A World of Opportunity
We’re all aware of the need to transition to cloud, and the evolution of cloud services, it’s the number one investment area worldwide for IT departments, and Gartner’s assertion that by 2027, over 50% of enterprises will use industry cloud platforms to accelerate their business initiatives seems childishly obvious.
Of course, transitioning to the cloud presents new operational, security and commercial risks for organisations, as they try to improve efficiency, lower operating costs, and adapt to changing workplaces and practices. And much like cybersecurity, cloud professionals are in high demand and short supply, making it the second most challenging hiring area in the world.
But before we talk about differentiating your business with a new smart working approach, here are 3 things you can do immediately as a starter for ten:
#1 Develop a truly unique brand.
Don’t use terms like ‘we are the most secure’, ‘we offer personalised services’ or ‘we are a Microsoft certified partner’. It’s hardly unique – everybody does it. Go back to the core elements of your organisation. What are you trying to solve for customers? And what really differentiates you from the competitors in your area?
#2 Change your offering
With everyone offering broadly the same services in the tech space, look at your main competition, and talk to your people about what they’re hearing from customers on the front line. Start promoting and talking about incremental services and their advantages, e.g. a part of your service that has been flagged as helpful, and impressive. Focus also on the areas of your portfolio that are in greatest demand, and consider dropping others!
#3 Become a ‘Thought Leader’
People love people. We look up to artists, celebrities, and sports people. They’re experts in their field, because they’re brilliant at what they do. They influence how we feel and we want a bit of their identity. This can work in business too.
If an organisation is constantly talking about the big issues affecting industry, and dealing with thorny and difficult challenges in a positive way, they start to be seen as ‘Thought Leaders’, and experts in their field. They are seen as trusted people who really know their stuff. And guess what – people buy from people they trust! Make sure your colleagues are experts and that they speak about it. People will then want to contact and work with you!
