Session IV of the YESummit highlights the integration of traditional business practices with modern technology. It emphasizes that traditional businesses should embrace new technologies while preserving their core values and uniqueness. The session was moderated by Mr. Arun R. J., Assistant Professor at CHRIST University, Kengeri Campus, and co-moderated by Ms. Sonia Garcha, Board Member of the YouthAid Foundation. Ms. Soumyashree Mohanty summarizes the key insights of the session.
Prof. Ujjwal Chowdhury, Director General of the Management School of Events, Entertainment and Design (MSEED), Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mumbai, and Board Director at the YouthAid Foundation, emphasizes that modern technology is a powerful tool to scale businesses and encourages entrepreneurs to embrace it. Dr Pooja Pandey Tripathy, Physiotherapist and Founder of Arogya Physiotherapy, highlights the importance of staying updated and being open to learning new technologies. Mr Md. Sohel Khan, Lead at the Grassroots Division of the Telangana State Innovation Cell, ITE&C Department, Government of Telangana, points out that while technology and innovation support business growth, it’s equally important to maintain product uniqueness and quality.
Empowering Traditional Enterprises through Technology
Traditional businesses today increasingly embrace technology to enhance their reach and efficiency. Entrepreneurs are using simple tools like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to grow their customer base and streamline communication. By integrating modern technology without abandoning traditional practices, these businesses expand their influence while preserving their core values and methods.
The Importance of Customer Relationship Management
Effective customer engagement emerges as a key focus. Electronic Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems help businesses collect and organize customer data, analyze buying behaviours, and deliver personalized experiences. These systems strengthen connections with customers and provide valuable insights that guide future business strategies.
Building a Strong Digital Presence
Maintaining an online presence becomes essential in the digital economy. Today’s businesses create websites, leverage social media, and sell products through e-commerce platforms. They can also promote products through digital ads and generate QR codes that allow customers to access product information instantly. These digital tools help businesses gain visibility and professionalism.
Facilitating Growth through Digital Transactions
Digital payments simplify transactions and build customer trust. They ensure faster, more reliable payments and make the buying process more convenient for both sellers and buyers. By adopting these systems, traditional businesses strengthen their operations and widen their customer reach.
Marketing in the Digital Age
The session stresses the need for strong digital marketing. Entrepreneurs should use search engine optimization, email marketing, social media, and content marketing to reach new customers. Using relevant keywords is essential for increasing the visibility of products and services. When used strategically, these tools help businesses of any size compete effectively in the market.
Improving Logistics and Customer Experience
Digitization of logistics processes helps businesses offer faster and more transparent delivery. Customers track their products with a single link, which enhances satisfaction and reduces uncertainty. This process helps build trust among customers, a key factor in growing a business. Technology also helps streamline operations and improve service quality.
Scaling Traditional Services with Modern Tools
In sectors like healthcare, traditional services adopt modern technologies to reach a wider population. For example, physiotherapy clinics now manage appointments and patient data through specialized apps. They also offer consultations via video calls and use AI-based tools to deliver guided therapy remotely. These innovations allow businesses to scale without compromising service quality.
Combining Experience with Technology
The discussion highlights that hands-on experience in grassroots enterprises offers more meaningful learning than corporate exposure alone. Students who work with local businesses develop a deep understanding of real-world challenges and community dynamics. Educational institutions are encouraged to introduce social internships and field projects to give students firsthand exposure to the social impact of entrepreneurship.
Balancing Tradition with Innovation
The core message of the session is clear: technology should not replace tradition but rather support and enable it. Traditional businesses remain rooted in cultural practices and community needs, but they grow stronger when they adopt relevant digital tools. Entrepreneurs who stay open to innovation and continuous learning are better equipped to thrive in today’s rapidly changing world.
