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of the key challenges MSMEs face today such as declining customer engagement, limited financial service accessibility, outdated operational processes, and cybersecurity threats, to name a few—which continue to hamper their growth and success.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.
To celebrate MSMEs in the Philippines, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), along with the MSMED (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development) Council, held the National MSME Summit 2019 on July 16 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila.
The summit, aptly themed “Inclusive and Sustainable Innovations for Globally Competitive MSMEs,” was staged to encourage and empower MSME owners to become “smart entrepreneurs.” The whole-day affair featured insightful talks from DTI and government representatives, as well as industry movers and shakers.
Below are some highlights:
“We need to encourage MSMEs to innovate… We call on MSMEs to explore novel ideas, business models, transform from traditional to digital.” —DTI Undersecretary Zenaida C. Maglaya, Regional Operations Group
MSMEs are indeed the lifeblood of the Philippine economy; in fact, 99.56% of business establishments in the country are micro, small, and medium enterprises. From 900,000 in 2017, the number of business registrations has grown to 1.42 million in May 2019.
As part of the government’s efforts to support and promote MSMEs, the DTI has come up with the 7Ms for creating smarter MSMEs:
“The convergence mindset of the government is to promote ease of doing business.” —Assistant Secretary Mary Jean Pacheco, DTI-Competitiveness and Innovation Group and MSMED Committee on Business Climate Chair
According to the World Bank, setting up a business in the Philippines takes 13 steps in 31 days. But thanks to the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, the steps have been reduced to 8 and the number of days to 12.
Still, the ultimate goal is to enable MSMEs to set up their business in one go: an online portal wherein you can register, apply for, and receive your business permit within 24 hours.
The DTI has already taken steps to simplify and streamline the process of business registration, starting with their new Business Name Registration System (BNRS). All one needs to do is go to the BNRS website, fill in all the relevant info, and pay online using Globe myBusiness GCash, the only BSP-regulated mobile payment service for the BNRS. Three days after payment, you’ll receive your OR (official receipt) and Business Name Registration Certificate.
“Let’s not compete; let’s work together.” —Teresita Coson-Sy, Vice Chair, SM Investments Corporation
In today’s hyper-connected world, the market can become increasingly competitive. But instead of competition, entrepreneurs would be better off with collaboration. Tie-ups, partnerships, and mergers in business are gaining ground — two heads are better than one after all.
MSME owners should be inspired by what the government is doing to advocate and foster better collaboration The DTI has partnered with the Department of the Interior and Local Government for the “Negosyo: Serbisyo sa Barangay” program to develop negosyo advocates at the barangay and grass-roots level, with the aim of establishing 200,000 new enterprises at the barangays.
As of writing, they have already penetrated 693 barangays, setting up Negosyo Centers and working with private sectors to mentor and cultivate grass-roots entrepreneurs.
“Let your packaging speak for you since you’re not always there to sell your product.” —DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez
You might have a good product on your hands, but if it’s not presented well, there’s a huge possibility that you’ll lose out on sales. So, think of your packaging as your sales representative: If your product is packaged well, you increase the chances of attracting — and retaining — customers.
Knowing that local MSMES are heavily reliant on packaging and understanding that not all have the budget for it (especially micro enterprises), the DTI has set up the Pack! Pinas program, which links MSMEs with packaging sources and suppliers. This DTI initiative is one way of helping micro, small, and medium enterprises become globally competitive, vis-a-vis products from neighboring ASEAN countries such as Thailand and Vietnam.
“We underscore the need to develop young entrepreneurs by equipping with the values, skills, and entrepreneurial spirit necessary for their businesses to succeed in the digital economy. We want them to start young, but we also want them to start right.” —DTI Undersecretary Zenaida C. Maglaya, Regional Operations Group
In today’s Digital Age, the need for tech-savvy youth entrepreneurs is more important than ever. Well aware of this need, the DTI has developed the Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP), which focuses on the youth to cultivate and instill in them the entrepreneurial mindset and lifestyle.
Since it kicked off last year, YEP has been holding road shows all over the country, specially targeting out-of-school youths to lead them down the right path and toward a brighter, better future — not just for themselves but for the country as well.
Understandably, youth entrepreneurs are expected to become the drivers of business innovation, with the willingness to experiment, improve, and iterate. As Brian Cu, President of Grab Philippines, said, “This is the golden age for MSMEs.” And the best ones who can take advantage of this is the youth.
“With every job created, you are saving one person from poverty.” —DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez
Entrepreneurship may not be viewed as noble a profession as, say, education, but there is merit in running a business. It’s more than just making a profit; it’s a way of paying it forward.
As DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez declared in his inspirational message, “Business can help us out of poverty.” And so committed to promoting the MSME culture in the Philippines that the DTI has partnered with Globe myBusiness through Globe myBusiness Academy, providing valuable content to MSMEs and equipping them with all the information they need to start, grow, and make their business succeed.
Watch the live stream of the MSME summit here:
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