The technological advances, creations, and engineering applications utilised by cultures to carry out particular tasks have helped human civilisations evolve and enter the digital era of today. These technological innovations have been applied to all areas of our lives to create value for society. In this blog, Graana.com takes a detailed look at how technology has changed our lives, with a particular focus on the example of Baba Food RRC, a chef from Multan who is now TikTok’s Top Food Creator.
Success Story of Baba Food RRC
Baba Food RRC is a successful cooking channel on YouTube and TikTok, created by Rizwan Rafaqat and his son Ramish.
Born and raised in suburban Multan, Rizwan Rafaqat never imagined that he would be a household name one day. He started his journey as a street vendor selling samosas to make a living. Due to financial struggles, the family moved to Narowal, and his son, while still in college, began working at a pizza shop to help make ends meet.
After completing his intermediate education, Ramish decided to focus on content creation, which helped lead to the success of his father’s business. Initially, Rafaqat was opposed to the idea, but Ramish persisted and eventually convinced him to give it a try.
In 2019, they used a cheap mobile phone to record and edit their first video. Ramish purposefully used the term “Baba” to connect with audiences. Both of them also used SEO tactics and attractive thumbnails to promote their video, which got 1000 views in the first four days.
The rest, as they say, is history.
The distinct style of Chef Rizwan was refreshingly different from other TV chefs, which easily made him stand out from the rest. After the positive response to their first video, Ramish and Rafaqat decided to focus their YouTube channel on teaching commercial cooking. They wanted to help people who were struggling to set up a food business during the pandemic.
Mr. Rizwan also learned that they needed to have a target of 1,000 subscribers to generate a stream of income. They felt that the idea of commercial cooking was the perfect idea for the time as there were not many channels providing these tips and tricks.
In just four years, Baba Foods RRC’s cooking channel on TikTok has been awarded the most growing food channel for 2022, with over one million followers.
From struggling to pay rent to now owning their own house and several cars, social media success has drastically improved the family’s life. Chef Rizwan’s content also highlights the struggles and challenges they faced while starting the channel, and how they worked together as a family to make it a success.
How Technology Helps Starts-Ups Grow
Starting a business in Pakistan can be a challenging task, but with the advent of modern technology, it has become much easier for entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into successful ventures.
The following are a few ways in which technology has helped start-ups in Pakistan thrive in the current business landscape.
Online Marketplaces
Global online marketplaces, like Amazon and Alibaba, have opened up new opportunities for start-ups in Pakistan. These platforms enable businesses to sell their products to a wider audience, at both local and international levels.
This has particularly been a boon for small businesses in the country, which previously had limited access to international markets.
Social Media
Social media platforms have become powerful tools for start-ups in Pakistan to promote their products and services. They allow businesses to reach a wider audience at a low cost, making it easier to build brand awareness and generate leads.
Additionally, social media also helps real estate agents and start-ups to engage with their customers, who can provide valuable feedback and insights that can be used to improve their products and services.
Digital Payments
The rise of digital payments in Pakistan has made it easier for start-ups to accept payments from customers. Platforms like Paypal and JazzCash and Raast have made transactions more secure and convenient for both the seller and the buyer.
This has particularly helped start-ups in Pakistan, as they had only limited access to traditional banking and financial services before. Now they can benefit from multiple digital banking services.
E-Commerce
E-commerce platforms like Shopify, Magento and BigCommerce, have made it easier for start-ups in Pakistan to create an online store and manage inventory, shipping, and payments.
This has been revolutionary as small businesses previously had limited access to e-commerce infrastructure.
Cloud Computing
Start-ups can now access powerful computing resources on demand, reducing the need for large investments in IT infrastructure.
Digital Marketing
Digital marketing has become a powerful tool for start-ups in Pakistan to reach customers through online channels like social media, email, and mobile apps.
These provide a relatively low-cost way to reach a large audience, making it easier to generate leads.
Virtual Meetings
Virtual meetings have become a vital tool for start-ups in Pakistan to conduct meetings with clients and partners located in different locations. Platforms like Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet make it easy to collaborate with people from anywhere in the world, saving time and costs.
Reduced Operating Costs
Unlike larger organisations, most start-ups rarely have sufficient finances to work with, limiting their potential to grow. However, with advancements in technology, they can now operate at a greater level while remaining cost-effective.
One example is automated calling software, which improves performance without hiring more people to handle the increased call volume.
Another case in point is the industrial sector. Manufacturers can use robotics and automation to not only achieve their goals with greater consistency but also to save money by minimising human error and increasing efficiency.
For more related information, visit the Graana blog.
