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Let’s be honest, business now is a lot different to how it was a few decades ago. Technology has taken the world – and businesses – by storm, and there are many pressing issues now that simply weren’t discussed previously. But how do you say goodbye to the ghosts of business past, and embrace a new way of working that is more in line with 21st century ideals?

There are plenty of ways to do so, whether you’re a small business owner or you’ve climbed the ladder into large business leadership. But what are they, and how do you do it?

Embrace intersectionality

In the modern world, intersectionality is everything. For too long, the office has been the stomping ground of the rich white man, and many women and minority groups are fighting back and making their claims to the roles that they deserve. Sure, there is still a lot of work to be done, but hiring people based upon their merits – rather than archaic ideas – will be what helps your business to move forward.

Remove the hierarchy

Millennials in business have a different approach to leadership now, and it’s one that seems to be working pretty well. Instead of having a rigid hierarchy, many startups that put everybody on an equal footing are coming together, so that ideas can be shared and utilized more efficiently. Needless to say, this works a lot better than one person making all of the decisions, so spread the authority a little!

Use social media well

Social media is one of those things that almost everybody uses on a day-to-day basis. If you want to be able to stay in the game as a business, then you need to use social media wisely (and well). If you can pull this off, then it will really help to cement your reputation as a serious, modern business. Why, you ask? Because many people’s first port of call will be your Facebook and Instagram pages.

Break conventions

Business in the 21st century is all about breaking conventions. People are really pushing the boundaries in many fields, and seeing what actually works instead of toeing the same old line. Don’t be afraid to try out something new, and to revolutionize the way that your business functions. Whether it’s going to a marijuana business conference or shaking up leadership, you’ll see a difference.

Allow working from home

Although we’ve been stuck in those inflexible working patterns for the past few decades, working from home is now seen as one of the best ways to improve the happiness and productivity of your team. Allow them to stay at home for a day or two a week, and you’ll immediately see the difference in your office vibe. This is a huge trust exercise, but it almost always pays off in the end.

So, if you want to bring your old-fashioned business into the modern day, then try to implement some of these ideas in your office. Good luck, and have fun embracing the 21st century!