[Business Information Article – January 2016]
75% of children entering school in 2015 will be working in a profession that does not yet exist today*. This observation, intrinsically linked to the widespread adoption of digital technologies, requires companies to undergo major transformations in the coming years, particularly regarding the evolution of skills. Too often seen as a threat, digital technology can become a real opportunity for these companies. An idea distilled by Jean-Baptiste Gouin and its talenco teams that support the structures in these major evolutions.
Whether we like it or not, the digital revolution is underway and is likely to leave some carriages on the tracks. Indeed, while 57% of French companies have indeed identified digital as a medium-term strategic focus, only 36% of them have already formalized a digital strategy** despite alarming forecasts regarding the future of non-innovative companies by 2020. This is therefore no longer an option for many organizations: innovation is becoming one of the key factors of competitiveness, And it even serves as a prerequisite for survival. In addition to technological progress, the approaches taken in this regard must incorporate changes in consumers« purchasing patterns. “It must be considered that more than 80% of customers who visit a point of sale or branch have already done so online, whether on the website of a product, brand, or on comparison sites. It should also be noted that 59% of French people buy online, while only 11% of French companies sell online.”.
However, too few companies have taken into account these changes in the daily lives of sales teams and understood the need to adapt their practices,» points out Jean Baptiste Gouin, founder of the company Talenco. Drawing on his expertise in this concept of customer relationship, this entrepreneur has observed that, beyond the mere sales force, «all the company’s departments were affected» by the use of these new technologies. This observation led to the creation of talenco: a firm that is now positioned as a specialist in training for the impact of digital technologies on all company departments. «The idea was to support all the company’s departments in their transformations by using new digital-related practices,» emphasizes the Director. This is an ambitious goal that the young company is pursuing based on a well-structured methodology.
Learning in the age of Multichannel
Talenco’s methodology is based on 4 phases.
– It is necessary, in the first instance, to’To enlighten the Executives and Management Committees Regarding the issues of digital transformation, defining their own transformation plan and new Professional Reference Frameworks. Beyond the traditional solutions of Digital workshops or coaching, talenco also offers «Learning Expeditions» or «Reverse Mentoring».
– Then comes the phase of awareness-raising of all employees to the challenges of this transformation. An essential part during which the experts involved focus more on the aspects of new customer or consumer behaviors, rather than on the technological aspect.
– The third step consists of developing new practices for each of the professions (Marketing, Communication, Customer Relations, HR…) in the form of classroom training, virtual classes, etc.
– Finally, the last step is to Supporting managers in their key role of implementing, within the organization itself, new, more collaborative work modes that will underpin the culture of innovation.
A well-established system deployed through a network of 70 trainers that the company cultivates with great pride. These hybrid consultants combine professional expertise with digital expertise, to which is added a strong aptitude for pedagogy, both in the design of training and in the management of social learning. Jean-Baptiste Gouin therefore demands that each of his employees have experienced this transformation within a company: «I ask them to have lived it from the inside and to be eager to pass on this passion for digital culture.»
A passion, certainly, but a necessity above all.
*According to a study by Cathy N Davidson – Duke University
**Roland Berger study 2014 «The digital adventure, an opportunity for France»