Nyashadzaishe Rushwaya
BULAWAYO-In a bid to equip Zimbabwean small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with the necessary tools to thrive in the digital age, ZimTrade hosted a two-day Google Hustle Academy workshop series at the Rainbow Hotel in Bulawayo on October 15 and 16, 2024.
The event, spearheaded by the Bulawayo Zimtrade team, brought together over 60 participants who were eager to learn about the latest trends in digital marketing and artificial intelligence (AI).
Workshop Highlights
The two-day workshop featured four intensive modules delivered by the Google team, consisting of digital marketing strategist Sayali Patil and her colleague. These modules covered a wide range of topics, including:
* Optimizing Business Strategy: Participants learned how to develop effective business strategies that align with their goals and market needs.
* Boosting Sales on E-commerce: Attendees were introduced to strategies for increasing online sales, including optimizing product listings, improving website design, and leveraging digital marketing channels.
* Amplifying Digital Marketing: The workshop explored advanced digital marketing techniques, such as content marketing, social media marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO).
* Accelerating Productivity with AI: Participants gained insights into how AI can be used to streamline business processes, automate tasks, and enhance efficiency.
Addressing AI Concerns
One of the key topics addressed during the workshop was the growing concern among entrepreneurs about AI replacing their jobs.
Patil reassured participants that “AI is not intended to replace humans but rather to assist them in their work.”
She emphasized that AI can be a valuable tool for marketing, helping businesses to analyze market performance, understand customer behavior, and identify opportunities for growth
“I never knew that I could develop my own website, create my own online shop, and use different marketing tools for my business,” said Yolanda……, a participant in the workshop.
Yolanda expressed her gratitude for the workshop, stating that she had gained valuable knowledge and insights. She admitted that while she was familiar with some digital tools like Canva, she had not realized the full potential of digital marketing and e-commerce. The workshop helped her understand the importance of having an online presence, creating a website, and utilizing various marketing tools to reach her target audience.
The Zimtrade and Google Hustle Academy workshop series was a resounding success in providing SMEs in Bulawayo with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s competitive business landscape, she added.
By focusing on digital marketing and AI, the workshop empowered participants to leverage technology to enhance their operations, reach new customers, and drive growth. As Zimbabwe continues to embrace digital transformation, initiatives like these are essential for fostering a vibrant and innovative business environment.
