convener and CEO Beady’s word Production, Beady Nnanna
Experts at The 2024 business summit and fair has highlighted key factors at excelling in the 21st century business climate as including Emotional intelligence, automating business process, being open to digital transformation and more l.
The event held at the prestigious radisonblu hotel in lagos on Thursday, had intellectuals and stakeholders in politics, entertainment, ICT as well as the health sector in attendance.
Speaking on the days summit under the theme “TECH FORWARD ENTREPRENEURSHIP: NAVIGATING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION FOR SME SUCCESS” Mr. Ismaeel Lawal, ( a micro small and medium enterprise (MSMEs) development expert.), stated that it is important for owners of MSMEs to embrace and appreciate challenges as a way forward in business.
Mr Ismaeel Lawal, MSMEs development expert
He stressed on the need for business owners to be open to and leverage technology, as it is one key determinant of success in businesses today . He emphasized that before now, most business owners operate without business accounts which made business transactions challenging , reminding participants of how businesses were affected in Nigeria during the cash crunch.
He applauded the emergence of fintech companies like palm pay and opay who transformed the fintech space, making Entrepreneurs more receptive in business. He alluded that some are still analog in their practice seeing themselves as just producers instead of communicators as well.
” Digital transformation does not have to be traditional. everyone should think outside the box , go with the flow.”, he said , citing a situation where people still prefer to collect cash physically for business transaction.
The MSMEs expert also asserted that people should have a a business plan because without it, one cannot have a business model like acquiring the neccessary knowledge and relevant skills using tools such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn , etc.
Mr. Reuben Kalu, Facebook and Google ambassador.
Also speaking at the event , Mr. Reuben Kalu, Facebook and Google ambassador highlighted that the problem is not in importation or exportation of products but how we manage business digitally, stating that business can be done anywhere successfully as long as one knows the right tools to use.
He stated that sometimes small businesses have more chances of making sales because most big businesses do not have presence online since small business owners prefer to use the advantage of those channels of distribution to increase sales.
Though he outlined some salient areas one can use to increase sales like collaboration with other business owners, communicating consistently by posting on social media regularly as well as employing good graphic designers who can help in product development.
A clinical psychologist with the Lagos state university teaching hospital (LUTH). Dr. Suleiman Tajudeen took the participants through the importance of having good social relationship and anger management to avoid stress in business and life in general.
Earlier, during an interactive session, a financial consultant.Mr Damian Ifeanyi Ibeachu who represented Mr. Fred Anigbogu. Managing Director/CEO of Unique Venture Capital Management limited urged entrepreneurs to remain disciplined in business, citing companies like Dangote, Channels TV and Air peace, who have remained successful because of their disciplinary measures in business.
Chief Dr. Kamlesh Jain, Certified Emotional intelligence Coach.
A certified emotional intelligence coach, Chief Dr. Kamlesh Jain wrapped up the days session with a call for business owners to be aware of what triggers their negative attitude in the course of doing business in a country like Nigeria.
The business summit also featured an award segment where notable individuals were recognized for their impeccable contributions towards the development and growth of the business and entertainment sector.
Some Awardees at the summit
The one day summit which is the 5th in series is the brain child of Beady’s word Production, Beady Nnanna
Earlier in her opening speech , the convener , Beady Nnanna, thanked and welcomed everyone in attendance. She stressed that the support she got has been really encouraging and it has aided her and her team members to actualise the intention of empowering business owners especially persons living with disabilities (PWDs).
Story By Evelyn Akpa
