Bringing sustainable change through impactful marketing and profitable go-to-market planning in low-income countries is one of my top interests. Supporting women’s entrepreneurship and income opportunities demands an increased understanding of what it means to be market driven and run a profitable business. I’m actively involved in such projects, spanning across Asia and Africa. On my recent trip, this time to Nepal, we held fruitful discussions between Women’s Bank and UN Women to explore mutual interests in supporting local female entrepreneurs.
In order to obtain impactful business results, a proper timeline and planning are essential. If the planning follows solely a certain perspective or existing procedures, there is a risk that not enough attention is paid to the whole value chain or the time line is too short for implementing new work routines. In worst cases the well-intended investments rather cause damage than lead to sustainable and scalable business.
Learnings from Cambodia
In 2018-2019 I had the pleasure of leading two market studies in Cambodia through Women’s Bank, as part of the project for Cooperation for Women’s Economic Development.
Our study focused on defining the most important value chain actors for certain agricultural products in the Cambodian countryside. Our emphasis was on defining the most beneficial and profitable relationships between the local buyers and smallholders being part of agricultural cooperatives. In addition, due to climate change, better annual planning of production volumes was of interest.
Briefly, it was about adapting marketing skills and knowledge in a new region. I was responsible for leading the process of planning, field work and co-writing the final report. In addition, I provided coaching and capacity building to the local team. Together, we accomplished considerable results. What a great journey and learning experience for all parties!
Read more (in Finnish only) about my Cambodian journey in 2018.
Do you need help in new regions?
If you are in a need of marketing and business skills to enhance your impactful business in emerging markets, I am happy to offer my services that are very hands-on and pragmatic.
Also, remember, that the commitment of the local organization and team is the only way for a successful outcome. In Cambodia, the local team consisted of the project’s focal persons from five different organizations.
Business skills help female entrepreneurs
In our podcast (in Finnish) we discuss with Saara Lehmuskoski, Country Director for Finn Church Aid in Cambodia (2016-2020) the importance of teaching business and impactful marketing skills to the local female agricultural cooperatives supported by Women’s Bank. Listen and learn more about the importance of sustainable business models in developing countries!