The Mind Lab: how Kiwi businesses can benefit from digitalisation

As the pace of change in society continues to accelerate, digital skills and literacy are becoming increasingly critical to our success, both individually and as a country. The Mind Lab is an award-winning learning institute focused on professional development, and the development of digital skills and capabilities to enable Kiwis to prosper in the contemporary world. In this spotlight blog, we quiz founder and CEO, Frances Valintine, about the ways businesses can benefit from improving their digital competencies.

What is digitalisation and what can it do for your business?

Put simply, digitalisation happens when a business starts using digital technologies to change its business model and provide new value-producing opportunities. From automating marketing activities to processing orders, business owners leverage digital technologies to save time, money and space – resources that can be channelled into new growth opportunities. Core to every successful business is a website that provides visitors with easy to understand information, and the ability to transact without talking to a business representative. These ‘transactions’ can be as simple as a booking form, or a request for information or a full eCommerce experience where items can be ordered, processed and sent out for delivery. The more digital a business becomes the more likely they are to have a customer database that provides the ability to build a relationship with their customers and to connect with them, even when it is after hours. 

How can The Mind Lab help?

Innovative education providers like New Zealand’s The Mind Lab help Kiwis – both employees and employers – plug into the opportunities provided by digital. Frances says “Our vision is to create impactful futures by aligning digital skills and capabilities with the demands of the contemporary world. To this end, we provide practical courses that teach in-demand skills such as sustainability, digital confidence, and collaborative teaching & learning.” The Mind Lab’s sister organisation, Tech Futures Lab, also delivers a range of higher education courses, including postgraduate certificates and micro-credentials, with a focus on technology and innovation. The Mind Lab’s core focus is on helping adults build confidence using digital tools. For many business owners, the rapid move from analogue and paper-based business processes to digital systems is intimidating. The Mind Lab has developed expertise in deciphering the jargon and removing all the hype to focus on what works and what digital skills are most suited to individual businesses. The ability to learn digital skills online ensures that even the most time-strapped business owner can access learning programmes. Classes are bite-sized and facilitated fully online. Every class connects business owners with other business owners across the country who are navigating their digital adoption journey. Learning is fun, interactive and accessible to everyone, regardless of their digital knowledge. 

What do small business owners say?

Over the last few years, more and more businesses are moving fully online, while others are just starting their online presence with their first website or social media account. The consistent feedback by any business owner who adopts new digital practices is how quickly new customers can be gained and how much more time can be freed up each week, by using simple digital tools such as autoresponders. The trick is taking the first step by building an understanding of what can be achieved and how easy it is to transform your business through a little bit of time and commitment. 

The Mind Lab and Digital Boost Alliance The Mind Lab has been on a journey of digital acceleration since its founding in 2013. Naturally, they were eager to jump on board with the mission of Digital Boost & Digital Boost Alliance. In 2020, the educator was selected by the Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment (MBIE) to deliver parts of the Digital Boost education initiative. Shortly thereafter they joined the Digital Boost Alliance as a founding member. 

“We strongly recommend any large businesses who are able to offer help, guidance and support for businesses to join the Alliance and ensure our economy is thriving, not just surviving.” Frances Valintine, founder and CEO of The Mind Lab #### The Mind Lab’s commitments to the Alliance As members of the Digital Boost Alliance, The Mind Lab have committed to work with us to nurture, support and encourage business owners to learn and benefit from the digitalisation of their business and operations. This includes supporting businesses to adopt new market channels, support business growth through greater productivity and better utilisation of resources, and build more robust businesses at uncertain times, such as lockdowns, extreme weather, or talent shortages. 

The Mind Lab is offering New Zealand businesses: - 250 full scholarships for their seven-week ‘Digital Skills for the Workplace’ micro-credential (usually $295 inc GST). This particular digital skills course is ideal for those wanting to turn their side-hustle into their main source of income, and/or those small businesses owners who are ready to excel in the digital era. - Scholarships are available to all registered Digital Boost users. Not a registered user? Sign up for free here.