Digital is definitely not an easy environment to work in! What is the right mind-set to adopt to work in this industry?
If we look back about 20 years ago, we realize how the world of work has been completely turned upside down.
Digital transformation has impacted at a super-fast pace creating completely new jobs and market sectors, but also revolutionizing existing jobs. In fact, any profession today combines technical, management and interpersonal skills with IT and digital skills.
Not to mention automation, which has affected almost all business processes, and the digitization of work environments, thanks also to the massive advent of smart working.
In short, the changes that have affected us over the last 20 years will become more and more frequent and innovation will be necessary.
But you marketers who want to work in digital, what have you gotten yourself into?
Don't be afraid: in addition to skills, for which you need to study and train a lot, it's also a matter of mind-set!
With this term we refer to the way we interpret the information coming from outside. To make it simple: our typical way of thinking and our beliefs.
But why is mind-set so important for digital work?
Because this kind of context has peculiarities that you can't change. What you can do, however, is adopt a mind-set that manages to be in tune with it and thus make things a little bit easier.
THE MINDSET OF DIGITAL WORKERS
1. Able to change
Several studies estimate that by 2030, several new professions will be created at an even faster pace than in recent years. The nature of your role will require you to know how to evolve, to learn about new areas of your specialization, but also to take on entirely new roles.
In addition, it's very likely that you'll find yourself working 'on projects' from the get-go: looking and hoping for the permanent position will be quite counterproductive if you want to work in this field.
Add to that the ability to work flexibly whenever you want from anywhere in the world, and you'll have a very good idea of how new things are the order of the day.
Getting out of your comfort zone should not be a problem, on the contrary, change should become a habit of challenges and an awareness that you can and should improve with experience, practice and study.
2. Entrepreneurial
According to a recent Nielsen study, Generation Z will be the most entrepreneurial generation ever. In fact, digital professions go hand in hand with an entrepreneurial type of mindset.
This doesn't mean that you have to start your own company, but that you recognize every project as an opportunity to grow professionally and personally. So it means working with a sense of dedication, proactivity, strategic and creative vision, but it also means being able to seize opportunities and turn ideas into action.
3. Fast and up-to-date
You'll need to organize your work yourself, perhaps even remotely, and you may find yourself managing several projects at once, each of which naturally has a deadline.
So speed is important, but it doesn't mean that you have to work in a frenetic way, always feeling at a loss. On the contrary, you should learn to manage your time so strategically that you can work with greater peace of mind and work-life balance.
Speed doesn't only characterize your activities, but also the environment around you. We have already said that the digital market changes frequently and presents constant novelties. The risk of becoming obsolete is high if you lag behind. Keep up to date: read news, take training courses, follow your competitors on social networks.
4. Transversal
Digital work is never a standalone task within an organization: you'll be part of a team or working closely with other business functions. Knowing how to listen and mediate between your role and others in the company will be of fundamental importance in achieving your goals.
5. Aware of your value
There are many digital professions that are seen as a perk or a plus by companies, and not as a must-have role. You'll often find yourself trying to communicate your value to employers as well as within the company you work for.
It's important to acquire the ability not to let people walk all over you - if you have an idea that you think will work, express it! - but at the same time also the ability to communicate in a convincing and attractive way. Obviously, to be reliable, the first to believe in your value must be you!
Conclusion
In short, working in digital is certainly not easy, but with the right mind-set you can grow and make your work highly stimulating and creative!
Remember that you have chosen an industry that is constantly changing: try to be ready to adopt the points We suggested above!
Did you find this article helpful? We'd love it if you'd share your journey with us and let us know which of these points you already have or which you'd like to develop!
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