Investing in digital solutions may seem like a daunting step due to the perceived complexity and steep costs of integrating it into business operations. However, Globe Business, in partnership with the Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA), assures micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that there are affordable solutions that can boost and protect their business especially during challenging times.
Along with other expert panelists from the ICT industry, Globe Business participated at the recently held PSIA Fireside Chat on “Digital Transformation for SMEs” to provide an in-depth look at how digital solutions play a role in addressing operational, marketing, and security challenges brought about by the pandemic and in creating business growth and efficient systems for MSMEs in the Philippines.
“We are committed to help MSMEs realize the value of investing in new technology or digital tools: how it allows them to reach new customers, increase engagement with existing clients, and facilitate collaboration among their staff and employees while streamlining operations, leading to overall business growth and optimistic performance,” said Anne David, Marketing Acquisition Head, Globe Business MSME Group.
During the virtual learning session, the different ICT experts identified some of the key challenges MSMEs face today such as declining customer engagement, limited financial service accessibility, outdated operational processes, and cybersecurity threats, to name a few—which continue to hamper their growth and success. However, they were quick to point out that these issues can now easily be addressed with the rise of digital technology shaping the world today.
According to Jowie Alcala, Business Development Manager for Rhipe PH, one of the leading cloud solutions distributors locally, “digital automation is imperative for businesses to grow because this allows us to allocate the time that was used for answering customer inquiries to strategizing and developing plans for the business.”
Caloy Ang from Suds Premier Franchising Corp. echoed, “businesses that survived [the pandemic] were the ones who were able to provide excellent customer experiences through digital channels. It is important that we are able to quickly respond to customers’ inquiries especially when they need us most.”
Globe Business, through its affiliate Globe Labs, offers various API solutions to facilitate faster communication and increase engagement between businesses and customers. Some of the solutions include the SMS API, Voice API, and Sponsored Access API.
MSMEs were faced with the challenge of working around social distancing measures enacted by the government. To cope with the ever-changing mandates, businesses turned to online digital payment to sustain operational efficiency.
Through GCash’s Powerpay Plus Platform, companies can transition from tedious manual payroll systems to enjoying a fast, secure, and easily accessible digital payroll solution for salaries, allowances, incentives, and more. On top of that, customers can also conveniently transact with MSMEs through GCash.
In fact, one of the panelists pointed out that their most utilized mode of payment is GCash because of its convenience. Their customers pay them through the app and they transfer the money into their bank account, giving them the flexibility to access their money anytime and anywhere.
As remote work continues to be the norm, it is imperative for organizations to foster an environment where employees can continue to collaborate and see-through projects together even while apart. This is made easier and more efficient with Globe Cloud Solutions, allowing enterprises to quickly adapt to shifting workflows because processes remain the same, files and services continue to be accessible, and resources are intact despite weather or mechanical interruptions.
MSMEs can also utilize cloud-based productivity solutions, some of which you may check out here. These applications store information and run servers on the cloud so users can access them anytime without installing them in their machines
Now that everything’s becoming more digital, it is more important now than ever for companies to stay vigilant and proactively protect their business and customer data from any vulnerabilities. Cyberattacks can easily be triggered these days by innocently clicking on spam emails from unsecure or public networks, compromising confidential data and important company information in a snap.
Partnered with the best global cybersecurity providers, Globe Business offers a holistic suite of cybersecurity solutions and services that help enterprises identify, protect, detect, respond, and recover from cyber threats to avoid severe damages to the income and reputation of the business.
“Technology should be an organization’s best friend especially during this point in time. By investing in digital solutions, businesses can reach more customers while saving on cost and keep the operations running regardless of what will happen,” said David.
To learn more about the exciting products and services Globe Business offers, sign up at https://go.mybusinessacademy.ph/ICTMonthOffers-PSIAArticle.
The blended workforce of the future is here. With changing protocols, health and safety concerns, and COVID-19 vaccine rollouts affecting offices around the globe, many have embraced a mix of remote and in-office work so that businesses can continue without a hitch. The pandemic has eradicated apprehensions about this kind of employee management approach, making companies realize that overseeing their people is possible even when physically apart.
With the goal of making the blended work setup transition as smooth, fast, and practical for all, businesses are on the lookout for the best tools and equipment for their employees.
Globe Business is just as invested in helping address productivity and privacy issues in hybrid work conditions, giving options and strategies for employers to allow their team to mix their remote work and in-office times. To help business owners, here is a checklist to ensure that the necessary preparations are in place.
Vaccination programs are on the rollout in several workplaces, helping ensure the health safety of the employees in blended setups. To strengthen these precautions, it is important to install policies requiring the wearing of face masks at all times, proper social distancing, and sanitization. Hygiene supplies, medicine, and first-aid assistance must also be made available to help employees feel secure in returning to the physical space.
Pro-Tip: Make use of Google or Microsoft Forms to survey your team on health statuses, vaccination updates, and other health and safety needs you can address. Learn more about Google Workplace and Microsoft 365’s tools like Forms here.
This pandemic has taken major tolls on people’s health everywhere. Employers offering the hybrid work option to their employees must make sure they have the proper processes in briefing and helping their employees undergo necessary adjustments when it comes to being in the office once again. Some may need physical and mental health assistance, while others might seek emotional or even spiritual guidance. Therefore, having platforms or mechanisms in which employees can get help with ease would be beneficial not only to them but for the success of the company itself.
Pro-Tip: Get your employees KonsultaMD. The 24/7 medical hotline services reduces face-to-face visits and keeps your people safe for as low as one peso a day with unlimited medical advice. Learn more about KonsultaMD here.
A few businesses tend to overlook this seemingly trivial detail, but reorganizing the office is also crucial in preparing for the blended workforce. Employers need to make sure the traffic flow is spacious and safe enough for employees to move around in, avoiding unnecessary interactions that may lead to possible COVID-19 contact or spread. At the same time, determining every employee’s report days and log hours should also be a priority, for both productivity and safety purposes.
Pro-Tip: According to this Vicus Partners, work areas should be physically distanced with one meter apart. Keep an open floor plan with proper ventilation, imposing guidelines on personal hygiene and office cleanliness among others. We also share more tips in this article.
Employees that have been in work-at-home setups in the last 15 months may have a difficult time bouncing back into social situations at work. Alongside physical design and mental and emotional support, creating ways to sustain interaction and rebuild work culture is still key. Communicating and exchanging ideas in engaging approaches help boost performance, and the sense of belongingness to a community contributes to a more dynamic and efficient work system. With that, digital tools that seamlessly connect the in-office and remote employees continue to be crucial in hybrid setups.
Pro-Tip: Team-building doesn’t have to be face-to-face. With the use of video conferencing apps like Zoom, you can host fun activities like quiz nights, cooking classes, and more.
Hybrid work structures are better managed with the right tools and technology that keep employees connected, collaborative, and productive. Globe Business’ different mobile and connectivity plans can answer your needs as you transition your teams. You can also get GCash credits when you avail any of these offers!
Equipping both owners and employees with the necessary information and tools in this switch to blended workforce is a must. With Globe Business, they have access to these needs and more, helping them achieve a stronger and greater advantage in today’s fast-paced times and demands.
The pandemic situation may not have changed, but everyone’s lifestyle and behavior have. This undeniable change came as a shock to many business owners and the entire industry. Many were left behind, closed down, or handicapped to adapt. Nowadays, it’s only the strong and well-equipped who survive. Customers are now rearranging their lives when it comes to retail, switching priorities, changing lifestyles, and developing new shopping habits.
The industry is now on a fast track to indoor convenience: If you can do it without leaving the house, why leave? Homes have become everyone’s new safe space. Distances have grown wider and that separates you from your consumers. The reliable and genuine connections between you and your customers become scarce.
This is what makes digital tools so valuable because digital is now preferred over physical. Cashless payments, instant virtual notifications, and wireless connectivity are the names of the game. In a time of confinement, nothing is worth more than a sense of freedom without anything holding you back.
These are the exact tools that Spruce Designer Network Inc. utilized from Globe myBusiness during the earlier months of the pandemic. As a relatively young business at the time, getting their name out was the top priority. How would potential customers know about them if they didn’t want to leave home? They took advantage of where their target market is — they used the internet and social media.
Spruce is a retail and distribution company. They specialize in bringing in global and local Filipino designer fashion lifestyle brands. They provide unique shopping experiences in several stores throughout northern and southern Mindanao.
With the pandemic, they worried about how to keep their customers safe while shopping. This affected their sales, but they quickly adapted with their top product — flip-flops.
“Our biggest challenge was how to keep our people safe. How to reach customers who were now at home,” shared Trisha L. Tamparong, Spruce’s Corporate Treasurer. Along with her team, they recognized the market’s behavioral change immediately and acted on it early on.
After identifying flip-flops as a home essential, they focused on its online marketing. “Because our number one product at the store is considered a home essential, all we had to do was get the product out there!” she added.
They decided to turn to their website and social media accounts to reach their customers at home. Because they already offered cashless payment options, sale inquiries came soon enough. “We are thankful for Globe myBusiness for encouraging us to set up and offer GCash services years before the pandemic started,” Tamparong said.
To the present day, Spruce’s business remains steady. They are currently in the final stages of further digitalizing their processes. This has been steadily increasing their online shopping services. Now they’re setting up their Human Resource Information System, nurture relationships with delivery partners, and applied other digital tools from Globe myBusiness.
“There are tough months and great months but overall, we are very fortunate and blessed to still be here and thriving in the new normal.”
Digitalizing traditional processes takes away the hassle of physical procedures like optimizing your business’ efficiency and streamlining internal operations. This made Spruce more agile and flexible, able to reach customers easier, deliver better, and take on the challenges that have come their way. Globe myBusiness ensures that businesses like Spruce are built better prepared and better equipped for adapting to anything. Digital solutions – ranging from simple to complex – gets you ready for this new age, and it’s a trend that’s here to stay.
As the new normal continues, so will the changes in consumer behavior. It’s time to strengthen and revitalize your business into the digital landscape with Globe myBusiness. Medical assessments for your employees, logistics tracking, or loyalty programs for customers? Globe myBusiness can fashion the right solutions you need.
If you’ve already invested in Globe myBusiness for your digital needs, the company has more to offer. Here’s an exclusive promo with an instant reward for your digital investment. Until March 31, you can get cashback via GCash when you avail of any connectivity product and any digital solution.
Globe myBusiness offers exclusive bundles to new and existing customers on any mobile or broadband plan. Digital solutions included in the bundle are M360, GCash for Business, KonsultaMD, Rush Royalty, Google Workspace, Cloud Payroll and HR Information System (HRIS), and Vehicle Tracker.
Reinvent your business and make it stronger with Globe myBusiness digital solutions. Make it ready for anything. Learn more here.
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