Tag: Business

Top five steps to building a brand for your business

To build a brand, you need to be consistent throughout the entire decision-making process. Figure out what you’re trying to achieve and who you want to attract – this way you’ll never lose sight of your end goal. 

Whilst there’s seemingly endless advice out there for how to best build a brand – we’ve saved you a bit of time and condensed the top five steps into an easy to digest list. Read on to find out more.

#1 Figure out your brand’s values

In order to progress with your brand’s development, you need to know the values and aims of your business. Your core values should go on to influence the rest of your decisions when building your brand. Establishing and defining your brand values will help you develop your brand in a number of ways, such as:

  • Aligning with your brand’s mission
  • Boosting employee engagement 
  • Creating a memorable brand
  • Creating a deeper connection with your audience
  • Boosting brand consistency
  • Staying authentic with your brand
  • Inspiring brand loyalty

As you can see, your brand’s values will act as an influence for almost all aspects of your brand.

#2 Identify and research your target audience

Before you can make any big decisions regarding your brand, as well as the values, you also need to find out who your target audience is. This will require brainstorming and research to identify and profile the theoretical members of this audience. With this information, you can adapt your branding decisions accordingly. 

This is often referred to as a buyer persona, which is essentially a fictional biography of your ideal consumer. This will usually include the buyer’s goals, habits, struggles and problems, amongst other factors. Ask yourself some of the following: 

  • Where do they work? 
  • Where do they live? 
  • What are their main conflicts in life? 
  • What are their hobbies or interests?
  • How much disposable income do they have?

If you can build up an image of your ideal audience members through the answers to these questions, then you can tailor your branding decisions to the wants and needs of those who will help you reach success.

#3 Develop your brand’s voice

Now you know what your audience wants to see, you can use this to develop the voice of your brand. This dictates how you communicate with your consumers and can aid you in developing a (hopefully positive) reputation.

You can exercise this voice via your brand’s story. Let your audience know how far you’ve come and where it all started – always keeping in mind the tone and language that would appeal to them the most. 

#4 Design your logo

Your brand’s logo will represent the identity of your business, and act as a quick identifier for your audience. You want people to instantly recognise your logo – this will increase your brand awareness and allow you to stand out amongst the crowd.

Whether you choose to reach out to an individual graphic designer or use a platform like Tailor Brands the key is to stay consistent. Whilst you want your logo to stand out, you also want it to be in keeping with the style of the rest of your visual marketing materials. The aim is to make your logo synonymous with your business. 

#5 Stay consistent with your branding

As we have just touched on, remaining consistent is always going to be important. This applies to all areas of the business – marketing, branding, the voice and the identity. If one of these factors doesn’t sit nicely alongside the other, then the overall message of the brand will become unclear. Consistency will also help build brand awareness, which is key to gaining recognition and notoriety within your industry. 

Irish businesses losing €3.3 billion per year as staff struggle with accessibility & collaboration

Auxilion, a leading provider of digitally transformative IT services and solutions, today announces the results of a new survey which indicates that Irish businesses are losing €3.3 billion per year as staff struggle to find and share documents. This is based on staff losing, on average, more than 21 minutes per day searching for and exchanging documents.

Conducted by Censuswide and involving more than 500 office workers in Ireland, the research also reveals that male respondents waste more time per day on this activity compared to female respondents – spending 25 minutes compared to around 17 minutes.

Difficulty gaining access to or finding work files and systems was found to be the third biggest blocker in terms of effective collaboration with colleagues, as a quarter (25%) of office workers cited it. The biggest blocker is not being able to talk in person (44%), followed by people not being as available as before (30%).

Meanwhile, 22% of workers said security concerns using communication tools is a main blocker to collaboration with colleagues.

Looking for and sharing files isn’t the only activity that takes up considerable time, with staff sending, on average, around 62 minutes per day on virtual meetings. Furthermore, this is unlikely to ease in the future with three quarters of respondents (75%) believing their organisation will continue to use virtual applications when restrictions ease.

However, more than a fifth (22%) of office workers say they don’t feel their input is as valuable in online collaborations as it is in person.

The study also found that 41% of workers have had a family member or partner accidentally appear on camera during a work meeting, while a pet made an appearance for a third (34%). A similar proportion (35%) of workers have done a virtual work meeting in their pyjamas, with more than a quarter (27%) joining one while in bed. Some 26% have lied that their wi-fi crashed to get out of a meeting.

As for the most annoying virtual meeting habits, these were revealed as forgetting to go on mute (44%), always joining the meeting late (35%) and eating on camera (32%). The worst time of the week for a virtual meeting is Friday afternoon (36%), followed closely by Monday morning (35%).

In terms of the most popular collaboration tool, Microsoft Teams is the platform of choice with 59% of respondents using it for work. Although some 57% say they hadn’t received proper training on how to effectively use their work collaboration system (like Microsoft Teams).

Speaking about the findings, Donal Sullivan, CTO, Auxilion, said: “There is absolutely no reason Irish workers should be losing so much time out of their day trying to find files and work with colleagues – and that’s not to mention the €3.3 billion it’s costing businesses. The tools are already out there to enable people to collaborate in real-time, access files securely and swiftly, and realise the benefits offered by remote or hybrid working.

“Of course, staff also need to know how to use these tools effectively so there is an educational piece that companies need to address. But if they do embrace this type of digital thinking, backed up by the best technologies and the right strategies, it will not only empower workers but boost business output and support company growth both now and in the future – whatever, and wherever, their future workplace is.”

Planning To Build A Membership Site? Here’s What To Do

If you’re looking to start a membership site, then you might be overwhelmed with all the information out there about how to get started. This article will help guide you through creating your membership website and provide some tips on what it takes. It will discuss everything from choosing a domain name, deciding if it’s suitable for your business needs, and setting up an account on WordPress.

 

1. Get a Domain Name

Securing a domain name is the first step in building a membership site. First, you need to decide whether or not you want your domain name (ex: my-domain.com) or if you’re going to use a free web hosting provider like WordPress. So think about this before registering your domain name because it can be difficult and expensive to change after registration!

Domain names are typically registered for one year at a time. That’s why you are advised to do some research on what kind of pricing plans each company offers so that when the renewal date approaches, you don’t pay more than necessary. Some websites offer discounts if paid annually rather than monthly, while others charge an extra fee per month for the past twelve months.

2. Choose your Niche

Many niches can be found on membership sites. For example, online yoga courses on different topics, like Yoga for Beginners or Gentle Yoga. If you aren’t sure where to start, it’s easier to get learning today on how you can find a profitable niche. The best option depends on how much time and effort you’re willing to invest in this endeavor from day one.

The best way to start is by asking yourself what you want your membership site to be about or for whom it will serve. Do you want a course on blogging? A course on finance basics? All of these topics can work well in the form of an informative membership-driven website.

3. Decide on a Pricing Plan and Structure

A membership site should include a plan and structure that helps you know what your memberships will cost, how much content they’ll have access to, and when the pricing plans are renewed.

A membership site should also be personalized for each member so all of them can get their money’s worth out of it.

 

4. Create Content for the Membership Site

 

Content is everything in a membership site. It’s what differentiates the members from your other visitors, and it’s why they’ve chosen to pay you for content rather than just reading free stuff elsewhere on the internet. Quality content takes up most of the space in any website and is also one of its key features, making it stand out from similar websites that offer content.

An excellent way to start would be by looking at articles related to “how-to” topics such as cooking or car maintenance so you can give people something practical for them right away.

 

5. Set up an Email List 

Keeping tabs with your audience is crucial, even if you have a small email list. There are many ways to do this, and you must find the one that suits your business needs best.

The first step is setting up an opt-in form on your website or blog so people can subscribe to be notified of any new content published in the future without having to check back frequently.

If your audience includes businesses, how about creating a mailing list? That way, they’ll receive information on industry updates explicitly related to them from time to time – just like when their favorite store sends out its latest coupons via mail!

Another option would be for those interested in what’s happening with your company, but not necessarily as frequent subscribers themselves could become members of a Facebook group. They’ll receive updates from you and have easy access to your content as it’s published on Facebook, but still not be bothered by other posts in their timeline too often.

6. Promote

Like any other site, you’ll need to promote your membership site.

Promote it on social media, blog about the benefits of joining a membership site in your niche, and link back to your website. When talking about these things online, create quality content that solves problems for people looking for solutions right now!

 

This article discusses all the details you need to get started with your membership site. Whether you want a place for customers to access exclusive content, offer services or sell products- now is the time to make it happen! It can be overwhelming and intimidating at first, but with the tips shared in this article- you’ll have all the information and resources needed to build your membership site.

Do These 6 Things Today to Promote Business Growth

Starting a new business requires extensive planning and taking care of the small details. However, the hard work starts when the business gets going. In today’s market, if you don’t upgrade or grow your business continually, you will fall behind and most likely lose it all. The sure way of survival in the business world is to keep growing your business all the time. However, there is no one formula that will ensure your efforts are as effective as they should be to grow your business. If you do these six things, you should be able to promote your business and see it grow.

 

1. Offer Exceptional Customer Service

Taking care of your customers and offering them the best service is a sure-fire way of making your business distinctive, and generating return sales which down the line means growth in your business. It can’t be emphasized enough how important this aspect of a business is, it can make or break your business. When customers receive great customer service, they will not only remember it, but they will also recommend your business to their network. If your customer is unhappy about the product or service you offer, you can compensate them, or fix what’s wrong with the business processes. Customers love to be heard.

2. Make The Best Out Of Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool that every business needs to use these days to stay relevant. It also does not take a huge chunk out of your marketing budget. It can help you reach potential clients and gain valuable information about what people and your potential customers like and need. You can launch marketing campaigns on social media platforms with a relatively small budget and you control who can see your ads. Customers voice their opinions on social media freely, and if you listen to what they say, you can offer better products, services, and customer service. Social media is the best place to give your brand a unique identity.

3. Upgrade The IT Department

The IT department is responsible for the core process in any business. They ensure that every computer, laptop, application, or any IT-related gadget is working efficiently. One of the ways to empower your IT department is by hiring an IT consulting services company to do the related tasks professionally. When you outsource this part of the IT department, you actually lower your costs in the long run and get a better service as these companies usually are equipped with the latest technology solutions and training. Invest in upgrading your software and hardware to improve the productivity of your whole business which will help all your staff do their jobs more efficiently and thus promote business growth.

4. Hire and Nurture The Right People

It goes without saying that before you even open your doors, you need to hire the best people you can afford. However, it is normal to make a few bad decisions along the way, but these mistakes can be fixed by putting more effort into finding the right staff. Give attention to the recruitment process and don’t rush hiring someone until you make sure they are right for the job and the business environment and your existing team. Once your business starts growing, don’t hesitate to hire employees in the new areas you want to develop. Offering your employees comfortable working conditions, as well as decent pay, will mean that your staff will stay and become a stable workforce which is what you need in the beginning stages of a business.

5. Reinvest in Your Business

One of the biggest mistakes new business owners make is that they spend their profit rather than re-investing it in the business. To grow your business, you need to keep investing in it, especially in the early years. No matter how big or small the profit is, you need to pump it back into the business cycle to help its growth. Promote your brand continually through offers, customized products, themes, and so on to keep the customers engaged and looking forward to your next offer.

6. Research The Competition

You must know what and how competitors are doing so you can keep your business relevant and up-to-date in either products or services. The marketplace is highly competitive, so you need to know what is working and what is not, and it’s not something you can do by trial and error because you will lose time and money. By monitoring your competitors, you will know how to reach new customers, what mistakes to avoid, and what you can offer to beat the competition. No matter how big or small the competitor is, you should know how they do things.

 

Doing these six things will help the growth of your business by overall improvement in tasks, procedures, and the caliber of employees of your company. Growing a business is an ongoing process that never ends if you want your company to survive in today’s market. You should know what your customers want and give them the service they want as they are what will push your business forward.

The Top 6 Easy-To-Use Software Built For The Complexities Of Global Business Growing

The business world has changed beyond belief in the past few years and it’s almost too difficult to comprehend how fast things are evolving. The way that global business now affects our everyday lives cannot be underestimated and companies are vying to get your attention and have some form of influence over our lives.

It can take a little time to get used to new software and learn it for yourself, especially when you are introducing it to your business and asking larger numbers of people to use it. It’s natural for humans to become accustomed to their own routines and habits, but can also be super quick at picking up new things and applying them to work.

All the processes and systems that we now use have been tested and streamlined to the point where they are almost perfect, and make such a huge difference in the way we conduct our business and carry out chores or errands in our personal lives. Without the constant development and progression of software such as simplelegal, companies and sectors are going to fall behind.

 

So What Are The Top 6 Easy-To-Use Software Built For The Complexities Of Global Business Growing?

Maybe you are looking at new opportunities in software to incorporate into your own routine for the first time or perhaps you are a little more experienced and are wishing to add some more to your arsenal, either way, there are some awesome solutions out there to help you streamline and organize your workload.

Google Drive

If you’re not already using Google Drive, you should be. You may well be using Gmail to send your emails and communicate with suppliers and clients, so it’s not a difficult transition as it’s all housed under one roof. Google Drive allows you to create, edit and store all your documents in a safe place, and through the fact it saves automatically live as you do things, there’s no need to worry about not saving and losing all your hard work. You can create documents, spreadsheets, powerpoint presentations, and more.

Email

Email has probably been one of the biggest factors in allowing global businesses to grow, especially at the beginning of the internet boom. The way we can now streamline and segment all of our communication channels through email means both our professional and personal lives are way more organized. We can now categorize and flag important messages when we need to, allowing us to prioritize workloads and conversations we are having.

Slack

It feels like the global business world has been crying out for something like Slack in terms of how simple they have made it to chat and converse with team members, colleagues and clients online. Similar to Whatsapp, Slack allows you to send direct messages to people, along with creating private chats and communication channels so you can effectively organize all conversations.

 

 

Zoom

The way that we all do meetings has changed drastically in the past year or two due to the pandemic and it feels like the founders of Zoom almost saw this coming. Given how many people are now working from home or remotely, Zoom has been the go-to option for millions of workers around the globe to host and run important meetings. You can set timings for meetings, send invites, choose who is the host, and more with this crucial piece of software which has allowed global businesses to keep growing through the pandemic.

ClickUp

If you are looking for a way to plan your days, weeks, and months in a way that the whole team can understand and interpret what’s going on, ClickUp is the way forward. It seamlessly allows you to plan out your content and presents it in a way that means people from internal and external teams can both access it and action anything if they need to. Great for social media and marketing planning if you are currently looking for an option that goes beyond what you have already.

Loom

Sometimes it can be super hard to convey what you mean to someone over email or text, so creating a video where you record your own screen and show someone what you’re working on or what they need to do, is incredibly useful. This is exactly what Loom does and with a free account, you can log on and start creating your own instructional videos in no time.

The software has changed the way the world works and will continue supporting businesses that are aiming to keep growing globally.

Tech Review – TAPiTAG a digital solution to end paper business cards. #TAPiTAG #Tech

We are all so familiar with the humble business card though recent times maybe no so much and now with things slowly getting back to normal we are probably making orders to get some new business cards done up right now…They have been a staple in the business community for years passing on information to clients but you have to come up with a design or pay someone to do that and from past experience the more you add to the card the card quality the costs stack up and you can only order a certain minimum amount and this is annoying and time consuming and can be costly and with the environment in mind which I am not going to bang on about here you save the planet too..

 

TAPiTAG has the solution here that is simply a win win for everyone and it is cost effective you can design your card add what you like and have a one stop shop to pass on all your information in one go, how much more could you ask for?? This is a simple solution to end the need for business cards that you perhaps carry around in your car, have boxes of them in your office and so on and this fits in your wallet or a tag you can have on your device it is simple, effective and well executed.

How does it work

There is no app required to begin with which is nice for a change and it uses NFC technology. NFC has been around for years and we slowly adopted it here in Ireland for some years and now we see the benefits of how useful it is and most of today’s smartphones have this built in. You simply tap the back of a phone that is NFC compatible and job is done, On the iPhone you tap near the top and on Android devices you tap in the middle.

Set up 

You can create your account on phone or desktop there is a QR code on the card you can scan and once you get going you can then edit as you need and tailor to your requirements

Will it work with phone cases 

A question I have been asked several times and from my own selection of phones and cases here there was no problem even with leather and thick cases like otterbox.

Is the cost worth it

You will have people complain about cost with any piece of tech but when you see what these products do and how easy life is made and the cost savings over time even for the average joe it is well worth the spend, people who network meet at corporate events and trade shows and much more will see just how great this product is and the fact you can customise these to your needs makes it an easy win for everyone.. The tag will cost 14.99 and card 24.99 there is no need for dirty paper and with things as they are this is a contactless solution to benefit everyone.

BUY 

 

The Money Journal: A Simple, Analogue Way to Tracking Your Money

“There’s an app for that” has become true in almost every situation of modern life. People are tracking everything they do, from drinking water, to where their kids are, steps they’ve taken, and how much they spend. Apps and computer programs are also reminding us to do things, automating tasks like our grocery lists and distracting us from work or studies.

There’s no getting away from how intrinsically linked we are to modern technology in our daily lives. However, there may be times when going analogue is the right option. 

You don’t always need a program to do things for you. Additionally, sometimes it’s better for you to be actively involved in the process rather than to let technology do the work for you. Budgeting and tracking how much you spend is one such task.

Getting yourself an old-school ledger or creating a diary of your spending habits can give you a far greater sense of control. You are seeing the amounts you’ve spent in black and white on the paper, and you are actively adding things up and seeing the results. Being this involved in the numbers can help you get to grips with the money you’re spending and how you can better budget things moving forward.

Start By Picking Your Style

There are various ways to track the money you spend. Which one you choose will depend on your personality and the way you prefer to focus:

  • Daily Inputs

With this method, you note each purchase you make in your ledger as it happens or as a wrap up at the end of the day. This allows you to see exactly what you’re spending on a daily basis and gives you an incredibly accurate breakdown of your habits. This will help you see immediately what your triggers could be for indulging or overspending, allowing you to change bad habits into good ones over time.

This method is also extremely helpful because you can use your daily journal to reconcile your monthly statements for your credit and debit cards. It’s not always that easy to work out exactly what you’ve spent your money on at the end of the month. Especially when the vendor uses a merchant code or name that is nothing like the name of the actual business.

  • Monthly Audits

This method isn’t completely different from the daily method. For it to work properly, you need to keep a record of when and where you make purchases that don’t have some kind of automatic electronic record. Your cash purchases are often forgotten about during the month. So, make sure you have a book (or an app) to keep a note of those for the end of the month.

Then, at the end of each month, sit down with your credit or debit card slips, bank statement, and notes of your cash purchases, and get to work. While this method may take a few hours once a month, you don’t have to worry about jotting down every time you spend money as you go.

  • By Category

When inputting your daily and monthly spends, it’s a good idea to organize them according to a system. Many people like to go by category. These include groceries, clothing, fuel or transportation, rent, for the home, eating out, etc. With this method, you can also easily include how much money you get in from your job and any other sources of income you may have.

  • By Retailer

Another way to organize your purchases is to go by retailer or store. People like to see where they are spending more money than they should or which stores might be a particular weakness for them.

Setting Up Your Analog Journal

A bullet journal is one of the easiest ways to set up an analogue method for tracking your expenses and putting together a comprehensive budget that is easy to follow. 

Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you need to be good with design and colour, or use an array of cute decorations. Bullet journals are highly functional task management systems, you can just make them as elaborate and decorative as you want to.

  • Monthly Budget vs Spend

The best place to start is with a monthly budget. 

You may need to track your spending habits for a few months before you can start making accurate budgets. Once you have that, you can record how much you want to spend on categories or in certain stores each month and compare it to what you actually spend each month throughout the year.

  • Bill Tracker

This is where you’ll track each purchase that you make. You can have one page for daily purchases and another page for the monthly bills like rent, insurance or your Netflix subscription. This is where you’ll get accurate information to project your monthly and yearly budgets.

  • Debt Payments

Keeping track of your debt is always important. It’s also nice to be able to see a visual representation of your debts and how each payment you make is getting you closer to the end. You can also use this to help you decide if it’s worth taking out a loan or line of credit for a future purchase.

Keep in mind that if you reside in the area, you may even apply for bad credit loan in Singapore to help cover urgent financial gaps. This option, however, should be approached with careful consideration of repayment terms.

 

  • Savings

It’s also important to track what you have in your savings and how much you can put into that account or investment each month. 

If you earn any extra income from a side hustle, for doing paid surveys or any other kind of work, don’t fritter it away. Record how much you have made and save at least a portion of it if possible. You can watch the money grow and calculate how long it will take you to reach a particular goal.

  • The Contents

No journal is complete without a contents page. This will help you find the information you need easily and to flick to the right page quickly when you want to input new information. You can also colour-code each section with tabs, making it easier to jump to the right page directly.

There’s merit in using apps and there are advantages of going analogue. If you find you struggle to keep tabs on your spending even when you’re using an app, keeping written records is the best alternative. 

It’s common knowledge that it’s easier to commit something to memory if you write it down, and this applies to your money and financial situation too.

Why Dynamic Design And Crystal Clear Sound Matter When Video Conferencing. #Konftel

The art of sound and striking design are just as important as pristine picture performance for pioneering conferencing manufacturer Konftel.

With more professionals returning to offices over the coming months, Konftel is keen to stress the vital role of alluring aesthetics and crystal clear audio, wherever people are communicating – from huddle rooms and boardrooms to home working.

Konftel created the first conference phone in the 1980’s. Whilst styles have changed, the power of form as well as functionality remain more compelling than ever, inspired by consumer driven technology trends, says Konftel UK Sales Director, Jeff May.

“The look and style of a product is hugely important to its user. Great design is part of our DNA.”

Aesthetic appeal

He emphasised: “A demand for style and aesthetic appeal has its roots in the consumer market, but people want that experience in the workplace and at home as well too. 

“Of course, the functionality and the quality is where any product starts but, for us, the design is not a second thought. The conception, the innovation, the manufacture: the process has a critical design imperative running right through it from beginning to end.

“For us, it is always about the combination of cutting-edge technological performance and understated elegance. Both are given equal focus. It’s simple: our products have to be beautiful as well as functional.”  

Jeff May, Konftel

Konftel’s multiple Red Dot award-winning range of devices bear testimony to striking visual appeal and usability. The latest innovation – the Konftel 70 speakerphone – was codenamed internally ‘Stingray’ by virtue of its striking sleek lines. The company’s acclaimed OmniSound technology inside all of its carbon neutral devices play another crucial role – matched by dynamic design.

Emotional impact

“When we design, we are always thinking of the environments our products will occupy and the emotional impact they will have on the user,” says May.

“Organisations are investing significantly in high-quality, high-design new office spaces to take account of the new post-pandemic hybrid model of increased remote working and video conferencing.

“We believe it is hugely important for our products to look good in those crisp, contemporary new environments; to complement the space and help create a certain mood. Our products make a statement. They say this is an organisation which values quality and sophistication. It helps send a message to employees that they are valued.

“It’s no longer just very senior people who take part in video conferencing. Today, everyone is in and out of conference calls and using conferencing equipment.”

As video conferencing continues to redefine the way the world does business, it’s high quality audio on which people rely – in many ways even more so than exceptional picture quality.

May highlighted: “For whilst cameras can be turned on or off, a video call is nothing without good sound, without which the meeting cannot continue. And that means quality really matters. Mobility, audio sharpness, reduction of background noise – these are all factors which greatly influence the overall quality of any call, whether voice or video.”

He added: “In the beginning, most people just used whatever kit they were given. Now, people want choice. They want top quality audio and video in every online meeting they attend. We can cope with video going fuzzy by just turning off our cameras. Without audio, nothing works. The act of communication has changed beyond recognition; hastened this past 18 months due to the pandemic. Call environments are now hugely varied.

Discerning demands

“Users are far more discerning and will continue to be so going forward. They are also much more aware as to what the options are and the differentiators that exist.

“Those with the best audio and video on a call stand out. Their contribution to the call is accentuated as a result of the way they sound. It’s the way we make the best impression nowadays. Of course, the sound and video quality is paramount, but significant added value is also derived from the equipment being beautiful.”  

Touch, too, is part of the mix, as May concluded. “Our designers are encouraged to be free and to express themselves. They understand that their contribution to the success of any product is huge. In today’s evolving and demanding world, products have to look as good as they perform.”

Pandemic accelerates rate of digital adoption among Irish businesses according to latest survey from Dell Technologies

A new survey undertaken by the Executive Institute on behalf of Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL) reveals that 98 per cent of business leaders in Ireland believe technology has played a key role in helping their organisation to navigate the past year and, as a result of the pandemic, 68 per cent have shortened the target window for digital transformation.

The ‘Digital Adoption Survey 2021’ seeks to understand business leaders’ changing attitudes towards technology in Ireland. It also collected views on how digital adoption will help businesses to embrace new opportunities to grow and succeed in a data-driven era.

The survey of 147 business leaders has shown that 84 per cent believe that supporting a hybrid workforce with employees both working remotely and from the office is the greatest business challenge that technology can help address over the next one to three years. Enhancing organisational resilience emerged second (59 per cent) and reducing costs third (50%).

In light of these findings, 53 per cent of business leaders in Ireland will now invest more in technology to maintain a competitive edge given the experience gained during their experience of the fourteen months.

The Digital Adoption Survey identified several key obstacles in maintaining the current pace of digital transformation. Business leaders highlighted that upfront investment (51 per cent), lack of in-house skills and expertise (32 per cent) and an absence of digital culture (20 per cent) represent the main barriers to adopting new technologies within their organisation.

In looking to the future, the vast majority (67 per cent) of respondents said that 5G technology will be extremely or very important in keeping connected with a remote workforce. Despite this, half (51 per cent) of business leaders are unaware of the benefits that 5G technology will unlock in the next one to three years.  Moreover, 63 per cent of leaders surveyed stated they are aware that Edge Computing and the Internet of Things can provide new insights into future customer behaviour.

Commenting on the results of the survey, Jason Ward, Vice-President and Managing Director, Dell Technologies in Ireland, said: “Although faced with challenges of an unprecedented scale over the past year, businesses leaders I speak to have valued the role of technology in keeping connected with their customers and their people. The results of our Digital Adoption Survey demonstrate this very fact.

“By taking the learnings of the past year into account, business leaders can ensure that the advancements made through necessity can be built upon to foster a technology-enabled recovery. With close to seven in ten businesses saying that they have shortened the target window for digital transformation, it is clear that leaders are intent on harnessing the power of technology to drive future growth.

“5G will prove to be game-changer in an increasingly data-driven era. Despite business leaders valuing the benefit it can bring in connecting employees, 5G is more than just enhanced connectivity. It is converging with AI, Edge Computing, Cloud and robotics to accelerate the fourth industrial revolution. With 75% of business data to be processed at the Edge by 2025, organisations need to begin assessing how 5G and Edge Computing can fit into their IT transformation programme and deliver real benefits on the road to recovery.”

Conor Morris, Managing Director, The Executive Institute said: “90% of our members have already committed to a hybrid workplace model post-pandemic. The further acceleration of digital adoption will be one of the key factors that will determine whether hybrid will survive and thrive.”

Additional resources

To access the full results of the survey visit: http://del.ly/6001yTDwl.