Recent tornadoes in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs have starkly highlighted the urgent need for businesses to enhance their disaster preparedness strategies. The destructive storms caused widespread power outages, significant infrastructure damage, and disrupted operations for numerous businesses. These events underscore the vulnerabilities in existing systems and the necessity for robust disaster recovery plans. Being prepared for such unforeseen events is critical to building resilience and ensuring continuity.

The recent tornadoes, which resulted in significant damage and power outages, serve as a stark reminder of the potential for natural disasters to disrupt business operations. As businesses in the affected areas work to recover, the importance of comprehensive disaster preparedness becomes evident. Ensuring that a business can withstand and quickly recover from such events is essential to maintaining operations and minimizing financial loss.

Here are some recommendations for businesses across the Midwest:

Assess and Prioritize Risks

Begin by identifying potential risks specific to the business and geographic location. The recent tornadoes, which caused extensive damage and power outages, underscore the importance of this step. Conduct a thorough risk assessment to prioritize threats based on their likelihood and potential impact on operations.

Develop a Comprehensive Disaster Recovery Plan

A robust disaster recovery plan is essential for minimizing downtime and ensuring business continuity. The plan should include:

• Data Backup and Recovery: Regularly back up critical data and ensure that backups are stored offsite or in the cloud. This prevents data loss in the event of physical damage to premises.
• Communication Strategy: Establish clear communication protocols to ensure all stakeholders are informed during a disaster. This includes updating contact information and having alternative communication channels in place.
• Operational Continuity: Identify key business functions and outline procedures for maintaining these operations during disruptions. This includes having contingency plans for IT infrastructure, supply chain management, and customer service.

Invest in Reliable IT Infrastructure

Modern businesses rely heavily on technology, making IT infrastructure a critical component of disaster preparedness. Cloud services can ensure that IT systems are resilient, scalable, and secure. Important aspects include:

• Cloud Migration: Transition critical applications and data to the cloud to enhance accessibility and reduce the risk of data loss.
• System Redundancy: Implement redundant systems to ensure that if one system fails, another can take over without disrupting operations.
• Cybersecurity Measures: Protect IT infrastructure from cyber threats with advanced security solutions, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits.

Regular Testing and Training

A disaster recovery plan is only effective if it is regularly tested and updated. Conduct regular drills to ensure that all employees are familiar with their roles and responsibilities during a disaster. Comprehensive training programs can prepare the team for various disaster scenarios.

Leverage Technology for Enhanced Preparedness

Utilize advanced technologies to enhance disaster preparedness efforts. Solutions include:

• Business Intelligence and Analytics: Use data analytics to monitor risks and make informed decisions during a crisis.
• Automation Tools: Implement automation to streamline disaster recovery processes, such as automated backups and failover systems.
• Virtual Dashboards: Access real-time information and insights through virtual dashboards that help monitor the status of business operations during a disaster.

Collaborate with Experts

Partnering with experts ensures that disaster preparedness strategies are comprehensive and up-to-date. Professionals with extensive experience in business continuity planning, IT support, and cloud services can work closely with businesses to develop customized solutions that meet unique needs.

Disasters can strike at any time, but with a proactive approach, businesses can be prepared to handle any challenge. Building resilience and ensuring continuity is essential for safeguarding business operations and minimizing financial loss.

This content was originally posted on Medium.

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How do technology companies manage the continuous demand for innovation while grappling with stringent budget constraints and evolving market expectations? In 2024, firms face a relentless challenge to integrate cutting-edge technologies into new products, all while optimizing operational efficiency under financial pressures. This article explores the aspects that influence the tech world, ranging from the integration of innovative technologies to the dynamics of IT spending and consumer satisfaction. By analyzing critical statistics from industry-leading surveys and reports, we uncover the challenges and opportunities that define the landscape of technology and its impact on both companies and consumers.

Integration of Technologies and Innovation Pressure

For technology-focused businesses, innovation is not just a buzzword but a survival strategy. According to the KPMG 2023 US Technology Survey, 58% of technology sector executives report that their primary challenge is the increased pressure to create new product features by integrating multiple technologies.¹ This indicates a broader industry trend where the rapid pace of technological advancement is not just an opportunity but also a considerable strain.

Companies are compelled to explore and adopt a multitude of emerging technologies—ranging from AI to IoT—each promising to be the next big revolution. The integration of these technologies is not merely about keeping up with competitors but about redefining market standards and consumer expectations. The drive to innovate under pressure not only pushes companies towards technological breakthroughs but also demands a high level of agility and creativity from their leaders.

Budget Constraints and Productivity

The pressure to innovate is juxtaposed with stringent budget constraints. The KPMG 2023 Global Tech Report highlights that 65% of tech companies are expected to do more with less, with reduced budgets compared to the previous year.² Meanwhile, the Deloitte Tech Trends 2023 report indicates that 72% of digital leaders have witnessed improvements in employee productivity due to digital transformation.³

These insights underscore a critical balance that companies must achieve—enhancing productivity without proportional increases in budgets. Leveraging technology for digital transformation presents a solution, allowing businesses to automate processes, enhance decision-making, and optimize resource allocation. The key challenge lies in strategically investing in technologies that yield the highest return on investment in terms of productivity.

Future Trends in IT Investment and AI Adoption

Despite the economic uncertainties, the technology sector continues to see optimistic investment forecasts. In its 2024 Outlook Technology Report, Deloitte predicts an 8% growth in global IT spending,⁴ suggesting a strong confidence in tech development’s ROI. Concurrently, Horton’s anticipates that 75% of software engineers will use AI coding assistants by 2028 in its 2024 Tech Trends report,⁵ signifying a shift towards more automated and sophisticated tools in software development.

This indicates not only a robust investment climate but also a transformative shift in how technology is being developed and utilized. The integration of AI tools in software engineering is set to redefine the traditional methodologies, leading to faster, more efficient, and potentially more innovative development cycles. Such trends are pivotal for tech companies aiming to lead in innovation and efficiency.

Executive Confidence and Technological Adequacy

Confidence among executives regarding their technological capabilities remains high, with 70% expressing confidence in achieving their goals using existing technologies,¹ reveals a significant alignment between strategic goals and technological capabilities within organizations.

This confidence likely stems from successful past integrations of technology that have led to measurable benefits, such as increased market reach or improved operational efficiency. It also points to a maturity in the technology lifecycle where existing tools can still provide competitive advantages without immediate upgrades or overhauls. For tech leaders, maintaining this confidence requires ongoing evaluation of tech capabilities against strategic objectives to ensure they continue to align effectively.

Consumer Experience and Market Expectations

A staggering 94% of consumers report frustration with disjointed experiences when interacting with organizations.⁶ This statistic highlights a significant gap between technological advancements and their implementation in user-friendly ways.

Improving consumer experience is crucial, as it directly influences satisfaction and loyalty. Tech companies must therefore focus not only on the backend integration of new technologies but also on how these technologies are experienced at the consumer level. Ensuring seamless, intuitive, and cohesive interactions across various platforms and touchpoints can substantially enhance consumer perceptions and foster stronger brand connections.

The technology sector’s landscape is complex and challenging, yet ripe with opportunities for those who can skillfully navigate the pressures of innovation, budget constraints, and consumer expectations. Understanding the nuances of this dynamic—through the lens of key industry statistics—provides valuable insights into strategic decision-making. For tech leaders and companies, the goal is clear: innovate effectively, manage resources wisely, and always keep the consumer experience at the forefront of technological integration. By doing so, they can not only survive but thrive in this competitive industry.

Sources:

1. “KPMG 2023 US Technology Survey.” KPMG, 2023,
   kpmg.com/kpmg-us/content/dam/kpmg/pdf/2023/2023-kpmg-us-tech-survey.pdf
2. “KPMG 2023 Global Tech Report.” KMPG, 2023,
   assets.kpmg.com/content/dam/kpmg/xx/pdf/2023/09/kpmg-global-tech-report.pdf
3. “Tech Trends 2023: Life Sciences perspective.” Deloitte, 2023,
   www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/us/Documents/life-sciences-health-care/us-tech-trends-2023.pdf
4. “2024 Outlook Technology Report.” Deloitte, 2024,
   www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/us/Documents/technology-media-telecommunications/2024-tmt-outlook-technology.pdf
5. “Tech Trend 2024 Report.” Horton, 2024,
   hortoninternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Tech_Trend_2024_Report-2.pdf
6. “2023 Digital Trends: Financial Services in Focus.” Adobe, 2023,
   business.adobe.com/content/dam/dx/us/en/resources/digital-trends-financial-services-2023/adobe-digital-trends-2023-fsi.pdf

This content was originally posted on Medium.

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In a rapidly evolving business landscape, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are at a critical juncture where adopting advanced technologies is no longer a luxury but a necessity for survival and growth. Artificial Intelligence (AI), once the preserve of large corporations with deep pockets, is now becoming the driving force behind SMB competitiveness and operational efficiency. The rise in AI adoption among SMBs signals a transformative shift towards digital agility that could redefine success in this dynamic sector.

Digital Transformation as a Competitive Necessity

A recent survey by AI4SP and Microsoft found that 52% of SMBs are utilizing AI tools within their operations, reflecting a substantial move towards digital transformation. This statistic is more than a number; it underscores the broad-based recognition among SMBs of the imperative to integrate technology into their business models. This shift is driven by the need to remain competitive in an environment where agility, responsiveness, and innovation are paramount.

The importance of this transition cannot be overstated. For SMBs, digital transformation through AI adoption is not just about keeping up with trends but about establishing a foundation for sustainable growth. The ability to harness AI for tasks such as data analysis, customer relationship management, and even automated customer service allows SMBs to punch above their weight, competing with larger players in their industries.

However, this integration does not come without challenges. It necessitates a willingness to invest in new technologies and an openness to partner with digital experts who can enhance in-house skills. It’s critical for SMBs to not only adopt AI but to foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptation to maximize the potential of these powerful tools.

Proven Effectiveness of AI in Business

The benefits of AI in SMB operations are not merely theoretical. An overwhelming 91% of businesses that have integrated AI report that it has made their operations more successful,¹ pointing to tangible outcomes such as improved efficiency and heightened business success. Furthermore, a remarkable 82% of AI-adopting businesses maintain an optimistic outlook on AI’s potential to propel future growth.² These insights reveal a growing confidence among SMBs in AI as a tool for long-term prosperity.

The optimism is well-founded. AI-driven analytics can offer deep insights into market trends and customer preferences, allowing businesses to tailor their strategies effectively. AI-powered automation can streamline operations, reducing the workload on human staff and minimizing the scope for error. These benefits contribute to a business environment where decision-making is informed, strategic, and forward-looking.

Yet, to truly leverage AI, SMBs must move beyond mere adoption to an understanding of its potential. Sharing success stories and practical use cases can provide the necessary blueprint for others to follow. These narratives can illustrate how AI is not just a technological upgrade but a transformational tool that can revamp the entire business process, driving growth and innovation.

Bridging the AI Knowledge Gap

Despite the promising outlook, a significant knowledge gap exists. About 74% of SMBs have expressed interest in AI, yet many admit to having only a rudimentary understanding of its benefits.¹ Additionally, 70% would be willing to invest more in AI and automation, indicating a clear demand for accessible AI solutions and education.¹ This gap represents a dual opportunity for both the providers of AI technologies and SMBs themselves.

For technology providers, there is a burgeoning market for AI tools and services that cater specifically to SMBs. There’s a call for offerings that demystify AI, providing intuitive platforms that do not require deep technical expertise to manage. For SMBs, there’s a pressing need to invest in AI literacy, ensuring that the workforce can adapt to and exploit these new tools effectively.

Developing and promoting AI-focused training programs and resources can empower SMBs to bridge this knowledge gap. These initiatives can help SMBs navigate the complexities of AI and automation, enabling them to unlock the full spectrum of benefits these technologies offer.

Cost Savings Through AI

The financial incentives of AI adoption for SMBs are clear and compelling. 58% of SMBs anticipate saving over $1,000 in the coming year due to the integration of AI and automation technologies.¹ Moreover, 60% of SMBs report that using AI has increased the efficiency of their operations.¹ These savings are not just a reflection of reduced direct costs but also an indicator of broader operational efficiencies.

Implementing AI can lead to more streamlined workflows, where tasks are performed more quickly and with fewer errors, reducing the need for costly revisions and do-overs. It can also enhance the precision of marketing campaigns, ensuring that dollars are spent targeting the prospects most likely to convert. For SMBs operating on tight margins, these savings can be the difference between stagnation and growth.

Encouraging SMBs to explore AI for both cost management and operational enhancements can lead to improved profitability. As AI technologies become more accessible and their applications more widespread, SMBs that embrace these tools can achieve greater financial health and allocate resources to areas that foster growth and innovation.

The strategic adoption of AI technologies across the SMB sector is demonstrative of a paradigm shift towards enhanced operational efficiencies, cost savings, and an optimistic outlook on future growth. As businesses become more cognizant of the multifaceted benefits of AI, they are progressively gearing up for a deeper integration of these technologies into their core operations. This evolving trend is mirrored in the growing willingness among SMBs to channel investments into AI solutions, recognizing them as pivotal in maintaining competitiveness in a swiftly transforming market landscape.

These developments allude to a future where SMBs’ success is increasingly influenced by their effective utilization of AI technologies. The evidence underscores the need for continued education and robust support systems to fully harness AI’s potential in bolstering business practices and achieving enduring growth. As more SMBs pivot towards this technological awakening, those who navigate the AI transition effectively are poised to redefine the benchmarks of business excellence and sustainability in the digital era.

Sources:

1. “Small Business Now: An AI Awakening.” Constant Contact, 2023,
   news.constantcontact.com/small-business-now-ai-2023,
   drive.google.com/file/d/17tID61RqIGJVRCMr2SHaSeYZSW5NSg8l/view
2. “Empowering Small Business: The Impact of Technology on U.S. Small Business (Second Edition).” U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 2023,
   uschamber.com/small-business/smallbusinesstech,
   uschamber.com/assets/documents/The-Impact-of-Technology-on-Small-Business-Report-2023-Edition.pdf.

This content was originally posted on Medium.

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Digital transformation has become more than just a buzzword; it’s now a fundamental imperative for businesses seeking to thrive in an era defined by rapid technological advancements. As organizations across various industries grapple with the challenges of embracing digital transformation, a recent study conducted by Chief Executive Group in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) reveals both the high aspirations and the significant execution gaps in leveraging digital transformation for sustainable business growth.

The study surveyed over 500 C-suite executives and public company board members, revealing a substantial gap between the aspiration to harness digital transformation for growth and the actual adoption of advanced digital practices.

The Aspiration: Growth Through Digital Transformation

One of the key takeaways from the study is the strong desire among leaders to leverage digital transformation for growth. More than half of those surveyed listed growth through either new (28 percent) or existing (36 percent) products or markets as their company’s top priority for the year ahead. This aspiration aligns with the widespread recognition that digital transformation can be a powerful catalyst for business expansion and innovation.

The Reality: A Disconnect in Execution

Despite the high aspirations, the study indicates that many organizations are struggling to translate their digital transformation intentions into concrete actions. The data reveals several critical areas where companies fall short of harnessing the full potential of digital transformation:

1. Insufficient Utilization of Customer Data:

• The study highlights that most businesses still rely on anecdotal comments or conversations (23 percent), customer service data (21 percent), and ongoing tracking of NPS scores (15 percent) to understand customer needs.
• Only a mere 2 percent have adopted advanced techniques such as AI-driven insights to gain a deeper understanding of customer preferences and behaviors.

2. Lag in Real-Time Adaptation:

• Approximately 47 percent of leaders expressed the desire to use real-time data to inform and change their strategies instantly, but only 28 percent reported currently doing so.
• Many companies still align their strategies with three- to five-year projections (30 percent), missing out on the agility required to adapt rapidly to evolving consumer trends.

3. Traditional Approaches to Customer Involvement:

• A staggering 82 percent of organizations rely on longstanding, non-digital practices for involving customers in the development process.
• Only 15 percent use continuous monitoring of purchase or usage behavior, and a mere 3 percent do so at scale using algorithmic insights.

4. Long-Term Business Cases vs. Real-Time Adaptation:

• While 47 percent of organizations aspire to use real-time data for strategy adaptation, 30 percent still rely on long-term (3-5 years) business cases and projections.

These findings highlight a stark disconnect between ambition and execution when it comes to digital transformation. Many organizations are grappling with the challenge of embracing the real-time, data-driven, and customer-centric approaches that are essential for unlocking the full potential of digital transformation.

Bridging the Gap: Strategies for Success

To bridge the gap between aspiration and execution in digital transformation, organizations need to adopt a more strategic and holistic approach. Here are some key strategies:

1. Prioritize Customer-Centricity:

• Invest in advanced data analytics and AI-driven insights to understand customer needs, preferences, and behaviors in real-time.
• Leverage customer advisory boards, focus groups, and continuous monitoring of purchase and usage behavior to co-create products and services with customers.

2. Embrace Real-Time Decision-Making:

• Shift from long-term projections to real-time data-driven decision-making.
• Invest in technology and analytics capabilities that enable instant strategy adaptation based on real-time insights.

3. Foster a Culture of Innovation:

• Encourage a culture of continuous experimentation and innovation.
• Empower teams to explore new products, services, and go-to-market strategies based on real-time data.

4. Invest in Digital Infrastructure:

• Ensure that the organization has the necessary digital infrastructure and tools to collect, process, and analyze real-time data.
• Collaborate with technology partners to stay at the forefront of digital capabilities.

5. Educate and Empower Leadership:

• Provide leadership teams with training and resources to understand the value of digital transformation.
• Foster a mindset of adaptability and openness to change.

Digital transformation holds immense potential for driving business growth and innovation. However, organizations must bridge the gap between aspiration and execution to reap the full benefits. By prioritizing customer-centricity, embracing real-time decision-making, fostering a culture of innovation, investing in digital infrastructure, and educating leadership, companies can position themselves for success in the digital age. The journey may be challenging, but the rewards are substantial for those who can truly unleash the power of digital transformation.

This content was originally posted on Medium.

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With the 1st day of 2022 approaching, there is no need to wait until the new year to begin planning goals and efforts, let’s do it now…

• Reflect on the past year’s accomplishments and setbacks to gain valuable insights and lessons for the future.
• Set aside time each day for self-care and personal growth, whether it’s reading a book, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in a hobby you enjoy.
• Take steps to improve your financial well-being by setting a budget, saving money, or exploring new investment opportunities.
• Connect with loved ones and strengthen relationships by organizing regular gatherings or scheduling quality time together.
• Embrace new technologies and leverage them to enhance productivity, creativity, and communication in your personal and professional life.

The people we interact with and actions we take impact future outcomes. Hire a coach, seek guidance from a mentor, challenge yourself to exceed expectations, and consistently take action towards your goals.

Wylie Blanchard.

Let’s meet up in 2022.

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With the 1st day of 2021 approaching, there is no need to wait until the new year to begin planning goals and efforts, let’s do it now…

• Learn a new speaking language to exercise your mind muscles and your ability to connect to other cultures.
• Learn a new programing language to, again, exercise your brain muscles and to also improve your understanding of coding syntaxes. 
• Start a video log, for yourself, your family or the world – because we already spend much of our life online, creating and sharing content on social media sites – its time to start curating content at the highest engagement medium available – video.

The people we interact with and actions we take impact future outcomes. Higher a coach, ask a mentor for help, demand excellence from yourself, and never stop taking action.

Wylie Blanchard

Let’s meet up in 2021.

In the meantime here are a few of my activities from 2020:

• Discussion with Traci Cox: The Value of Business Partnerships
• Discussion with Jason Patel: Moving from Individual Contributor to Business and Strategy Leader.
• Discussion with Sean T. O’Kelly: Leveraging Technology for Revenue Growth.
• UIUC Gies Business highlights Wylie Blanchard.
• Discussion with Eric Livergood: Smart Technology Road Mapping.
• Discussion with Teneika Askew: Empowering Decision Making with Data Visualization.
• Destroying the Glass Ceiling: Lotus Buckner panel discussion. 
• Discussion with Sanford Hess: Government Information Technology Management and Change.
• Discussion with Susanne Tedrick: Developing a Game Plan to Thrive as Technology Evolves.
• Discussion with Chris Hyde: Making a Difference with Data Analytics.
• 5 cloud security concepts that non-technical technology professionals should understand.
• Student Challenge

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I recently had a conversation with colleagues who work in roles related to Cloud Technology but not in a technical capacity. Our conversation focused on Cloud Security – why it is important and what key concepts they should understand.

Why it is important.

For those working with Cloud Technology, but not in a technical capacity, it may not be your core responsibility to answer deep-dive questions about cloud security,.. we have I T Security and Compliance teams for that. However, it can be refreshing for clients (internal and external) to know that we think about cloud security and that we are not completely ignorant on the topic.

If you are just getting started on your journey to understanding cloud security, and you’re figuring out where your role as a Technology professional ends and your I T Security and Compliance teams responsibility begins, here are five things that you should know about Cloud Security to get you started. I encourage you to research each topic and to begin discussing it with others. 

1. Shared Space.

Publishing software and services on a cloud platform, and making it accessible over the web, often means that your “digital stuff” sits on the same physical computing machine (computer or server) that is also used by other entities. However, it is done so in a way that each entity is contained in its very own container (container = a self-contained virtual space) that is not aware of the other containers on that machine. This also means that good cloud providers ensure that processes are in place to prevent other customers from accessing your container.

2. Trusted API Platforms/Environments.

An Application Program Interface (API), is a layer between different parts of a computer program. It is intended to simplify the process of connecting to a program or computing system. Though companies can build and host their own API, it is now very popular for companies to use an API Management Platform or a Cloud API provider to give their customers a simplified way to connect to their services and data. Using an API Management Platform or Cloud API provider can help protect an API from hackers and help manage how internet traffic impacts your applications. It is important to ask which API Management Platform or Cloud API environment is being used when connecting your application to another company’s API. Do you trust the API Management Platform or Cloud API environment that they use?

3. Secure Transfer (HTTP vs HTTPS).

HTTP stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol. HTTP uses a specific set of procedures, known as Transfer Control Protocol (TCP), to send and receive data over the web – allowing computing machines to communicate with websites. HTTP is typically thought of as an unsecured way to communicate over the web even though security measures can be put in place to protect it. 

HTTPS stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure and it also uses TCP to send and receive data over the web but it has an extra layer of security in place that tells web browsers (Chrome, FireFox, Safari) that the connection is trustworthy. HTTPS does this by issuing an SSL Certificate (Secure Sockets Layer Certificate), which is authenticated and signed by a Certificate Authority (CA). A CA is like a Judge who writes a court order indicating that the way your website sends and receives data over the web is trustworthy and that order has the Judge’s signature on it so everyone knows that it is official. Overall, a website that uses HTTPS means that it is connecting to your machine in a secure way and that secure connection is indeed trustworthy. 

Note: It does not mean that those who created the website do not intend to do harm to you. It just means that the data sent between your machine and the website will not be seen by those scanning the public web. 

Note: Each web browser has a specific list of Certificate Authorities that it trusts. Typically, when you see a padlock symbol in the top left corner of the browser then the website that you are visiting is using HTTPS and has a certificate signed by a Certificate Authority that the browser trusts. 

4. Encryption.

We often talk about encrypting data at rest and in transit. However, we often don’t ask how it is being accessed by services and applications within the same entity. What happens when two cloud applications owned by the same company, on the same server and/or in the same container talk to one another? What happens when data is deleted? Start asking these questions.

5. Employees.

The greatest security threat is employees. Your company should have a training plan to educate employees on how to handle potential cloud security threats, a knowledge base library for where to learn about the topic and directions on who to contact in the event of a potential threat. As for the training strategy for non-technical employees, its very simple: Train them on security and then train them again … and then train them again.

If you have more cloud security topics for Non-Technical Technology Professionals that you’d like to share, feel free to message me via Linkedin.

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With the 1st day of 2020 approaching, there is no need to wait until the new year to begin planning goals and efforts, let’s do it now…

• Learn a new technical skill to push your career-expertise to the next step.
• Travel to a new destination to immerse yourself in new cultures, interactions and experiences.
• Ask yourself, “What am I avoiding that I should be taking on headfirst, then take action on it.”

The people we interact with and actions we take impact future outcomes. Higher a coach, ask a mentor for help, demand excellence from yourself, and never stop taking action.

Wylie Blanchard

Let’s meet up in 2020.

In the meantime here are a few of my activities from 2019:

• Reflection: Global Immersion in Brazil 2019
• Interview with Eric Schmuttenmaer: Building Executive Presence for Technical Professionals
• Interview with Don Alava: Integrating Digital and Traditional Marketing
• Reflection: Global Immersion in Germany 2019
• 2+2 Information Technology and Management Bachelor’s Degree Program – College of DuPage
• SQL Saturday Chicago – 2019

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Originally posted at www.GreatTechPros.com.

Excerpt from the Interview:

Wylie Blanchard: What tips do you have for individuals who are new in their career, transitioning in their career or just interested in building their executive presence?  What tips do you have on how they can build their personal branding and their executive presence?

Eric Schmuttenmaer: The first one that comes to me is listening… It is a combination of listening and learning. So if you’re coming new into something,.. find the people that are in the area that you want to be in or that you want to improve upon and get notes on them. Find out where they have succeeded and replicate those in your world or, work to replicate those in the world and find out, more importantly, where they failed and why they failed… Learn where those common pitfalls are for where you want to be from individuals who are already there and then avoid those as much as you can. It’s not gonna be a hundred percent but do your best to do that. It takes a level of listening and slowly learning. You’re not going to boil the ocean but take those little key moments, those little tiny moments, of takeaways from other people’s lives.

Useful Links:

• Connect with Eric Schmuttenmaer on Linkedin.
• Learn more about AMITA Health.
• Follow on Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Watch or Listen to Great Tech Pros anytime, anywhere.

• Watch on YouTube,
• Tune in on Facebook Watch,
• Eavesdrop on Google Podcasts,
• Listen on Spotify,
• Be all ears on Apple Podcasts,
• and more.

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In this article, we’ll explore the disadvantages of a mass communication approach to Business-To-Consumer (B2C) communication and how digital media technologies can help overcome these issues.

One disadvantage for businesses that use mass communication is that they cannot accurately identify demand for their products and services because their delivery method focuses on reaching the largest amount of audiences as efficiently as possible. An example of this is advertising at sporting events that attract large amounts of consumers due to its popularity. Though they reach a large number of people, they lose out on ensuring that they are advertising directly to the individuals who are specifically interested in their products and services.

Another disadvantage for these B2C’s is that they cannot directly reach consumers on almost all digital media platforms. For instance, by advertising via television commercials only, they may miss out on advertising to consumers via online delivery channels like video streaming, blog content, and mobile application advertisements.

Businesses can overcome traditional communication limitations by using advertising analytic tools and services that can “chew through terabytes of data and hundreds of variables in real-time” to measure how people interact with advertisements across multiple media channels and to determine what marketing efforts really work, according to Wes Nichols’ Harvard Business Review article “Advertising Analytics 2.0”. Doing this can help a company determine the exact combination of digital ads including location, placement, and time, that most effectively stimulated the desired engagement with their target audience.

Next, we’ll explore three ideas that impact how businesses communicate through their public website.

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