Indonesia is known as a country that is very diverse in many aspects, especially in terms of societal demographics. With a population of 260 million, there are also differences in culture and socio-economic levels that characterize this nation. These differences also produce a number of different habits, ways of life and needs.

One ​​of the necessities of life for Indonesian people is a warung. From time to time, warungs can be said to be an inseparable part of Indonesian people's daily lives. Quoting an article in CNBC Indonesia in 2020, there are around 50 million stalls spread across Indonesia to serve the needs of hundreds of millions of its population. Amazing, yeah! Simple small shops that are often underestimated are present in the midst of our lives in different forms, and are often a source of various daily supplies, ranging from food, kitchen supplies, and even social activities among local residents. For most of this nation, small food stalls are the breath of life, both as a livelihood and to meet their needs.

Well, if we look at the number of stalls or small businesses in Indonesia, it can be said that Indonesian people have a high entrepreneurial spirit. The existence of many shops and stalls that are often close together is easy to observe evidence of this. An entrepreneur can generally be understood as someone who dares to try independently by mobilizing all resources and efforts, including the ability to recognize new products, determine new production methods, develop strategies to create business opportunities, procure new products, market them, and manage their operating capital to produce something of higher value, with all the risks they will face.

Unfortunately, not all entrepreneurs are ready to handle a number of these responsibilities when they decide to open their business. Many shop owners are often faced with difficulties in developing their business. Did BossQ experience this too? Many MSMEs still lack the ability to handle administration, for example legal documents, bookkeeping, etc. A number of stall owners also still have a weak understanding of finance and technology, so they cannot reap maximum profits from their business.

Is this a deficiency in us? Yes, but that doesn't mean we can't learn from other examples, for example more developed countries. One article from the news portal Warta Ekonomi explains the general differences in the characteristics of entrepreneurship in Indonesia when compared to the United States. For example, social inequality in Indonesia is still high, so economic differences between social groups are still considered normal. Compared with characteristics in America, Indonesians tend to want long-term stable and secure living conditions, avoid risk and conflict, and are pessimistic.

Reflecting on the United States, the entrepreneurial culture in Indonesia is not entirely bad either. The collective spirit of Indonesian society is said to be higher than that of the United States, which is more individualistic and prioritizes personal interests. Indonesian people prioritize the spirit of togetherness, so they are more open to the principles of joint venture capital, working together and prospering together. An attitude of not really liking competition and tending to care about others also shows that there is a positive and supportive climate for MSME owners.

Everyone's opinion regarding this entrepreneurial culture may be different, but one thing for sure that is currently affecting our lives worldwide is the rapid progress of technology. Technology is increasingly bringing convenience to human life, but it is also bringing fiercer competition in the market. Modern shops and supermarkets are attracting market share of traditional food stalls and changing the consumption habits of Indonesian people.

To be able to survive the existing changes, we all need to look at ourselves in the mirror. There are several things that we clearly need to improve together. That means we need to change. Indeed, changing our way of thinking and habits is not an easy thing, especially if it has been hereditary. Even so, we have a similar goal, namely to move forward together, right? Like the cycle of life, business will always have a beginning and an end. It is in the middle of these two points that we are tested: whether we are able to continue to grow to be better or surrender to the situation without reaching our maximum potential.

Changes to the Udin Shop with Miqro

Pak Bahrudin's shop, or who is familiarly called Pak Udin, started as a shop like most of the shops we find around us. Serving since 2008 in the Pela Mampang area, Toko Udin provides various daily needs, such as dry food, drinks, kitchen supplies, cleaning products, and many more. Even though the initial impression is a bit crowded due to the large number of items, Toko Udin's service is still able to provide what customers need.

Is this enough, BossQ? Yes, it's enough, but are we willing to be satisfied with just "enough"?

Perhaps this is also what Pak Udin feels. He is not resigned to mediocre circumstances, but he is willing to open himself to change, so that he can develop his business even more. With one bold step taken by Mr. Udin, not only Mr. Udin felt the benefits, but also his customers.

Pak Udin is one of the stall owners who uses the Miqro application to replenish product stock in his shop. Pak Udin accepted the opportunity to change well, and since joining Qasir, Toko Udin has not been the same. From an uncomfortable traditional shop, Toko Udin is now a more neat and comfortable place to shop. It's still simple, but now it's becoming more comfortable with neatly arranged items and the freedom for buyers to pick up what they need independently.

Qasir's support also brings many conveniences for Mr. Udin as a business owner. With easy-to-use product ordering features, competitive product prices and fast delivery, Pak Udin no longer needs to leave the shop to shop at an agent. Plus various profitable promotions, transactions at the shop can continue and Mr Udin is able to reap greater profits and benefits.

You could say that Pak Udin's success is not due to luck or extraordinary entrepreneurial abilities, but because of his willingness to change and adapt to the changes out there.

Keys to a Successful Stall to Make a Profit

Quoting an article from Liputan 6, Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs Teten Masduki encouraged traditional stalls to survive and move up in class amidst the proliferation of modern retail businesses. Opening a shop is indeed an easy option to earn income, but can every shop compete? Only we can answer.

Pak Udin's success is clear proof that the stall has many opportunities to maintain its position in the market, despite increasingly fierce competition. It is possible that there will be things that will make competition even tighter in the future, but there are always ways to develop yourself so you can remain competitive. The key is the willingness to change. There is a will, there is a greater profit. Human needs will still exist, but we can continue to improve the way we fulfill them, as long as we are willing to be more sensitive and careful in responding to the situations around us.

If you want to change, then what?

There are many private sector companies looking at MSMEs in Indonesia at the moment. With their large numbers, traditional stalls have great power to boost the economy in Indonesia. This is also included in the government's agenda from year to year. The vision is to empower shop owners to increase efficiency, profits and their ability to withstand risk. Apart from that, many companies are also encouraged to equip shop owners with access to technology and understanding of its use, so that they can overcome obstacles in business and reap greater profits, like Pak Udin. Qasir is one of them. We started from the drive to empower MSMEs in Indonesia through technology and create a supportive ecosystem for Indonesian business people.

So, who says grocery stores can't be as cool as modern shops? Of course we can, as long as we are willing to open ourselves to the changes and desires of today's market.

If you are interested, don't worry, it's really easy. To be able to use the Miqro application, just download on the Google Play application. You can immediately register by filling in complete personal and business data, and following the instructions provided through the application.

For those of you who are also interested but still want to know more, don't hesitate to contact us via the website https://helpan.qasir.id or send email to hello@qasir.id. Also follow the Instagram accounts @qasir.id and @miqro.id to find out the latest information from Qasir.

Come on, BossQ, together we will change for the better, so that profits will increase because sales continue to increase!