Promoting good market thinking for rural women to do business

Meritorious Teacher - Doctor (Mr. Pham Xuan Khanh), Party Secretary, Principal of Hanoi College of Technology, shared about "barriers" and solutions for rural women to access the market through digital skills.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Xuan Khanh, Party Secretary, Principal of Hanoi College of High Technology - Photo: NVCC

+ According to the doctor, what is the biggest barrier that makes it difficult for rural women to effectively access the market even though they produce good products? Is it because the market is "difficult", or is it because the producers lack information and knowledge and do not "know themselves - know others"?

First of all, we should understand what it means to not "know yourself - know others". Women make products but have not clearly identified the strengths and weaknesses of their products; lack knowledge about quality standards, packaging, branding; still produce according to habit, not updating trends, consumer needs, ... that is called "not knowing yourself".

Not understanding clearly what customers need and like; lacking skills to access modern markets such as online, e-commerce, and business connections. Rural women often produce high-quality products, but they face many barriers in marketing and connecting with the market. That is called "not knowing people".

Along with that are some important barriers such as lack of market knowledge, social prejudice, limited marketing and communication skills, limited digital infrastructure, lack of trust and innovative thinking.

Thus, instead of thinking that the market is "difficult", the limitations in information, skills and innovative thinking of the producer have played a decisive role in the product's inability to "touch" the target customers.

Rural women can leverage powerful digital tools to connect directly with customers

+ In today's digital age, what tools can rural women take advantage of to shorten the gap between them and consumers? For example, e-commerce platforms, social networks, livestream, or are there any other channels that are less expensive but highly effective?

In the digital age, there are many useful tools that are low-cost but highly effective, helping rural women connect directly with customers.

E-commerce platforms including Shopee, Lazada, Tiki and Sendo not only help products be displayed to a large number of customers but also provide support tools such as online advertising, product review systems and promotional programs to help increase brand awareness.

Social networks such as Facebook, TikTok and Zalo are powerful, easy-to-use, free channels to introduce products through images, videos and articles that share brand stories. Joining community groups, fan pages and using paid advertising on these platforms helps rural women build direct relationships with consumers.

Livestreaming and online video do not require a lot of investment, just a smartphone and a stable network. In addition, there are mobile applications and other supporting platforms that help reduce operating costs and create a closer connection between sellers and buyers.

These tools not only help reduce geographical distances but also allow rural women to be more flexible in building business strategies, thereby expanding the market in a sustainable way.

+ Are there any local economic models that experts consider successful in helping rural women bring their products to market? What are the biggest lessons from those models?

A typical example is agricultural cooperatives in some Central provinces that have integrated online production and consumption connection models; Tam Thanh Cooperative model (Tuyen Quang) on ​​herbal tea of ​​Dao ethnic women; "Women's Entrepreneurship" project of the Vietnam Women's Union with many models across the country...

The strength of this model lies in solidarity and knowledge sharing, knowing how to build a common brand, and connecting effectively online. And the biggest lesson is that solidarity, sharing and close connection between individuals, organizations and businesses are key factors. When rural women can learn from each other and build a common brand, they not only increase the value of their products but also create a sustainable ecosystem to support business activities.

+ For women with little knowledge and experience in business, if they want to bring their products to market, where should they start? What do you think is a "simple but feasible" roadmap?

To bring products to market, even women with little education or little business experience can start following this roadmap: Identify product strengths and values; always improve product quality and reduce product costs; participate in basic training courses; test on a small scale; take advantage of community relationships; gradually expand the scale.

+ If you had to choose only one "final" factor that can help rural women stand firm in the market, what would it be: Quality products, communication strategy, or market thinking and why, sir?

If forced to choose one deciding factor, then market thinking is the "final key". Specifically, understanding changes in customer needs and tastes, thereby orienting appropriate product improvements. The ability to collect feedback from customers through online and offline channels and use that information to adjust business strategies. Always ready to experiment with new marketing methods, applying technology to product management and distribution. This helps them quickly adapt to market changes. Continuously learning and investing in improving knowledge, from which they can confidently decide and implement new strategies.

Market thinking not only helps improve product quality but also helps rural women build sustainable relationships with customers, thereby creating a strong ripple effect in the large market.

+ Thank you, doctor!

Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/tu-duy-thi-truong-tot-buoc-tien-khoi-nghiep-cua-phu-nu-nong-thon-20250415130634616.htm