“What is currently trending?”

This is one of the sentences that is often uttered by business people at the start of their business. A trend is basically a trend in business that can have an effect on increasing sales. Therefore, it is not surprising that business actors pay great attention to emerging trends. Styles or types of products that develop rapidly in a certain period clearly have a big chance of attracting market interest, so by following trends, entrepreneurs increase their chances of being noticed, purchased and used by the public.

An article from GetCraft explains several advantages of following emerging business trends. First, understanding developing trends can help business actors create marketing content that is more in line with market interests at that time, so that costs and related marketing strategies are more effective. Apart from that, business actors who understand market desires will certainly find it easier to find the right way to win over and maintain relationships with potential customers. The next advantage that may be gained from understanding trends is that we are able to adapt our business more quickly to these trends. It will also be easier for us to find new ideas that are interesting and connected to the market, so we have greater opportunities to develop our business in the future. Lastly, trends can help a business stay on the right track. Various marketing media used by business people will encourage engagement with the audience. From this engagement, entrepreneurs can review responses and feedback from consumers. This is what can always help business actors monitor and develop strategies in business.

It is clear that trends play an important role in the establishment and survival of a business. Even though trends are important to pay attention to in business, is simply following trends enough? It is true that setting up a business by following trends is not easy, but the main challenge is maintaining the business, especially in the midst of dynamic business competition and trends that continue to change from time to time.

Learning to Be Strong and Consistent from Disable Wardrobe Yogyakarta

At the beginning of 2019, the Qasir team had the valuable opportunity to talk with one of the local clothing line business owners who provides a variety of clothing and accessories in Yogyakarta. The journey of Ervina Yuliati, the figure behind Disable Wardrobe, could be an inspiration for business people in Indonesia, especially in defending themselves amidst the ups and downs of business trends.

Since when was Disable founded?

Disable was founded in July 2010, so it's been around nine years so far, but we only had our own shop in November 2014. Previously, we sold on consignment to shops that already existed.

Why is the business called Disable?

Initially we created a brand Disable because we only wanted to create a brand that was easy to remember. Moreover, no one has used the name Disable yet. Maybe people think the connotation is negative, yes.

Why choose to be in the clothing business?

Maybe because my hobby used to be snacks at distros. Every weekend, I always buy clothes. In 2007, my younger brother started a distro and I also helped. For a long time my sister didn't continue, but instead I continued, even now.

The distro business was once busy, but now many have gone out of business. How does Disable persist?

When Disable was born, in Yogyakarta alone there were around fifty clothing brands. That's what was recorded. Of course, there's more than that that isn't recorded. Even so, over time fewer and fewer survived. There were so many clothing businesses, we had difficulty even finding a shop in 2012. We even had to be on the waiting list. We are also trying to be patient while focusing on increasing assets. I don't want to force something without careful consideration.

Entering 2014, many distros began to close. At that time, we could actually have a shop with assets that were well managed. Now, we have two of our own stores in Yogyakarta and Solo, along with several consignment points.

So, if you ask for the secret, maybe it's because we weren't too excited at the beginning. It's okay to take it slow, the important thing is to do it consistently.

When did you first feel the need for a point of sales (POS) system?

From when we first opened the shop until the first two years, we still used a manual system. During Eid, transactions explode, so we are overwhelmed. Finally, we tried using a custom POS system, but it was expensive. The person who managed this system suddenly disappeared. Finally, we tried to find a POS that was a finished product and could be used directly from the Google Play application.

After a lot of independent research and asking around, we finally tried using Qasir. The first thing that attracted us was because the system looked simple. The system is easy to understand, easy to operate too. Then it's free, which is really something! The thing is, there is a friend of mine who opened three shops and he had to spend up to IDR 50,000,000.00 for paid POS. At the same time, I can use Qasir for free, without any costs. Yes, I'm very happy.

Any tips for similar businesses?

The most important thing is that business management must be done neatly and in detail, especially if you have opened a branch. What is also important is understanding cycles. For example, in our business, sales are usually smaller in the second, third and fourth months. In fact, during these months it is time for us to prepare stock for the busy season, namely Eid and Christmas. So, when the peak season approaches, we are not overwhelmed.

Apart from that, as business actors, we need to understand our production capabilities. For example, we can only make 60 pieces per article, don't force yourself to accept an order of 100 pieces, but the quality will be lowered. The key is not to be too ambitious at the start of your business, but to maintain consistency. Prioritize quality, not just quantity. Lastly, leave the recording and transaction matters to the Qasir.

Why is it necessary to be consistent in business?

From Ervina's experience, we can understand that consistency is one of the keys to the success of a business. Yes, knowing and following current trends is necessary to understand market interest and interest in the products we offer, but success lies in business strategies that are carried out consistently.

The United States business magazine Inc. explains five reasons why consistency is important in a business. With consistency, we as business actors can review the effectiveness of the strategy used. When we apply a system or work process over a certain period of time consistently, it will be easier for us to identify its functioning and make small adjustments to improve it. Consistency also shows that we are responsible for all the efforts put into the business, both in the eyes of our team and in the eyes of our customers. Third, a consistent business strategy can demonstrate a good business reputation. It is not uncommon for entrepreneurs to experience failure in running a business, but usually not because the strategy and goals are not clear, but because the team does not follow the path set to achieve the goal. When business actors do not change strategies back and forth, but make small adjustments continuously, slowly a track record of business success will become visible. These things are certainly needed, especially in order to defend ourselves amidst high market competition and changes in the latest trends. Besides that, consistency makes our efforts appear increasingly relevant. In this case, good business actors need to produce various clear and predictable initiatives. Of course, it would be unwise if business actors repeatedly propose initiatives suddenly just because they follow certain trends, and then have to end them before there is a real impact on sales. Lastly, by demonstrating a consistent attitude, teams in business will pay more attention to what we do and say as leaders. It is the way we make decisions, solve problems and communicate that will guide the team in working and behaving, both towards fellow team members and towards customers. When each of our steps is consistent, the business moves with the same rhythm.

In general, following current trends in business is not wrong, but the most important thing is to maintain a consistent strategy along the way. Consistent in the message conveyed to the audience, consistent with business goals, and consistent in providing the best effort for customers.

Just like Elvina who is consistent in taking every step and consideration in her business, Qasir will also always consistently accompany and facilitate the daily lives of entrepreneurs. It's as easy as download the application for free, you can immediately get various facilities to support business success.

Now, the decision is in your hands, BossQ. Are you ready to make your business stronger amidst market competition and ups and downs in trends?