In comparison to the pre-Internet age, the rise of digital media has seen many changes to how business is done. As a result business leaders and managers have more of a responsibility to identify and adapt to new challenges in an online world.

JCI Liverpool, in partnership with the Institute of Directors (IoD), recently held an event as part of the International Festival of Business (IFB2014). To fit the theme of Knowledge, Creative & Digital the invited guest speakers included Sofie Sandell, Bryan Adams and Mike Ryan to host a training session dedicated to the subject of business challenges and how to overcome them. The purpose was to explain about the problems they have faced in their varied careers and how they came through the other side by identifying and adapting to future trends.

Sofie is a professional speaker and trainer, advising business leaders on how to make better use of digital tools within their organisations. Sofie’s presentation included how social media can be effective as a communication tool and how if used properly it can be used to create your brand online. In addition, she also explained how important it is for businesses and individuals to know their values and vision.

Bryan is founder and CEO of Ph.Creative, a highly successful digital marketing agency based in Liverpool. He explained how digital branding through social media applies to both individuals and business, outlining the importance of authenticity both online and offline. This is crucial, because differences between both, has the risk of negative impact resulting in brand damage and potential loss of profit and reputation. Bryan also expressed the importance of engaging your audience through storytelling, which despite the digital age, remains universally important as ever.

Mike is a highly successful entrepreneur and founder of Fusion Futures. By comparing the Industrial Revolution with the Digital Revolution of today, his presentation detailed how traditional industries and trades have been replaced by digital technology. He also talked about how bricks and mortar businesses have been superseded by the Internet, and the associated digital methods of social media that have transformed the ways of doing business. This has broken down barriers and increased transparency that empowers customers, with the ability to perform many business functions themselves, such as self publishing.

As a member of JCI Liverpool, I was particularly keen to see how I can could use this ideal opportunity to learn from experienced and successful individuals by learning from their own paths and overcome future challenges in my career. I gained considerable inspiration and insight from this event. For instance, it has given me a fresh impetus to define personal goals and to be equally aware of how important social media is as a tool for branding and promotional purposes, both for companies and enthusiastic professionals.

In addition to the guest speakers, JCI Liverpool would like to express our thanks to Laura Beswick of BPP Professional Education for hosting the event and to Arif Mashood of the Mayur Restaurant for providing a buffet of delicious Indian food to finish off the evening in style.

JCI Liverpool's next event is the Great Ropewalks Litter Pick which is taking place on Saturday 2nd August.

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