Digital Futurist | Futurist Keynote Speaker Brian Fanzo

From Future-Proof to Future-Ready in 5 Steps

by Brian Fanzo | Feb 4, 2020 | Blog, Digital Futurist

In the last two years, I’ve worked with travel agencies, healthcare companies, software companies and all sorts of other businesses. And because of the diversity in the businesses I’ve worked with, I’ve been able to see technology from all angles.

Even though technology has disrupted each of my clients differently, there are some common variables that seem to have the same impact no matter the industry. As I study trends and help both leaders and businesses approach the digital future with an open mindset it’s important to study the past. Here are 5 disruptive variables that all industries must embrace and change towards to prepare for the future. I go into more detail and share some interesting examples in the podcast episode highlighted below.

1. Be human first

For me, being a digital futurist does not mean that technology is the end all be all. Instead, I see technology as a way to become more human.

With technology, businesses are able to shrink the distance between themselves and the big players in their industry. Even more so, technology has allowed businesses to shrink the distance between themselves and their customers.

Not only can technology allow businesses to reach their customers all over the world, but it can also help free up time to allow them to focus on their personal interactions with customers.

2. Start with success

If you don’t have a finish line, how are you going to know where you are headed? The answer is, you’re not.

You always have to start with the end in the mind. So, ask yourself, “what does success look like?”

It may seem like a no-brainer, but too many people will get through half of their strategy before considering their objectives and key performance indicators. At that point, the technology is driving the strategy (which is completely backward).

3. Know where you are

After you’ve defined success, it’s time to take tabs on where you are.

Before you add or remove anything else to your stack, you have to have a clear overview of where exactly you stand.

Take some time and map out every piece of tech, every platform and every subscription you currently have.

Then, to take this exercise a step further, make a list of your 5 biggest wins and losses over the last 5 years.

Once you put this all together, you’ll have a clear idea of your strengths/weaknesses.

4. Innovate, don’t ideate

If you want your creative team to be more creative, don’t wait until next week to roll out a new initiative, do it TODAY!

You know my tagline is Press The Damn Button and you can bet your ass it applies here.

If you really want to create an innovative and evolving workplace, you have to E X E C U T E. It’s that simple.

You just have to Press The Damn Button and see if it works or fails or if you have to pivot or abandon ship. Sitting around and ideating will not take you to that point.

5. Get ready to be empathetic

Change can take a toll on people and I think that’s why we are seeing so many people demand authenticity, transparency and human connection. All of the innovation around us has made us lose trust in marketers and big business and I think that had to happen.

These things had to happen to slow us down and remember to be human and that all of this change and distance from the human condition makes us tired.

Invest in yourself and your employee’s mental and physical well being. If people’s minds and bodies aren’t ready for the changes ahead, it will be apparent in your culture and your end product.