Thoughts on this Digital World for 2016

A few years ago when I was pushing out a lot of blog posts and was very visible and active, and some might say even relevant? I was asked by multiple media outlets for my predictions on what to expect in the new year. I dug it but also realized that 6-12 months for something to “happen” in the enterprise digital or tech world space, while being really cool if it were to happen, is not really feasible. There’s just not enough time.

That being said, when you’re reading prediction pieces and trends posts, you always have to take them with a grain of salt, right? They’re completely subjective. Nevertheless, I give to you, my thoughts. Here’s where my head is at with everything from big data and digital marketing to mobile ecosystems digital management and customer experience. Not all are predictions, some are just thoughts. Here goes:

Finding tech talent gets no easier in 2016 than it was or has been in the past 5 years
Social causes for social good are becoming sexier and that’s not a bad thing; unless people are doing it for the attention only
The number of posts about the customer experience is exceeding the number of companies who actually “get” the customer experience
Big Data continues to grow and companies are still struggling with trying to do something with it.
Where do data scientists or data analysts hang out? I know of a lot of companies who would like to know where
Does Uber eat cab companies in 2016? Or do cabbies fight back with their own answer to the technology that drives Uber? I say it’s the latter
The Cloud becomes even more understandable, user friendly and prevalent in 2016
Streaming becomes more mainstream than ever but with even slicker tools for HD publishing at the enterprise level AND the consumer level
Marketers HAVE to get smarter with what they push out content wise in 2016
Additionally, content needs to have a PURPOSE in 2016 or our eyes will melt
It’s a paid game online anymore-at least with search and social
Think informed writing with intended outcomes
Automating conversations never works and never did
In 2016, digital will be the umbrella and mobile will be the handle. Eventually that will flip
CMO’s are still seduced by shiny new things but their focus needs to be on acquiring talent and keeping talent-quickly
In 2016, Diversity comes front and center, if it doesn’t, we’re failing ourselves
It’s always been about the customer experience, 2016 will be no different, it’s just that brands will now be held more accountable than ever
Think business outcomes in 2016
Everything marketers do, HAS to be with a mobile first mentality
Cherish, reward and keep the people that make you and your company great
Wearables still aren’t ready for prime time yet
Poll 10 random people and ask them about the Internet of Things-tell them to give you an example of it. Yep…Hello? Is this thing on?
Google buys Twitter, though it might not be in 2016
How much more can Amazon, Facebook and Apple insert themselves into our lives?
Facebook fatigue, it’s real
In 2016 Webster adds binge watching to the dictionary
The big 3 networks are in trouble in 2016 as more people cut the cord
Culture will continue to eat everything, including technology in 2016!
Our need to talk with the usage of and through images continues to explode
Do a digital detox in 2016-you’ll feel better :)