Here's how you can navigate technology changes in the digital strategy industry as a project manager.

As a project manager in the digital strategy world, you know how fast technology can change. It's like trying to hit a moving target! But, staying on top of trends can make all the difference in delivering projects that wow. Here's how to navigate the ever-changing tech landscape: - Keep your finger on the pulse. - Think ahead. - Get creative. - Collaborate and learn. By staying curious and embracing change, you'll be the project manager who delivers cutting-edge results and keeps your clients smiling. So, stay flexible, stay informed, and stay awesome!

Staying informed about the latest technology trends is essential for navigating changes in the digital strategy industry. Regularly read industry reports, follow thought leaders on social media, and participate in webinars and conferences. Subscribing to relevant newsletters and joining professional groups can provide valuable insights. Understanding trends such as AI, machine learning, blockchain, and data analytics enables you to anticipate changes and adapt strategies accordingly. This proactive approach ensures that your projects remain relevant and competitive.

Be prepared occasionally to stop, review or change direction, as longer projects can suffer from speedy changes in technology.

I've worked with stakeholders who are successful biz-owners but alien with technology. These are the difficult ones because communication has to be customised to suit their understanding, natural language set, goals' definition, cultural references etc. Therefore a more delicate and careful handholding exercise ensues in such a case. But even if stakeholders are digitally savvy, they don't care about features, they want to know uses, benefits, efficiency rate, costs, and margins. They don't care how swanky it is, they care about how it impacts their biz - scale, revenues, brand, margins and efficiency. If you understand their concern, you can communicate easily.

Not every type of technology upgrade is good for your business. You've got to try it out with your existing data set and analyse results. E.g. for some businesses, Chat GPT is gold, for others, it's Meta AI. Your data and more importantly - segmented data will help you decide which tool and technology is good for you. Staying on top of technology upgrades is the best way to grow. Because you've tried it and have found whether it works for you or not. You are sure and not second guessing.

Implementing pilot projects can help manage technology changes effectively. Before a full-scale rollout, test new technologies on a smaller scale to assess their impact and make necessary adjustments. For instance, at ESOLS Technologies, we considered adopting a new CRM system. We first ran a pilot project within a single department, which allowed us to identify potential issues and benefits. This approach ensured a smoother transition when we expanded the system company-wide, minimizing disruptions and maximizing efficiency.

Use business capability maps for mapping current tooling, or risk. Use the outputs to inform a programme of work and revisit regularly.

Foster a culture of experimentation within your team. For example, at ESOLS, we introduced a small-scale pilot project to test a new digital tool before a full rollout. This approach allowed us to identify potential issues and gather feedback without risking major disruptions. Encouraging experimentation helps your team become comfortable with new technologies and innovations, enabling smoother transitions and more effective integration. It also provides valuable insights into how new tools can enhance your digital strategy, making it easier to adapt to technology changes.