The digital shift which includes the internet, online business and digital products can be seen as a lifeline for businesses looking for ways to prosper in the current economic climate.

The benefits of going digital are mostly attributed to cost saving and exposure. The correct usage of digital technology and an accurate strategy have the potential to save companies millions of Rand. This could range between semi digital initiatives such as having a paperless office – Fax2Email, digital invoices, online ordering. Or even a total digital strategy where the whole business is housed online with almost no offices, staff or major expenditures.

The exposure that a digital strategy offers is unparalleled. You could be sitting in the midst of the Karoo with nothing but a laptop and run a successful online business selling hand woven scarves to European markets.

Research amongst smaller to medium business has indicated that there is a major shift towards online with a significant percentage classifying digital as a major tool in their business. There seems to be a feeling that digital plays a major role in leveling smaller businesses with their bigger rivals.

The digital world has truly come of age. The sooner we embrace digital into our everyday business dealings, the further ahead of our competition we will be.