BRAND TALK
How SMEs can adapt to the “new normal”
If you are part of the small and medium enterprise (SME) community in the Philippines, you are among the local heroes of our economy. According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the SME community is comprised of 99.56% of the businesses in the country and was able to create 4.9 million jobs in 2019 alone.
Now, as the country gradually reopens and transitions into the “new normal,” you face the challenge of adjusting your business practices. However, this change in operations will require you to adopt a new mindset. Remember these three key words: community, connectivity, and collaboration. These will be your guide as you rebuild and transform your business.
Building a community
An active online community for your business is more important now than ever before. This can widen your customer base and reach out to even more potential customers. To start, make sure you have a steady Internet connection. Globe myBusiness offers SMEs a wide variety of affordable data plans that let you access the Internet at high speeds. Once you secure your preferred internet connection, you can start creating relatable content, asking for opinions, or even starting virtual gatherings through your brands’ social media accounts. Your goal is to increase engagement and grow your community.
Keeping the connection
As a business, consider investing in mobile and landline plans that can give you unlimited calls and texts. This is because your customers and suppliers should still be able to reach you either online or offline despite the lockdown. Remember that being able to provide good service and support when customers need you the most can help strengthen their relationship with the brand.
Accepting collaborations
Sharing information with fellow SMEs can pave way for innovation and opportunities for your own business. Talk to your staff, clients, and suppliers for new ideas on how to move the business forward. Look for seminars and workshops online as there is a lot you can learn from industry experts across different fields. Globe myBusiness Academy is one such venue where you can gain valuable insights from leading entrepreneurs and professionals.
Globe Telecom has been extending a helping hand as the SME community adjusts to the new way of doing business. Staying true to its overall mission of “making family’s dreams come true in the Philippines, helping businesses flourish, and creating a nation that is admired,” Globe myBusiness now shines the spotlight on SMEs in the country with the launch of their Saludo SME campaign.
As part of the campaign, Globe myBusiness has hosted a series of learning sessions through Globe myBusiness Academy. Last June 25, a special virtual Business Consultation Caravan was held to support SMEs as they get ready for the “new normal.” The exclusive caravan gave local entrepreneurs the chance to ask questions and seek advice from industry leaders themselves through one-on-one mentorship sessions, including Globe’s own President and CEO Mr. Ernest Cu.
“We’re very glad to support this particular segment of our business community.” Ernest Cu said during the online event, aptly titled “Para sa Bagong Bukas.” He also shared, “I really hope that this begins a lot of soul-searching for SMEs in terms of their strategy and what better way to do it [than] with this mentorship program that we started. We're here to help [their] businesses conform to this new reality that we’re facing.”
Aside from tips and best practices on how to run businesses effectively, the learning sessions highlight the importance of technology as a tool for SMEs to grow and reach more customers. The Saludo SME plans are Globe’s response to the increasing need of shifting to digital. These exclusive and cost-effective plans are tailored to help SMEs get reconnected and back to business. The plans are available until July 31, 2020. Visit their website for more details.
Whether you’re an online seller, a small start-up company, or a long-time business owner, there are ways to make sure your business thrives in this new era. It’s just a matter of choosing the tools that best suit your needs.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the official Facebook page of Globe myBusiness to be the first to know the latest Saludo SMEs news and updates.