Digitalization has gone from an option to modernize your brand to a strategic necessity to survive in almost every industry.

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Sounds obvious, doesn’t it?

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Well, sometimes, companies have traditional values engraved in their DNA and are so used to doing things a certain way that digitalization may seem like a nightmare.

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Convincing stakeholders to fully embrace digital transformation can be tedious and challenging. You may feel like you have exhausted the basic steps.

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You know, education, community-building, communication, pilot projects, addressing concerns.

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So what else can you do if you’re still facing persistent resistance?

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1. Demonstrate ROI with data-driven insights

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Move beyond theoretical benefits and present empirical evidence of how digital initiatives have positively impacted similar organizations. 

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Use analytics to quantify improvements in efficiency, cost savings, customer satisfaction, and revenue growth attributable to digital tools. 

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Showcase these insights through dashboards and reports that clearly illustrate the tangible benefits of digitalization. Something everyone can understand easily. You’ll need everyone on board.

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Plus, sometimes money is stronger than tradition. Displaying economic benefits not only for the company but for its workers too can go a long way.

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2. Highlight competitive advantage and industry trends

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Conduct a detailed competitive analysis to identify how your top competitors are using digital technologies to innovate and capture market share.

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The fear of falling behind and losing relevance is powerful.

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Present industry trends and market forecasts that demonstrate how crucial digital transformation is for future sustainability and growth. 

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If you show stakeholders how early adopters are not only surviving but thriving in the digital age, they could see it as a precedent for your own company.

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Case studies are more inspiring than you think.

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3. Create a compelling vision of future opportunities

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Digitalization is, in itself, a great asset. But at times, to sell it, it’s all about presentation.

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Develop a narrative that aligns the digital initiatives with your organization’s long-term vision and goals. Prove that this new route isn’t betraying tradition, just reshaping it so it can survive.

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Innovation and agility need to be at the forefront as core drivers of adaptability and growth. Outline potential projects that make it clear how digital tools will allow you to hop on trends, expand into new markets, and enhance your services.

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Draw a roadmap every stakeholder can follow. There’s security in planning.

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4. Mitigate risks and address security concerns

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Collaborate closely with IT and cybersecurity teams to create robust risk mitigation strategies and protocols. Going digital opens more opportunities for security breaches, and that can be scary.

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Suggest investments in top-notch cybersecurity measures. Ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Build useful recovery plans. 

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Transparent communication and education regarding the safety of digital assets and sensitive information are the best ways of calming people’s (understandable) anxieties. 

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So prove your commitment to keeping operational continuity and protecting the organization’s reputation. Take good care of what they value most.

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5. Empower champions and foster cross-functional collaboration

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Identify and empower leaders who can advocate for digitalization within their respective teams. These forward-thinking stakeholders will be your biggest allies.

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Educate them so they can spread accurate information and serve as reliable evangelists. They need to work as the glue that ties the whole community together.

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Form cross-functional teams to drive digital projects forward. Encourage knowledge sharing, open dialogue, and mutual support. Break down silos to promote a unified approach to digital transformation.

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When everyone is pushing in the same direction, nothing can stop you.

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Resistance 101

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You might feel like your stakeholders are being stubborn. Hell, maybe you are being a bit stubborn, too.

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But if you truly believe in the power of the transformation you’re bringing to your company, fight for it and don’t give up.

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Be ready to listen. Find places where you can compromise. Have conversations and understand why there may be unease.

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The more resistance you encounter, the more sophisticated your approach will need to be. So be patient and remember that nothing is a one-size-fits-all solution.

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Change takes time.

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For more insights from a legacy brand that successfully underwent a digital transformation, check out this week’s episode of TOP CMO with Renfro Brands’ CMO!

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Ever thought about creating your own thought leadership content? At TOP Thought Leader, we amplify new and established voices so they can become pioneers of their generation. Get in touch with us and embark on your journey!