What's Next - Andrew Dawson on how technology can help small businesses grow

Small business growth increasingly depends on using connectivity, data, cloud services, and AI to work smarter and compete more effectively.

Andrew Dawson, Managing Executive: Small, Medium and Diversified Business at Telkom Business, explains how technology can help South African SMEs become more efficient, resilient, and prepared for future opportunities.

Dawson discusses why small business owners often struggle with limited resources and the need to manage everything from IT to HR themselves. He explains how reliable connectivity has evolved from a basic utility into the foundation for cloud applications, digital customer journeys, IoT, and data-driven decision-making.

The conversation also explores where businesses should begin with AI. Dawson recommends starting with clearly defined problems, establishing governance and data safeguards, and introducing AI gradually rather than adopting technology simply because competitors are doing it.

He also explains why technology itself will not determine which businesses succeed. Critical thinking, leadership, and the ability to apply technology to well-understood problems will remain key competitive advantages.

0:00 Intro

1:27 Telkom Business's new strategy

3:56 Challenges facing South African SMEs

5:59 Connectivity as a business advantage

8:33 Building a business for the future

11:58 Where businesses should start with AI

14:25 Technology solutions for small businesses