Date: September 3, 2018
With an objective to build the capacity of start-ups, Zubair Small Enterprises Centre (Zubair SEC) organised a special session on the importance of ‘cross-selling between SMEs’ in collaboration with the ‘SMEs Group’ as part of its monthly ‘Tajribati’ initiative.
The session was co-moderated by specialists from Zubair SEC and the ‘SMEs Group’. The ‘Tajribati’ session was attended by members of Zubair SEC and the ‘SMEs Groups’ and aspiring entrepreneurs.
The ‘Tajribati’ monthly discussion sessions are aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs and owners of small and medium enterprises. It serves as a unique platform to connect business experts with start-up owners and new entrepreneurs to exchange views, discuss common challenges and share best practices.
The August ‘Tajribati’ session deliberated on topics such as ‘How much do SMEs apply cross-selling among each other?’; ‘What are the challenges hindering cross-selling between SMEs?’’ ‘What measurements can be taken to encourage cross-selling between SMEs?’ among others.
Participants shared their insights and experience of cross-selling with fellow SMEs.
Adel Hubeishi, Senior Advisor, Zubair SEC said, “It is important that start-ups and SMEs are aware of the benefits of cross selling. This Tajribati session focussed on how cross-selling can help generate revenue and improve customer retention. Participants discussed the importance of identifying related products and services suitable for cross-selling and also developing a cross-selling strategy.”
Stressing that cross selling is advantageous for the growth of SME eco system, Adel Hubeishi said, “By adopting cross selling new entrepreneurs can support each other sell products they specialise in since cross selling contributes to an original purchase made by a customer with a complementary product. Cross selling is great for both SMEs and their customers because it increases sales for a start-up while enhancing customer satisfaction. To cross sell entrepreneurs should structure agreements professionally and cooperate with their partners as per sound mechanisms, thus enhancing the growth opportunities for their projects.”
Bader Al Raisi, a committee member of the ‘SMEs Group’ – an networking initiative by SMEs and for SMEs, said, “This was a very relevant topic to hold a Tajribati session on and participants benefitted immensely. We are happy to have collaborated with Zubair SEC. The centre has held several ‘Tajribati’ sessions covering a variety of topics that are pertinent to SMEs. We believe that such dialogue and networking opportunities contribute to maintaining a strong SMEs community, building transparent mind-sharing, and encourage collaboration and exploration of synergies amongst SMEs.”
To achieve its goal, Zubair SEC has built a comprehensive support ecosystem that offers clinical advisory, business development assistance, capacity building, networking opportunities, grants scheme, and leveraged support through its diverse partners.
The ‘SMEs Group’ is a networking community, initially launched through Whatsapp groups, that facilitates networking and collaboration between member-SMEs through ongoing discussions, and actual events and gatherings for its members.