The new Indian economy, opportunities like never before are emerging for Indian SMEs. What they need is to move beyond their small objective of surviving to targetting growth and look beyond the local market to the global market.
Of course, there are challenges but they are not insurmountable, if entrepreneurs learn to adapt to a new system, strategy and style of running business.
It is pertinent to note here that management, finance and marketing are the key factors, besides innovation, for benchmarking one enterprise against an equivalent SME overseas.
It is not always possible for entrepreneurs to be aware of all matters that concern their business. They need someone to guide them to new ideas, schemes, strategies, management techniques, laws, etc.
SMEs are not located in metro cities, where it is easier to source professionals for such a job. The best way to get these professional consultants or experts is to go to them. This can be done through e-consulting.
Using the Internet, MSMEs can get professional advice through chat, video chat, email and phone. Entrepreneurs, technocrats, senior managers and other professionals can greatly benefit from the one-to-one, problem-solving format.
Preferably, SMEs should start the consultation process by sending their queries by email for the best use of time and value-based interaction. Later on, with a webcam, they can talk face-to-face. Often consultants provide clients with useful reading materials, case studies, referrals or online links. Consultants usually charge an hourly fee for their services.
Mostly, the online consulting framework is pre-decided by the SMB and the consultant, as well as the frequency and the minimum to maximum time period for each session, totalling to the number of hours agreed upon by the two.
The author is an SME marketing advisor & founder of SME Marketing Klinic, an online consultancy. Email: marketing@ashwinmerchant.com