Businesses That Will Never Go Out of Market
You can't predict when a pandora's box of business-shifting technology will change your life, but you'll know it when you feel it. The same can be said for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), which is already upending industries and creating new opportunities.
What is the Fourth Industrial Revolution?
Simply put, the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is a broad umbrella term that encompasses all the technologies and platforms that will shape the future of work.
It starts with AI, which is already disrupting many industries, including marketing, sales, and consulting. Next, blockchain technology will redefine how business gets done as we know it. And, then, autonomous vehicles and digital twins will create unprecedented levels of efficiency and productivity across all industries, including logistics, marketing, and sales.
What will all of this look like? More importantly, how will you benefit from aligning your business with these transformative technologies? We've put together a short list of industries that will never go out of market and how you can position your business to take full advantage of these growing trends.
The Marketing Automation 4IR Suite
Marketing automation is the system that helps marketing and sales professionals stay organized and connected with their audience. It can range from simple lead-capture forms to elaborate automated email campaigns. No matter what your style, you'll find a tool that suits you.
The suite of 4IR technologies that fall under the marketing automation umbrella will continue to evolve in response to customers' changing needs. In 2021, HubSpot created a new division named Aftermarket, which is dedicated to bringing better marketing tools to smaller business.
Based on what we know about the future of marketing and sales, HubSpot's decision makes sense. Consumers will have more contact with brands, products, and services through channels like social media. As a result, marketers will have to adjust their strategies to engage with customers where they prefer to connect online. The rise of digital nomads and the gig economy means that customers become more transient, and marketers will need to adapt to maintain engagement.
To prepare for the future of marketing and sales, you need to integrate systems that can track and analyze marketing performance. The marketing automation 4IR Suite does just that, delivering proven best practices that help you plan, implement, and optimize your marketing strategy.
AI, Mobile, And More
In the 3rd Industrial Revolution, technology enabled people to work remotely, take advantage of new opportunities, and change the way we live. Today, the 4th Industrial Revolution is allowing businesses to operate and customers to engage with brands remotely, on the move, and even on new devices.
AI is being used in more places than we've ever seen it before, from chatbots that automate customer support to marketing automation that drives revenue and growth. Mobile users can access the internet, social media, and their phone's camera from almost anywhere, which allows for unprecedented levels of digital nomadism.
While AI and mobile continue to evolve, the need for human contact and personal attention still exists. Whether you're sending out a sales rep to meet with a key contact or requiring a brand ambassador to interact with customers on your behalf, the demand for personal contact continues to grow.
Logistics
What does the future of work look like: more businesses shifting to a remote workforce, more customer contact through email or chat, and fewer physical interactions?
In 2021 alone, 40% of the workforce will be engaging with customers and the digital world through email and chat interactions. That's more than 320 million email interactions and 220 million chat sessions as recorded by Comscore. You can be sure that your customers will be contacting you through one of those channels (or all of them).
To respond efficiently to these customer interactions and close sales, you'll need a logistics partner who can help move and track your products — from raw materials all the way to finished goods. In the future of work, artificial intelligence and machine learning will play a crucial role in optimizing the entire logistics process, from order placement to inventory optimization and cost reduction. When all of these pieces of the puzzle work together, you'll see amazing results.
Sales
Even though we're still largely dependent on face-to-face interactions in sales, online marketplaces have made it easier for customers to discover your products and services. Customers can research products and compare features and pricing easily online. In the future of work, automation and AI will play a crucial role in making your sales team more effective and efficient. Tools such as Marketo's Free plan will allow you to create complex email campaigns and automate the sales process, turning information into leads and opportunities into sales.
With sales cycles shrinking due to online research and the proliferation of digital nomads, you'll need to adjust your approach to engage with prospective customers. Instead of focusing on closing a sale as soon as possible, consider using this time to get to know your customer, understand their needs, and help them find what they want. This strategy will make your sales team more productive and, ultimately, help you close more deals. Think of all the time you'll save not having to spend in meetings and cold calls by using modern marketing tools to gain insights about your customers and prospects.
Whether you're selling a product, service, or a plan, leading your sales team in the right direction and arming them with the right tools will make a massive difference in achieving your business goals. Ensure they have everything they need to be effective while also staying connected with their loved ones back home. This type of remote working environment can be highly stressful without the right tools and processes in place, especially when handling critical tasks — such as closing deals and managing your pipeline. That's why it's important to consider everything from marketing automation and email marketing to phone calls and personal meetings. With the right tools, processes, and people, there's no limit to what you can achieve.