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Small Businesses Need to Know About Digital Transformation and Disruption

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Although a small or medium-sized business’s digital transformation may not be as large an undertaking as it would be for a big corporation, it is every bit as significant.

Some small businesses think their size creates some kind of immunity when it comes to digitalization. They assume, because they are “small,” they don’t need to undergo a digital transformation to maintain a solid book of business. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Digitalization is changing everything about life today – from consumer purchasing to how we conduct business. As more devices become connected to the Internet, more brands have started to create content and customer connections that cater to the buyer no matter where they are. And In today’s market, every company is now responsible for living up to the “anywhere, everywhere” consumer expectation.

 

Digital transformation and disruption

Digital transformation refers to the company decision to deliver that seamless digital experience to consumers and to maintain an evolving customer relationship with new platforms and solutions. In practice, it means using data-driven analytics to get a better understanding of a target market, and then using that information to digitalize the internal and external processes to cater to the needs of the consumer.

The result of digital transformations may or may not be considered a digital disruption. Digital disruptions are the larger phenomena that take place in society and change the way people do things in their daily lives. Mobile banking, for instance, might be considered a digital disruption. It provides value to the customer and changes the way people work, but it also is a concept that revolutionized an industry. A software update probably wouldn’t be a digital disruption but any digital tool that is ultimately driven by consumer need could be considered one. As a small business, you may be affected by digital disruption, and you may have the opportunity to cause one — or both.

 

Transforming your small business

Your company’s digital transformation may not look like another company’s. A transformation isn’t about adopting every trend in the marketplace. Rather, it is a fundamental change in your business that adds value to the customer experience.

For example, going mobile may be a key part of your company’s transformation. More people access their mobile devices before making a purchase than they do a desktop or laptop. Companies that successfully digitalize their businesses make sure that responsive web design creates a seamless experience on every device a consumer might use. It fundamentally changes the way your consumers interact with your brand, transforming your business from a legacy enterprise to a digitalized company.

Although a small or medium-sized business’s digital transformation may not be as large an undertaking as it would be for a big corporation, it is every bit as significant. Digital transformation is vital for enterprise survival and growth.

Start making changes and ask for guidance and feedback from existing customers as well as employees who interact with customers on a daily basis. By focusing on the customer experience, you can make the digital changes necessary to streamline your business interactions online and in-store.

Once your company has made key digital changes, remember that the process is ongoing. Encourage innovation in your business and strive to evolve with the digital world in real time. Technology isn’t slowing down and businesses that stay relevant will have to keep up with the changing tides. Reach your customers by staying technologically current. Keep them by remembering what sets your brand apart.

Sources: Entrepreneur.net

Content marketing: How do you get value from it in email marketing?

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“Content marketing is a strategic marketing approach focused on creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly-defined audience — and, ultimately, to drive profitable customer action.”

It is all well and good developing programmes to drive sales and revenue, after all that’s what most brands are looking at as ROI from email. However, in this day and age where email is the most widely used form of communication with customers and prospects, is that enough? In my opinion it’s not.

What are you doing to differentiate yourself from everyone else in the inbox? What’s going to make you stand out?

There was a reason a subscriber took the time to sign up to your brand, why was that? They wanted something from you – were they interested in your proposition or product? Or was it all about your brand? Probably the first right?

So how do you get them interested and engaged in your brand? With content, that’s how.

There are different types of content you can use, so where do you start? Answering the question as to why the subscriber signed up and what they want is a great place.

What expectation does the sign up box/page on your website give?

  • Regular updates/tips
  • Member only information
  • Exclusive deals
  • Offers and discounts

If you’ve incentivised someone to signing up, or promised certain content, then you’d better follow through on that or you’ll find they’ll quickly be hitting that unsubscribe button.

In my mind subscribers sign up based on what you’ve offered, and that would be what they want from you. However, how can you be sure what you’re sending them is what they want? Lets not forget how fickle we humans can be and how often we change our minds. The best way I’d say you can qualify this is by simply asking them.

Very soon after someone new has subscribed to your email list, you’ll want to reach out to them to begin building your relationship. This is the perfect time to start with some valuable content, setting the expectation for what they’ll be receiving from your brand and collecting preference information through a well-designed Welcome Programme andPreference Centre.

Be mindful when collecting preferences – make sure you can actually deliver the different types of emails and content. The last thing you want are subscribers that have told you what they want and then don’t get it; a sure way to increase your unsubscribes.

Now that you know what your subscribers want from you, how are you going to deliver this? I have seen many brands use a hybrid approach and combine a newsletter with a sales email. Personally I believe these should be kept separate; once you combine these two types of email you are taking away from one CTA or the other. To me, it’s best to send a newsletter that contains news, with the main CTA being to drive traffic to the website and build a brand affinity – this is where your best valuable and relevant content should go.

Depending on your brand and industry, like travel or fashion for example, you may find that you have an abundance of content to share, and that’s great. There’s inspirational and informative content about where next to take your holiday or what’s trending right now with the latest A-lister wearing this winter’s coat.

For some though, this can be seen as challenging. What if you don’t have lot of engaging content? What if your product is more functional? For brands like this, user generated content (UGC) can be very useful. UGC can come in different forms – social posts, product reviews or customer forums for example. This content can be extremely valuable; who better than your customers and their peers to provide recommendations?

In summary, having a content strategy to go along with your sales and offer-led programmes can deliver great value to you. Receiving engaging and relevant content will keep your subscribers engaged with your emails, your brand in their minds and emails in their inboxes. Therefore, you have greater opportunity to get the right offer in front of them at the right time so they make the purchase.

Resources: marketingtechnews.com

Expo on crowdfunding and fintech

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LISTED Australian crowdfunding company CoAssets is organising the inaugural Expo for Property, Investing and Crowdfunding (Epic) in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 24 and 25 to highlight the potential of crowdfunding and financial technology (fintech) in Asia, as well as to connect investors to businesses.

“Crowdfunding in Asia, specifically in Malaysia, is gaining much interest.

“With the Malaysia Securities Commission (SC) issuing six equity crowdfunding licences in June 15, we believe more and more people will want to know what this new trend is all about,” said Getty Goh, CoAssets chief executive officer.

“Although CoAssets does not have an equity crowdfunding licence and we have not done any crowdfunding in Malaysia, we have been active around the region and would like to do our part for the local crowdfunding community.

“Hence, we felt organising a major expo would help bring topics like crowdfunding as well as fintech to a wider audience,” he said.

Goh said they had lined up many prominent speakers to share their crowdfunding expertise, including Elizabeth Siew, lawyer and managing partner of Iqbal Hakim Sia & Voo, and representatives from PropellarCrowdPlus and Eureeca, two of the six approved equity crowdfunding platforms in the country.

Property advisor and investment coach Milan Doshi will also be speaking, giving attendees a good mix of property, investment and crowdfunding presentations during the two-day event.

To create greater exposure to the crowdfunding ecosystem, CoAssets has shortlisted six startups to showcase their products and offerings at Epic. Startups looking for funding and business opportunities in Malaysia will also be participating in a pitching contest.

The most popular startup with the highest vote will be awarded with RM10,000.

Some of the startups involved in this contest include I Transcend, ParkEasy, Square Social Com-merce, ImageCrowd and Busttle Eco Ride.

There will also be a lucky draw, with participants standing a chance to win RM10,000 cash in prize. In addition, developer Hatten Properties will sponsor a three-day, two-night trip to Malacca.

Prior to this upcoming event, CoAssets successfully organised an Epic expo in Singapore in July.

The event attracted more than 900 participants, comprising industry stakeholders, businesses and investors. It also drew 16 exhibitors from eight countries, namely Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Mongolia, Cambodia, Australia and the UK.

MayBank, Propertyguru and Seristine Properties Ltd were among companies that attended the Singapore event.

In total, more than S$9mil worth of business deals were generated.

“We received positive feedback from exhibitors and event attendees,” reported CoAssets chief techinical officer Seh Huan Kiat.

“This is because unlike other expos, we try to organise sessions for businesses and investors to directly connect with each other.

“One such event is the Speed Networking Session, also known as SNS. This is similar to speed dating but it gives business owners an opportunity to meet as many investors as possible and vice versa.

“This provides some structure to break the ice, and we have found that exhibitors and attendees were able to have meaningful business discussions after that.”

Source: The Star Online

coassets-event

More information, kindly visit http://s.coassets.com/FF1

Investing the Right Way

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Joint Venture Investing is the Right Way to invest. Why? It allow us to minimize the impact of invest and increase our reach on our investment road map. Let’s break it down into the essential part for investing in property. First we need a certain amount of capital, second we need to have a salary that able to cover our loan amount, third “age” which determine how long your loan term can reach as the longer the term the better and finally the knowledge.

For 1 person to able to able to fulfill all these is hard as it only few people that able to achieve that. So what about those that did not have the basic criteria to be able to fulfill? That when Joint Venture Investing is the right way to invest.

If a person who is in his/her mid 20’s which have the ability to get loans from the bank both in term of his/her salary & age but not the capital and knowledge, he/she must find a elder person who have the capital and knowledge. With both utilizing both advantage then the basic criteria is fulfill. We know well this is an method that exit the problem is preventing Joint Venture Investing melt down and a exit plan if one does not wanted to continue be involve, this is to protect both party.

Hence, this year PIC we are honor to be able to invite Chris Tan a lawyer and founders of Chur Association. He will touch on the the Joint Venture Investing and teach how to prevent dispute between joint venture party. Sharing his knowledge on how to be able to protect joint venture party and ensure that there is an exit plan in place to in cast any break of joint venture.

In the past joint venture investment is been known widely but the main cons is on the exit plan and also the dispute  arrangement. Therefore, if we remove both of these obstacle, joint venture investing is the right way to invest.

MOC《资本圈》企业参访 | MOC Capital Circle – Corporate Visit

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Good news! < MOC Capital Circle> brought you another exciting corporate visit to Korea Wallpaper and Mediasoft Entertainment on 26th of June 2015! Entrepreneurs tends to learn from each other, increase value to the company, hence, create absolute advantage !!!

Below is the details of two company:

Korea Wallpaper:
－Founded in 2009, ASEAN’s Largest wallpaper gallery at KL, JB, Penang and Melaka.
－Industry leader showcasing thousands of collections imported from South Korea.
－Public recognise its BRAND for highest standard wallpaper at lowest price.

Mediasoft Entertainment:
－Mediasoft is a MSC Status Company and Autodesk Certified Partner.
－Malaysia’s largest game company with 80 employee come from Malaysia, India, Brazil, Germany
－Asia’s Awards winning and Star employer in the local game industry and Universities.

Corporate visitation agenda：
9.30am Korea Wallpaper Reception Registration
10am -11am Korea Wallpaper Corporate Visit
11.15am Mediasoft Entertainment Reception Registration
11.30am -12.30pm Mediasoft Entertainment Corporate Visit
1pm – 2.30pm Networking Luncheon & MOC Sharing
2.45pm End

Credit to <MOC Capital Circle> arrangement，Networking Luncheon sponsored by Korea Wallpaper and Mediasoft Entertainment.

Entrepreneurs and investors that eager to learn how to leverage on Capital Mechanism MUST register. Due to limited seat available, REGISTER NOW, FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS.

Instant Registration hotline:
Queenie ＋019 331 7818
Zoe +018 211 7178

 

好消息！ MOC《资本圈》携您一起于6月26日（五）企业参访Korea Wallpaper 和 Mediasoft Entertainment！企业之间相互学习、提高企业价值、打造企业的绝对优势！

以下是两家优秀企业的简介：
Korea Wallpaper:
－2009年创立，如今是东盟最大壁纸展示厅，分别位于吉隆坡、柔佛、槟城与马六甲
－行业佼佼者，展示过千进口韩国集合系列
－享誉公认品牌－提供最高水准但最低价格的壁纸

Mediasoft Entertainment:
－MSC公司，也是Autodesk认证伙伴
－马来西亚最大游戏公司，超过80位来自世界各地员工（马来西亚、印度、巴西、德国等等）
－荣获亚洲大奖与Star Employer、并获得Apple，Google Store 与Windows Store等各种奖项

流程：
9.30am Korea Wallpaper接待处集合报到
10am-11am Korea Wallpaper 参访
11.15am Mediasoft Entertainment 接待处集合报到
11.30am-12.30pm Mediasoft Entertainment 参访
1pm-2.30pm 午餐交流与MOC分享
2.45pm 圆满结束

在此感谢MOC团队的细心安排，也感恩Korea Wallpaper与Mediasoft Entertainment赞助午餐！
席位只限50位，请尽快报名！

报名热线：
婷婷 ＋019 331 7818
佳蓁 +018 211 7178
WMA富道学院启

PRESS RELEASE: Rise of ASEAN Conference and the 8th Global Entrepreneur Roundtable 2015

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PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION

Rise of ASEAN Conference and the 8th Global Entrepreneur Roundtable 2015; First ever joined entrepreneur and investment outlook into ASEAN

2nd April 2015, Kuala Lumpur- MOC Capital Berhad in collaboration with wealth Mastery Academy and MICE Preferred has presented in-depth information with regards to The Rise Of ASEAN Conference and the 8th Global Entrepreneur Roundtable in Kuala Lumpur. A press conference was held at the Park Royal Hotel, Kuala Lumpur chaired by Dato’ Terry Ong CEO of Wealth Mastery Academy, Dato’ Tony Looi from Persatuan Usahawan Maju Malaysia (Pumm) and Datin’ Samantha Tee COO of wealth mastery academy.

The event scheduled for the 17th of April- 19th April at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur and will be attended by at least 300 delegates from around ASEAN. Malaysia, a growing nation was quoted to be as “A nation capable of being a central business hub for ASEAN for business and business expansion. We want our nation to match businesses on a global scale” this was a key talking point during the press conference, quoted by the CEO of Wealth Mastery Academy Dato’ Terry Ong. Besides conferences that are planned to take place on the specified dates, there will also be cultural night on the second day of the event. This is planned so that Malaysia can showcase to the world that Malaysia not is melting pot of cultures not only locally but also internationally. The introduction of Malaysian hospitality and culture to the other member nations and delegates was also very much stressed on.

Dato Tony Looi also quoted that “We want our nation to grow as a whole, to promote international businesses into Malaysia also matching them with existing businesses”. As quoted by Datin’ Samantha Lee “From the pass GER events we’ve manage to gain the followers and support to make this 8th conference a successful one. This would be the 8th conference that we will be organizing and it is honour as it will be hosted in our home nation”. This conference will provide an opportunity to both Malaysian and foreign delegates the opportunity to witness how that investments can transcend borders and local policies at the same time achieving the desired business aspirations that have been set.

As a whole, This conference is targeted to attract individual that are directly or indirectly involved in investment, entrepreneurs, small and medium business owners, bankers, fund managers, portfolio management and various investment authorities to understand better the economic climate and market ASEAN has to offer.

For more information, please contact

+6018 – 211 8178 / +6018 – 201 1178

aseanrise.com

ASEAN, the Future of Economic Growth

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“ASEAN faces the future with confidence. Its strong foundation and remarkable achievements will serve ASEAN well as it pursues higher goals at the dawn of the new millennium. The ASEAN Heads of Government have reaffirmed confidently that Cooperative peace and shared prosperity shall be the fundamental goals of ASEAN. Economically, ASEAN shall move towards greater economic integration with emphasis on sustainable and equitable growth. Finally, ASEAN shall nourish a caring and cohesive ASEAN community, whose strength lies in fostering a common regional identity and a shared vision for the future, it all comes back to the basics and foundations that naturally is nourished among ASEAN countries.”

Want to know more on how you could be a part of this bright future? For more information on how you could be part of this kindly visit www.aseanrise.com

Slow and Steady

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“Slow yet steady progress has been seen in realizing the goals of liberalizing investment and capital flows. The signing of the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement in 2012 was an important step in building a better business environment for the private sector in the region. Moreover, to enhance trade facilitation, the National Single Window (NSW) program has been implemented in the ASEAN-6 countries (Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand). The remaining members are catching up, with Vietnam and Cambodia having set up their respective NSW Customs interface. Initiatives to connect the NSWs to the ASEAN regional portal are also under way and will contribute significantly to reducing trade costs in the future.”

Thinking of setting the bar higher? For more information on how you could be part of this kindly visit www.aseanrise.com

Setting Goals

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“The goal of ASEAN economic integration is to become a single production base where goods can be manufactured anywhere and distributed efficiently to anywhere within the region. ASEAN needs to work towards the goal of freer movement of labour and capital, but in reality, integration and the free flow of resources will only be gradual,step by step, sector by sector. For now, opinions are mixed on how far ASEAN countries have come in doing everything necessary to make the big first step.

Governments and the ASEAN secretariat feel that more than 80% of their goals have been achieved, but the private sector does not see evidence of much progress when it comes to making it easier to do business across borders. Then again, some businesses, especially smaller ones, have done little or nothing to prepare themselves.”

Rise of ASEAN – Gateway to ASEAN aseanrise.com

ASEAN Entrepreneurs Set To Widen Network At Joint Conference, Roundtable

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KUALA LUMPUR, April 2 (Bernama) — Experienced and budding entrepreneurs are set to capitalise on the Rise of ASEAN Conference and the 8th Global Entrepreneurs Roundtable here from April 17-19 to widen their network and market access in the region and further afield.

The first ever joint entrepreneurial and investment events on business outlook and opportunities in ASEAN and around the globe will enable the entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services.

Organised by MOC Capital Bhd in collaboration with Wealth Mastery Academy and MICE Preferred, the events will provide opportunities for Malaysian and foreign delegates to address cross-border investments and local policies, MOC Capital Bhd managing director Datuk Terry Ong said.

“The conferences will delve on opportunities and potentials in ASEAN as well as explore strategies in making forays into the regional market of over 600 million people.

“The events are aimed at providing not only updates on the investment arena, but also to serve as a main networking-opportunity platform for all veteran and upcoming entrepreneurs, investors, irrespective of whether that are small, medium or giant, and investment bankers,” he told Bernama.

Ong said while Malaysians were accustomed to investment and global economic climate, many lacked in-depth knowledge of the investment arena, particularly in ASEAN.

He said the conferences would also provide an opportunity for Malaysian firms to participate in a one-to-one business-matching session with international companies with a few companies expected to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding.

About 700 delegates representing 20 companies from 30 countries are expected to take part in the events, apart from EU-ASEAN Business Council representatives and US-ASEAN business council minister.

Besides Malaysia, other participating countries include Singapore, Middle East countries, Belarus, Portugal, Columbia, Cambodia, the UK, and Australia.

Ong said cultural nights had also been lined up on the second and third days of the events to enable foreign delegates to familiarise with the Malaysian culture as well as to enhance business interaction.

Among notable speakers are SME Corp Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Hafsah Hashim, SME Association of Malaysia president Teh Kee Sin, EU-ASEAN Business Council executive director Chris Humphrey, and Chris Daniel Wong of the ASEAN Retail Chains and Franchise Federation.

Organised in conjunction with Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN this year, the event will be officiated by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Wee Ka Siong.

— BERNAMA, By Joan Santani Santanasamy

For more information, please visit aseanrise.com