Small, Medium and Enterprises (SMEs) in the country have been tasked to use real-time power of Information, Communication & Technology (ICT) to create a strong link between their products and customers. This is expected to increase profit in a competitive market like Nigeria.

Speaking at a Public Presentation and Book Launch of “Marketing for Beginners: Comprehensive Guide for Schools and Colleges”, in Lagos, the author Mr. Adebayo Adeniji, advised SMEs to leverage technology to improves sales as stated in the 320-page book.

He said the book was born out of a passion to add value to peoples’ lives, saying he discovered that business owners, entrepreneurs, students could make more impacts and live fulfilling lives if they have a better understanding of marketing.

Adeniji noted that the book was written with a colourful presentation to make it easy for anybody to ready and applied across various SMEs ventures.

He also noted that “whatever product or service that you have to offer you need a basic knowledge of marketing. There is a lot of misconception about marketing; people think is about getting a product, sells and make money.

“Marketing is about adding value as there are two things people would ever buy; a solution to the problem and good feelings. So is more than getting a product from the warehouse or the producer, but creating awareness about product or service.”

Meanwhile, in a keynote speech, the Knowledge Management and Communication Coordinator, Niger Delta, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)- Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise(LIFE) project, Professor Desmond Okocha, said SMEs are now strategic and essential for accelerating economic growth in Nigeria.

“In the current economic climate entrepreneurs are required to keep their businesses profitable, while spending as little money as possible. As a result, entrepreneurs should adopt an integrated approach to marketing their business, as the heart of a business’s success lies in its marketing strategy.