Business solutions for Pinoy SMEs

PLDT SME Nation re-introduced three business solutions designed to liberate entrepreneurs from micro-managing daily operations.  “PLDT makes sure that we offer relevant, useful and effective technology solutions to small and medium enterprise market,” said PLDT SME Nation vice president and head Kat Luna-Abelarde.  “This way, SMEs can increase the efficiency of their operations and expand their market reach.”

For retail businesses, PLDT offers CheckOut, a web-based point of sale system (POS) that automates every function and process of sale transactions.  Since data is stored in an online hosting service, accurate data can accessed from any desktop, laptop or tablet.  Record sales, sales analytics, inventory and other important information now comes handy and readily accessible through CheckOut.  For the CheckOut Software, the monthly service fee starts at P2,750.

The PLDT Watcher really lives up to its name because this business solution gives the entrepreneur access to watch the comings and goings of daily operations in real time.  Designed to help reduce theft and pilferage, whether the treat comes from inside or outside elements, Watcher has a multi-camera system that is backed by a software solution.  Unlike the ordinary CCTV system, camera snapshots and video clips can be sent through email and previewed from a computer monitor or mobile phone.  Pay P2,000 monthly for the Watcher bundle.

For businesses heavily involved in transport, logistics, courier and delivery operation, the Field Asset System for Tracking (F.A.S.Track) is a web-based monitoring system that locates fleet of vehicles and people while on the road.  Easily installed on vehicles or attached on a person’s clothing, the device enables business owners to view their assets in real time from a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or smart phone.  With nationwide coverage, F.A.S.Track can be an invaluable tool in fuel cost reduction, better maintenance of vehicles, and effective utilization of manpower.  Packages start at P1,100 a month.

To stay ahead of competition, small and medium entrepreneurs can step up their operation through these business suites.  By embracing technology and automation, SMEs can easily achieve efficiency.  Adopting technology need not be expensive, many business solutions are affordable and offer great returns in terms of higher productivity and eventually, profit as well.

First posted on June 1, 2012.

Johnlu Koa: Baking Bread to the Top

Twenty-three years ago, Johnlu Koa as a budding Filipino entrepreneur stepped on uncharted territory when he opened The French Baker, the first French bakery cafe in the country.  Complementing the malls experience, The French Baker created its own niche category.  Totally unheard then, Koa introduced live baking on each store with fully-equipped kitchens and ovens that caught the attention of customers that kept coming back to take advantage of real fresh-baked products, especially the French croissants and baguettes.

Johnlu Koa of The French Baker

 “You cannot find crusty buns and rolls in any other bakeries.  We are so dedicated to making them. Our mission is to bake hard-to-bake breads,” shares Koa.  And the difference with their baked products is in its taste, flavor and symphony of crackle that comes only from good bread. 

Fast forward to present time, The French Baker remains on top of its category after opening 43 stores located mostly at the SM Supermalls.  In 1994, The French Baker received the Agora Award for the Company of the Year by the Philippine Marketing Association.  For 2003 to 2004, the bakery cafe was included in the Superbrands Philippines' roster, then in 2010, the Hall of Fame Award by the Philippine Retailers Association.

Koa's keen sense on market opportunities and formidable drive to product development helped The French Baker to remain relevant in the market to this day.  “We would rather understand the market and pursue what we can potentially do for them that others could not,” reveals Koa.  “Our success formula is to be focused on mall customers, on what they want that we can offer.”

To keep ahead, Koa observes international trends by having frequent trips abroad as well as taking suggestions from local chefs and foodies.  From there, he then takes his cue and foresees the same trend two or three years happening locally. The French Baker achieved a breakthrough when it started carrying 100 percent whole grain, the purest whole wheat bread available in the market today. Lately, he introduced giant-sized “Parisian Macaron” cookies filled with French butter cream in pistachio, mocha, raspberry and chocolate that can be eaten as a snack or dessert. “I believe my macaron comes very close to the ones in Paris,” muses Koa. Every Christmas season, Koa bakes his “pure Danish butter cookies” and packs them in an attractive jar. “Customers look forward to it as I do it only once a year,” he adds.

First posted on May 17, 2012.

A day for Mother Earth

In cooperation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Earth Day Network Philippines, Inc. (EDNPI), the national secretariat of Earth Day in the country, will spearhead the Earth Day celebration on Sunday.

Under the theme “Earth Day Everyday, Everywhere”, this year’s celebration carries on the message that caring for Mother Earth is timeless and goes beyond borders.  To encourage the participation of different sectors, the network shall feature several advocacy activities.

The main even will be held at the Ayala Triangle from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the support of Makati City government, Ayala Land, Inc., and Ayala Foundation, Inc.

Contingent of support groups are expected to march along Paseo de Roxas and Makati streets and converge in front of the Philippine Stock Exchange in an activity called the E(nvironment) Lakad.  At certain points, the marchers will encourage motorists to momentarily stop for the Tigil Buga program of Makati City and Ms. Earth Foundation.

At the main program, DENR Secretary Ramon Paje will deliver the annual State of Philippine Environment report along with different initiatives and actions undertaken.For his part, Roberto Guevarra, EDNPI chairman and president, shall deliver the civil society’s response.  He will also unveil the water project of EDNPI, known as the Agos Ram Pump project that aims to install 100 ram pumps for upland communities nationwide.

Another highlight of the event would be the revelation of three celebrity ambassadors as champions for Green Business, Biodiversity Conservation and Youth Environmental Empowerment, respectively.Several advocacy booths shall showcase different environmental initiatives at the venue such as the Unlitrike booth where a prototype electric tricycle will be displayed. Likewise, an organic market shall be set up for supporters who enjoy healthy and eco-friendly meals.

“Celebrated for more than forty years, Earth Day has become the world’s largest and longest running environmental celebration. This Sunday, more than one billion people around the globe will participate in Earth Day 2012 with people of all nationalities and background will voice their appreciation for the planet and demand its protection,” says Voltaire Alferez, executive director of EDNPI.

First posted on April 20, 2012.

Monsterize your Kitchen

This is not Lady Gaga's kitchen. Monster Kitchen is a baking school that offers very affordable fees for world-class training programs. From a simple hobby, Monster Kitchen's students learn baking techniques that could pave the way to one's career in the food and service industry armed with basic training and professional confidence.

Inside Monster Kitchen

Started in 2008, Monster Kitchen is foremost a supply store but the waning interest in baking prompted  its owner, Jan Michael Uy, to put up a baking school. "We wanted to bring back the passion within the baking community and we are happy with the response," said Uy.

Not your typical culinary school, Monster Kitchen offers a three-month program on Fundamentals of Basic Baking and Pastry Arts. Classes are small with maximum of 12 students learning European and contemporary techniques for three days in a week.

"Students get to bake. We do not simply follow the recipe and do cooking demonstrations. We let them experience the actual baking process using different techniques. This way, they become confident to use any ingredient and use any technique found in any kitchen they may end up later on," explains chef Jesuit Paul Nuges.

A team of high caliber chefs like Albert Chia, Jo Venes, Kathy Dano, Mitchie Sison and Nuges head the trainings at Monster Kitchen that are certified by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

The first batch of students composed of professionals, novices, coffee shop owners and homemakers received their certificates in a simple graduation ceremony last June 15. The event was made mouthwatering and memorable by the lavish spread of creatively-baked goodies, cakes and breads.  "We are proud to showcase the cakes and pastries baked by our students. This way, everybody gets to sample and tastes our products," exclaims Uy.

Based in Gaston Park, Cagayan de Oro, Uy finds the venue as an advantage rather than a concern for students. "For such competitive training, our fees are really affordable and cover the chef's jacket, apron, cap, manuals, certificate and all imported ingredients. Plus, if you stay in the city, you get to see and visit all the tourist spots." The three-month program is priced at P52,000.

Fully supportive of their students, Monster Kitchen also gives extra training in preparation for culinary competitions. As shown by the desserts in plated-design, baking fundamentals are important as well as the development of one's creative abilities that are best shown during competitions.  "We expose them to different culinary competitions. Every competition builds the character and confidence.  Competition allows them to experience cooking and baking under pressure.  And pressure is present in every kitchen," explains chef Nuges. 

The second batch of baking lessons started last July 11.  "We are plan to expand the business outside Cagayan de Oro.  Eventually, we will branch out in Manila since interest in baking can be found everywhere regardless of age," said Uy. 

Of late, Monster Kitchen has been getting inquiries from faraway places like Cebu, Davao, Lucena and Laguna.  Monster Kitchen welcomes inquiries on their Facebook page.

First posted on September 7, 2011.

Going back to Yabang Pinoy

I was lucky enough to check out their bazaar in 2008.  Expecting the usual stuff one might see in many tiangge I dragged myself to the Rockwell Tent but my curiosity was quickly peeked with the new and interesting wares proudly laid-out with pride at the Yabang Pinoy bazaar.

Established in 2005, Yabang Pinoy is an organization of passionate believers and supporters of all things Filipino to realize the joy and spirit of simply being Filipino.  Through their advocacies and campaigns, the organization is seeking "change in the mindsets" of Pinoys into "Shouting Proud Pinoys".

To arrest the lack of concern over the Filipino language, Yabang Pinoy challenges every Filipino to enrich their knowledge through radio campaign and interactive shirts.  The group popularizes Filipino idioms like "Batu-bato sa langit, ang tamaan huwag magagalit" by distributing posters, stickers and printed shirts.  The Mark Pecson project features a series of five-minute webisodes of an inglesero's bold attempt to straighten his Filipino in a month's time.

This enthusiasm and motivation is generously spread to different schools via Magyabangan Tayo Debate, Todo Patintero at Abakaya activities that help shape a nationalistic consciousness founded on the use of the Filipino language in the discourse of our unique and rich culture.

National pride is claimed through different Yabang Pinoy projects that promote the country's rich marine biodiversity and endemic species.  The Pinoy's ingenuity and ideas are fostered by giving out books, journal notebooks and art materials to the youth.

In Pinasport, the group encourages members and advocates to boost local tourism by producing a travelogue of their island trips.  These travel memoirs showcases the beautiful spots and adventurous possibilities of local destinations. 

Suelas shoes at the Global Pinoy Bazaar.

Yearly, Yabang Pinoy sponsors the Global Pinoy Bazaar wherein they rally in local entreprenuers and patrons to the Filipino consumer revolution.  By staging this business exchange, they encourage the Pinoy to join their nation-building efforts by buying local concepts, talents, services, and products.  They believe in the purchasing power of the peso that could bring more consumption and demand toward a better economy.

This year, Yabang Pinoy will be staging its fifth Global Pinoy Bazaar and showcase Filipino products made with 100 percent Filipino love and pride on November 6 to 7at the Rockwell Tent, Makati City.

All Filipino artists and entreprenuers with products borne out of 100 percent Filipino love and pride are invited to join the bazaar.  Interested parties may visit www.yabangpinoy.com.

The rest of us can sit around or go to this bazaar and find out one more reason to be proud of ourselves.

First posted on September 14, 2010.

The Growing World of Internet Marketing

With nearly 30 million Internet users in the Philippines, the advertising landscape has changed in the sense that marketing products and services are no longer confined to e-mail blasts and banner ads.

Of the 28-million Philippine online community, 83 percent are into social networking, 90 percent produce blogs and 98.6 percent watch videos, Yehey.com CEO Donald Partrick Lim said.

If 1 percent of the 10 million Filipino workers overseas would transact online that would already be a sizable captured market, he said.

He noted the rise of viewers watching digital television not just on normal TV sets but also online on their computers and cell phones that by the end of 2010 he estimated that the 500 million digital ads will grow by 100 percent to 1 billion.

In terms of business models, outsourcing is lucrative when it comes to demand for online delivery of professional services.

Outsourcing specialist John Jonas said opportunities could be found on the Internet by linking to sites that advertise jobs overseas, as well as Web hosting, online wholesalers and retailers and marketing write ups.

Pay-per-click marketing or Search Engine Optimization refers to Web pages that receive high ranking among search engines for maximum visibility and reach for online visitors.  "Search engines are keyword driven.  Response is immediate with traffic generation that is cost-effective, widely exposed, controlled and measurable," said Fabian Lim, chief executive of Asia Internet Academy.com.

Liam recommended uploading effective ads with consistent marketing messages and simple page designs.  "It is better to create several ads for the split test and tracking of viewers."

For Singapore's list building master Jaz Lai, e-mail marketing could be the best tool in expanding the effectiveness of existing database.  In the absence of a list, Lai said post a page offering free products and other benefits to be given away after accomplishing the registration form.  "This must be equipped with an auto-responder to complete the process."

Bigger traffic on the page creates a bigger database.  A single article can generate attention and traffic when the database can be accessed through sent e-mails, audio files for podcast, video uploaded on YouTube as well as blogs and social networking sites.

Products and services could also generate a great number of responses by writing e-mail messages with a personal and friendly tone of voice.  "Instead of thinking how you can earn, think of how the audience can benefit from it," said Lai.

With the right revenue models, social networking sites could be developed to sell products and services.  "You can create online presence by building on social networks," said Simon Leung, a Google optimization insider.  "Blog your way to your own personal branding, put up a fan page, or develop massive exposure using micro-blogs like Tweeter.  Encourage a community of loyal followers by sharing videos, your favorite photos, and book-marking your favorite sites."

FireballOnline.com CEO Ian del Carmen said there is more to the Internet than trading, getting jobs, selling advertising space and being known.  Through membership sites, one could earn extra income from member registrations, subsequent visits to the page and use of its contents.

To generate traffic, put up contents like articles, reports, e-books, e-zines, newsletters, or manuals, according to Del Carmen.

When it comes to branding "invest in your Web sites," said Lloyd Luna of Lloydluna Communications.  Your company's Web site must be sleek, logical, reflecting the image of the company.

You involve your market by asking for recommendations from visitors and having an auto responder.  Aside from carrying the domain name, company e-mails should be short, easy to remember, understandable and uniform, Luna said.

Published on Manila Standard Today on April 10, 2010.  First posted on May 26, 2010.

On a reader's comment about MyPhone

Before Christmas, I received a comment from a reader of my blog site.

The reader, basically, aired his complaint about the services of MySolid Technologies.  The guy happened to be shopping for a new cellphone at SM Megamall.  Upon payment for a new Myphone unit, he asked for a receipt but the sales attendant could not provide one.  In his disgust, he withdrew from the transaction altogether.

In his comment, he mentioned that he would rather patronize foreign companies than buy from homegrown counterparts that do not follow laws and thus, deprive government of much needed taxes.

For my part, I immediately forwarded his comment to MySolid Technologies.  They were to quick to reply and stating that "SM Megamall MyPhone Kiosks and Stores are NOT operated by us (MySolid Technologies) but by our dealers. The dealer (in question for Megamall) is Sienna Telecoms."

They also added that "MyPhone is a subsidiary of the Solid Group holdings - a PUBLICLY LISTED company under the Securities and Exchange Commission."  This makes the company an active and legitimate player in the industry.

First, I would like to recognize the reader for bringing up the matter.  It is a fact that customer service in our country is lousy with few exceptions.  Like him, we should do our part in protecting our rights as consumers.

Second, direct sellers and dealers should not operate unless they are fully prepared to be of service to their clients which includes issuing receipts for every transaction.  This is a basic requirement but sadly is being overlooked by some businesses and government units as well.

Third, I appreciate the immediate response of Jingo Fermin of MySolid Technologies to my query.  His reply readily answered all concerns.

I sincerely hope this clears the air for all involved.  I am just glad my blog site had become a conduit in addressing and understanding the matter.

Lastly, I would to thank all those who read my blogs last year and rest assured that more exciting blogs will coming your way this 2011.  And of course, comments are most welcome.

First posted on January 5, 2011.