Successful companies understand that having a broad understanding of technological functions that run the day-to-day operations is important for all people in the organization to have, including those from the top down and everyone in between. It is essential to keep sharp those technological abilities to help maintain business efficiency and growth. The best-run businesses have people at all levels who can “pivot” from one role to another seamlessly.

This absolutely does not mean they have to actually perform all of these functions independently and not hire pros or outsource; quite the opposite. It is highly suggested to have the pros handle the following list of technical functions; however, entrepreneurs and CEOs should really have a strong knowledge of these as well to best support and understand their vendors, employees, and colleagues. Technology functions to understand:

E-Management & Development: Entrepreneurs must have the technical competence to build and manage online businesses, such as overseeing teams that develop websites, understanding how to use e-commerce platforms, or working with digital applications for vendors.

Writing & Content Description: Creating persuasive and exciting content is an integral part of success for online businesses. It’s not only about expressing ideas well but also about using language effectively to convey a message. Examples include creating content for websites, blogs, product descriptions, as well as traditional and non-traditional marketing materials.

Social Media Marketing: Entrepreneurs need to master the art of using social networks to draw in potential customers, as with this understanding, they will know how to use platforms like Twitter and Facebook to create powerful campaigns and monitor their success.

E-Marketing: E-marketing uses online tools, such as email, search engine marketing (SEM), and search engine optimization (SEO), to promote and advertise products and services. Examples include creating landing pages, launching pay-per-click campaigns, as well as utilizing powerful SEO tactics and best practices.

Outsourcing: Means working with freelancers or contractors to get specific jobs done. An example of outsourcing could be hiring a freelance web developer to build a website or a copywriter to produce content for a blog.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO): SEO is the process of optimizing a website to rank higher in search engine results pages which involves optimizing a website’s code, structure, content, and external links to attract organic traffic.

Data Analysis: Spotting patterns in data and unlocking hidden insights from it is essential for entrepreneurs to make informed decisions, as it requires a solid understanding of data analysis techniques such as linear regression and correlation analysis.

Graphic Design: A practical knowledge of graphic design is essential when creating compelling visuals for marketing materials and websites. Examples include creating logos, editing images, and creating digital art.

Remember, we are not suggesting that companies perform these complicated and essential tasks alone; always hire a pro if you do not have adequately trained teams geared toward these tasks specifically. Just be sure to have a basic knowledge of them.

No longer can we as business owners get away with using the sorry excuse of “I do not know how to do that” or “technology is not my department.” All people in business need to be either tech-savvy or have a broad understanding of many business functions that run off the power of technology. Plenty of young companies have made the message very clear to their “dated” competition; keep up or die with dinosaurs.

Keeping up with technology in the workplace

It’s the same across the board whether you are an entrepreneur or an employee; in today’s marketplace, everyone must keep up with technology. For example, I am a writer, and some people would like to say that we only need to know how to use a keyboard. But that thinking is very archaic, and if I thought that way, I would be out of a job tomorrow. My role as a writer in the digital marketing space has many technical parts, including:

  • Understanding of SEO best practices so you can optimize content for visibility
  • Knowledge of research methods like Google so that you can identify the correct or intended information quickly
  • Familiarity with different digital marketing channels and how they work
  • Ability to use content management systems and web-publishing platforms like WordPress
  • Proficiency in analytics to measure the impact of your content
  • Understanding of HTML and CSS to design websites
  • Knowledge of graphic design tools to create visuals and marketing materials
  • A solid understanding of search engine algorithms to better serve your audience
  • Familiarity with social media tools and networks to increase reach
  • Ability to use data-driven tools and insights to craft campaigns
  • Knowledge of paid advertising tools like Google Ads and Facebook Ads, etc.
  • Ability to use email marketing tools to increase engagement

To take it a step further, I have enrolled in a college certificate course in digital marketing to better support my company in more areas. Consequently, I will get to grow my skill set as well as my pocketbook!

What are the benefits of keeping up with technology?

For starters, it increased productivity and efficiency. Modern technology boosts productivity and the efficiency of human activities, allowing us to perform tasks in less time. Meanwhile, thanks to the vast amount of information available, better decisions are made, and human error is significantly reduced.

Understanding and using the latest technology allows a company to stay competitive and provide the best quality service or products possible. Technology has given us a level of communication never seen before.

Technology not only helps keep productivity and efficiency at peak levels, but it also helps to create a sense of cohesion among employees and upper management. With the right technology, communication between staff and management can be more streamlined, allowing for better decision-making and quicker problem-solving. Additionally, staying up-to-date on technological advances allows for better quality products and services, giving companies an edge in their respective industry.

Businesses can stay ahead of the competition by having a better understanding of trends and technology advancements. Companies that remain up-to-date with the latest in technology are seen as being at the top of their industry. It also allows them to make predictions about potential changes in the market, as well as identify growth opportunities.

The benefits of keeping on top of technology aren’t limited to businesses. It’s beneficial for employees as well. People who keep their technical skills up to date are in higher demand. They enjoy increased job security, open avenues to promotions and higher salaries, and the ability to work remotely.

Importance of technical skills in business

In conclusion, staying up to date with technology trends and skills holds numerous benefits for businesses and employees. Companies can remain competitive, make better decisions, and access better data. Meanwhile, employees can find more opportunities for higher salaries and job security.