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Why Going Digital Is the Way for Businesses to Thrive, These Womenpreneurs Break It Down

Why Going Digital Is the Way for Businesses to Thrive, These Womenpreneurs Break It Down

This is how to build your business according to these Filipino entrepreneurs

 

 

Creating a business mid-pandemic has its unique challenges, but it is possible. With the limitless resources onlinefrom virtual workshops to innovative products and servicesfor small and medium enterprises, there’s a glimmer of hope for aspiring, would-be entrepreneurs.

 

Take it from seasoned entrepreneurs who've been in the business for decades but had to start from scratch in the midst of a global health and economic crisis. For Roberta “Tab” Abad-Estacion of Harem Inc. and Marina Cudala of Projects Plus Events & Talents Management, adapting to the ever-changing times is a must, as much as one is “guided by principles and good values and motivated correctly.

 

Take pointers on how to build your business from these entrepreneurs in the exclusive one-on-one ahead. 

 

RELATED: Millennials on the Best Career Advice They Took in 2020

 

Roberta “Tab” Abad-Estacion, Harem Inc. 

Why Going Digital Is the Way for Businesses to Thrive, These Womenpreneurs Break It Down

 

Wonder: Can you tell us more about Harem Inc. and your role in your business? 

R: Harem Inc. is the Philippine franchise holder for the brands Strip and Browhaus, a franchise from Singapore. I manage and represent the brands here in the Philippines. 

 

W: Given the pandemic, what are unprecedented challenges you're facing as a business, and how are you adapting to meet the needs of your loyal consumers? 

R: The biggest challenge is the restriction given to our category. We are in a category that's deemed non-essential, yet we are in the category wherein we practice the highest level of hygiene. It may seem to be a discrimination to our category especially when our mantra is “HSQ” or “hygiene, speed and quality.” All the services we offer are timed, and they don't last very long since we value the time of our clients. 

 

Another would be going digital, which we have already started years back. This pandemic just heightened and confirmed that we really need it; everyone needs it. We have been using a lot of Globe myBusiness tools, too, since the relationship we have is quite good so there was no need to also look elsewhere. We even have a loyalty app powered by Globe's sister company. 

 

W. With many years of experience as an entrepreneur, what would you tell 20 to 30-somethings who want to start their own businesses, but don't feel like they have enough resources or skills to push through with it? 

R: If you believe in something or you believe in your product, do it well. Do not shortchange and cut corners. Do not also plagiarize because, in the long run, that’s not sustainable. You need to bring something new. If not, it reflects on what values you have as a person. Integrity is very important in business, a lot of people lose sight of this when the motivation becomes wrong. 

 

Skills you can learn along the way, resourcesand there are many available now as compared to years ago. Take for instance in digital, internet provider, Globe myBusiness, has business plans that covers GCash, internet, etc. Resources are bundled already so it's a matter of choosing what's suited for you. There are also programs in Globe wherein you have mentors or get free consulting, workshops, trainingmaximize those. 

 

If it's financial resources, that's a different question. It's hard to get a loan from the bank or any financial institution unless you have collateral. If you need monetary resources, get a loan from your family or friends or have them invest in you or your company.

 

If you are guided by principles and good values and motivated correctly, then you will go far and you will be able to sustain it. Believe in that. 

 

RELATED: Young Creatives Who Built Their Own Businesses in Their 20s

 

Marina Cudala, Projects Plus Events & Talents Management  

Why Going Digital Is the Way for Businesses to Thrive, These Womenpreneurs Break It Down

 

Wonder: Could you tell us more about Projects Plus, and your role in your business? 

Marina: Long before the pandemic, we used to do face-to-face corporate events. There were product launches, corporate anniversaries, sales conventions, sports fests and the like. When opportunities would open up for us to help non-profit, church ministry or CSR projects, we treated those like big business and would give 100% of our time and resources.

 

As [the] owner of this small outfit I ran, I saw to it that hired people, suppliers and all sorts of talents were each treated as valuable individuals. In such a high-stress live events business, there are no take two's, no room for mistakes. You pressure people, they fumble. I learned that affable affirmation produced far better long-term results than constant correction. 

 

W: Given the pandemic, what are unprecedented challenges you're facing as a business, and how are you adapting to meet the needs of your loyal consumers? 

M: There's this unprecedented challenge of starting from nothing. Live face-to-face events for highly demanding and meticulous clients is something you get used to and actually just enjoy if you do it as long as I have. The pandemic came, and it put everything to a stop. It took away all opportunities. All.

 

Until I took stock of what I had lefttime, a laptop and the internet. Being the active person I was, I couldn't just do nothing, so I started exploring online events. Realized these have actually been silently going on for years. So I attended every webinar or Zoom meeting I could find and tried to learn, learn, learn. It's a huge online world out there. A huge business, actually, and I am just scratching the surface.

 

In fact, I have also attended several online events by Globe myBusiness. Learned much from their webinars which were also a lot of fun. I am glad for having stuck with Globe since the early ‘90s. They have definitely adapted and adjusted their products and services to our growing needs.

 

W: With many years of experience as a businesswoman, what would you tell 20 to 30-somethings who want to start their own businesses, but don't feel like they have enough resources or skills to push through with it? 

M: Do not wait for perfection. When you get that inspiration, pray about it, study its ins and outs, plan, pray some more, then act. While it's foolish to not count the costs of building a house (and that's biblical), it's even more foolish to sit and do nothing but wait for “perfection.” Shun fear and self-doubt. If you believe in God, know that what you give Him completely, He makes good. Even failure. Failure is not final. Do not fear.

 

Whether you’re looking to start a business or flourish your current one, maximizing digital resources in this day and age, especially mid-pandemic, is the way to go.

 

 

Equip your business for success and maximize its potential through Globe myBusiness with its digital solutions designed for micro, small and medium enterprises. Build your business better with Globe myBusiness’ efficient services and exclusive offers by clicking here

 

 

Art Matthew Ian Fetalver

 

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