STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE. A REVOLUTION IS COMING.

Technology and the use of technology is accelerating and proliferating every day. Data is collected around us, by us, for us and sometimes without our knowledge. This change is often not obvious to us and may appear to be complex and mystifying for those who have not grown up with it. But these changes are accelerating because the benefits can be extraordinary.

Many seemingly insignificant and useless pieces of information create a picture of who we are and our individual preferences. Every click adds to our profile. Our cell phones, computers and tablets help with the collection of this data and the Internet facilitates the transmission, storage, and response to the data that is collected. The analysis of the data collected results in a series of “ah ha” moments that lead to an evolution and even a revolution in the way customers are served, products are delivered or even how information is presented and to whom.

Retailers are at the forefront of this revolution. They have realized thatif they succeed in capturing relevant data they will be able to generate valuable insights for personalized marketing campaigns, optimized inventory and streamlined distribution and operations.

Industries and companies constantly go through change. Internally generated changes generally are small and incremental and often pave the tried and trusted path using a new technology to make it interesting. What we often miss is the big “Ah Ha” because making this jump is too scary and often involves career-risking actions. Most companies embrace big changes as a measure to survive during dire times but why wait?

In an increasingly competitive, vigilant and ever changing landscape, those who are willing to take risks, step out of their comfort zone and into uncertainty will be those who will reap the biggest rewards and achieve the greatest success. Stepping out of our comfort zones pushes our own self-limiting boundaries. Giving up our security blankets allows us to create new opportunities, build capacity and confidence. How many times have you heard of someone that stepped out of his or her comfort zone after being fired? Necessity the mother of all invention prompted them to follow a dream, venture into a new field or opened up a business? Typically those individuals in retrospective at present time see “being fired” as a catalyst to their success because it pushed their boundaries.

The oil industry as a result of the price crisis is now positioned to make drastic changes. Companies have operated and run their businesses the same way for decades, paving the way with new shiny technologies but never really changing the way the business is run.

Using the new technologies and data collection processes gives businesses a unique ability to revolutionize what is done and to completely change the cost structures and resources deployed to deliver the goods.

I believe that “a revolution is coming” expand your perimeter, step out of your comfort zone, embrace change and technology. Are you ready?