When you think “digital economy,” does the future of your company come to mind? It should! It seems technology is changing the face of business so rapidly that it’s all many organizations, small and large and every size in between, can do to keep up. However, there’s no going back: the future of business is so inextricably linked to technology that, according to Fast Company, every business is a digital business whether they see themselves that way or not.

If you’re looking for a few tips on how to revamp your strategies to keep up with the digital economy, read on…

• Get social. Providing informative, interactive social media pages is a great way to connect with your customers, clients, and/or potential future hires. When searching for services, many now search the internet for reviews and testimonials to ensure they are choosing the right company, and giving your satisfied customers a place to voice their experiences can help you. Today, having a social media page can be the difference between being found and being forgotten.
• Seek technologically-savvy hires. Not only will hiring the technologically savvy help your current initiatives, it could open doors to new opportunities in the future. Those well-versed in social media, the digital landscape, and technology in general can help provide you with innovative ideas for the future and ensure you are always kept up to date.
• Keep up to date on tech advances. In order to attract the right talent, you have to prove that you’re technologically savvy, as well. Those seeking positions where they can exercise such skills will look for companies who have something to teach them—this is where having a complete social media page, as well as other “digital assets” in Fast Company’s words, comes in handy. Such digital assets can include a website, a mobile app, a blog, etc.
• Value learning skills. Maybe you’ve found a promising candidate but he or she doesn’t have quite as much experience or the technical skills you’re looking for. This is where it’s important to keep in mind that, sometimes, certain aspects like soft skills or cultural fit are more important than years of experience. When looking to succeed in this rapidly-changing digital economy, it’s important to look specifically for learning skills. Someone with the flexibility and eagerness to learn may not have the skills you need right off the bat, but they can certainly pick them up—possibly more quickly than a more experienced candidate can.
• Consider a broader hiring range. Sometimes it can be hard to find the perfect candidate for an open position within your region. To take your company a step further on its digital path, consider hiring employees who can work remotely to give yourself the flexibility to hire the best fit. This will give you the freedom to make your best hiring decision regardless of location and prove, in yet another way, that your company is advancing along with its respective industry. As we’ve said before, most industries are quickly turning to hiring remote services as an effective solution to staffing.
• Aim for proactivity, not reactivity. Technology is changing the business world at a rate many may never have predicted years ago, and that’s one of the reasons so many companies have fallen behind. In order to stay relevant and up to date, make sure to be ready for the unexpected! Stay on top of relevant news in your industry and keep your staff informed as well. The only way to stay abreast of new developments is to have a good handle on the present and prospective future plans.