We live in unparalleled times. Almost everything is changing. And change will affect you, and it’s a dangerous assumption to think it won’t. Now, more than ever before, you need to be smart about Intelligence.
Intelligence isn’t the same as information and data. It’s about you and your competitors. Also, it’s about reporting concisely to decision makers in an easily actionable manner. It’s about protecting the well-being of your business.
1. Intelligence is smart and future-proof
Learning what your competition is doing is a game changer. So you need to know who has their eyes on your business and marketplace. Also, you have to understand what they’re planning and determine what to do about it. So, don’t make the mistake of relying on only single sources such as Salesforce reports. Establishing what’s really happening with complete impunity is vital.
2. Understand the impact of new technologies
Right now, stories of technology replacing humans are commonplace. Do you have an understanding of how technology is likely to impact your marketplace? Or a conduit to how technology could open up new market opportunities for your business? Or for that matter your competition? How about technology aiding your productivity? However, this isn’t about product development. It’s about what will happen and how it will impact you.
3. Gives you the heads up on buying, selling and investing
When buying, selling or investing in a business, it’s a mistake to assume financial reports give useful intelligence. These are focused on historical information rather than what is really happening now and is likely to happen shortly. So, the smart thing to do is to confirm historical information, and use matrices to supplement historical data. In other words, find out about the skeletons in the cupboard.
4. Protects what you have
Can you be entirely sure that there are no dangers lurking within your organisation? Are plans being made to take vital information, secrets or practices to set up in competition? The truth is this happens more frequently than many business leaders realise. It’s usually a complete shock and can be utterly devastating when it happens. Be proactive, and be informed ahead of events. Smart intelligence protects your business.
5. Supports you to build international business
The challenges of building new opportunities can be daunting. So imagine the problems like those above happening in entirely unknown territories. By engaging professional support that is intimately aware of the local dynamics, culture and political landscape – and a whole host of things the export advisors never tell you – you can have more confidence in the people and country that you are investing in.
6. Ensures you have the right people
How much work do recruiters really undertake to fully inform you about the people you may be placing great store in? Smart intelligence gives you the heads up on new senior employees, business partners, suppliers and service providers.
There many protocols you can apply before making decisions to engage with people before you commit. Even in this age of technology, people are the ones that make the difference, cost the most and can be your biggest asset or most significant liability.
