Intelligent SME.tech Issue 37 | Page 15

intelligent

// TECH TRENDS //

However , start-ups frequently work in unstable environments with intense competition and limited resources . To succeed and stand out , they must be agile and willing to take risks . On the flip side , despite having more resources and established customer bases , larger businesses may find it difficult to adjust to shifting market conditions because of their size and existing procedures .
The significance of developing a Digital Transformation culture where experimentation is rewarded is one key takeaway here . Any size business can benefit from this culture by remaining competitive and adjusting to changing customer needs . Due to their organisational set-up , start-ups may have an advantage in fostering such a culture , but larger companies can also advance by adopting a more flexible and agile approach to innovation .
Digital Transformation requires organisations to consider long-term implications , regardless of their size . Although large businesses may have access to a larger pool of resources like money , staff and IT infrastructure , their existing systems may make it challenging for them to integrate new technologies .
It is essential for them to be smart and strategic , carefully making long-term plans and adopting a collaborative approach to guarantee success .
However , despite their limited resources , start-ups can build a strong foundation for long-term growth and sustainability by utilising their flexibility and agility . Start-ups can avoid short-term fixes by adopting a long-term perspective and by fostering an innovative culture , maintaining their competitiveness in a technological environment that is constantly changing . Collaboration within the company is essential for the success of Digital Transformation initiatives .
The limited resources that start-ups have is one of the biggest obstacles . Start-ups frequently operate on tight financial budgets and Digital Transformation can be an expensive process . Start-ups can focus on making the most of their limited resources by investing in scalable technology which can grow with the business .
Start-ups might lack the skills and knowledge required to successfully implement modern technologies . While the obvious solution is to train current employees or hire more with the right skillset , it ’ s often worth exploring access to experts in the technology you ’ re implementing . Providers of platforms and tools will have implementation and client success experts that can provide support on either a project or on an on-going basis . Working with external organisations and professionals can also give insightful information and fill knowledge gaps , allowing start-ups to keep up with the most recent developments in digital technology .
Start-ups can also overcome this by fostering a culture of invention and experimentation that motivates everyone in the company to research cutting edge concepts and tools . A phrase often used is ‘ fail fast , fail often ’ which essentially means quickly identifying what works , rather than persisting . But there is an important balance to be had . While this mindset is great for innovation , it can lead to a lack of focus .
Smaller businesses need to take a more thoughtful and intentional approach if they want to develop this culture . Rewarding outstanding initiatives , linking these to business objectives and making them evident throughout the organisation is one practical strategy . Employee involvement and ownership can grow as a result , making them more receptive to change .
Also , start-ups can integrate innovation and experimentation into every role ’ s regular tasks . This can be accomplished by allocating time for staff to work on experimental projects and by giving them the tools and encouragement they require to create fresh concepts .
Prashanti Aduma , CIO , Dialpad

START-UPS CAN FOCUS ON MAKING THE MOST OF THEIR LIMITED RESOURCES BY INVESTING IN SCALABLE TECHNOLOGY WHICH CAN GROW WITH THE BUSINESS .
Intelligent SME . tech
. tech
15