Terry Jones, entrepreneur and founder of Travelocity.com, seeks to turn business disruptions into innovations and opportunities. Speaking at Dairy Strong 2023, the annual conference hosted by the Dairy Business Association, he encouraged farmers and agribusiness leaders to be more innovative in this increasingly technologically-driven world rather than allowing others to disrupt their businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThings are moving faster than ever these days,\u201d Jones said. \u201cIt\u2019s not a matter of if there will be disruption to your business; rather, it\u2019s a matter of when.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many forces of disruption. Connectivity is primary. Jones pointed out that this is an excellent opportunity to talk directly to customers and consider new business models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMobile is everywhere, and it\u2019s driving change,\u201d he said. \u201cWe couldn\u2019t live without our devices.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another disruptor is artificial intelligence. These systems learn about issues and practices 24 hours a day, seven days a week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThey get smarter every time they\u2019re used,\u201d he said. \u201cSoftware updates keep them going. If you can adopt an AI system in any part of your business, it will make it easier.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Jones, augmented reality is the key to the future of precision dairy farming. Robots are already in use on so many farms. They provide data directly from the cows as if the cows themselves are talking to farmers, Jones said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe connected cow is a reality where you can improve the animal\u2019s health,\u201d he said. \u201cUse this modern opportunity \u2013 it\u2019s better to be the disruptor than to be disrupted.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jones also spoke about disrupting experiences. He said that the key to this is to look at your basic skills and apply them to today\u2019s world. Farmers and agribusiness professionals should use available software and their assets to think about and implement a new, more modern business model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cStop being disrupted!\u201d Jones said. \u201cInnovate!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Marianne Darvens attended Jones\u2019 session at Dairy Strong and felt it was exceptional. She said she loved Jones\u2019 energy and how he encouraged his audience members to take charge and innovate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cToward the end of his presentation, I came up with the following synopsis: get out of the box, get out of your way,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thinking up new ideas and nurturing the flame of innovation, no matter how unusual it may seem at first, is crucial to innovation success, Jones said. He noted that having the right culture and team is also essential for success. Building a culture that supports experimentation and having team members willing to try and fail as often as it takes to finally find success is perfect when it comes to innovating, he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having a good coach will also help, he said. He believes everybody needs a coach in life, especially one who can help push change. A coach would also encourage and support taking the first risk, particularly with technology. Listening to customers and employees also increases innovative success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFigure out where you want to be,\u201d Jones said. \u201cYou can get there.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"