UNS – The Student Executive Board (BEM) Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta held a webinar in entrepreneurship in ‘Starting New Business Amid the Pandemic’. The event attracted 350 participants from various universities through Zoom Cloud Meetings on Wednesday (22/7/2020). The webinar moderated by FKIP UNS Outstanding Student, Arina Zaida Ilma, invites Silvi Istiqomah, S.T., and R. Kunto Adi, M.P. as its speakers.
The Covid-19 pandemic is affecting many businesses, especially the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME). Many have to close their business, while others require extra effort to survive the pandemic effect. R. Kunto Adi, M.P., a lecturer in Agribusiness Diploma Program, Vocational School (SV) UNS, provides three tips for entrepreneurs amid the Covid-19 pandemic. “The effect of the pandemic is enormous, but we should not easily give up and must keep on learning. Never think that we are the ‘best’ because this mindset will eliminate our intention to keep learning. Moreover, we need to be courageous to start a change, creating value, expand networking, and work smart,” he explains.
Entrepreneurial activity can be changed during the new normal by shifting the business to an online system. An entrepreneur needs to be courageous in order to survive the condition. Meanwhile, Silvi Istiqomah, S.T., the Developer of Tears Madagascar Wedding Organizer, states that in business everyone must have a goal for profit. A good business is a business that provides benefits or value to various parties without harming any of them.
“Business and selling are two different things. Selling is an activity of buying and selling that only focuses on profit, while businesses not only gain profit but also recognition from consumers. So, it is not only selling the product but also the quality,” she explains.
Businesses with clear concepts and definitions can create product uniqueness, which leads to the product’s recognition and consumers’ interest. Unexpected action or event can affect existing productivity. “The tips are, we need a clear business plan such as product planning, shipping, vendor, finance, and team. Moreover, the business model needs to adapt to the condition, in which it shifted from offline to online. In order to attract consumers, provide offers in the form of promotions or discounts. Lastly, do not forget to improve product quality, thus the business can continue to grow and survive,” she added. Humas UNS
Reporter: Bayu Aji Prasetya
Editor: Dwi Hastuti
