Cavinti, Laguna — The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic had affected every household. The pandemic had made us conform to the new norm and cope with the changes in our ways of living. Majority of the individuals who lost their jobs ventured into other businesses in order to survive.
Since most individuals are proficient in social media, people who pursue entrepreneurship find social media the easiest platform to sell their products and services. The business industry had become more technology-dependent that paperless transactions and physical presence seems like a thing of the past.
They say that an entrepreneur must adjust to the constant demands of the market and must be able to handle everyday transactions without sacrificing health and safety. Running an online business is inherently risky and movement restrictions has made it more challenging. And, this pandemic brought an influx of entrepreneurs selling their products and services online.
In order to help our micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to have a broader sense of business management, the Negosyo Center Cavinti of the Department of Trade and Industry-Laguna Provincial Office (DTI-Laguna) conducted its first run of SME Roving Academy (SMERA) entitled “Effective Online Business Management Amidst Pandemic” last 23 June 2021. It was spearheaded by Associate Professor Marcial Bandoy of Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU), Los Baños, Laguna.
New and potential entrepreneurs from different municipalities and cities participated in the webinar, and took their time to learn— from Pagsanjan, Cavite, Antipolo, Bulacan, Nagcarlan, Liliw and Cabuyao.
The first half of the session talked about the resource speaker’s meaning of the new normal. Bandoy discussed top five (5) known changes in business under the new normal in the country. These were dispersed productive workforce, internal communication or mobile strategy, embracing automation, new age of innovation, and lastly, risk management. He reiterated the advantages of being technologically aware, and encouraged MSMEs to never quit exploring new ideas in selling their products. Adding to the discussion were about small businesses taking shape this pandemic, transforming digitally, investing in technology and being logistically flexible.
The second half of the session was about expounding risks in businesses and tips on how to start a business. Bandoy discussed further the unprecedented challenges encountered by small businesses, such as closure of non-essential establishments, cleaning and sanitation expenses, social distancing requirements, consumer spend shift, eCommerce giants, and other utilities and supplier costs.
Afterwards, Bandoy discussed some tips for starting a small business, shared some insight, reminders, and words of encouragement to entrepreneurs. Bandoy also reiterated the importance of registering the business, and having the right permits for legality.
For more info on the event and for free upcoming webinars, check out the official DTI-Laguna Facebook page. ♦
Date of Release: 8 July 2021