Smart levels playing field for businesses

MANILA, Philippines - Technology is increasingly playing a key role in empowering small businesses in order for these ventures to remain competitive and sustainable.

 As small and medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) realize the value of innovation in business longevity, a number of entrepreneurs have fully embraced the digital revolution to grow their businesses as highlighted by the first-ever Bozz Awards organized by Smart SME Nation.   

The Bozz Awards is a social media crowdsourcing search for the new generation of entrepreneurs known for spearheading a revolutionary change in business platforms through their use of technology. 

 MobKard’s Carlo Calimon emerged as the Boss for Mobile Readiness for making his product accessible anytime, anywhere.  MobKard digitizes and converts traditional plastic privilege cards.  Kimstore’s Kim Lato won Boss for eCommerce for successfully maximizing the Internet as the world’s largest marketplace.  Kimstore is a pioneer in online tech and gadget shopping in the country.

The Boss for Social Responsibility effectively harnesses the power of technology for a notable cause and this honor went to Kristine Reyes-Lopez of Messy Bessy Cleaners Inc.  Messy Bessy produces and sells cleaning and personal care items made from all-natural materials, and help formerly abused, jailed and trafficked young adults.

Jason Magbanua, who raised the bar for wedding videos in the country, was Boss for Social Media for successfully utilizing social media platforms to create meaningful connections with customers and grow an online community.

TimeFree Innovations’ founder and CEO Chino Atilano was Boss for Customer Service for creating a virtual queuing solution to improve customer service and build brand loyalty.

As engine of economic growth, it is important for SMEs to have access to the same technology as the big players to level the playing field, to be flexible, responsive, and anticipate customer needs.

Empowered with technology, SMEs can leverage a vast array of tools to establish competitive advantage and strengthen customer relationships.

Latest government data showed that the Philippine economy is driven mainly by micro, small and medium enterprises. Over 99 percent of business enterprises operating in the country are MSMEs. Data also showed that MSMEs generate almost 65 percent of total jobs generated by business establishments.

 “Startups and small businesses have limited resources at their disposal, which is why we give them affordable communications solutions for seamless connectivity and mobility bundled with the latest gadgets without them having to spend a substantial chunk of their operating capital,” said PLDT first vice president and head of SME business Kat Luna-Abelarde.

 Smart Communications, via Smart SME Nation, has made technology accessible to entrepreneurs and small businesses with its suite of wireless solutions that bundles connectivity with the latest devices and gadgets so that constant connections with employees, suppliers, and customers is the least of their worries.

It offers a range of broadband (Smart Bro, Smart LTE, iGate, FibrBiz), mobile voice (Smart Plans, Unified Communications as a Service), and bundled data and voice connectivity (Smart BizKit) all designed to meet the specific requirements of its clients. 

SMEs belonging to the forwarding industries may also digitize their operations with the new Smart Logistics solutions to enhance operational efficiencies. These solutions include location monitoring, vehicle management, delivery tracking, and e-ticketing all intended to inject security, process efficiency and visibility of precious assets out in the field.

“PLDT Smart SME Nation has tailored a range of connectivity solutions to fit the needs of entrepreneurs, small businesses and even enterprise customers. These connectivity solutions would equip them with the means to respond more effectively to the needs of their customers and stay ahead of market trends,” Abelarde said.

 With its most extensive and modern digital communications network in the country, Smart and the PLDT Group help address businesses’ need for convergence and connectivity to remain competitive in the marketplace.