Digital Strategy

Abhilaksh Lalwani | Digital Strategist | Alp Strategy and Design

What is Digital Strategy?

A Career in Digital Strategy is very intriguing. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to find information about What Digital Strategy actually is. Most pages on the internet just talk about How to get into Digital Strategy. While anyone can have an opinion on what Digital Strategy entails; only a real professional can really explain it.

Digital Strategist Abhilaksh Lalwani is an experienced professional with 6 years in Digital Strategy. Here is how Digital Strategist Abhilaksh Lalwani detailed Digital Strategy:

A digital strategy is a form of strategic management and a business answer or response to a digital question, often best addressed as part of an overall business strategy.

How Digital Strategist Abhilaksh Lalwani got into Digital Strategy?

I did my Schooling from The Doon School. Then I completed by BA from Kings College, London and went on to do my Masters from University of Edinburgh. In 2014 I started by own strategy firm called ALP Strategy and Design.

Digital Strategist Abhilaksh Lalwani's Talk on Digital Strategy

Embracing the Digital Frontier: A Career in Digital Strategy In an era where businesses pivot towards online landscapes, the role of a digital strategist has never been more pivotal. Charged with maximizing the profitability and efficiency of a business, digital strategists blend analytical prowess with creative thinking to navigate the complex intersection of technology, marketing, and user experience. This career not only promises exciting challenges but also substantial rewards for those equipped with the right skills and mindset. Let’s delve deeper into what it takes to thrive in this dynamic field. What Is Digital Strategy? Understanding Digital Strategy At its core, digital strategy revolves around optimizing a company’s operations and revenue through technological advancements. This involves addressing critical questions, such as how to enhance online lead generation or streamline payment processes. Abhilaksh Lalwani, a seasoned digital strategist, emphasizes that effective digital strategy requires a solid methodology that enhances a company’s bottom line. By analyzing and addressing technological challenges, digital strategists play a crucial role in shaping how businesses traverse the digital landscape. Education Knowledge of Strategy To become a proficient digital strategist, a foundational knowledge of strategy is vital. This encompasses understanding how strategic thinking can influence a company's revenue generation. Aspiring strategists can benefit from studying systematic methodologies and strategic frameworks, which lay the groundwork for analyzing and improving business processes. As Lalwani notes, understanding the intersection of strategy and technology was essential in his educational journey, particularly stemming from his degree in applied linguistics paired with his technology training. Management A thorough comprehension of business management is another cornerstone for digital strategists. Knowing how businesses operate on a day-to-day basis enables strategists to pinpoint areas in need of enhancement and offers a practical context for their recommendations. Insights gained during Lalwani's time at Microsoft as a data analyst helped him appreciate the daily functions of a tech company, which he now leverages in his consultancy work. Strategy Video Games Interestingly, strategy video games can serve as a surprisingly effective educational tool for budding digital strategists. These games simulate real-world scenarios that help players understand complex systems and strategic planning. Lalwani credits his childhood interest in games like Age of Empires as instrumental in shaping his strategic mindset. The gamified approach makes learning about resource management and planning engaging, providing a fun foundation for future strategists. Systems Theory The concept of systems theory is crucial in the toolkit of a digital strategist. By viewing business processes as interconnected systems, strategists can analyze inputs and outputs effectively. For instance, Lalwani illustrates this approach through the analysis of lead generation, emphasizing how understanding the entire system leads to better qualification of potential customers and improved conversion rates. Skills Organizational Skills Being a successful digital strategist requires exceptional organizational abilities. A strategist must not only manage their own time effectively but also help clients streamline operations within their organizations. Lalwani stresses the importance of meticulous organization, underscoring that a well-ordered approach allows strategists to handle multiple clients and projects concurrently without compromising quality. Critical Thinking In a role defined by analysis and insight, critical thinking emerges as an indispensable skill. Digital strategists must evaluate existing business processes with a discerning eye, identifying potential improvements. Lalwani describes this analytical nature in his work, where he critically assesses how a company operates and develops tailored strategies to enhance efficiency. Communication Skills Equally essential is the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively. A digital strategist must articulate their recommendations effectively to clients and stakeholders. Lalwani points out that without this skill, the best ideas are irrelevant if they cannot be properly conveyed. This ties back to the essence of strategy, which hinges upon mutual understanding and collaboration. Creativity Creativity is vital to developing unique strategies that differentiate a business in a crowded market. Innovative thinking leads to fresh approaches, such as Jio’s groundbreaking pricing strategy of offering phones at no initial cost. Lalwani emphasizes the importance of distinctive ideas to attract attention and drive customer engagement, which is critical in strategic development. Interpersonal Skills Building strong relationships is a key component of a strategist's success. Interpersonal skills facilitate understanding clients’ needs and ensuring effective collaboration. Lalwani notes the importance of empathizing with clients throughout the consulting process, often requiring strategists to step into their clients' shoes to provide relatable and practical solutions. Writing Skills Finally, strong writing skills cannot be overlooked. Crafting clear and effective documentation is essential in strategy development. Whether drafting reports, proposals, or strategic plans, a strategist's ability to articulate their points in writing is fundamental. Lalwani reflects on his daily tasks, where effective documentation is crucial for planning and communication. Positives Good Monetary Potential One of the significant advantages of being a digital strategist is the potential for lucrative compensation. Digital strategists often charge hourly rates, allowing them to maximize their earnings based on the time they invest. This flexibility can lead to financial rewards that reflect the high demand for skilled strategists in the market. Travel Opportunities The nature of the role often requires travel, providing opportunities to meet clients and understand diverse business environments. Lalwani relishes the flexibility his career provides, allowing him to interact with diverse clients globally. These experiences not only enrich one’s professional knowledge but also offer personal growth through exposure to various cultures and practices. Networking Networking is another substantial benefit of this career. Digital strategists cultivate relationships with professionals across industries, enhancing their knowledge and opening doors for new opportunities. Lalwani shares that his role involves constant networking, allowing him to forge valuable connections that contribute to his professional growth. Growth and Learning The dynamic nature of digital strategy means continual learning and development. Each project presents a unique challenge, fostering personal and professional growth. Lalwani notes that every engagement provides insights into different technologies and industries, equipping him with a diverse skill set that enhances his effectiveness as a strategist. Challenges Skepticism One of the notable challenges in this field is facing skepticism from clients, particularly if they are not tied to large consultancy firms. Demonstrating value and building trust can require effort, often necessitating that strategists provide initial consultations or evidence of past successes. Lalwani acknowledges that overcoming this skepticism is part of the job, requiring patience and persistence. Keeping a Track of Clients Managing multiple clients and their specific needs can be daunting. Digital strategists must develop systems to keep track of different projects, ensuring they meet expectations and deadlines. Lalwani's experience highlights the importance of organization in combating this challenge, mentioning the need to prepare thoroughly for client interactions to facilitate effective strategizing. Rejection Rejection is an inevitable part of advising clients on strategies that may contradict their beliefs. Digitally-savvy strategists often need to present data-driven insights that may challenge existing views. Lalwani illustrates this point by recounting a recent experience where he had to advise a client to halt a project despite their investment, emphasizing the need for tact in navigating these situations. Keep Yourself Updated Remaining informed about industry trends and shifts is crucial for success. Digital strategists must develop a wide-ranging understanding of multiple sectors to provide relevant advice. As Lalwani notes, being knowledgeable about various industries allows strategists to respond quickly and effectively to client inquiries, reinforcing their value. A Day In The Life Of A Digital Strategist Organizing the Day The daily routine of a digital strategist is often unpredictable and multi-faceted. Mornings are typically devoted to responding to emails, while meetings with clients and stakeholders might fill the remainder of the day. Lalwani outlines how he structures his mornings to effectively manage client correspondence, setting a foundation for productive engagements throughout the day. Client Meetings Engaging with clients through meetings is crucial for gathering insights and building rapport. Lalwani emphasizes how these interactions, whether on-site visits or casual lunches, are integral for understanding client operations and establishing trust. By nurturing these connections, strategists foster an environment conducive to collaboration and acceptance of their recommendations. Documentation and Follow-ups Evenings often shift focus towards documentation, where strategists structure their strategies and proposals meticulously. This foundational work is essential as it forms the basis for client advisement. Lalwani underscores that maintaining detailed documentation of strategies and their anticipated outcomes is core to delivering value and accountability in his role. Networking Events Networking is a continuous element of a strategist’s day. Whether attending social invitations or professional gatherings, opportunities to expand one’s network are constant. By engaging with diverse individuals across various industries, strategists like Lalwani can enhance their understanding of market dynamics and foster relationships that may lead to future collaborations. In conclusion, pursuing a career in digital strategy offers a unique blend of challenges and rewards. The transformative role strategists play in enhancing business efficiency and revenue generation underscores the significance of their position in today’s technology-driven world. Armed with a mix of analytical skills, creativity, and an openness to learning, aspiring digital strategists can find a fulfilling career that not only stimulates their intellect but also propels them into the future of business.

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How to get into

Digital Strategy?

If you are want to get into Digital Strategy, start by investing in a Career Plan.

The 14 hour process, guided by a LifePage Career Advisor, will help you introspect and check whether your interest in Digital Strategy is merely an infatuation or is it truly something you wish to do for the rest of your life.

Next, your Career Advisor will help you document how you can get into Digital Strategy, what education and skills you need to succeed in Digital Strategy, and what positives and challenges you will face in Digital Strategy.

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Links for this Talk

Digital Strategist Abhilaksh Lalwani's LifePage:

[LifePage]
https://www.lifepage.in/page/abhilakshlalwani

LifePage Career Talk on Digital Strategy

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/digital-strategy

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20171113-0005

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfcMYJc0Pkc

(Digital Strategy, Abhilaksh Lalwani, Alp Strategy and Design, Planning, Computers, Social Media, Business)

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