Helping technopreneurs see further
http://newscentre.msc.com.my/articles/677/1/Helping-technopreneurs-see-further/Page1.html
By Fadzilah Hj. Muhamad
Published on 12 August 2008
MSC Malaysia and the Technopreneur Association of Malaysia (TeAM) plan
to conduct a business coaching workshop soon to show technopreneurs how
to take their businesses to the next level.
Source : The Star Online
MSC Malaysia and the Technopreneur Association of Malaysia (TeAM) plan to conduct a business coaching workshop soon to show technopreneurs how to take their businesses to the next level.
Renuka Sena, TeAM deputy president 1, said many local technopreneurs are stuck in a rut because they are growing their businesses organically rather than strategically.
“These technopreneurs are too focused on technology; they are forgetting about the softer side of business skills, like intellectual property protection, business strategies and models, as well as marketing and branding exercises,” she said.
She was speaking to In.Tech on the sidelines of the Microsoft Tech.Ed SEA 2008 conference at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre yesterday.
Renuka said many technopreneurs tend to develop products based only on what they themselves think is good (wthout taking other factors or considerations into mind).
“This kind of thinking is not going to help them in the long run; our coaching programme aims to help them think outside that box,” she said.
Venture capitalist and TeAM advisor Dr V. Sivapalan said the workshop would go a long way in providing the technopreneurs with the soft skills they need.
Most of them, he said, are trying to grow too much too soon, and are basing their strategies solely on the technologies in hand.
“Speaking from the venture-capitalist point of view, this goal is difficult to attain because the companies will need huge amounts of capital to do so,” Sivapalan said.
He said venture capitalists are more impressed with how technology can help reap financial benefit, rather than mere statements that the technology is “the best thing since sliced bread” and the like.
“Everyone can do technology but it's the soft side of business that will make you better,” he said.
The coaching programme will feature teaching tracks, brainstorming sessions and evaluations.
“Technopreneurs will share opinions with TeAM and MSC Malaysia personnel, and together we will reach a consensus on what they are doing now and how they can better develop their businesses,” said Sivapalan.
After that, it is up to the technopreneurs to implement the steps. A follow-up evaluation will be conducted two to three months later where progress can be evaluated and more business advice can be provided.
“It will be done systematically to inculcate systematic business growth,” added Sivapalan.
The programme is set to kick-off in the third quarter. About 20 companies will be selected for the programme. TeAM is now in the process of selecting the participants.
MSC Malaysia and the Technopreneur Association of Malaysia (TeAM) plan to conduct a business coaching workshop soon to show technopreneurs how to take their businesses to the next level.
Renuka Sena, TeAM deputy president 1, said many local technopreneurs are stuck in a rut because they are growing their businesses organically rather than strategically.
“These technopreneurs are too focused on technology; they are forgetting about the softer side of business skills, like intellectual property protection, business strategies and models, as well as marketing and branding exercises,” she said.
She was speaking to In.Tech on the sidelines of the Microsoft Tech.Ed SEA 2008 conference at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre yesterday.
Renuka said many technopreneurs tend to develop products based only on what they themselves think is good (wthout taking other factors or considerations into mind).
“This kind of thinking is not going to help them in the long run; our coaching programme aims to help them think outside that box,” she said.
Venture capitalist and TeAM advisor Dr V. Sivapalan said the workshop would go a long way in providing the technopreneurs with the soft skills they need.
Most of them, he said, are trying to grow too much too soon, and are basing their strategies solely on the technologies in hand.
“Speaking from the venture-capitalist point of view, this goal is difficult to attain because the companies will need huge amounts of capital to do so,” Sivapalan said.
He said venture capitalists are more impressed with how technology can help reap financial benefit, rather than mere statements that the technology is “the best thing since sliced bread” and the like.
“Everyone can do technology but it's the soft side of business that will make you better,” he said.
The coaching programme will feature teaching tracks, brainstorming sessions and evaluations.
“Technopreneurs will share opinions with TeAM and MSC Malaysia personnel, and together we will reach a consensus on what they are doing now and how they can better develop their businesses,” said Sivapalan.
After that, it is up to the technopreneurs to implement the steps. A follow-up evaluation will be conducted two to three months later where progress can be evaluated and more business advice can be provided.
“It will be done systematically to inculcate systematic business growth,” added Sivapalan.
The programme is set to kick-off in the third quarter. About 20 companies will be selected for the programme. TeAM is now in the process of selecting the participants.