Tech-savvy SMME's boost bottom line

Local ICT fundi Arthur Goldstuck, the principal analyst behind the annual SME Survey, says small and medium enterprises that embraced research were more competitive than those that did not.

Online presence for SMEs

Goldstuck said an online presence for SMEs was becoming increasingly important, as the public’s internet access continued to accelerate.

“It is incredibly important for all businesses to have an online presence in today’s hi-tech business environment. Nevertheless, we believe using ICT needs to go beyond just having an online presence. For us at SmartXchange, we believe that it’s furthermore important for businesses, especially SMEs, to have a full understanding of what IT can do for a business,” she said.

Static web page

“Businesses need to look beyond just having a static web page and need to embrace low-cost social networking business marketing avenues just as Facebook, Twitter, blogs and YouTube. All serious entrepreneurs need to keep up to date with the latest research.

“For instance, it’s becoming increasingly critical for businesses to look at having a mobile presence with ‘mobi’ sites and business offerings… Tech-savvy youth are embracing mobile innovation and if you are in a business targeting the youth, the mobile needs to be embraced.”