Digitalization of MSMEs is key – Concepcion

GO Negosyo founder Jose Maria “Joey” Concepcion 3rd on Saturday said that digitalization of the country’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is essential to boost their potential to soar to greater heights.

Concepcion made the statement as he highlighted the digitalization of MSMEs during Go Negosyo’s latest entrepreneur mentoring roadshow 3M on Wheels at the Ayala Fairview Terraces in Quezon City on Saturday.

“We believe that MSMEs will benefit the most from digitalization. Platforms like Lazada have proven to be a natural fit for these small entrepreneurs because they eliminate so many barriers for them in business,” Concepcion said.

He noted that social media has even made it possible for entrepreneurs to become their own influencers and promote their brands online.

“The path to greater inclusivity is to enhance digitalization in the Philippines,” the Go Negosyo founder added.

The Go Negosyo’s event was attended by shopping giant Lazada’s Group Chief Executive Officer James Dong and social media influencers and content creators who shared tips for successful online brand promotion with the hundreds of active and aspiring entrepreneurs in attendance.

In his remarks, Dong noted how the pandemic has changed consumer behavior in the country and assured the audience that Lazada will always be present to help active and aspiring entrepreneurs do business.

“Think of us as a business that empowers other businesses,” he said.

During the event, social media influencers and digital content creators Edelyn Gonzalvo, Stefanie Lois Garcia, Namy Ulenka and Ayna Cristobal shared their experiences as well as some tips about marketing products on social media during a panel discussion at the event.

They shared with host and The Famous Simply Foods CEO Michael Angelo Lobrin that platforms like Facebook Reels and TikTok are a tremendous help because they are effective in promoting even noncelebrities.

They also shared several elements that contributed to their success as online entrepreneurs, namely patience, goal-setting, consistency, discipline, aggressive promotion, continuous learning, having a mentor, an appetite for risk and the right mindset.

Quezon City Mayor Maria Josefina “Joy” Belmonte, who graced the Go Negosyo’s event, expressed her support for the city’s MSMEs.

“Ito po ang diwa ng pagbabayanihan (This is the spirit of cooperation),” Belmonte said, as she shared that the city is also doing its share in helping its MSMEs through its “Pangkabuhayan QC program” and the 100 percent digitalization of its business permit processing.