In order to succeed and thrive in the current and ever-changing digital landscape, leaders will have to regular review their methods, strategies and management styles. The way we work, share data and communicate has arguably changed for good and there ate certain traits shared by successful business leaders.
Among these skills and traits are: the ability to communicate effectively, having a results-driven approach and the ability to innovate.
In order for e-commerce businesses to be competitive and flourish in the $4.213 trillion ecommerce global market, leaders require a specific skill-set, including a marketing savvy approach and technical mindset.
Data is key
In e-commerce, data has become essential. By utilizing data, e-ecommerce experts are able to identify patterns to prepare for, spot errors to amend, create targets and benchmarks to measure against and review progress regularly.
Along with using data to review information already out there, e-commerce experts can use the insights they have gathered for optimal forecasting; from marketing strategy, to inventory planning, shipping strategy and more.
The ability to embrace change
As highlighted earlier, e-commerce and the digital industry as a whole is ever-changing. Leaders who can embrace and adapt to change will thrive best in the current climate. The way customers shop, the avenues available to them and technology have changed in recent times. As a result, leaders are required and must be comfortable to adapt quickly.
Change is necessary, but it also must be logical. Without a workforce believing in change, it won’t be a successful transition. Great leaders inspire their team to follow their pursuit for change, signifying that the change will be beneficial and rewarded.
Adopting Trends
Snapchat has announced a new partnership with advertising giant WPP which will see the two work together on new projects that will facilitate the creation of AR ads for WPP clients.
This is an example of technology and consumer trends which are driving e-commerce innovation, in particular, VR and AR. The way consumers shop are being transformed by mobile commerce, new in-store experiences and voice commerce. E-commerce leaders who fail to recognise and respond to these trends, risk setbacks and potentially losing customers.
Being Customer Centric
Data (as touched on previously), is a great way to gather insights about customers and their buying habits. A great way for an e-commerce leader to get a better understanding of their customers in the digital world, is to think like the customer, almost putting themselves in their shoes. By identifying patterns, needs and what the customer expects, leaders are then able to offer a suitable shopping experience for them.
Social media channels, community management, purchase history and influencer interaction are considered an effective way to analyse customer behaviours. This then opens the door for valuable communication and interactions, leading to happy and loyal customers.
Delving into Marketing
As well as attracting customers to your website and providing them with a unique experience, leading to sales, marketing plays an equally important part in operations. Some of the most valuable marketing skills an e-commerce leader can possess include effective copywriting skills, SEO competence, email marketing and automation platform expertise, and having an eye for design.
The e-commerce space is more competitive than ever, and customers are demanding a good shopping experience. As a leader, it’s not just knowing and evaluating your skills which is important, but knowing when to delegate weaker areas to more experienced experts in their discipline, is also important and a better chance for success.