Field Intelligence: Executive Summary
- Observed resilience of farmers and internally displaced people in a conflict zone in northern Myanmar.
- Identified unexpected demand for "hair and makeup" services even amidst conflict.
- Emphasizes the importance of products that maintain dignity, not just survival, in last mile distribution.
What Did I Learn Coaching a Sales Team in Myanmar?
Last week, I was coaching a sales team from the last mile, deep inside a conflict zone in northern Myanmar. What struck me wasn’t just the hardship ,it was the resilience of farmers and internally displaced people.
Field Data Evidence: In that area, three pieces of tomato cost $3.50.
And yet, in the middle of this struggle, people keep finding ways to live, not just survive, they fight to live with dignity. Here is one good example story.
What is the Strangest Business Idea I've Ever Heard?
In one of my free webinar sessions, audiences from across Myanmar from the northern hills to the southern delta joined to share survival strategies.
One audience shared an idea I never expected:
“The most in-demand business in our area right now is… hair and makeup.”
At first, I thought they were joking.
Why is Hair and Makeup Important During Conflict?
So I asked: “Why hair and makeup? Is that really necessary right now?, when your community is under constant conflict?”
Their answers stopped me. And it made perfect sense.
Why Do People Still Want to Feel Human?
They said:
“Even in the hardest times, people still have weddings. They still go to the monastery for donation events. They still want to look good, to feel human, to have dignity.”
That response brought me to tears.
Because resilience isn’t just about survival. It’s about insisting on living and even thriving in the harshest conditions.
What is the Lesson for Impact Businesses?
For anyone building businesses in last-mile or conflict economies, here’s the truth:
- People don’t just buy products that keep them alive.
- They also buy products that keep their dignity alive.
If you want to make a real impact, don’t just ask:
- “What do people need to survive?”
- Also Ask: “What helps them feel alive?”
That’s where resilience is born. And that’s where the real market is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the surprising business in demand in the conflict zone? A: Hair and makeup services were surprisingly in high demand.
Q: Why do people in conflict zones still want hair and makeup services? A: People want to maintain their dignity and feel human, even during hardship, for events like weddings and monastery donations.
Q: What should businesses in last-mile economies consider beyond basic survival needs?
A: Businesses should also consider products and services that help people feel alive and maintain their dignity.
FAQ
Q: How does Sai Han Linn deliver Field Coaching for last-mile sales teams in Myanmar? A: Through the REACH framework, Sai Han Linn delivers Field Coaching in-situ: on motorbikes, in rural markets, and at the point of transaction. The goal is to transfer judgment, not just technique, so field agents can operate effectively without supervision. This is the most practitioner-dense form of best sales training in Myanmar available.