Caribbean businesses shifting to Digital this past month was unwanted and forced.
And you have to wonder if some entrepreneurs and leaders are realising that it’s actually a very powerful thing that has happened.
As I watch the pivots and repositioning unfold across industries especially in Agriculture, Banking and Finance, Food and Beverage, Tourism and Fitness- I have to ask…why didn’t you all do this before?
That would be a rhetorical question though. The answer is known and simple. It’s because it’s easier to talk about what you about to do, it’s also easier to follow.
For many Caribbean businesses, it became comfortable to stay where they were and just cruise and of course, there is this – no-one ever got fired for doing the same old thing that’s already working.
But, waiting to do something because you’re forced to, is not what success in this Digital Age requires. This era requires a desire, drive for growth. This era requires anticipation, a spirit of experimentation, a culture that celebrates failure because it brings wisdom. These times require businesses to do some hard things. This Digital era requires fearless leadership.
Disruptive shifts may cause us to change for right now, but it’s also inefficient and destabilising.
Maybe this is a loud and hopefully clear message to Caribbean Businesses to next time, take the lead. Not because you have to, but because you can. Because you could have done it, a long time ago.
Inspired by Seth Godin.