The Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Globe myBusiness collaborated recently and co-sponsored the Bicol Business Month, in cooperation with Naga City LGU.
Metro Naga’s activities began with Globe myBusiness hosting a series of webinars, whose goal was to empower e-commerce and tourism, seminars and events were tailored to help uplift business owners in the Philippines.
Globe myBusiness’ mission is to help business owners be more future-ready through digitization and partnership. As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, another goal was added to their mission, which is to help businesses adapt to the new normal by adding technology to their operations.
This is done by providing businesses with digital tools and solutions; sharing tips for entrepreneurs and provide assistance throughout all the stages of their business journey, and hosting events where small business owners can meet, discuss and learn more about the industries they operate in.
One webinar called “Rebound, Reboot and Reinvent Beyond Covid-19” discussed emerging trends in e-commerce and tourism, as well as potential ways for businesses to make the most of them.
Era of Digital Marketing 1.0, on the other hand, featured prominent e-commerce experts like Janette Toral, Abel Quintos, and Cris Roque, who discussed Philippine e-commerce, the basics of data privacy, and digital tools for businesses respectively.
Janette Toral, an e-commerce advocate and founder of DigitalFilipino.com, covered common issues that SMEs face: product development and marketing, strategies to implement, and variables that determine e-commerce growth. She focused on questions like “Is my strategy still viable?,” “What areas do I need to focus on?,” and “Where do we get our customers?”
For his part, Globe Telecom Data Privacy Manager Abel Quintos discussed privacy rights of customers and tips for business owners about compliance, which includes registering a data protection officer, developing privacy policies, and coming up with consent statements or disclaimers.
Finally, Globe myBusiness’ Business Development Head Cris Roque talked about digital tools made available by Globe myBusiness for SMEs. She emphasized how the Covid crisis has changed the shopping behavior of Filipinos since most things are now bought online so they don’t have to leave the confines of their homes. She taught business owners how to establish their online presence; build communication channels; set up contactless payment and efficient backend systems; and finally create loyalty programs and promos.
The second day of the webinar featured “Era of Digital Marketing 2.0,” with experts like Globe myBusiness Tourism Industry Manager Frances Caluya and GCash Territory Sales Head Ann Alcoreza. The two-hour period tackled an industry that has suffered some big losses due to the pandemic, which is tourism.
Frances Caluya was quick to reassure business owners that all is not lost in the tourism industry. Virtual tourism is a rising trend where businesses can start creating awareness and allow clients to book future trips when Covid is no longer a threat. She went through every step of the process, from arrival and checking in, to rewarding return customers, incorporating a number of digital trends and ways to take advantage of this new rise in virtual tourism.
On the other hand, Ann Alcoreza talked about the number one e-wallet provider in the Philippines, GCash. She focused specifically on how business owners can leverage GCash to provide safe, secure and most especially contactless payment methods to their customers. Business owners in the tourism and other industries can gain a thing or two by allowing contactless payment, to give their customers a sense of relief that cash doesn’t have to be transferred hand-to-hand in this pandemic any longer.
All in all, the event was an integral part of Metro Naga’s celebration of Bicol Business Month. Not only did it boost the spirits of struggling business owners, it also gave them options on how to move further and reach greater heights. More than a partner in this great stride, this initiative supported by Globe myBusiness was a beacon of hope for business owners looking to move forward, and achieve bigger things in the new normal.