For those keen on technological developments, G uganda 2012 was something to look forward to. The event was about the Google+ range of products that can be used in business, marketing, and entrepreneurship. It was no surprise that the event was attended by plenty of sales and media companies and individuals. The most pertinent question of the day was, “How do we use these tools to make money?” The answers came flying in with equivalent ferocity.
Google showcased its Google+ range of products, which include Google Maps, Google Trader, Adsense, as well as technical walkthroughs of these products. There was an area set aside for demos of these products, in case the presentation was not enough. There was a host of lively speakers who alternately astounded and amused us with their presentations and remarks. Among them were Sean Lafleur, Director Sub Saharan Africa and Ham Namakajjo, the Country Manager for Google Uganda.
Among the many presentations, there was the one about using Google Analytics. This is essentially a statistical tool for understanding and leveraging your online audience. Sales and marketing have changed with the onset of social media. While some companies see it as an encumbrance, others see it as an opportunity to get feedback from consumers about trends, tastes, and overall reception of their goods and services. Google Analytics helps you know what your audience thinks about you. It’s a great way to keep abreast with the needs of the public.
There was also the one about using social media to enhance your online presence. Since social media is a great way to communicate instantly to the masses, you get to have conversations with your customers and potential clients. And Google+ does that and much more. It even allows for conference calls and team monitoring, among several other things. In conjunction with Google maps, you can easily assign tasks to members nearest to the point of need. I see a great way to be efficient here.
Some developers presented their apps for google play/android app store. MafutaGo, an app that gives you fuel stations near you with their fuel prices; Matatu, a popular Ugandan card game; My Child, a student monitoring app; ULK, an app for reading content off the urban legend Kampala website; and App4SMS, an SMS app that charges sh35 per SMS to all networks.
At the end, there was a panel of business people that offered their two cents on the application of these services in our world today. Some of them were already applying them in their businesses. Solomon King, for instance, took the time to explain a little more about the use of Google Analytics in business, and Seanice Kacungira told us she runs a company that already deals in social media marketing.
The organizers need a round of applause for doing things like very few ever do in this country. On time! The schedule went on exactly as planned. The speeches were apt and precise, the co-ordination was swift, and the whole operation was like a well-oiled machine. If I had to work with these guys, I’d want to work in management.
The turn-up was good, the catering was excellent, and Qwela was there to provide some mellow entertainment between sessions. The whole atmosphere was friendly, and invited plenty of opportunity to interact with the people who change the world we live in. Oh, the ushers were a lively and composed bunch. Made us feel very welcome. They also gave out a few goodies. I mean t-shirts, water bottles, bags.
For details about the event and presentations, visit https://sites.google.com/sites/guganda2012
