chaotic. When the organization attained a grant to implement a new ERP, building the framework took six weeks. Upon full implementation, and use we were able to improve the quality of service as well as increase the number of patients seen. Through the use of improved technology, the overall quality and goodwill of the organization improved, which facilitated adding another site on the north side of the City.
To succeed in the global market, you need to foster a digital culture within your organization. This means that you need to encourage your employees to embrace change, learn new skills, and collaborate across borders. You also need to provide them with the right tools, training, and incentives to use digital technology effectively and responsibly. You can use online platforms, such as learning management systems, webinars, and podcasts, to deliver relevant and engaging learning content. You can also use gamification, feedback, and recognition to motivate and reward your employees.
In my experience, a digital culture in an organisation is best created by a digital transformation of a defined part of the value chain. Implement and maintain new technology, data analytics and AI with cross-functional teams (esp. IT and business). Plus: Have a high management attention and make progress in productivity and customer experience transparent die to new ways of working.
Building a digital culture would require adaptation to the ever evolving world of tech and this would also mean and adaptation to the digital trends that comes with the changes.
You don't have to do everything on your own. You can leverage the expertise and resources of digital partners who can help you achieve your global objectives. For example, you can work with digital agencies, consultants, or freelancers who can design, develop, and manage your digital channels and campaigns. You can also partner with digital platforms, such as e-commerce sites, online marketplaces, or social networks, who can provide you with access to a large and diverse customer base. You should choose your partners carefully, based on their reputation, experience, and alignment with your vision and values.
The global market is constantly evolving and changing. You need to monitor and adapt to the trends, opportunities, and challenges that arise. You can use digital tools, such as analytics, dashboards, and reports, to track and measure your performance and impact. You can also use digital tools, such as surveys, reviews, and social listening, to collect and analyze feedback from your customers and stakeholders. You should use the data and insights you gather to optimize your digital strategy and tactics, and to innovate and improve your products and services.