WOMEN’S UNIVERSITY IN AFRICA

FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT AND ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT

STUDIES

INTAKE 23 EVENING: STUDENT AND ASSIGNMENT DETAILS

Full Name of Student: Loyd Muya Intake: 23

Student ID: W181069 Region: Harare

Email address: [email protected] Phone No:0775 625 481

Course Code: BM123 Assignment 2

Course Name BM 123 -ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SMALL BUSINESS

MANAGEMENT
INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Date: 11/05/2020

Assignment Question
Use a standard layout to draw out a business plan
MARKER’S COMMENTS
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Overall Mark………………………………Marker’s Name………………………...
TECHBLEND IT SOLUTION PVT LIMITED

ICT SUPPORT & SERVICES BUSINESS PLAN

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1Why Start an ICT sale & Services Business?

2 ICT sale & Services Business plan– Executive Summary

3 ICT sale & Services Business plan – SWOT Analysis

4 ICT sale & Services Business plan – MARKET ANALYSIS

5 ICT sale & Services Business plan – SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

6 ICT sale & Services Business plan– Publicity and Advertising Strategy

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7 FINANCIAL PROJECTION AND STARTUP COSTINGS

1) Why Start an IT & Services Business?

According to my research and recent report, computer sales and related services are expected to
exceed $100 billion this year in Arica alone, with computer servicing leading the way. There is a
large target market beyond only individual computer owners. Many small businesses or home
businesses do not have dedicated IT departments and rely on contracts with outside vendors As a
matter of fact, almost all businesses and homes have computers, and these people may not have
the skills, time or the desire to do their own computer servicing, repairs and upgrades, and that
puts Cam solutions in the middle of one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.

The last few month we have witnessed heightened awareness of the threat from the outbreak of
COVID-19 (coronavirus). As the virus spreads around the world, we also need to understand
what it means for the education systems and business worldwide. With the need to contain the
virus, many countries are implementing measures to reduce gatherings of large crowds. Many
countries have now implemented measures in their education and business systems – from
banning gatherings to the temporary closing of schools.

But while schools and business are temporarily closed for quarantine, schooling and business
continues. It’s just that it is a different kind of teaching. Students are being educated remotely
using technology also business and work meetings are now being done remotely as well. This is
being done through a variety of online courses and electronic textbooks.

This goes to show that as Techblend IT solutions if we properly position ourselves in ICT sales
and servicing industry, we are guaranteed to enjoy good business turnover, maximize company
revenue as well as helping the community through ICT services.

Industry Overview

The IT sales and servicing industry includes operators that mainly sell and service all forms of
computers such as desktops, laptops, notebooks, palmtops, phones tablets, servers, networking
and software solutions, as well as accessories like printers, scanners and keyboards. Computers
have exploded throughout in Zimbabwe and Africa at large the past 10 years .According to

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techzim 2,000 units shipped in 1960 to 900,000 in 1980 to 7 million in 1990 to over 15 million
per year by 2003 to over 65 million per quarter in 2015. With this rapid growth, there has been a
corresponding increase in the need for computer services.

If we take a conversant with happenings in the Computer Sales and Services industry in
Zimbabwe, we will notice that computers are rapidly becoming indispensable household and
personal products. Hospitals, schools need computer services. with this said and done No doubt
everybody will quite agree that the computer sales and services industry has come to stay and of
course it is one industry that plays key roles not only in the business world, but also in almost all
aspects of what goes around in our world today as long as computers are involved. Over and
above, the Computer Sales and Services industry is an open industry with no barriers to entry
hence a low level of market share concentration. Even though large multiservice agencies
operate in the industry, revenue is also spread among thousands of small computer stores and
repair centers.

2) Executive Summary

Techblend IT solutions is Zimbabwean based IT company with head offices in Msasa. We are
set to compete in the highly competitive IT company, not only in Harare but also throughout the
Zimbabwean market.

Business Objectives

The primary objectives of Techblend IT are:

1. Provide custom solutions with outstanding customer service– which enhances its
customer’s efficiency and secures Techblend long relationship via contracts and recurring
projects.

2. Grow company in staffing to accommodate the growing need for services by offering a
dynamic work environment with flexible hours, a commitment to ongoing education, and
offer bonuses to commensurate with performance and earnings.

3. Giving employees tools that improves their work quality and productivity in the form of
applications

4. Mobility – allowing people to work anywhere with their mobile devices and tools

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Our Product and Services

Techblend is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the computer sales and services
industry. We want to compete favorably with companies in the Zimbabwe which is why we will
put in place a competent quality assurance team that will ensure that every service rendered
meets and even surpasses our customers’ expectations.

We will work hard to ensure that Techblend IT solutions, is not just accepted in Harare but also
in other cities in Zimbabwe. Our products and services are listed below;

• Sales and servicing of all sort of computers

• Software and application development
• Sales and servicing of computer peripherals (e.g. printers, monitors, key boards,
mouse and speakers)
• Sales and repair of printers
• Sale of computer software solutions
• Onsite support services and installation
• Computer installation
• Computer Cloning/upgrade
• Offering other computer repair and installation related services
• Computer networking
• Data back-up and recovery

Our Vision Statement

Our vision is to establish a one stop IT services center whose services and brand will not only be
accepted in Harare but also in other cities in Zimbabwe.

Our Mission Statement

Our mission is to retail IT and related products and also to provide professional computer
services that will assist businesses and individuals in ensuring that their computers are always in
good shape to help them carry out their business. We want to build an IT company that can
favorably compete with other leading brands in the computer sales and services industry.

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Our Business Structure

An IT company that intend starting small in Msasa Harare, but hopes to grow big in order to
compete with leading IT and services companies in the Zimbabwe. We are aware of the
importance of building a solid business structure that can support the picture of the kind of world
class business we want to own. Therefore, we are committed to only hire the best hands within
our area of operations. Techblend IT solutions, will ensure that we hire people that are qualified,
hardworking, creative, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous
business that will benefit all the stake holders.

In view of the above, we hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions;

Chief Executive Officer – position filled already

Store Manager

Head, Technical Services

Sales and Marketing Executive

Accountant

Computer Repair and Maintenance Engineers and Technicians

Software developers

Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer – CEO:

Increases management’s effectiveness by employing, choosing, orientating, training, coaching,

counselling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives;
assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing
incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational
opportunities.

- Accountable for fixing prices and signing business deals

- Responsible for providing direction for the business

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- Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall
direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s
strategy.

- Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company

- Evaluates the success of the organization

- Reports to the board

Admin and HR Manager

- Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the
organization

- Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new
products.

- Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling

for repairs.

- Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process

- Carries out induction for new team members

- Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees

- Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments

- Oversees the smooth running of the daily office activities.

Stores Controller:

- Responsible for managing the daily activities in the store

- Ensures that proper records of computers and computer parts are kept and warehouse does
not run out of products

- Ensures that the store facility is in tip top shape and goods are properly arranged and easy to
locate

- Controls distribution and supply inventory

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- Helps to ensure consistent quality of computers and computer parts are purchased and
retailed in good price that will ensure we make good profit

Head, Technical Services (servant manager)

- Serves as project manager of the organization; works directly with employees

- Maintains quality service by establishing and enforcing organization standards.

- Makes certain that the technical department performs efficiently, coordinates employee
efforts, facilitates communication between management and computer repairs and
maintenance engineers and technical

- Responsible for site surveys and due-diligence

- Help in preparing of tenders and maintenance contract

- overseeing the work of the technical team

Ensures that the organization work in line with international best practices.

Sales Team

- Manages external research and coordinate all the internal sources of information
to retain the organizations’ best customers and attract new ones

- Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and

contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion
of development projects.
- Writing winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with
organizations’ policy
- Responsible for handling business research, market surveys and feasibility studies
for clients
- Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs,
and communicate with clients
- Develops executes and evaluate new plans for expanding sales
- Creates new markets cum businesses for the organization
- Empower and motivates the sales team to meet and surpass agreed targets

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Cashier:

- Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for
the organization
- Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and
accounting reports; analyses financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects;
conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
- Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
- Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for
one or more properties.
- Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
- Responsible for administering payrolls

Computer Repair and Maintenance Engineers (2) and network Technicians (2)

- Responsible for general computer repairs and maintenance services

- Carry out computer installation services for clients
- Responsible for carrying out computer cloning and upgrade
- Responsible for handling Networking of computer system
- Responsible for handling virus removal Data recovery
- Handles computer and accessories sales and supply for the organization
- Responsible for site surveys and due-diligence
- Help in preparing of tenders and maintenance contract

Software Developer x 2

-Researching, designing, implementing and managing software programs

- Testing and evaluating new programs

- Identifying areas for modification in existing programs and subsequently developing

these modifications

- Writing and implementing efficient code

- Determining operational practicality

- Developing quality assurance procedures

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 - Deploying software tools, processes and metrics

- Maintaining and upgrading existing systems

- Training users

- Working closely with other developers, UX designers, business and systems analysts

Help Desk Officers/Receptionist

- Welcomes clients and potential clients by greeting them in person or on the

telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
- Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone)
provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level.
- Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build
client’s interest in the company’s products and services.
- Manages administrative duties assigned by the creative director in an effective
and timely manner.
- Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products,
promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information are supplied to
clients when they make enquiries.

- Find out the customer’s needs, recommend, select and help locate the right
merchandise, describe a product’s features and benefits.
- Bag, package or gift-wrap merchandise as requested by customers.

3) SWOT ANALYSIS

Because of our mission for excellence, Cam solutions will engage the services of professional in
the area of business consulting and structuring to assist our organization in building a well –
structured computer sales and services business that can favorably compete in the industry in
Zimbabwe

Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that conducted on behalf of Techblend
IT solutions.

Strength:

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Our core strength lies in the power of our workforce. We have a team of trained and certified
computer repair engineers and technicians, a team with excellent qualifications and proven
experience in various areas in the industry from management to field operations. Having
experienced carefully selected workforce, our services will be guided by best practices in the
industry and we will ensure that we have all brands and types of computers in our store per time.

Weakness:

As a new computer sales and services, it might take some time for our organization to break into
the market and gain acceptance especially from top profile clients in the already highly
competitive computer sales and services industry; that is perhaps our major weakness. Another
weakness is that we may not have the required cash to pump into promoting our business the
way we would want to. Also, with the liquidity crisis in our current economy It is very difficult
to make financial transactions or payments outside the country hence we are likely face
challenges when try to Import computers, spares and accessories.

Opportunities:
No doubt, the opportunities in the IT sales and services industry is massive considering the
number of individuals and businesses that own computers. So also, the launch of new tablets will
likely drive consumers into stores to test and compare products. As a computer sales and
services company, we are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that is available in the
industry

Become a Computer Dealer

Computer giants like HP, Dell, Lenovo are continually looking for dealers or partners to
distribute their products. Many people buy a new desktop or laptop computer every now and
then. Being a computer broker is one of the best computer business ideas today.

Sell Computer Parts

While many people buy a new computer almost every year, there are some who keep their old
one but changes some parts. Selling computer parts is one of the best computer business ideas.
Many people need a new keyboard or mouse every now and then. Plus, laptop users usually have
a failing battery or adapter

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Threats:
The increasing adoption of e-commerce has reduced customer traffic in computer stores, further
limiting revenue and also, the domestic PC market has shrunk due to people importing
computers from neighboring countries. So also, one major threat that we are likely going to face
is economic downturn, shortage of foreign currency, rising inflation. It is a fact that economic
downturn affects purchasing / spending power. In addition, with electronics becoming cheaper
than ever, some people have the tendencies to replace their electronics entirely rather than bother
to have them repaired. Another threat that may likely confront us is the existence of powerful
computer sales and services companies in same location where our target market exists and who
may want to adopt same business model like us.

4)Computer Sales & Services Business Plan – MARKET ANALYSIS

Market Trends

The extent at which the internet and computer has taken over our world is a pure sign that every
computer literate needs the services of a computer repairer when his/her computer malfunctions
– be it hardware or software.

The very nature of the Computer Sales and Services industry, with its extraordinary rate of
technological development, creates a constant need for businesses skilled in updating and
advising customers on computer-related issues.

With every individual armed with a computer and with almost all valuable information in our
daily lives being stored in the computer, the computer selling business is booming and with this
booming comes a need for repair.

Everybody with a computer knows that moment of panic when the hard drive crashes–and for
business people, it usually happens when they are staring into the eye of a deadline. The need for
computer physicians is growing every day and more people are venturing into this field, making
it a competitive and goal-oriented industry.

Lastly, the computer sales and services industry will continue to evolve due to the advancement
of computer technology and software designs.

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Our Target Market

Before starting our computer sales and services business, I conducted a market survey and
feasibility studies and I am aware that there is a wide range of both corporate and individual
clients who cannot successfully run their businesses without computers.

In view of that, I have created strategies that will enable us reach out to various corporate
organizations and individual who we know can’t afford to do without our products and services.
Below is a list of people we will specifically market our products and services to;

Banks, Insurance Companies and other related Financial Institutions

Blue Chips Companies

Corporate Organizations

Real Estate Owners, Developers, and Contractors

Research and Development Companies

The Government (Public Sector)

Schools (High Schools, Colleges and Universities)

Hotels

Sport Organizations

Religious Organizations

Television Stations

Printing Press (Publishing Houses) and Authors

Branding and Advertising agencies

Individuals and households who own computers

Our Competitive Advantage

Surviving in the business world as a computer sales and services company requires more than
your expertise, knowing how to deliver standard repairs and maintenance but also how to
network with key people that matter.

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I am quite aware that to be highly competitive in the computer sales and services industry means
that you are not only expected to deliver reliable computer supply, installation, repair,
networking and maintenance jobs, but you must be able to meet set targets. No one would want
to continue to hire your services if don’t always meet up with the target date of completion of
projects.

Our competitive advantage lies in our ability to control stock at hand, our experienced work
force and proximity to key markets. We equally have a team of certified, highly trained and
experienced computer repair engineers and technicians, a team with excellent qualifications and
experience in various niche areas in the computer sales and service industry. Aside from the
synergy that exists in our carefully selected workforce, our services will be guided by best
practices in the industry.

Lastly, all our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the
best within our category in the industry. It will enable them to be more than willing to build the
business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives.

5)ICT SALES AND BUSINESS PLAN – SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• We are mindful of the fact that there are stiff competitions in the computer sales
and services industry, hence we have been able to hire some of the best marketing
experts to handle our sales and marketing.
• Our sales and marketing leading person will be recruited based on their vast
experience in the industry supported by intern students who will be trained on a regular
basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall business goal Cam
solutions.
• Our corporate goal is to grow Techblend to become one of the top IT sales and
services brands in the Zimbabwe which is why we have mapped out strategies that will
help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force to
reckon with not only in Harare and also in other cities in Zimbabwe.

Techblend IT solutions is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to
attract clients;

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 -Introduce our computer sales and services center by sending introductory letters
alongside our brochure to individuals, corporate organizations and key stake holders in
and Harare

- Promptness in bidding for computer supply, installation, repair, networking and

maintenance contract from the government and other cooperate organizations
- Advertise our business in relevant business magazines, newspapers, TV and radio
stations.
- List our business in yellow pages’ ads (local directories)
- Attend relevant international and local expos, seminars and business fairs et al
- Create different packages for different category of clients in order to work with
their budgets and still deliver excellent services
- Leverage on the internet to promote our business
- Engage direct marketing approach
- Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients Sources of
Income

Computer Sales & Services Business Plan – Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We have been able to work with our in-house brand and publicity consultant to help us map out
publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target
market. We are set to become the number one choice for both corporate and individual clients in
the whole of the Sioux Falls and beyond which is why we have made provisions for effective
publicity and advertisement of our computer sales and services company.

Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise TechBlend IT
solutions
- Place adverts on both print (newspapers and magazines) and electronic media
platforms
- Sponsor relevant community-based events/programs
- Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook,
twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our services.
- Install our billboards in strategic locations all around Sioux Falls – South Dakota.
- Engage in roadshows from time to time in targeted neighborhoods.

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 - Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas.
- List our computer sales and services company in local directories/yellow pages
- Advertise our computer sales and services company in our official website and
employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site.
- Ensure that all our staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles are
well branded with our company logo.
- Take part in voluntary work e.g. President clean-up campaign

6) FINANCIAL PROJECTION AND STARTUP COSTINGS

According to our conservative estimates, Tech blend IT solutions is expected to maintain a

healthy financial position over the next five years. Our company is expected to break even in the
third month of operations. We also expect to be profitable in the first year of operations, with
profits increasing over the next four years, as we establish and increase our customer base. Our
main concern will be to have sufficient cash on hand to meet our payment obligations and be
prepared for unexpected needs of cash. Our conservative

projections indicate that our business is able to generate positive cash flows and sufficient cash
reserves. The ratio analysis clearly shows that Take Blend IT Solutions’ financial position is
expected to remain strong, as measured by its liquidity, long-term solvency, and cash flow
adequacy ratios. The company's profitability, as measured by its profitability ratios, is excellent,
and will gradually increase over the next five years. This performance will probably be rewarded
by a higher market price when the company decides to go public.

Break-even Analysis

The following table and chart summarize our Break-even Analysis. We don't really expect to
reach break-even until several months into the business operation, as illustrated in the financials.

Note: All currency values in the charts and tables are expressed in the Botswana Pula (P).

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Key Financial Indicators

We foresee major growth in sales and operating expenses, and a bump in our collection days as
we spread the business during expansion.Collection days are very important. We do not want to
let our average collection days get above 30 under any circumstances. This could cause a serious
problem with cash flow, because our working capital situation is chronically tight. However, we
recognize that we cannot control this factor easily, because of the relationship with our clients.

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START UP COSTS

In keeping with the company philosophy of avoiding the use of debt, the goal is to start-up as inexpensively
as possible. This is in line with industry figures that show that computer consulting start-ups are ideal
entrepreneurial opportunities with very low start-up costs. Total start-up expenses for Techblend IT solution
come to $2,050, all of which will be financed through owner investment.
 Most expenses are typical start-up paperwork fees (legal, accounting, etc.).
 Cash requirements consist of one month's rent as a reserve.
 $500 for expensed equipment will be used to purchase a new All-In-One printer, fax, answering.

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START-UP REQUIREMENTS
Start-up Expenses
Legal $250
Stationery etc. $100
Brochures $125
Accountant $75
Insurance $150
Rent $425
Expensed Equipment $500
TOTAL START-UP EXPENSES $1,625
Start-up Assets
Cash Required $0
Other Current Assets $0
Long-term Assets $0
TOTAL ASSETS $0
Total Requirements $1,625

START-UP FUNDING
Start-up Expenses to Fund $1,625
Start-up Assets to Fund $0
TOTAL FUNDING REQUIRED $1,625
Assets

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Non-cash Assets from Start-up $0
Cash Requirements from Start-up $0
Additional Cash Raised $425
Cash Balance on Starting Date $425
TOTAL ASSETS $425
Liabilities and Capital
Liabilities
Current Borrowing $0
Long-term Liabilities $0
Accounts Payable (Outstanding Bills) $0
Other Current Liabilities (interest-free) $0
TOTAL LIABILITIES $0
Capital
Planned Investment
Owner Investment $2,050
Other $0
Additional Investment Requirement $0
TOTAL PLANNED INVESTMENT $2,050
Loss at Start-up (Start-up Expenses) ($1,625)
TOTAL CAPITAL $425
TOTAL CAPITAL AND LIABILITIES $425
 Total Funding $2,050

SOURCES OF REVENUES

 Techblend IT solutions is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the IT

industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to meet
and surpass the expectations of all our clients. Techblend IT solutions will generate
income by;

 Sales and servicing of all sort of computers

 Sales and servicing of computer peripherals (e.g. printers, monitors, keyboards, mouse
and speakers)

 Sale of computer software

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  Computer installation

 Computer Cloning and upgrade

 Computer networking

 Offering other computer repair and installation related services

 SLA agreements

 Generating Startup Techblend IT solutions

 Techblend IT solutions will be owned and managed by Loyd Muya and his friend.
They are the financiers of the business which is why they decided to restrict the
sourcing of the startup capital for the business to just three major sources.

 These are the areas we intend generating our startup capital;

 Generate part of the startup capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks.

 Generate part of the startup capital from friends and other extended family members.

 Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank.

Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the number of loyal customers that they have, the capacity and
competence of their employees, their investment strategy and business structure. If all of
these factors are missing from a business, then it won’t be too long before the business close.
One of our major goals as Techblend IT solutions, is to build a business that will survive off
its own cash flow without injecting finance from external sources once the business is
officially running. We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers
over is to offers our IT services a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and
we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while. Techblend will make sure
that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff
welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business

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to greater heights and training and retraining of our workforce is at the top burner.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management
staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of three years or more. We know
that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we
can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our
dreams.

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