3 SIMPLE WAYS TO NETWORK LIKE A BOSS
If you are a newbie entrepreneur, the chances are that you are panicking because of the global pandemic that shows no sign of abating. Yes, the vaccines are here but so are coronavirus mutations and the world is looking uncertain. Alongside economic volatility comes business worries. You may have already waved goodbye to your full time contract, your steady wage and your office buddies. You chose to go it alone and turn your business dream into a reality before the global pandemic took hold. Now, you may be full of dread thinking about what the future may hold.
With a sound business plan for your venture and a clear direction, you can weather the turmoil. Government subsidies and grants have enabled startups to survive the pandemic so far. However, you also need to be proactive in potentially diversifying and adapting to meet the newfound needs of your customers. If you are a mall accountant working for specialist IT firms, you may need to welcome in more diverse clientele. If you make toys for toddlers in a high street store, you might need to head online instead.
Moreso than this, you need to keep your brand and your name out there. It’s all too easy for customers to fall back on the reliability of the big names and market leaders. It can be difficult to stay at the forefront of the industry. This is why you need to network and be fresh in peers, colleagues and customers minds. Take a look at these three simple ways to network like a boss and maximize your chances of survival during this global pandemic.
Trade Shows
You may assume that trade shows are no longer going ahead and in a physical sense they aren’t. However, event organizers are tapping into the popularity of Zoom and Teams to create online functions and events that allow startups to attract the virtual crowds to their virtual pitches. While you won’t need to decorate your physical stall with banners, branding and flags, you still need to attract potential customers to your global pitch. By having an online presence at these trade shows, you will still have readymade footfall looking for a bargain. Try and find a niche online trade show to attend. If you work in advertising or graphic design, attend a creative industries online trade show. If you work as an accountant or an independent investment manager, head online to attend a financial sector trade show.
You can still attract potential customers and show off your wares. With live feeds, you can show your products in action and present to crowds. If you are willing, you could set up a live demonstration and ask for people’s details to add to an email mailing list. Trade shows are a great way to introduce yourself to your demographic. By tapping into your market, you need to show what you can offer that is different. People are more reluctant than ever to part with their cash so you need to be head and shoulders above your competition. Network by communicating via different platforms when at your trade show. Show off your social media feeds, send out some achingly cool metallic business cards to your mailing lists and still have a virtual gimmicky freebie bag. Online vouchers and discounts can be a great incentive for customers to do business with you.
Social Media
The online world for business is becoming more vital than ever. As the high streets have closed down due to social distancing and lockdowns, you need to embrace social media with open arms. Networking online has become easier than ever. Since the dawn of the twenty first century, more and more ventures are choosing to go wholly online in an effort to cut overheads and streamline their businesses.
Think about how you can network your business using Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Twitter is a fantastic way to communicate with your customers. If you have a query come through on your Twitter feed, don’t let it wallow and respond promptly. If you don’t do this, the impression that you create is one of a poor customer experience. By networking with your suppliers and customers over Twitter, you can hone your company voice and create a positive impression of your venture.
Instagram is a superb platform for those more visual industries. Graphic designers, illustrators, chefs and artists enjoy Instagram to show off their wares and network with potential purchasers or interested investors. You could even choose to link up with competitors in these uncertain times to do a bit of mutual back scratching, advertising one another’s wares and services across guest blogs and social media.
SEO
The art of search engine optimization is a tricky beast to master. You need to consider how you can get a grip on the Google algorithm to help you compete with your sector rivals. SEO means using keywords and SERP identifiers to try and increase your readership levels. Doing this boosts your ability to network as more potential contacts will get in touch.
SEO needs to be utilized across your while online presence. This means your little patch online - your website, your guest blogs, your home blog, your social media feeds, and any webinars you might do. Link to any events that you may be holding. If you are keen to network, you need to portray yourself as an expert in your field. Give online talks about the joys of working from home, the perils of real estate investment or the buzz of getting to grips with amateur Forex trading.
Networking has never been so crucial in the time of a global pandemic. With customers looking to save their cash and businesses still having bills to pay, this can be a nerve-wracking time for all business owners, but especially newbie entrepreneurs. Use online forums, lean on your support network and develop contacts within your industry. But, also try and ease the pressure on yourself and think about the bigger picture. Follow this guide and allow your business to thrive.