Collaboration: Business growth in the new normal
Alfamart, the first and only Super Minimart chain in the country, has always believed that collaborations and partnerships are the key to growth, especially during trying times.
“Partnerships have been a key component and core foundation of Alfamart’s progress,” said Alfamart Philippines CEO Harvey Ong. For Ong, an alliance can only be called a true partnership if the benefits apply to all stakeholders. A prime example of this is their tie-up with DECS, a spin-off of the original Diao Eng Chay Chinese deli of Binondo fame.
Justin Chua, a 4th generation owner of DECS, was a former Alfamart employee who was inspired to start his own business.
“Partnering with Alfamart helped DECS achieve its main objectives,” Chua explained.
DECS’ lumpia, dimsum, and pies have been a big hit at Alfamart.
Another Alfamart partner-success story is Bakeshop16. The proprietors, mom Eunette Ong and her daughters Erica and Eryll, believe that working with Alfamart gave their young business a good boost, especially with their brand equity.
“Being associated with Alfamart helps in building the consumers’ perception towards Bakeshop16,” Eryll said.
Alfamart’s partnerships with DECS and Bakeshop16 have allowed the entrepreneurs behind them to look past the present challenges. “Through collaboration, we are able to maintain our growth-oriented perspective, instead of the prevailing survival-oriented one,” the Alfamart COO emphasized.
GrabPay ties up with InstaPay
Grab has beefed up its GrabPay service by allowing seamless and real-time tracking of cash-in and cash out transactions to and from the GrabPay wallet, powered by InstaPay, an electronic fund transfer (EFT) service that allows transferS of Philippine peso funds instantly between accounts of banks and e-wallets in the country.
InstaPay allows users to instantly and conveniently transfer funds from BSP-supervised banks and e-wallets to their GrabPay account, connecting more digital channels, and eliminating the need to physically go to payment centers just to cash in to their GrabPay wallet.
Grab users can also transfer available funds from their GrabPay wallet to their bank accounts and e-wallets, allowing seamless flow of money from different sources.
“We are constantly looking for ways to improve our services to stay true to our commitment of providing Filipinos safer and convenient ways to perform digital transactions. Building trust by connecting more digital channels and giving flexibility to move around funds help us break barriers in providing hassle-free transactions for our users. We are glad to be doing this with InstaPay with the oversight of BSP,” said Jonny Bates, head of GrabPay Philippines.
E-commerce tools for SMEs
Business owners should consider adopting an e-commerce strategy to help their business stay active and continue to grow, according to GoDaddy, provider of online tools and solutions
“Many businesses, especially SMEs (small and medium enterprises), pivoted online when people were ordered to shelter in place. It’s clear by now, that in this new normal of changed consumer behaviors, businesses can continue operations with the help of digital solutions,” said Tina Shieh, Marketing Director for Asia of GoDaddy.
GoDaddy said Filipino SMEs and entrepreneurs ought to consider providers with online tools that integrate a website builder with e-commerce functionality, to help create, manage, and market their online business easily and affordably.
For example, GoDaddy’s Websites + Marketing”‚ product allows customers to create a website with over 1,500 template suggestions for all types of businesses. It also works both on desktop and on mobile devices. It is also a tool that easily integrates e-commerce functionality with GoDaddy Online Store. A full website plan that offers tools to design an e-commerce portal and online marketing tools currently starts at P1,049.99 per month.
GoDaddy said its easy-to-use and affordable online tools and solutions, along with expert customer care, can assist business owners on their digital journey to strengthen their online presence.
Binggo Mobile taps EON
Binggo Mobile, the company behind smartbinggo.com, has partnered with Union Bank of the Philippines, through EON, in transforming micro-enterprises, like cafés and sari-sari stores, into phygital (physical to digital) storefronts, starting in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.
By becoming a Binggo Mobile affiliate, micro-entrepreneurs can sell airtime load and earn commissions without having to maintain an inventory, just as Grab offers transport services without owning a fleet.
They will also get a Binggo Mobile account and a Binggo Mobile VISA card, powered by EON, so they can start saving, do cashless transactions, and even avail of Binggo Mobile loans.
“Even as the world turns digital and seemingly dominated by tech giants, Binggo Mobile proves that there will always be a place for micro-entrepreneurs — the neighborhood stores we have been so used to. Just like EON, it leverages on technology to reinvent the way things are done to allow its customers to earn more and fulfill their aspirations,” said Kimberly Espiritu, assistant vice president and Communities and Linkages head of EON.
“As we strive towards financial inclusion, we equally aspire for inclusive prosperity. No one should be left behind. Collaborating with Binggo Mobile gets us closer and closer,” said Paolo Baltao, senior vice president and EON Banking Group head.
Reflections on the pandemic: Story-telling competition
ComCo Southeast Asia held the first Philippine-wide “Write to Ignite Blogging Project” featuring reflections during the pandemic.
Co-presented by Eastern Communications and sponsored by Electrolux, Jobstreet and Teleperformance, this storytelling competition received entries from 70 bloggers from Albay, Bacolod, Baguio, Bulacan, Cavite, Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iligan, Ilocos Sur, Iloilo, Laguna, Metro Manila, Quezon Province and Rizal.
The winners are Kurt Comendador of Kuku Notebook from General Santos at first place, Carla Araniego of Blissful Guro from Malabon City at second, and Cris Ruffolo of Lady with Backpack from Liloan, Cebu at third.
All of them received cash prizes, Electrolux CompactGo Bagged Vacuum Cleaners and merchandise items from participating brands. Consolation prizes were also given to the top 40 storytellers.
