“Business models change. As technology progresses, business models change.”
Marsha Blackburn
With the increasing use of technology in Tanzania, big companies have quickly adopted to the use of different techniques to up their game. SMEs however, find it hard to quickly adopt such changes, either lacking the budget or experts, making it harder for them to compete.
Some may need to go back to the drawing board and focus on developing strategies to ensure the essential parameters for growth are put on track. They may have to transform the way they reach out to customers, or transform how they manage their team.
- Managed IT Services
- Office Suite
- Website & Digital marketing
- Accounting software
- ERP
1. Managed IT Services
Because a few small business can afford to pay an IT expert full time, and cannot afford technological disruptions, it is best to rely on Managed IT services providers to supervise day-to-day network activities, security and scaling. These providers have a big talent pool and a wide knowledge base to support the growth of the SME. By letting providers worry about IT infrastructure, SMEs get to focus on business.
2. An Office Suite
It is important for collaboration, productivity and cost-effectiveness. Work can get done anywhere wether on-site or working remotely. Collaborations, meetings and sharing documents can be done while safeguarding business data with built-in security feature, all with a single productiity solution.
3. Website & Digital Marketing
A digital presence is essential for a growing SME because it is a welcome mat to your business. Websites educate consumers as well as elicit emotions. So it is important to make a good first impression which will determine wether a customer continues engagement or not.
Moreover, digital marketing has drastically change the way business operate. SMEs can benefit immensely from digital marketing through Search Engine Optimization, Social Media marketing, Email marketing, and Content marketing.
4. Accounting Software
Accounting software gives you an picture of your business’s finances easier.Small businesses can use this organised financial information to plan ahead for lean times, and anticipate regular hills and valleys that may be tied to seasonal demand. It allows for accountant satisfaction and scalability. After all, no one wants to a box of faded crumbled receipts.
5. ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)
Helps SMEs scale their business and give them a competitive edge. Simply put, ERP is a business mangement system that provides an integrated solution to streamline all business activities by using a common pool of data. It provides standardization aacroos functions and processes, better management of remote/sales locations and operational efficiency.
In Tanzania, SMEs are the backbone of the economy.