5 Challenges Small Businesses Face During a Digital Transformation

Susan Hayer, Ph.D • December 4, 2024

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with small businesses navigating digital transformation. I’ve seen the struggles—the tight budgets, the fear of change, and the overwhelming options—and the incredible resilience and innovation these businesses bring to the table.

I’ve learned that digital transformation isn’t just about technology; it’s about people and the values that guide them through the journey. Here are the top five challenges small businesses face during digital transformation—and how we can overcome them together.


Limited Budget and Resources

One small business I worked with—a family-owned bakery—struggled to meet demand. The business wanted to invest in a digital ordering system but felt like they couldn’t afford it. Every dollar mattered, and they worried about making the wrong choice.


We started by breaking down their goals into manageable pieces. Instead of a complex, expensive system, we implemented a simple online order form and integrated it with their existing operations. It wasn’t flashy, but it worked.


Within six months, their sales increased by 30%, and they saved hours of manual work each week. The best part? The solution cost less than $500 to set up, proving that transformation doesn’t have to break the bank.


Resistance to Change

Change is hard, especially when it feels like it’s being imposed. Employees at one small logistics company were nervous about switching to a new dispatching system. “What if this makes my job harder?” one driver asked during a meeting. Their concerns weren’t unfounded—poor implementation could have disrupted their workflows.


Instead of rushing the rollout, we involved the team early on. We held open sessions where employees could share their concerns and give them a say in configuring the new system. We also provided hands-on training so they felt confident and prepared.


By the time the system launched, those same drivers who were hesitant were showing new employees how to use it. They saw how the technology made their routes more efficient, saving them hours on the road and reducing stress.


Lack of Expertise

One of the biggest challenges for small businesses is not knowing where to start. I remember a boutique accounting firm that wanted to adopt cloud technology but didn’t have an IT department. They felt overwhelmed by the options and worried about making a mistake.


We brought in a consultant for a short-term project to help them identify the right solution and set up the system. At the same time, we trained their team so they could manage the system independently moving forward.


Within three months, they were fully operational on the cloud, improving their client experience and saving over $15,000 annually in paper and postage costs.


Integration Challenges

Integration can feel like fitting a square peg into a round hole. One small retail business I worked with wanted to adopt a new point-of-sale (POS) system, but they were worried it wouldn’t work with their existing inventory software.


We audited their current systems and identified integration requirements before committing to a solution. Then, we chose a POS system with built-in compatibility. We tested the setup in phases to ensure it worked seamlessly before going live.


The transition was smooth, and they avoided the chaos of disconnected systems. Their new setup saved them $10,000 in annual inventory management costs and helped them keep customers happy with real-time stock updates.


Balancing Day-to-Day Operations with Transformation

Running a small business is full-time, so adding digital transformation to the mix can feel impossible. I worked with a small agency that needed to implement a CRM system but couldn’t afford to let client work slip.


We broke the transformation into small, manageable phases, focusing on one department at a time. During the transition, they outsourced some administrative tasks to free up resources.


By the end of the project, the agency had a fully functional CRM system that streamlined its operations. It didn’t miss a beat with its clients. The new system increased efficiency and allowed it to take on 20% more projects.


Why This Matters

Digital transformation is more than just adopting technology—it’s about aligning your business’s goals, values, and people to create a sustainable path forward. Small businesses may face unique challenges, but with the right approach, these challenges can become opportunities to grow, innovate, and thrive.


If you’re overwhelmed by digital transformation, you’re not alone—but you don’t have to go through it alone. Let’s talk about how we can align your goals with a plan that works for your business, your team, and your budget. Together, we can make digital transformation a success story for you.

How Values-Driven Leadership Enhances AI Adoption in Organizations

By Susan Hayer, Ph.D • December 5, 2024
Artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes industries, enhances efficiencies, and drives innovation. However, the success of AI adoption hinges not solely on technological prowess but significantly on leadership that embodies and promotes core organizational values. A values-driven leadership approach ensures that AI integration aligns with ethical standards, promotes trust, and encourages collaboration, ultimately leading to sustainable and impactful AI implementation. Building Trust Through Transparency and Integrity The introduction of AI can elicit employee concerns regarding job security, ethical implications, and workflow changes. Addressing these concerns requires leaders to cultivate an environment of trust. Transparency: Leaders should openly communicate AI adoption's objectives, processes, and expected outcomes. This includes clarifying how AI will be used, the data it will process, and its impact on various organizational roles. Transparent communication demystifies AI and alleviates uncertainties. Integrity: Ensuring that AI systems are developed and deployed ethically is key. Leaders must commit to ethical AI practices, such as avoiding algorithm biases and ensuring data privacy. This commitment reinforces the organization's integrity and builds confidence among employees and stakeholders. By prioritizing transparency and integrity, leaders can build a solid foundation of trust, which is essential for successfully adopting AI technologies. Encouraging Collaboration and Inclusion AI adoption is not merely a top-down initiative; it requires active participation and collaboration at all organizational levels. Leaders play a crucial role in facilitating a collaborative environment. Inclusion: Engaging employees in the AI adoption process by soliciting their input and involving them in decision-making fosters a sense of ownership and reduces resistance to change. Inclusive practices ensure that diverse perspectives are considered, leading to more robust AI solutions. Respect: Valuing and respecting employees' insights and expertise encourages open dialogue and knowledge sharing. This respect enhances teamwork and ensures that AI tools are tailored to meet the organization's actual needs. A collaborative and inclusive approach ensures that AI adoption is a collective effort, leveraging the strengths and insights of the entire organization. Encouraging a Growth Mindset and Continuous Learning The dynamic nature of AI technologies necessitates a culture of continuous learning and adaptability. Leaders can cultivate this culture by promoting a growth mindset. Adaptability: Leaders should model adaptability by embracing new technologies and demonstrating a willingness to learn. This sets a precedent for employees to follow suit, fostering an environment where experimentation and innovation are encouraged. Support: Providing resources and opportunities for employees to upskill ensures they are equipped to work alongside AI technologies. Supportive leadership alleviates fears of obsolescence and empowers employees to grow with technological advancements. By encouraging a growth mindset, leaders enable the organization to remain agile and responsive to technological changes, maximizing the benefits of AI adoption. Aligning AI Initiatives with Organizational Values AI adoption needs to align with the organization's core values and mission to be meaningful and sustainable. Leaders are instrumental in ensuring this alignment. Purpose-Driven Implementation: Leaders should ensure that AI initiatives support the organization's overarching goals and ethical standards. This alignment ensures that AI is a tool to advance the organization's mission rather than detract from it. Ethical Considerations: Incorporating ethical considerations into AI development and deployment safeguards against unintended consequences reinforces the organization's commitment to responsible innovation. Aligning AI with organizational values ensures that technological advancements contribute positively to the organization's objectives and societal responsibilities. Successful AI adoption extends beyond technological implementation; it requires leadership that embodies and promotes organizational values. Leaders can effectively navigate the complexities of AI adoption by building trust, facilitating collaboration, encouraging continuous learning, and ensuring alignment with core values. This values-driven approach facilitates smoother integration of AI technologies and enhances organizational cohesion and resilience in the face of technological change. Further Reading For more insights on the intersection of leadership, values, and AI adoption, consider exploring the following resources: AI And Leadership: How To Thrive In The Digital Transformation Age Human-Centric Leadership In The Age Of AI: Balancing Technology And People The AI Strategy Roadmap: Navigating the Stages of Value Creation These articles provide diverse perspectives on how leadership can effectively guide AI adoption within organizations.

How Values and People Drive Successful ERP Implementations

By Susan Hayer, Ph.D • December 3, 2024
How Values and People Drive Successful ERP Implementations I’ve worked on a lot of ERP projects over the years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: ERP success isn’t just about the technology—it’s about the people. Time and again, I’ve seen that when leadership puts values like trust, collaboration, and respect at the forefront, ERP implementations don’t just work—they transform entire organizations. Here’s how a values-driven approach to ERP implementation can help avoid common pitfalls, empower teams, and create lasting success. Building Alignment from the Start What I’ve Seen: One project stands out in my memory: A manufacturing company was eager to implement an ERP system to streamline operations. But from day one, there was a clear disconnect. Leadership saw the ERP as a way to gain efficiency, while employees were worried it would disrupt their workflows—or worse, lead to layoffs. During our initial conversations, one team member told me, “They’re building a system for themselves, not for us.” What We Did Together: We started by bringing everyone to the table. In cross-functional workshops, leadership and employees worked side by side to map out current workflows and identify pain points. Leadership didn’t just listen but acted on what they heard, ensuring the ERP design reflected strategic goals and day-to-day realities. What Happened Next: The shift was incredible. Employees who had been skeptical became advocates for the project because they felt seen and valued. Misalignment was addressed early, saving the company time and money in potential rework costs and setting the foundation for a successful rollout. Empowering Teams Through the Process What I’ve Seen: I once worked with an organization struggling to adopt its new ERP system. Employees were frustrated and overwhelmed, saying things like, “No one even told us how to use this.” Errors piled up, and it was clear the system wasn’t delivering what they needed—not because it was the wrong tool, but because they weren’t prepared for it. What We Did Together: We flipped the script. Leadership acknowledged the gap and invested in role-specific training customized to what employees actually needed. To make it stick, we created a “train-the-trainer” program, empowering team leads to guide and support their peers. It wasn’t just about learning the system but building confidence and encouraging collaboration. What Happened Next: Within six months, adoption rates jumped by 80%. Employees went from saying, “This is too much,” to “I’ve got this!” The organization avoided productivity losses by focusing on their people instead of just the technology. Leadership as the Catalyst for Change What I’ve Seen: In another project, I worked with a retail company where the ERP rollout was losing steam. Teams were frustrated and directionless because leadership wasn’t visibly engaged. One manager summed it up perfectly: “If the leaders don’t care, why should we?” What We Did Together: I worked with the leadership team to change that narrative. They began sharing regular updates, explaining how the ERP tied into the company’s mission and long-term goals. We celebrated small wins, like hitting key milestones, and publicly recognized employees who were stepping up. What Happened Next: That visibility made all the difference. Teams rallied behind the project, morale improved, and the ERP was implemented on time, saving the company from potential penalties. Leadership didn’t just guide the process; they inspired it. Why This Matters ERP systems aren’t just tools—they’re opportunities to redefine how an organization operates. But here’s the thing: It’s not enough to focus on the system itself. Success depends on aligning leadership, employees, and values every step of the way. When people feel heard, respected, and empowered, ERP implementations become more than projects—they become game-changers. Let’s Talk About Your ERP Journey Every organization’s ERP story is different, but one thing is universal: Success starts with values and people. If your organization is planning an ERP implementation, let’s connect. Together, we can create a strategy that aligns leadership, empowers teams, and sets your project up for lasting success.
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