by Allain Dumon Fonte
The history of trade dates back to the oldest civilization. People had to cross seas or travel far and wide to get their needs in exchange for anything valuable. The ancient ways of conducting business led to the development of new cultures and new societies, as merchants settled in foreign lands and discovered new places to expand their enterprises. However, in the now, businessmen neither need to travel far and wide, nor cross seas; with just a scroll and click, a business transaction is signed, sealed, and delivered. Doing business at the comfort of one’s home, office, bedroom, or even on the favorite couch, is brought about by the advancement of mobile apps.
So, how do mobile apps shape the way businesses perform? First, on the list is the improved, more accurate, and faster means of communication. Before, we needed to send mails or electronic mails to communicate agreements and to pass back and forth contracts. This means that communication takes time, and for the message to get crossed. Moreover, there are high risks of losing the message along the way. However, with mobile apps, it is easier and faster to communicate with your clients and business partners. Best Business apps have got special features where sellers and buyers can chat or call each other. Some apps even allow business owners to meet with their office staff online and discuss or plan strategies to market and enhance operations. Hence, the comfort of working remotely.
Entrepreneur and stylographer, Dexter Alazas, works as a fashion designer, manages a modelling and talent agency, and curates events for Cebu’s major brands. Alazas is very grateful to modern technologies. With a mobile app that is especially programmed for his business, he can easily communicate with clients and remotely meet with staff. At any time, clients can leave her a message, and these messages are sent to his mobile phone and email address. With this, no messages can be left unread; even if he is in Boracay for a holiday.
Entrepreneur and stylographer, Dexter Alazas
The second benefit is the agile mobile technology. Mobile apps are easy to update, and programmers are working constantly to find ways that their mobile apps become as user-friendly as possible. Mobile apps are also consistently reviewed with their functionality, speed, and comfort. The consistent reviews allow programmers to continuously improve their apps. For example, with the Gcash app, Alazas is able to compensate his staff or talents directly to their banks or gcash accounts. Alazas’ clients also find it faster to pay him through the Gcash app. Plus, the Lalamove app is a big help to Alazas and his clients because it saves them the time to travel to and from the shop. With the Lalamove app, Alazas can have his clients’ orders delivered straight to their homes.
Third benefit is mobile sales and mobile marketing. Mobile apps can include features like emails, calendars, campaign management solutions, and they are even linked to social media platforms. This allows the business owners to have a wider reach of customers as their businesses can be advertised online. These apps also allow businesses to reach out and maintain a pool of interested clients by taking advantage of online search engines. When someone searches on the Pinterest app about bridal dresses, photos of Alazas’ bridal collection appear. This helps Alazas connect with potential clients.
After interviewing 50 entrepreneurs in Cebu, these are their most loved and most used mobile apps that help them make their business operations much smoother, especially during the pandemic.
1. Gcash – this mobile app even supersedes the comfort of online banking. Anyone can easily transfer and receive cash at any time of the day. Transactions are fast and instant. Unlike banks, anyone can cash in and cash out from 24 hours Gcash service centers like 7/11 and mini stop shops. The only thing that our entrepreneurs do not like about this app are the transaction fees. Rating this app with 4.5 stars out of 5
2. Grab – is a delivery app that ties up mostly with restaurants. Many of our food entrepreneurs confessed that their sales have increased significantly with the help of the Grab app. During the strict lockdowns where most establishments are closed, it was the Grab app that keep their businesses running because people ordered food through the app. The only hiccup is on the delay of the delivery of goods. Many of our food entrepreneurs receive complaints of delayed services. Our entrepreneurs rate this app 4 out of stars.
3. Lalamove – is another delivery mobile app which is mostly used by businessmen to have their items delivered to their customers because it has fast services and accurate maps. Because of the strict quarantine protocols during the pandemic, many businesses have gone online and used the Lalamove app to help deliver the orders of their clients. Entrepreneurs gave this app a perfect rating of 5 stars.
Although, mobile apps can have a few glitches like weak internet connection or when mobile apps run slow. Yet, when you weigh the benefits over the possible troubles, mobile apps surely make doing business a pleasure.
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Ney Villasenor – Vice President, GCash and Corporate Communications Group Head
“It all starts with your decision to do good,” says Reyner Villasenor, the VP for corporate communications. “GCash for Good is another big step to further develop the GCash app into a more socially relevant and sustainable platform that helps address issues across different levels,” he adds. With the launch of the GCash for Good Program, GCash invites NGO Partners from Cebu and nearby cities to join a community of doing good and giving back through the program.
“Globe Fintech Innovations Inc. (Mynt) operates GCash as a springboard for donations to non-government organizations that champion various advocacies, thanks to its scale and innovative digital platform,” says Reyner. “With GCash for Good, GCash users can use the GCash app to donate to various groups to create an impact on society,” he adds.
Mabel Niala, Head of Sustainability and External Affairs of Mynt
The GCash for Good program currently involves 35 NGOs, including UNDP, ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, ECHOstore, Caritas Manila, WWF- Philippines, and more.
“The team at GCash really need to be commended for providing concerned citizens with a highly accountable platform to support the causes they are passionate about,” says Titon Mitra, county representative for UNDP. “I doesn’t matter how much one can afford to give- every peso to a good cause counts. GCash can be a powerful tool for direct citizen engagement and an important contribution to helping the Philippines to meet the Sustainable Development Goals,” he adds.
“I am calling all our NGO friends in Cebu and other nearby locales to join us as we spread the power of good through GCash,” says Reyner. Regulatory requirements are need to be completed by interested NGOs before becoming official GCash for Good partners to ensure the organizations are legitimate and the money donated cannot be abused.
“People now prefer to donate online, as this removes the hassle of having to go through long queues and processes, giving them more time to focus on their daily lives,” says Reyner during the launch of the GCash for Good program in Cebu. With that, partners of the program are happy that GCash has launched a program where people can be comfortable to donate their money.
“After a decade in development work supporting our social enterprises, I have seen the difficulties that non-government organizations face in mobilizing funding support for even the most worthy causes,” says Jeannie Javelosa, the director for ECHOsi Foundation, one of program’s current partner. “ I am excited to see what GCash for Good can do for the development community. With more Filipinos feeling comfortable about giving online, GCash for Good could be a game-changer,” she adds.
Reyner Villasenor stresses during the launch that through GCash, doing good is made easier and more efficient for people who wish to do so. “With GCash for Good, users will also have direct access to where their donations go. It showcases a more transparent and user-friendly interface for anyone to access,” Reyner says.
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