#6 Grow Fast, Grow Global - Welcoming New Digital Platforms

Welcome to the sixth extract in my series from my book 'Grow Fast, Grow Global: 6 steps to unstoppable international growth in the digital age'. Here's an extract from chapter one introducing the idea of new digital platforms and the business benefits that can be achieved with these.

New technology platforms are springing up 

The use of digital platforms has enabled ‘unicorn’ businesses, such as Uber and Airbnb, to build and expand quickly around the world, and rapidly rise to billion-dollar valuations.  

Many of the digital services we use in our personal and business lives today were only invented in the last 20 years, yet we now depend on them every day. New, easy-to-use technology platforms and digital tools are available to quickly set up a business these days. There are tools you can use to build your own website, take payments online and easily communicate with customers at the click of a button, which have seriously changed the way  that we do business all around the world. Some names you might recognise are WordPress, Shopify, PayPal, Stripe, Amazon, eBay,  Facebook and Instagram.  

In a recent survey of exporting SMEs, two out of three exporters stated that more than 50% of their international sales depended on online tools. Furthermore, it is reported that small and medium-sized companies who have taken advantage of the internet bring in twice as much revenue than those who are not using it. 

What does this mean for your business? 

There are exciting new ways to trade out there and the smartest businesses are always striving to adapt and make the most of these new technologies. You have to get into a digital mindset  and be willing to incorporate new digital platforms and tools into the core of your business – not only to drive efficiencies, but also to build up an online relationship directly with customers all over the world. These platforms are already being used by  millions of companies across the globe, so you must keep up and not get left behind. 

If you can't wait and want to get your copy of Grow Fast, Grow Global to read at the weekend as paperback or Kindle, then buy online now.

Happy reading!