Exclusive Preeti Ubale Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer SMBXL
In an exclusive interview, the co-founder of SMBXL shares insights into the company's mission of supporting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) through innovative digital solutions. Discover how SMBXL facilitates business connections, enhances operations, and empowers SMBs to thrive in the digital landscape. Explore success stories, challenges faced by SMBs, and upcoming developments that promise to revolutionize the SMB ecosystem. Aspiring entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts will find valuable advice for making a meaningful impact in the world of technology and business.
Can you tell us more about SMBXL and its mission in supporting small and medium-sized businesses? What inspired you to co-find this company?
SMBXL, (Small and Medium Business Excellence) commenced its operations in the year 2018. We are a technology company, which supports businesses by creating a digital growth map for them and is focused on providing innovative digital solutions to the Indian MSMEs.
Our exceptional technology platform and digital products allows a business to expand to different geographies/markets.
We help transition businesses by equipping them with affordable, innovative online business intelligence tools and processes so that businesses can take full advantage of digitalisation and technology. Our platform helps businesses connect with customers, suppliers, business partners; and also provide value-add services which are essential to run a successful business.
What inspired you to co-find this company?
My interest and passion for technology and a desire to help MSMEs adopt technology in the most simplified way inspired me to co-find SMBXL. I and Prem share common interest for technology which led to the birth of SMBXL.
These small but aspiring businesses are significant contributors to Indian Economy and we identified that by adopting technology and transforming into digital technology, businesses can excel through transforming small businesses into digital businesses in a rapidly changing world.
SMBXL connects businesses with customers, suppliers, and business partners. How does the platform facilitate these connections, and what value does it bring to SMBs?
Our easy to use, intuitive technology platform and an initiative-taking technical support team which guides the customer at every step. We understand that every business owner prefers control of complete customer life cycle. Our product ecosystem provides the necessary business tools that help MSMEs to control and scale their operations.
Market Central provides businesses with a seamless omnichannel strategy to grow their sales channels and revenues.
Business Central is an essential tool for day-to-day business management including customers, invoices, suppliers, purchases, products, inventory, accounting and much more.
Logistics Central is a platform which streamlines the transport and logistics process for MSMEs by allowing them to choose verified delivery partners according to their requirements.
To be precise, Market Central helps bring business, Business Central manages and Logistics Central facilitates fulfilment of these services in an efficient and seamless way.
What value does it bring to SMBs?
SMBXL does things differently with an innovative approach by letting SMBs do business their way, thereby, following the principle of ‘Your Business Your Way.’ This enables small businesses to do their businesses more efficiently by enhancing their businesses, increasing their visibility, wider reach, awareness and quality of their businesses in achieving an increased digital footfalls and traction of their target audience/customers and more profitability, business outreach to their desired stakeholder community. It never interferes in the business operations of the SMBs neither partake in its customers’ profits and business transactions. It completely allows businesses to control their revenue stream and retain all the profits.
Overall, SMBXL enables businesses to achieve their own objective of Brand, Revenue and Reach.
With over 55,000 small and medium business enterprises across 850 towns and cities in India, can you share some success stories or examples of how SMBXL has helped businesses grow and expand their reach?
We create intuitive and easy-to-use products which can be used by any business owner with little or no technical knowledge or external support.
Today, our SaaS-based products support over 55,000 small and medium business enterprises create free online presence; perform high-impact digital marketing activities to reach more customers; and connect with other business owners to expand their business network across the country. SMBXL is a NASSCOM 10,000 Start-up initiative and an Uber start-up pitch regional qualifier.
SMBXL charters a successful roadmap for small businesses to succeed and flourish in the digital landscape by curating simple and easy to use steps for their online business. SMBXL’s unique innovative technology and digital ecosystem helps, manages and expands businesses grow a profitable commerce and improve their revenue, network, increase customers and sets them apart from their competitors through their powerful digital commerce toolkit.
Could you share some insights into the challenges that SMBs typically face and how SMBXL addresses these challenges?
SMBs face a plethora of challenges related to finance, technology, brand, reach and customer-acquisition. We understand the challenges faced by MSMEs and ensures that the business owners retain complete control of their businesses, their brands, their operations and their profits.
A truly democratic marketplace, our technology solutions focus on helping businesses expand their footprint, acquire new customers, provide a differentiated customer experience and help creating an enabling and self-sustaining ecosystem for businesses.
Before SMBXL, you held a significant role as the Head of Services Marketing at Tata Communications Internet Services Limited. How has your experience in this role influenced your approach to supporting businesses through SMBXL?
My past experience was related to Customer Acquisition (Sales) and Service Delivery - CSAT and revenue and retention being the key parameters. A focus on customer satisfaction will eventually result in revenue and retention.
Likewise understanding the business objectives of these MSMEs and being sensitive to their needs have helped us in imparting the value that help them. Evolution of the products and services of SMBXL have mostly been based on voice of customer.
Can you share any upcoming developments or plans for SMBXL that our audience should be excited about?
At SMBXL, we are always striving to enhance our customer’s experience. Every business desires (1) acquiring new customers and (2) retention/ reorders from existing customers. We are currently looking at engaging and helping our customers do the same for their customers. With cut throat competition in every segment of business, MSMEs can differentiate themselves through innovation and seamless customer experience. We are in the process of educating and enhancing the MSMEs growth.
Lastly, what advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the world of technology and business, particularly in supporting SMBs?
We have two very simple rule across our whole team – Keep it simple and make mistakes (don’t repeat them though)-this just empowers them!
But as the Business Lead –
Know your Market and Money
Understand your Customer and (keep the 2-way) Communication
There is so much talent and knowledge around, seek advice, have a mentor
The most important: be passionate about what you do!
And when it comes to this segment- The best thing about the SMBs is that they are always looking for newer ideas and innovative solutions for their business and are very inviting, just add value to it.
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