Host : Annabelle Kanguru, Inuka –SME Team –Curriculum Development and Facilitator PSC –OOPENSPACE; Riverside; Nairobi , Corporate Training and Business Management Consultant
Host's Profile
Organization: Inuka –SME Team –Curriculum Development and Facilitator PSC –OOPENSPACE; Riverside; Nairobi
Designation: Corporate Training and Business Management Consultant
A Highly skilled, Talented and Competent Corporate Training and Business Management Consultant for a healthy Corporates space and the business world.
With over ten year’s track record and specialty in Corporate Trainings; Capacity Building Mentorships, Incubation and Coaching programs that are focused toward Professionalization and Corporatization for the youth, SMEs, and the vulnerable. In addition; Curriculum development and Team building. End goal - transforming the Corporate Space and businesses to the next level
Engaged in partnerships that cut across (and not limited to) the GoK; Corporates; NGO’s and private firms. Among others ;Kenya Bankers Association; Kenya institute of Management Kenya Association of Manufacturers; National Bank of Kenya, Diamond Trust of Kenya; Gertrude Children’s Hospital; Career Directions; UAP-Old Mutual; Minet Kenya; (HIVOS) Kenya Biogas Program among others.
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THEME : Supporting MSMEs by creating equitable opportunities for MSMEs across the country
MONTH : April 2020
Focus Areas :
As a means to support budding businesses to thrive, KBA through the Inuka Enterprise Program has developed a mentorship platform where business coaches will spur discussions on topical issues that address gaps and inspire entrepreneurs to reach new heights. You’re welcome for this week’s session on "COVID-19 Response Strategy for Businesses".
Focus Areas:
1.COVID-19 cases are increasing in Kenya, as a small business owner, what should you do?
2.Learn how to create an emergency preparedness plan
3. Learn some coping mechanisms when business is slow and you don't have enough work.
4. Is there anything one can do to avoid laying off employees due to reduced business?
5.How do you make the strategy work if you have your employees working from home?
CHAT TRANSCRIPT
Timestamp
Source
Message
2020-04-17 07:42:18
Good morning everyone! Thank you for joining the chat this morning
2020-04-17 07:42:18
2020-04-17 07:44:33
This is our first mentorship session on the website and the topic is Covid 19 Response Strategy for MSMEs
2020-04-17 07:44:33
2020-04-17 07:45:54
Please feel free to engage us on this topic. Your questions and insights will be helpful in driving the chat session
2020-04-17 07:45:54
2020-04-17 07:51:04
Our Host for the session is one of our Coaches; Annabelle Kanguru. Annabelle herself is an entrepreneur and a highly skilled and talented corporate training and and business consultant
2020-04-17 07:51:04
2020-04-17 07:53:05
I see Francis, Marion, Roselyne and Paul have joined the chat. Good morning!
2020-04-17 07:53:05
2020-04-17 07:59:08
Hi Everyone, looking forward to the session
2020-04-17 07:59:08
2020-04-17 08:01:35
Hi, Roselyn, I look forward to insights from our mentor Annabelle.
2020-04-17 08:01:35
2020-04-17 08:05:36
Hi Annabelle, I think we can start off now. It really is a tough time for businesses filled with uncertainties.
2020-04-17 08:05:36
2020-04-17 08:06:23
What should be the plan of action for MSMEs?
2020-04-17 08:06:23
2020-04-17 08:08:38
What are the key sectors that will drive growth during this period
2020-04-17 08:08:38
2020-04-17 08:09:02
Good question
2020-04-17 08:09:02
2020-04-17 08:11:26
Thank you for your questions our host is now ready to start and will take them shortly
2020-04-17 08:11:26
2020-04-17 08:13:01
Thank you. i would like to know how one can manage cash flow challenges during this period since volume of work is down
2020-04-17 08:13:01
2020-04-17 08:16:02
The Corona Virus has disrupted supply chains and many businesses that import products from China affected. For example, those who sell laptops and mobile phones are unable to replenish their stocks. What advice do you have for them?
2020-04-17 08:16:02
2020-04-17 08:18:09
What can I do as a small business owner so as to avoid laying off my employees due to the reduced business? Are there any alternatives to laying off employees?
2020-04-17 08:18:09
2020-04-17 08:18:42
Good Morning all
2020-04-17 08:18:42
2020-04-17 08:18:55
Good morning everyone. Glad that you could join in this session.
2020-04-17 08:18:55
2020-04-17 08:19:27
Good Morning Annabelle
2020-04-17 08:19:27
2020-04-17 08:20:05
And if I am forced to temporarily lay off employees. How do I handle it correctly?
2020-04-17 08:20:05
2020-04-17 08:20:19
Good morning Annabelle
2020-04-17 08:20:19
2020-04-17 08:20:20
The Covid -19 season has greatly impacted on our businesses. In this session we will feel free to express how this has been for us and what we can have in place for our businesses to weather the season
2020-04-17 08:20:20
2020-04-17 08:23:37
Great anxiety and worry can take a toll on the mental health of business owners for sure.
2020-04-17 08:23:37
2020-04-17 08:24:14
@Joy Kositany • Thanks for your question. In regards to managing of employees this season there are several options you could explore . Ill list them as followsLeave /exploring other business options/Allow them to be accountable to the business responsibility but flexible/Build their capacity
• Consider other cost-cutting options and ways to lessen ... The business justification for a workforce reduction, should one become.
• To freeze salary and benefit increases till things stabilize.
• Be conscious of the Legal Issues Related to Cutting an Employees
2020-04-17 08:24:14
2020-04-17 08:26:36
And most businesses have been forced to close due to reduced demand and disrupted supply chains as mentioned earlier by Francis.
2020-04-17 08:26:36
2020-04-17 08:27:26
Due to different levels of response from various countries,what advise can be given to businesses who source their products from one source in terms of diversification and other risks
2020-04-17 08:27:26
2020-04-17 08:29:05
oy Kositany Thanks for your question. In regards to managing of employees this season there are several options you could explore . Ill list them as follows;1. offer them leave ;2.exploring other business options with them ;3.Allow them to be accountable to the business' responsibility but remain flexible ;4.Build their capacity Lastly you could 5.freeze their salary and benefit increases till things stabilize.
2020-04-17 08:29:05
2020-04-17 08:32:32
@wycliff onyacha good question. i personally think food retail industries will gain the most in terms of growth during the health crisis
2020-04-17 08:32:32
2020-04-17 08:35:08
hi i agree food retail has potential; business owners however need to adjust their models to go digital...we have many entrepreneurs who run cafes and food kiosks who now are struggling because they relied on footfall sales
2020-04-17 08:35:08
2020-04-17 08:36:26
@wycliffe thanks for your question. the key sectors (as it stands currently ) are the IT sector; Agriculture sector; Delivery services; Retail services; and the health sector.
2020-04-17 08:36:26
2020-04-17 08:36:28
That's true
2020-04-17 08:36:28
2020-04-17 08:37:23
Good Morning All
2020-04-17 08:37:23
2020-04-17 08:37:57
Good question. I think over reliance on one source is not a good. I agree about diversification. Although i'd love to hear from Annabelle on how businesses can adapt if their supply chain is affected
2020-04-17 08:37:57
2020-04-17 08:39:13
Good morning
2020-04-17 08:39:13
2020-04-17 08:39:23
hi
2020-04-17 08:39:23
2020-04-17 08:39:41
Good Morning All
2020-04-17 08:39:41
2020-04-17 08:39:51
i think food retail has potential...but there is a challenge faced by owners of cafes and food kiosks because their focus was on footfall clients
2020-04-17 08:39:51
2020-04-17 08:40:47
good question.
2020-04-17 08:40:47
2020-04-17 08:41:12
Morning all
2020-04-17 08:41:12
2020-04-17 08:43:23
so i think for cafes and food kiosks, i think this is a good opportunity to think about how to shift to a digital model for deliveries
2020-04-17 08:43:23
2020-04-17 08:43:55
Food retail has potential and they need to diversify on how they run their businesses eg start delivery services for their ready meals or products, however, supply from farmers is a guarantee. As a farmer how do I ensure that I get the market to these retailers as we have experienced drastic drops in farmgate prices to the point of some farmers are feeding their produce to domestic animals or just leaving it on the farm to rot due to price frustration? there is a mismatch here but an opportunity also- how do we tackle this?
2020-04-17 08:43:55
2020-04-17 08:44:36
There is limited transportation from outside of the country due to the travel restrictions. With what is available there are constraints in terms of turnaround time and the high costing and , reliability that will all impact on the MSME. In terms of diversification one could consider improvising or sourcing locally without compromising on ones quality . Till the situation stabilises
2020-04-17 08:44:36
2020-04-17 08:44:59
Good morning Peter
2020-04-17 08:44:59
2020-04-17 08:47:45
i think cafes and food kiosks will now learn to find ways to get information on their customers, that way they can communicate with them on social media on a regular basis...and the database will enable them to set up a loyalty program and delivery process
2020-04-17 08:47:45
2020-04-17 08:47:57
@ Francis , thanks for your question. i see the answer to this as diversification of the services offered. As one considers the bigger picture for the business should the period extend.
2020-04-17 08:47:57
2020-04-17 08:53:00
hi angela this is an interesting predicament....farmers are faced with the decision on whether to sell produce at a loss or dump produce; I think some options to consider are what to do with the produce to extend its life cycle; is it possible to venture into canning, and drying, dehydration so as to extend the life of the produce and possibly by doing so find new markets
2020-04-17 08:53:00
2020-04-17 08:54:18
the other aspect farmers would consider is long term...if you opt not to sell, and dump your produce you are effectively removing yourself from the market, does that come at a higher cost to you -- so when prices rebound and you are ready to come back into the market, would your customer base have moved
2020-04-17 08:54:18
2020-04-17 08:55:48
@ Joy thank-you for raising this.it is as serious concern being experienced by many globally. There is need to watch on ones mental health keenly; by taking care of both physical and emotional well being. This is so that the issues at hand do not take a toll on one's stability which may indirectly affect the business.
2020-04-17 08:55:48
2020-04-17 08:57:29
@nuru mugambi great insight on value addition, I think one thing that all farmers will have learnt from this Covid19 pandemic period is the need to have a plan B for their products- have a plan of value addition or cold room storage. In my case I was wishing I had a cold room storage and a canning facility to do tomatoes for my tomatoes and also store watermelons and maybe make juice - but brings on the problem of value addion needs major investment and the financial instituions do not look at farming in a serious way - as one told me its risky business - hard but doable
2020-04-17 08:57:29
2020-04-17 08:58:09
To add to above i would recommend the following; 1. Choose to focus on the positive- tax reductions; the dropping of fuel prices; the lessening of the bank regulations and CRB .2. Focus on the future growth of the business. Take a look at your business and identify the points of weakness and threats. Plan ahead.
3.Give back-as you reach out to your future clients
4.Self-care- Take care of yourself plan your time; ensure that you rest; both physically and emotionally to reduce stress. Change is difficult to adjust to especially when it is imposed change.
2020-04-17 08:58:09
2020-04-17 08:58:57
joy i was thinking about your predicament...maybe engage your staff to see what skills they have and what other business opportunities you can start based on their skillset...i think employees are equally worried as you are and perhaps they may be in a position to help you come up with an interim business model, which may help you branch out into new areas
2020-04-17 08:58:57
2020-04-17 09:00:00
This is quite insightful. Thank you.
2020-04-17 09:00:00
2020-04-17 09:04:06
Thank you for this eye-opener Nuru.
2020-04-17 09:04:06
2020-04-17 09:04:31
maybe get in touch with your area MCA...the CDF may be able to sponsor a cold storage facility...if you are a member of a trade association, this can be an appeal the Association makes on behalf of farmers in the area
2020-04-17 09:04:31
2020-04-17 09:04:36
Thank you for this. I agree this is the time to leverage e-commerce and the digital delivery services. In Kenya we have the the bodaboda, Glovo, uber foods among other services still working and it's a time when others could leverage such opportunities to support their businesses
2020-04-17 09:04:36
2020-04-17 09:06:02
During this period we have been forced to adapt quickly. My employees are working from home - which is a new concepts and completely unplanned. How do I make this work?
2020-04-17 09:06:02
2020-04-17 09:09:01
Thanks for the question. This is something that a lot of employers are adjusting to and trying to make successful. I'd recommend the following:
2020-04-17 09:09:01
2020-04-17 09:13:36
1. Have regular and specific meeting times online with your team. 2. Ensure they are well facilitated on things like connectivity that are crucial for working virtually. 3. Ensure that they report regularly on the tasks assigned and keep each other accountable. 4. Find a way to ensure you can reach them as and when needed 5. Take care of their well being and ensure that they are safe and following the regulations set. If you health tips tips that you can share with them you should not shy away either. Make them feel supported
2020-04-17 09:13:36
2020-04-17 09:14:10
thanks Annabelle for the great insights
2020-04-17 09:14:10
2020-04-17 09:16:54
Microsoft also has good products -- Excel allows you to use basic charts to track and manage tasks...it also has gantt charts for more comprehensive time management
2020-04-17 09:16:54
2020-04-17 09:17:07
As regards food going to waste, preservation would be something to pursue. Additionally farmers can sell to organisations that buy and dry fruits as this is a common thing in supermarkets
2020-04-17 09:17:07
2020-04-17 09:17:56
in addition I have found as member of a team working remotely - make use of tools like Slack and microsoft Teams or even whatsapp to enable members to reach out or share to fellow team members in real time and seek answers to queries on these tools gets them instant answers and assistance.
2020-04-17 09:17:56
2020-04-17 09:18:17
Hello everybody, we are about to wind up the chat session
2020-04-17 09:18:17
2020-04-17 09:22:16
Joy ... here is a free site i found for project management : https://trello.com/about i think most software providers give free trials; or have a scale up model where basic features are free as you scale up your activity...you can give one of them a go
2020-04-17 09:22:16
2020-04-17 09:22:45
I agree
2020-04-17 09:22:45
2020-04-17 09:23:07
Thank you Nuru.
2020-04-17 09:23:07
2020-04-17 09:23:52
thanks for the vibrant discussion. looking forward to the next one
2020-04-17 09:23:52
2020-04-17 09:23:55
we are all learning...i was speaking to a bank CEO today and he is also grappling with the same issues about managing remote teams...so we shouldnt feel too badly about not knowing how best to operate in this environment...everyone is on a learning curve!
2020-04-17 09:23:55
2020-04-17 09:24:30
In conclusion, i realize that this is a time of pain and uncertainity for all of us. This is new..we are learning.it is imposed change that is never easy to adapt to. BUT; Let us not lose sight of the opportunities that unfold in this season. Let us remain positive and focused; so that we can weather the storm. And look at "The bigger picture''-As Winston Churchill once reportedly said, “No crisis should go to waste'.
2020-04-17 09:24:30
2020-04-17 09:27:59
Thankyou good people. It has been a good and engaging session for a start. Let us keep up the hope and above all take care of ourselves. The future belongs to those who do not give up.Good afternoon
2020-04-17 09:27:59
2020-04-17 09:28:19
thank you for hosting this - makes the situation more bearable and there is hope after all - we just need to keep up the positive vibes .
2020-04-17 09:28:19
2020-04-17 09:29:38
Truly.
2020-04-17 09:29:38
2020-04-17 09:30:20
Thank you for the great and helpful session, Annabelle. We look forward to another one.
2020-04-17 09:30:20
2020-04-17 09:30:45
Thank you Annabelle for your great guidance and insights in this season. We also thank you all for your participation and insights as it has made the session informative
2020-04-17 09:30:45
2020-04-17 09:31:22
yes, thank you. very insightful
2020-04-17 09:31:22
2020-04-17 09:32:19
We shall now close the chat room but will have the transcript of the session available on the website for you to read and catch up with what was covered today.
2020-04-17 09:32:19
2020-04-17 09:32:49
thanks Annabelle great session
2020-04-17 09:32:49
Exit
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