Leveraging Technology for Local Businesses

Do you run an online business or intend to start one soon?

I was recently invited to speak on leveraging technology for local business using my experience at afrimash.com. I will take you through what I told them in this article.

What is Technology?
Technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purpose. In other words, it means using scientific knowledge to solve problems ...but now we are interested in solving problems that affect us locally.

What is Innovation?
Innovation means combining or using resources in a new way. In other words, the seat of innovation is your mind. Now, let's talk about how to leverage technology for local use based on what worked for me.

My Approach to Solving Local Problems

I asked myself a couple of questions. You should also:

• What is the problem that needs to be solved?
  *in my perspective
  *from the perspective of other people

To understand the perspective of other people, you can check online forums, ask people at associations or groups, and ask a few friends.

• How is this problem currently being solved?
  Ask around and see around. Understanding how the problem is currently being solved will guide you in deciding how to enter the market. Most importantly, it will help you know whether your solution is needed or should be modified.

• Develop a small solution (Minimum Viable Product) - a uniquely better solution
  You need this to test the waters. Make sure it is low cost.

• Improve consistently
  Once you have determined that your solution is needed, you need to improve your solution consistently and stepwise. Here are a few questions you should ask yourself from time to time:
  *What is working? (Replicate it)
  *What is not working? (Stop it)
  *What will likely work? (Try it)

• Do things that can't scale
  The advantage of starting a new business or technology is that you will be greatly involved. Thereby, you can learn a lot from your users.

"Small is beautiful"

You should value being a small organization and see the advantages of being small. This includes the ability to provide personalized service to your customers, learning firsthand from 80% of your customers, innovating very fast, etc.

• Consistently execute smartly and intelligently
  Ideas are a million a dime. Execution is what matters. I recommend that you read the book 4 Disciplines of Execution by Chris Mc Chesney and Jim Huling.

Conclusion
The empires of the future are the empires of the mind. The seat of innovation is your mind. You can achieve whatever you can imagine. However, as you attempt to leverage technology to solve a local problem, do not become a local champion. Develop your solution with a global perspective.

Picture Credit: Pixabay