Digital Technology In Business

There's no doubt that digital marketing is an important aspect of your business no matter the size or reach. It does not matter whether you are running a B2B operation or B2C, or even a nonprofit. Now virtually all customers or clients are users of online digital platforms. And there are very many online agencies that will make you promises of promoting your business on web forums, via entrepreneurs network or social media platforms.

Many agencies claim that they can help you right from website creation to SEO services. However I would like to point out that the most effective method that your business succeeds in advertising is marketing digitally by yourself in the years to come.

There are trends that we have observed in the past few years especially with technology advances and the same is expected in the year 2019. In this post, I have combined top trends that are expected in this year and beyond.

Quality Content

When generating content for your online business make sure that it is quality and engaging. Whether you own the business or you are just a marketer, one of the fundamental things to have in mind is the knowledge of "content is king".

Always make sure that you post regularly and content that is relevant to your target audience. It is also important to note that not everyone will like some of your content. Your business or your website is a platform where you will have all manner of visitors.

As much as some content might not please some individuals there are quite a number of individuals that will be interested in the same. Take criticism positive and improve in the delivery of your next content. 

How To Improve The Quality Of Content

You can improve the quality of your blog content by using the following methods;

1. Understand your audience: Before you start creating content, it's essential to understand your target audience's needs, interests, and preferences. This will help you create content that resonates with them and engages them.
2. Focus on quality over quantity: It's better to create fewer high-quality pieces of content than to produce a large volume of low-quality content. This means investing time and effort into researching, writing, and editing your content to make sure it is informative, engaging, and well-structured.
3. Use visuals: Including images, videos, and other visual elements can make your content more appealing and engaging. Visuals can help break up large blocks of text, illustrate key points, and make your content more memorable.
4. Keep it simple: Complex or convoluted language can be a turn-off for readers. Keep your content clear, concise, and easy to understand.
5. Edit and proofread: Always review your content before publishing it. Look for errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Also, make sure your content is well-organized and flows logically.
6. Stay up-to-date: Keep up with the latest trends, news, and developments in your industry or niche. This will help you create relevant, timely, and valuable content that your audience will appreciate.

Whereas if you're looking to improve the quality of your YouTube channel, the following methods can also help;

1. Define your niche: Decide on a specific niche or topic for your channel and focus on creating content around that niche. This will help you attract a specific audience and build a loyal following.
2. Invest in equipment: The quality of your equipment can make a significant difference in the overall quality of your videos. Invest in a good camera, microphone, and lighting equipment to improve the production quality of your videos.
3. Improve video production skills: Learn about video production techniques like framing, composition, and editing to improve the quality of your videos. Use editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro to edit your videos and add visual effects.
4. Plan your content: Plan your content in advance and create a content calendar to ensure you are consistently producing high-quality videos. Consider creating series or themes to help you stay organized and focused.
5. Engage with your audience: Respond to comments and messages from your audience, and ask for feedback on your videos. This can help you understand what your viewers like and don't like and improve the quality of your content accordingly.
6. Collaborate with other YouTubers: Collaborating with other YouTubers in your niche can help you reach new audiences and improve the quality of your content by learning from other creators.

Voice Recognition Technology

Voice recognition technology has been around for some time now. Many organizations are using it in improving their service delivery. In order to gain a competitive edge business will have no other alternative other than to incorporate voice recognition technology in the businesses.

It has been estimated that by 2025 over 86% of online businesses will have voice search or voice recognition.

There are still some disadvantages of voice recognition technology however. A speaker has to dictate relatively slowly and distinctly, and the technology has to recognize the speaker's accent as well as the tone of the voice. It can spell some words incorrectly. It is said that up to 20% of words are spelled wrongly, "we'll" instead of "wheel" for example.

Voice Recognition Technology Examples

1. Virtual assistants: Virtual assistants like Apple's Siri, Amazon's Alexa, and Google Assistant use voice recognition technology to respond to voice commands and perform tasks like setting reminders, making phone calls, and controlling smart home devices.
2. Voice-to-text dictation: Voice recognition technology is also used in voice-to-text dictation software, which allows users to dictate emails, messages, and documents instead of typing them.
3. Speech recognition for transcription: Speech recognition technology can also be used for transcription, allowing users to convert audio and video recordings into text. This technology is used in various industries, including healthcare, legal, and media.
4. Call centers: Voice recognition technology is used in call centers to automate customer service tasks like directing calls and answering frequently asked questions.
5. Language translation: Voice recognition technology is used in language translation software to convert spoken words from one language to another.
6. Automotive: Voice recognition technology is also used in cars to control infotainment systems, make phone calls, and adjust climate control settings, allowing drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Voice recognition technology is being used in various applications, and its use is expected to continue to grow as the technology becomes more advanced.

Virtual Trials

Technology has become part and parcel of digital marketing. Many customers have expressed their dissatisfaction as soon as they make orders because of the fact that what is delivered to them is not what they ordered.

This is something that could change. Many opticians already offer a virtual trial service where customers can try out as many spectacles as they wish by using a 3-D photo of themselves. Imagine a scenario where you order a dress or a pair of trousers and you have the chance to test it before making a purchase. As much as it seems impossible, there is technology already in development to make this a reality. 

The Future of Virtual Trials

With the increasing adoption of technology in the legal industry, it's expected that virtual trials will become more prevalent in the future. Here are some potential developments in the future of virtual trials:

1. Improved technology: As technology continues to evolve, it's expected that virtual trial technology will become more advanced, allowing for a more seamless and immersive experience. This could include the use of virtual and augmented reality, which could provide a more realistic courtroom environment.
2. Increased access to justice: Virtual trials can help improve access to justice for individuals who live in remote areas or have mobility issues. It could also help reduce costs associated with travel and accommodation.
3. Enhanced security: Virtual trials can potentially enhance security and reduce the risk of courtroom disruptions or security breaches. With virtual trials, only authorized parties would have access to the proceedings, and the platform used for virtual trials would have robust security features.
4. Changes to legal procedures: Virtual trials could potentially lead to changes in legal procedures, such as the rules of evidence and how witness testimony is conducted. For example, virtual trials could allow for witnesses to be cross-examined remotely, potentially reducing the need for witnesses to travel to the courtroom.
5. Challenges to overcome: There are several challenges that need to be addressed before virtual trials become mainstream, including issues related to internet connectivity, the reliability of technology, and the ability to maintain a fair and impartial process. These challenges will need to be addressed before virtual trials become a viable option for all legal proceedings.

Overall, the future of virtual trials is promising, and it's expected that virtual trials will become more prevalent in the years to come. As with any new technology, there will be challenges and opportunities to overcome, and it will be essential to find the right balance between efficiency and fairness in the legal process.

The Edge of Vertical Videos

For those that do not know what vertical videos are, they videos that you watch without having to bend your phone.  In most cases these are videos you watch on Snapchat or Instagram. Facebook has also adapted to this mode of content delivery.

The main reason behind vertical videos is because many users of technology are using phones to consume visual content. In 2019 the same is projected to increase. If you have a business or if you are a content creator or a social media user, try creating videos in vertical mode in 2019 and you could gain a more social media presence.

Incorporating Videos and Live Streams

Live streams have been seen as one of the most effective ways of engagement. It gives a chance to your followers to express themselves as much as you are expressing yourself.  aThe engagement is seen to be active as opposed to just posting.

However you cannot underestimate the amount of work and effort that should be put in to create live streams. Without an adequate preparation in advance, a good quality standard cannot be delivered and you will miss a chance to impress your audience.

Here are some potential developments in the future of videos and live streams:

1. Increased use of live streaming: Live streaming has become more prevalent in recent years, and its use is expected to continue to grow. Live streaming can be used for various purposes, including entertainment, education, and marketing. It allows for real-time interaction between the audience and the creator, providing a more engaging experience.
2. Advancements in technology: As technology continues to evolve, it's expected that the quality of videos and live streams will improve. This could include the use of higher quality cameras, better streaming platforms, and improved internet connectivity.
3. Short-form videos: Short-form videos have become increasingly popular in recent years. It's expected that short-form videos will continue to grow in popularity, as they provide a quick and easy way to consume content.
4. Virtual events: It's expected that virtual events will become more prevalent in the future. Virtual events allow for global participation and can be more cost-effective than in-person events.
5. Personalization: Videos and live streams can be personalized to provide a more customized experience for the viewer. This could include personalized recommendations based on the viewer's interests or the ability to choose different camera angles during a live stream.

Overall, the future of videos and live streams is promising, and their use is expected to continue to grow. As technology continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how creators and businesses utilize videos and live streams to engage with their audience and provide a more personalized experience.

The Future of Technology and Economic Opportunity

In a decade, technology will undoubtedly become an omnipresent aspect of our lives. Gone are the days when possessing tech skills or having access to the latest gadget was a unique advantage. In the near future, everyone will possess technical knowledge and the tools of the trade, much like how the majority of people today know how to read or write.

Economic Opportunities in a Tech-Saturated World

One might ponder over the economic implications of this progression. If everyone has equal access to technology, how does one stand out or profit from it? Let's look at a parallel from history: literacy. As literacy rates surged, reading and writing became common skills. But did this mean that opportunities related to these skills disappeared? Absolutely not. Writers, journalists, editors, and publishers thrived. What mattered was not the skill itself but what one did with it.

In a similar vein, as technology becomes universally accessible, opportunities will shift from simply "knowing tech" to "how you use tech". Creativity, innovation, and unique applications will be the new currency.

New Avenues of Innovation

Innovation will not stagnate; rather, it will diversify. With more minds connected to the world of technology, we will witness a burst of fresh perspectives, solutions, and ventures. Entrepreneurs will find niches that we can't yet fathom, while developers will create apps addressing needs we're not yet aware of.

Moreover, fields like biotechnology, quantum computing, and space exploration, which are still in their early phases, will open up myriad opportunities for those willing to explore.

Human Skills in a Tech World

With technology ubiquitous, skills that are uniquely human will gain prominence. Emotional intelligence, creativity, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills will become even more valuable. Technology might be the medium, but the content - what we create, communicate, and share - will always be a product of the human mind.

The Power of Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence, often referred to as EQ, is the ability to understand, interpret, and respond to emotions in ourselves and others. In workplaces where automation handles routine tasks, human interactions become more focused on problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. Here, EQ becomes indispensable.

Those who can manage their emotions, comprehend the feelings of their peers, and foster positive relationships have a clear advantage. They can create a harmonious work environment, build trust among teams, and pave the way for open communication.

Creativity: The Limitless Frontier

Machines, with all their data processing prowess, can't replicate human creativity. This intangible force that drives innovation, art, and unique solutions is rooted in our experiences, emotions, and perspectives.

As technology standardizes processes, creativity becomes the differentiating factor. Be it in designing a campaign, developing a new product, or finding a unique solution to a challenge, the human touch of creativity ensures originality.

Critical Thinking: Beyond Binary Logic

The world isn't black and white, and solutions often require thinking beyond yes-no binaries. Critical thinking, the ability to evaluate information from various angles and come to a well-reasoned conclusion, is invaluable.

In a tech world inundated with information, discerning fact from fiction and making informed decisions becomes vital. Whether assessing the feasibility of a project, analyzing market trends, or foreseeing potential challenges, critical thinkers will steer the ship in turbulent waters.

Interpersonal Skills: Fostering Genuine Connections

Even in an era where virtual meetings and chats are the norms, the significance of interpersonal skills cannot be understated. Building genuine relationships, understanding non-verbal cues, and active listening are skills that technology can't emulate.

 These skills are paramount in sales roles, client interactions, team collaborations, and leadership. Genuine connections pave the way for collaboration, understanding, and a positive work culture.

Adapting in a Constantly Changing Landscape

The rapid pace of technological advancements necessitates that humans stay agile. Adaptability, though not a skill in the traditional sense, is a mindset that's indispensable in the tech world. It's not about reacting to change but proactively seeking growth, learning, and flexibility in approach.

Those who can shift gears, learn new tools, or adjust to altered circumstances will find themselves better positioned in any tech-driven industry.

The Interplay of Skills

In this evolving landscape, no skill stands alone. The interplay of emotional intelligence with critical thinking, creativity with adaptability, and interpersonal skills with tech knowledge creates a well-rounded professional.

As technology permeates every corner of our lives, the human touch becomes the distinguishing factor. The blend of tech know-how with human skills creates professionals who are not only proficient in their tasks but also bring depth, perspective, and a touch of humanity to their roles.

Future Forward

As we venture further into a world where technology plays a pivotal role, it’s the blend of machine capability and human ability that will shape the future.

The nuances of human skills, from understanding a subtle emotion to generating a novel idea, will remain irreplaceable. In a world that often seems dominated by codes and machines, the human essence remains ever significant.

Diversification of Work

It's not only the tech industry that will evolve. Every sector, from agriculture to entertainment, will undergo transformations thanks to technology. This means there'll be an array of opportunities across diverse sectors, demanding a variety of skills.

For instance, an agriculturist using drone technology to monitor crops or an artist using augmented reality for installations. The intersection of tech with various sectors will generate new roles and responsibilities.

Adaptability: The Skill of the Future

Change is the only constant, and adaptability will become an even more sought-after trait. Those willing to learn, unlearn, and relearn will lead the charge in this tech-saturated world. Flexibility in approach and a willingness to adjust will distinguish leaders from followers.

Final Thoughts

The ubiquity of technology will not diminish opportunities but rather transform them. Just as the printing press, telephone, and internet revolutionized how we lived and worked, the omnipresence of technology will open doors to uncharted territories. The future is not about possessing technology but about how uniquely we use it to create, innovate, and inspire.