As we all find ourselves in the middle of challenging times, there is a new wave of commentary about how we need to keep an eye to the future to ensure success.  Two reports have really struck a chord here:  ‘The Forward Thinking Report’ from the Institute of Directors and Barclays Bank PLC and ‘Web 2.0 and the evolution of Instructional design’ from Inside Learning Technologies.

Whilst focusing on the culture of the Internet, a report on Web 2.0 clearly points out how our experiences in the virtual world are influencing our decisions and thought processes in the actual one.  The lessons include how small firms don’t need to reach critical mass to enjoy economies of scale as: “five-person companies can use Salesforce.com for customer relationship management.  Expect to see a learning equivalent soon”.  Also, it reports how the power of networks proves that collaborative ‘team’ thinking is powerful.   And yet, the Internet has given rise to greater personal power as individuals can conduct their own education, find their own inspiration, shape their environment and share their adventures with whoever is interested.  Clearly, knowledge is the new power.

So knowledge about the future is key.   This brings us to the Forward Thinking Report by the Institute of Directors UK.  It offers fascinating advice that can only be considered properly if we have a mindset that even in present times, when getting to the end of the financial quarter seems daunting for many, that we do need to seriously plan for the future.  As David Taylor, entrepreneur, author and chairman of Woking FC says: “The time is ripe for bravery. It’s time to be companies to turn on a sixpence and manage their way out of this situation quickly”.

The report takes a look at forward thinking in the UK, examines the barriers to forward thinking (lack of time and too busy worrying about today mostly), analyses forward thinking by sectors, regions and company size, examines the practicalities of implementing forward thinking across an organisation and then gives practical steps that businesses can implement immediately to create their own 20/20 vision for the future.

In summary, it states that: “The world is there for those businesses that think ahead, plan, and then move fast to act with resolve and precision.  In short, those that get things done better, faster.”  One of the key elements to competitive advantage is making time to think and thinking faster and better by accessing all the knowledge and information you possibly can.  And the most trusted source of information comes from the web.

So get Doxmarting today to find or offer that knowledge to give you a platform for future success.