SNS Tech leading the way in PNG tech support and advice
Samson Korawali of SNS Tech is more than something of a tech expert. With over 18 years of industry experience working across hundreds of technology projects both in PNG and internationally, Samson is well placed to provide professional IT advice through Business Link Pacific to SME businesses in PNG and across the 12 Pacific countries in BLP’s Network.
Having been largely educated from high school to Masters’ level in Australia, Samson has been exposed to western environments both educationally and professionally. “I have spent years trying to understand and get accustomed to international cultures, and the challenge is to bring the best of what I have learned and experienced back home to PNG. Using this experience I now try to foster positivity and openness when it comes to working, along with creative thinking through the use of technology.”
In 2022 SNS Tech purchased a business owned by Samson and he stayed on as a director, working to build capacity and grow the business. Originally with just two employees, SNS now has 15 full-time staff, and aims to double that in the coming year. The list of services offered by SNS Tech is extensive – from software development, website design and e-commerce development to social media management and cyber security – and clients can be sure all tech needs will be catered for.
Most clients reaching SNS Tech through the BLP advisory service want to develop an online presence. “If you want to become a trusted business, you need a formal online presence with a registered domain name, especially when conducting business between the 22 provinces of PNG or internationally. The internet is now widely accessible around PNG and a good website creates a professional image and a sense of legitimacy.”
A post on LinkedIn soon after the acquisition led to BLP getting in touch to see if Samson would like to apply to become an advisor. Of course Samson was interested. Why not? There was no apparent downside.
Following the application process, Samson states, “The expectations were clear and the assessment process well organised. It was a rigorous process, but due diligence is important since BLP are making a significant contribution not just to SME businesses but also to the advisors.”
Samson describes several impacts on SNS Tech, applicable to other advisory businesses in the Network. First, they are able to reach out to customers and let them know about the subsidised advice on offer. This increases sales and benefits both the provider and the customer. Second, the BLP Network is extensive, so advisory businesses like SNS can extend their services to other Pacific countries supported by BLP.
Third, by leveraging the existing ecosystem, clients are referred to SNS; and finally, BLP has recently expanded its offering to advisors to include training. “We will be investing back into our internal team to do courses which will expand our offering to clients, supported by BLP.”
Samson concludes, “The BLP Network is definitely working, and BLP is a leader in the Pacific in offering this type of assistance. It’s not just handouts; they are making businesses sustainable.”
Business advisory services are available in 17 different business areas from marketing, financial advice, HR and IT. Businesses supplying these services can apply to become an approved BLP Business Advisory Service Provider at https://about.businesslinkpacific.com/the-business-advisor-network/.
BLP facilitates access to business advisory services and financial support. To start your journey with BLP, you can self-assess your needs by using the free online tools available to help small- and medium-sized businesses diagnose areas in their businesses that an advisor could improve.
The first step can be the online Business Health Check. You can also check your business’s resilience to respond to crises or climate change challenges on the Business Continuity Planner and the Climate Action Sensor. If you prefer to meet a local BLP representative in person to discuss your business, get in touch with our local partners to arrange a face-to-face Diagnostic.