Staying Relevant in Business

With a changing workplace, a changing economy, changing technology and an ever expanding land of social media, it’s often hard to find ways to stay relevant in business.  In order to do so, you have to think outside the box and reevaluate the goals of your business and where you want to be with them down the road.  Staying connected with the matter at hand is often tough in an expanding marketplace.  But whether you’re employed and want to stay that way or are running a business and struggling to stay afloat, you need to find ways to stay relevant in a fast-changing economic and business climate.  So how to stay relevant in business?

First off, try becoming an industry expert.  Not only is it a great tool to earn respect in your field but it increases your knowledge and the value you can add to the business world as a whole.  Whether it’s an industry that you currently work in or one that you are looking to enter, learn the facts about them.  And by that I mean really invest the time to learn.  Check out seminars and industry periodicals.  Talk to mentors or others in areas that are out of your area of expertise.  Join industry groups.  Network with people in your field of business.  There’s nothing wrong with seeking out help for things you don’t know.  Once you learn, you’ll have a leg up and people will even start to come to you for advice as your platform of knowledge grows.  Once you become an expert, you can test new ideas in the marketplace and even look to expand or grow your business.  You can’t be successful in areas you don’t understand.  Earn the right to be regarded as a knowledgeable industry thought leader by learning all you can.

Develop cultural literacy.  This is especially important if you want to move your business away from being solely U.S. based and become international.  “In an increasingly flat world, knowing how to navigate through a singular culture will never again be enough.”  Not only do you need to understand other cultures but you need to understand how those cultures perceive your own.  This is key whether the people you are working with are only an office away or a time zone away.  Read books or see movies about other cultures.  Immerse yourself in the way these differing cultures think about not just business but life in general.  Remember, knowing your customer and client base is one of the most important elements to success in business.  Pay serious attention to meetings or calls with businesses in other countries.  Do your research to stay ahead of the game.  Again, network with those of other cultures and international business persons to learn all you can.  If not, your business can fall prey to the global economy even if you are just looking to service the needs of customers in your own country of residence.  

While this might seem particularly difficult, try learning a new language.  You don’t need to be fluent but at least try to be conversant.  This doesn’t just mean languages of a foreign country – I’m talking about languages of technology and social media.  There are many ways to market your business.  The old way of doing business by nuts and bolts has long since gone the way of the dark ages.  Be current.  Be informed.  And most importantly, be as knowledgeable as possible in all the new ways that businesses think.

Practice new ways of communicating.  Social media and new technologies have revolutionized the way people do business on a daily basis.  Go outside your comfort zone.  It might seem overwhelming at first but start out small with the most known social networking sites out there.  Get on LinkedIn and Facebook and of course, as I always recommend Twitter.  Train your brain to think and speak in 140 characters or less.  It might seem daunting at first but it is an essential tool and component to growing your brand and business.  “Social networking applications can be a boon if you want to forge new connections or reconnect with those you’ve lost touch with.”  Do everything in your power to get the word out there about your business and this starts with the online business world.  Learn how to use online meeting tools and electronic presentations.  While expensive, you might want to invest in an iPad to give said presentations and make them as modern, easy to navigate and relevant to the changing business climate as possible.  Restricting yourself to the old and outdated communication techniques leaves you well behind your competitors so learn how to leverage new ways of sharing and gaining knowledge about your industry and business prospects.

All things being equal in the changing times, perfect old ways of communicating.  Getting your thoughts across coherently through strong writing is key.  Learn how to organize your thoughts with the written word cogently and crisply.  Show others your work and ask for feedback.  Look to communications professionals or hire a PR firm to help with press releases and other old forms of branding.  Get tips and feedback on your writing.  Ask trusted colleagues and mentors to help edit your work.  “Make sure your words convey your thoughts and feeling with accuracy and brevity.”  This is especially key when asking favors, networking and marketing for your business.

Not to sound arrogant, but flaunt your intellect.  Once you’ve perfected your writing, contribute to articles and periodicals.  Start a blog.  Create interesting Facebook posts and tweets that will attract new followers that can lead to new customers, clients and business opportunities.  “Thanks to the emergence of social networking applications, it’s easier and cheaper than ever before to get your name out to targeted groups.”

It might seem trite but maintain a vigorous mind and body.  Physical and mental stamina are key to keeping up in an ever changing business environment.  Exercise both mentally and physically.  When opportunities are fewer and the competition tougher, you need to have that extra edge.  Taking care of your well-being can make you sharper in the business world.  Energize your mind by learning new things every day.

All of the advice listed in today’s blog is key to staying relevant in business and the changing economic and social times.  To stay relevant in business, you need to keep an eye on what’s changing around you.  After that, you can decide how fast you want to keep up and in what direction you want to move.  “Realistically, we can be adept at many new things at once, but if we choose wisely and stick to a plan, we can make sure that we’re well-positioned to take advantage of new opportunities.”  Staying relevant in business isn’t easy but it’s a must so challenge yourself everyday with the strategies I’ve mentioned above.  Stay current on social media trends and other cultures.  Hone your industry knowledge.  Learn to communicate in new ways.  All of these tools will help you stay relevant and move your business ahead in the right direction which brings both personal and professional success.

Here are some articles you might want to check out about staying relevant in business:

“Four Strategies for Staying Relevant”: http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2012/05/four_strategies_for_staying_re.html

“How to Stay Relevant in a Crowded Marketplace”: http://vivavisibilityblog.com/afraid-youre-not-relevant/

“Staying Relevant in Business”: http://www.palmbeachlwp.com/news/work/staying-relevant-in-business-6/

“Staying Relevant”: http://creatingwhatmatters.co.nz/articles/staying-relevant/

Until next time…