Changes in marketplace behavior will impact changes in organizational behavior within all business models therefore, it is unlikely that the organizational structure will remain the same. In anticipation of changes in organization structure, we expect an emergence of new key metrics and a shift in priorities relative to how we view key metrics. The Communications, Sales, Marketing, and Business Development functions appear to be merging or blurring. The Marketing Function will include digital marketing and social marketing expertise. Digital platforms are now the recognized or expected home-office and storefront of the enterprise.

Collaboration of teams within the organization becomes imperative as all teams depend upon effective use of technology and customer service in order to win the battle for mindshare and engagement of consumers and ambassadors of the brand. Success in capturing market share will be a result of new thinking, innovation, transformation, and change.

New organizational structures are envisioned to be flatter and more collaborative. The sales focus will become more inclusive of customer retention as being equally important to customer acquisition. The trend toward Affiliate Marketing concepts whereas the Affiliate is an intermediary who utilizes company-created marketing support to introduce the brand – its products, services, and opportunities.

Affiliate Marketing opportunities have become very popular. Such opportunities  enable people from all walks of life the opportunity  to participate in the promotion of products and services using their personal and authentic methods of communication.  In all such concepts the Company owns the brand.  Intermediaries use company created tools (primarily digital) to reach target audiences.

Affiliate Marketing concepts reward Consumers and Intermediaries for sharing the brand, attracting new Shoppers/participants. Simplicity in these concepts is clearly a strategic driver. Consumers are encouraged to share the brand and successful sharing efforts are rewarded.

Leadership responsibilities and job titles are also expected to embrace and emphasize collaboration. The definition of leadership within the company is evolving. The word leadership appears to be defined as more verb than noun.

The conversations related to change, innovation and transformation are integral to all aspects of living and working. No business model is immune from the challenge of remaining relevant and sustaining growth and relevance in the marketplace. The Inflection Point diagram, created by Andy Grove, describes graphically that point when a business model is challenged to assess thoroughly its current state of relevance. This moment is usually triggered by a less than desirable performance.

When reading articles written by Andy Grove, the Inflection Point Diagram can be applied to any moment in time to ensure relevancy in assessment and thinking. Many business models are currently at an Inflection Point. The inflection point represents incredible opportunity. When we evaluate where we are, regardless of the type of business we are in, we activate the possibility of being better, stronger, more relevant, and more successful.

The thoughts shared in this article represent a perspective. Perspectives, hopefully, stimulate more thoughts. No matter our walk in life, or the manner in which we live and work, or type of institutional or business model involved, we are actually experiencing a moment in time common to each of us.

Most of us are experiencing transformation and some of us are leading the process. Are we at a Strategic Inflection Point in how we live and work?

Yes! …. from this perspective….