For tech novice Valerie Lim, getting a LETAS grant created new ways for Gateway21 to offer its business secretarial services.
Valerie, founder of Gateway21, is not a person who naturally embraces technology. At one time, she felt strongly that an online presence for her business was unnecessary. Gateway21 is a corporate secretarial company that services clients through face-to-face meetings and over the phone.
“Ours is a very personalised service. How can we go online?”
Making Gateway For The LETAS Grant
2004 marked a turning point in her mindset. The year brought about rapid changes in business laws and Valerie found herself overwhelmed by questions from her clients. "I could not talk to so many people at once, so I thought I should 'replicate' myself."
Her solution: an online e-secretary answering service.
Valerie was aware of the Local Enterprise Assistance Scheme (LETAS) as she had researched Government programmes on behalf of her clients. Her clients were happy to share their contacts and experiences with her when she expressed interest in LETAS.
Planning And Determination
Valerie knew that the first step was getting an IT consultant. She picked one who had previously worked on LETAS projects. To get the best out of the consultant, Valerie did her homework. She began reading up on Internet marketing and website design herself. “I wanted a long-term web solution - not just the basic functionalities.”
LETAS also required a business proposal. She had to examine and justify her company’s goals and projections - that took “a lot of trial and error”, as Valerie puts it. She spent many hours sharing with the consultant her business model and vision.
The good news arrived two months after her application. The grant covered the consultant fees for defining user requirements; schedule planning; monitoring and control; conducting user acceptance tests and a post-implementation review. Valerie’s online service would feature a membership management system, integrated e-payment gateway and e-newsletters.
Significant Improvements
The project was completed with much personal involvement on Valerie’s part. The hard work has paid off - Valerie now maintains and runs the website all on her own. Not bad for a self-confessed tech novice!
For those who think that company secretaries “take money, but never do work”, Valerie is proof that this is a myth. The ambitious businesswoman made significant improvements with the grant.
Today, Valerie uses the year-old portal to keep in touch with existing clients and to generate new local and foreign business. She also uses the web to market her SDF-approved workshops on understanding business laws.
Visualising Results
So, based on her experiences, what advice does Valerie have for other aspiring entrepreneurs? “You must be committed to bringing your business to the next level,” she said. “There are so many strategies. Set yourself guidelines. Visualise the results.” Valerie was nominated for the Spirit of Enterprise Awards in 2005.
| How Gateway21 Secured LETAS
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