Expanding the Value-Added Services Portfolio: My Journey at Libyana

Introduction

The telecommunications industry is constantly evolving, and in today's digital era, value-added services (VAS) play an increasingly important role in diversifying revenue streams and improving customer satisfaction. As a Senior Principal Engineer in the Commercial Department at Libyana Mobile Network Operator, I had the unique opportunity to spearhead the development and launch of new VAS offerings, drawing from my extensive regional and international network and overcoming numerous challenges along the way.

VAS for the New Era of Telecom

VAS has emerged as a key driver of growth in the telecommunications sector, offering innovative and tailored solutions that cater to diverse customer needs and preferences. By introducing new VAS offerings, operators can create additional revenue streams, differentiate themselves in the competitive market, and enhance their value proposition for both existing and potential customers.

My Journey in Developing New VAS Offerings

To bring new VAS offerings to the Libyan market, I relied on the network I had built over the years through attending conferences and maintaining an active presence on LinkedIn. I reached out to international providers, leveraging my connections to establish partnerships and finalize deals. This process was not without its challenges, as the ongoing conflict in Libya, issues with the banking system, and the country's international monetary standing created hesitations among potential partners.

Despite these challenges, I persisted in my efforts and managed to arrange meetings with leaders from renowned organizations like Apple Inc, MBC Group, LinkedIn, Meta, Spotify, OSN, BeIN Network, Razer Inc, and Kinguin. While not all deals came to fruition, and some services were not launched during my tenure, I am proud of the successful introduction and launch of Shahid, the Arabic online content streaming platform. We offered Shahid through multiple channels, such as complimentary services for VIP customers, bundled with data packages, and as a direct carrier billing option for Libyana's clients.

Overcoming Challenges

Throughout my journey in improving and developing new VAS services, I faced a multitude of obstacles that threatened to hinder the progress and success of the project. These challenges included:

Employees' reluctance: Introducing new VAS services required changes to established routines and processes, which some employees were hesitant to adopt. To overcome this, I focused on fostering a culture of openness and continuous learning, emphasizing the importance of innovation and collaboration in driving growth and staying competitive in the telecommunications industry.

Regulatory constraints: Navigating the complex regulatory landscape was another challenge, as compliance with national and international regulations was critical to the successful launch of the new VAS services. To address this, I actively engaged with relevant authorities and sought expert advice to ensure that all services adhered to the required regulatory standards.

Social norms: As the services I worked on were not previously available in the Libyan market, it was crucial to consider the impact of social norms and cultural expectations on the adoption of these services. To mitigate potential resistance, I conducted thorough market research and engaged with local communities to better understand their needs and preferences, ultimately tailoring the services to be culturally sensitive and relevant.

Convincing internal management: Gaining the support of internal management was essential for securing the necessary resources and backing for the new VAS services. To achieve this, I diligently prepared comprehensive business cases that clearly demonstrated the value and benefits of the services, both in terms of revenue generation and market acquisition. By effectively communicating the potential impact of these services on Libyana's growth and competitiveness, I was able to secure the necessary support and buy-in from key decision-makers.

Despite these obstacles, I remained steadfast in my pursuit of transforming the Libyan telecommunications landscape through the introduction of innovative VAS services. By adopting a proactive and solutions-oriented mindset, I was able to overcome these challenges and ultimately deliver value to Libyana and its customers.

Personal Reflection and Lessons Learned

From this experience, I learned several valuable lessons, such as the importance of building and investing in one's personal network, never accepting "no" as an answer, and planning meticulously to achieve one's goals. By applying these lessons, I was able to make a lasting impact on the VAS offerings in the Libyan market, and I hope to continue leveraging my skills and expertise to create innovative solutions that drive growth and customer satisfaction in the telecommunications industry.

From this experience, I learned several valuable lessons that not only enriched my professional journey but also contributed to my personal growth. Some of these lessons include:

The importance of building and investing in one's personal network: Networking plays a critical role in opening doors to new opportunities and partnerships. By attending conferences and maintaining an active presence on LinkedIn, I was able to forge connections with key players in the industry, which proved instrumental in securing deals and launching new VAS services.

Persistence and adaptability: The journey of introducing new VAS offerings to the Libyan market was fraught with challenges, but remaining persistent and adaptable in the face of obstacles enabled me to overcome them. I learned to approach each challenge with an open mind and to continuously seek creative solutions.

Effective communication and negotiation skills: Convincing international providers and internal management of the benefits of new VAS services required strong communication and negotiation skills. I learned to articulate the value proposition clearly and persuasively, helping to build trust and secure support from stakeholders.

Embracing innovation and staying ahead of industry trends: The telecommunications industry is constantly evolving, and embracing innovation is crucial to staying competitive. By staying informed about industry trends and exploring new technologies, I was able to identify opportunities for growth and deliver cutting-edge VAS solutions to the Libyan market.

Patience and long-term thinking: Not all deals were realized, and not all services were launched during my time at Libyana. However, I learned the importance of patience and long-term thinking, recognizing that some initiatives take time to materialize and that continued efforts can eventually yield positive results.

Collaboration and teamwork: Working with various stakeholders, both internal and external, taught me the value of collaboration and teamwork. I learned to appreciate diverse perspectives and to leverage the collective expertise of the team to drive success.