Big data has broken down the many of the geographical barriers that have traditionally impeded success on the global stage. Companies of all sizes are investing in data-driven solutions to create seamless marketing strategies that transcend national barriers.
Making the Plunge and Using Big Data to Thrive as a Global Brand
Harvard Business School recently published an insightful piece on the intersection of big data and globalization. The authors pointed out that big data is driving the rules of the game as more companies move towards a digitalized, global branding strategy.
If you are a late adopter and you still haven’t started to embrace the wonders of big data on a global scale, perhaps it is time to pause for a moment and reconsider your reluctance to make the transition.
You may be one of those people who like to feel that you have not needed the internet for the last sixty years and you see no reason why you need it now. You may feel even less of urgency to move towards big data if you didn’t even need the Internet. This is a huge mistake.
While you might not understand and regard yourself as a bit of a digital philistine, there are plenty of people who are taken full advantage of the benefits of big data. So, if you have yet to embrace the world of digitalization and big data, here are a few quick motivations why you need to start thinking smartly.
First port of call
There is one universal constant across all industries. Whatever your line of business, in the modern world when people are looking to find a solution to their problem. They need businesses that solve that need.
They no longer turn to the telephone book. According to one digital marketing company that we spoke with, the yellow pages that people used thirty years ago are now completely obsolete. They have been replaced by Google and other search engines. Here are some shocking statistics on the benefits of search:
- 86% of customers look up businesses on Google Maps
- 65% use their smartphones during the buying process
- People are many times more likely to buy from a company with positive reviews online
Whatever it is that a prospective client needs, people will look for it on Google. If you don’t have a digital presence then you will not be discovered. So, if nothing else, start with a simple brochure site that states what you do and where you can be found and contacted. You will be amazed by how many leads it generates for you.
This is even more important for a global company. Your customers will only look for your business online, so you need to understand the benefits of using big data to reach them.
Reach the world
Any page on the internet can be accessed from anywhere in the world. So, in short, as soon as you create a website or social media page for yourself you are opening yourself up to global opportunities, by the way using SEO technology will only increase your chances. This might seem like overkill and that may well be true, but what is important here is that you recognize the reach that the internet has. It takes you into your community and beyond and, perhaps more importantly it, it creates a presence for you alongside your competitors. You don’t want your clients to think that you are not around anymore.
An EIU study found this is especially important if you are trying to reach customers in China. This study found that big data and globalization are both essential to success in this market.
Stay up to date
The internet is a great way to let people know that you exist, but it is also a great resource to use in terms of staying up to date with the latest trends and fashions in your industry. It doesn’t matter what industry you are in, trends change. Social media platforms like Instagram, FaceBook and Twitter are great ways to stay up to date with what the masses are doing. You can also use the web to do research, to run your own social channels and to interact with potential customers. In short, the internet opens up a world of opportunities and to be without it, no matter what your industry, is to be going backwards and being left behind.
Big Data and Globalization Are the Keys to Thriving in the New Economy
Whatever business you are in, you are going to be touched by the changes of big data and globalization. You need to recognize the benefits and invest in them to get the most results in the new economy.
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