The changes in the work environment has significant impacts on each individual. International competition, globalization and modern technology have prompted organizations to consider downsizing, restructuring, and outsourcing as business strategies and hence, making the work environment more competitive then ever before. In today’s society, and especially in business, it is important to prevail among others and stand out in order to be successful.

Working on parallel projects, tight schedules and deadlines, high workload, demanding customers and clients, increasing global competition, high degree of flexibility and availability – those are important key factors that characterize and coin the dynamic work environment of the 21st century. Working under these “conditions” will lead to higher pressure that is burden on professionals; no matter if the individual is employed or self-employed.

To bear the pressure and face the challenges, professionals need to be flexible and able to adjust to the changing conditions. But how to manage and coordinate all these business activities, especially in such complex and dynamic environment? The answer is rather simple: you need appropriate tools, for example a management software, and the right methodology. Then, you are prepared to face the challenges of the modern work environment.

If you want to keep a competitive advantage in the long-run, you should think about different ways and options on how to manage your business activities.

To sum up, it can be said, that the work environment of the 21st century has changed – it has become more complex and more dynamic. With increasing complexity, the pressure on individuals increases too. To bear the pressure, appropriate tools and methods are needed, otherwise you run the risk of excessive demand, stress, overextended deadlines, and unsatisfied customers.

In my opinion, there are two key factors that are decisive for long-term success of consultants. No matter if they are employed or self-employed:

Relationships with clients and a qualified business network

Throughout my whole professional live, I only have had long-term success with clients when I was actively involved in projects from the early stage (before the project even started). I was less successful when I was involved at the end of the delivery chain or from enquiries from purchase based on know-how and required skills. For me, the most promising indicator for success is if your customers see you as an expert in a certain field or trusted advisor to consultate. Then, you have achieved the top of the pyramide.

The pyramid shows four different stages that you can pass through. First, on the bottom of the pyramid, there is the supplier. He is the one who is enquired from the purchase department. Preferred suppliers, on the next level, are suppliers who listed on a special data sheet and will be enquired preferred by the purchase department. Having achieved this position in the market, the step to become a partner is not far away. Partners are specialists in a certain field who enjoy a special status due to good experiences when it comes to assigning projects. On the top of the pyramid, there is the trusted advisor who gives advice and support. He is often involved in the decision-making process and the planning right from the beginning.

How does this impact your daily work? In my opinion, the aim for long-term success is to build up a strong relationship with your client and hence, move from the position of a supplier to the one of a trusted advisor. As a trusted advisor, you are involved in the whole process – from the (early) planning to the implementation. Your expertise is asked for and therefore, your opinion (and of course, your approach) is highly valued.

You should ask yourself where on the pyramid you are and where do you want to go? Having identified your position, you should think about appropriate actions on how to work your way up to the top.

From my experience, I can say that this process is based on projects with an excellent track record and the circumstance, that your client has build up trust in you as a reliable person. But this will take time. At the end of the day, this will reduce your overall efforts to be billable with that you become a key player in your clients’s projects.

Demographical changes are next to globalization one of the greatest challenges for economy, politics, and society. More frequently decision-makers advise of the problems and challenges that will result from population development. Both, employees and companies have to make arrangements for changing basic conditions. Looking around, the work environment of the 21st century has dramatically changed – speed, volume, and complexity of work has increased. People do not longer work for only one company throughout their lives – it is rather common today to change the employer every three to five years.

Furthermore, the classical “9-to-5” job does not exist anymore. Life is moving faster – and hence, growing more complex. Flexible work hours and different workplaces have therefore become common. Setting work hours according to the individual’s requirements and giving them the “freedom” to work from home presents how the work environemt has changed. Flexibility is hereby the “magic” word. To be flexible (and successful) in such a dynamic work environment, basic tools and methods are needed to coordinate your daily business activities. (more…)

The everyday life of an independant professional is characterized through project work or consulting, administration and various sales activities to keep or to improve your position in your professional environment. Focussed self-marketing is one of the upcoming challenges in the work environment in the 21th century.

Have you ever thought about your personal value proposition which makes you as a person more interesting than the others in your competition for new projects? Work it out! It helps you spending time on sales activities with the highest chance to close a deal and at the end of the day the highest chance to increase your productivity:

• What is your customer aiming to achieve?
• Why does your customer need to act?
• What are the critical success factors for your customer?
• What is your solution?
• What are the benefits for your customer (measurable if possible)?
• And at the end: Why you and not anyone else?

If you don´t find a clear and transparent answer to one of this 6 questions – spend your time on more promising sales possibilities. It saves time and increases your efficency.

From now on we are no longer developing our software tool in stealth mode, but we are ready to present it to the world. Our Beta version is finished.
We have created a strategic weapon, designed exactly for the working environment of the 21st century. It’s a software which puts you in control, not somebody else.

To give you a main idea about it, here some key facts:
It’s a Goal, Time and Contact Management software based on P2P functionality.

With DAISHO you can…

• easily track your goals
• plan your capacity goal-oriented and on a long-term basis with time budgeting
• manage your goals and activities effectively with the context concept
• save time
• create and cultivate your social network successfully

DAISHO gives you transparency and more space for value adding activities. Well used, you get the ROI already after a few days.

We want to encourage you to test the Beta-Version of DAISHO for free and without limitation.
You can download it here: http://www.daisho-blacksmith.de/en/download/

We are well aware that this version needs final polishing. Therefore we really appreciate any feedback from you. As we want to provide you with the optimal tool, we need your support and your help. Please write any suggestions to: feedback@daisho-blacksmith.com.

We hope you enjoy testing DAISHO!