No matter what way you look at it, the Covid-19 pandemic has been a trying time for everyone. But as the saying goes, ‘with every cloud there is a silver lining’ – which in my view has been the drastic business transformation and surge of digitisation that we have experienced over the past year.
There has never been a time when staying visible online has been more important for business survival.
With doors closing around the country due to the on-going Covid-19 level 5 restrictions, many businesses have had no choice but to adapt ‘from bricks to clicks’ in order to remain viable.
At Fuzion, we work closely with the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), to help share the stories of the hundreds of micro-enterprises and SMEs around the country with media – in the hope that it will encourage and inspire others who may be looking to start or grow their business – or for those struggling, to contact their Local Enterprise Office for support.
Through this work, I have been fortunate enough to work with some amazing LEO client businesses from all over Ireland – helping to share their stories of how they have adapted / pivoted (…..even battled) through the pandemic and how they have come out the other side with the help and guidance of the LEOs.
The LEO Trading Online Voucher has had particular impact across the country – with over 13,000 TOV’s approved in 2020…… That’s a whopping 13,000 businesses supported with developing or enhancing their online presence!
From this work, my little nuggets of advice to any small business would be:
- If you haven’t already, contact your nearest LEO – they provide so much support in terms of business advice, mentoring and grants such as the TOV mentioned above, Business Continuity Vouchers, Feasibility Grants and so much more
- Again, if you haven’t already – get online! A website ideally or a social media channel where you can keep your customers updated, share new products, blogs etc.
- Try to think outside the box – now is the time to create a new branch for your business or solution for your customers – take the chance it could pay off!
- Work on your ‘story’ in three short paragraphs & engage with local media to share your story or share via short blogs / social posts
- How/Why you started the business
- How your business adapted / transformed – (including any relevant figures such as online sale growth Vs 2019)
- Any future plans that you have for your business – ie. new employees, overseas expansion, new stockists etc.
- Good quality, high resolution photography is a must if engaging in any PR / online activity
- Know your angles
- Use colourful props or something that explains your business in the shots
- Images can be taken by a PR photographer or on your smartphone with a family member or friend if taken landscape
- Create video content – whether it’s short 30’ second “Meet the Team” videos or a “Hero Video” explaining your business proposition – it is an engaging way to reach your audience
- If you are a sole trader or very small business – it can be an isolating place – join a network or reach out to professionals (such as ourselves 😉) if you need a sounding board or business support
- Be consistent and persistent
- Stay visible & keep plugging and reminding people of why you are so great and why they need your products / services!
- Use social media advertising and Google Ads to your advantage – with so much competition online – it pays off to pay a little!
- Connect and talk to your audience online – ask them questions and engage – you might learn something new!
Much of this you may already know – but I hope it has helped just to be reminded or re-energised your motivation!
Most of all it is important to know that the opportunity is there for those who wish to dive head first into the challenges – the decision is ultimately yours whether to stay the way you are or take the plunge!
Suzanne
