Predictions for South Africa – Business Bites Think Tank

January 27, 2011 by David Graham

I attended the Business Bites Think Tank this morning and listened to what Mike Stopworth of Cerebra, Arthur Goldstuck of World Wide Worx, Dion Chang of Flux Trends, Stafford Masie, Toby Shapshak of Stuff Magazine and Aki Anastasiou of Talk Radio 702 are predicting in terms of future technology trends in South Afica. This is what I gleaned from the conference:

• Do not underestimate the reach and velocity of users on social networks to spread information quickly. Bear in mind that this also includes misinformation, however the ratio sways towards “good” information on a 80/20 basis
• The technology evolution that is taking place is being met with some resistance. It is human nature to resist change. A book titled The Victorian Internet draws similarities with the invention of the telegraph. The point that was being made is that change is inevitable, so embrace it.
• Companies are not doing enough in terms of using analytical tools such as Google Analytics, tracking and online reputation tools. There are thousands of connected, engaged consumers out there. It pays to know what they are saying about your brand
• Company websites are not up-to-standard and are not optimised. Work needs to be done to enhance the user experience
• This is the year of content, a lot of which is being produced by individuals. Services that were only available from international sources is going to be made available locally (iTunes was one of the services that was mentioned)
• The market to watch is “rest of Africa” as broadband is being introduced. Price reduction in smart phones and connectivity will play a huge factor
• There is going to be an explosion of mobile phones and tablets and availability of mobile applications
• There was an interesting discussion around the pros and cons of social networks and their effect on children and the general public. There was consencus that the general public needs to be educated on the do’s and don’ts of the Internet and social networks and that parents need to be good role models for their children

One key message is that consumer is king. Companies do not own their brand, the consumer does! Consumers will dictate what they want in terms of technology and applications. There was a veiled threat that companies who continue to ignore the changes that are currently happening and those predicted will be severely handicapped.