When we started BizEez Virtual Solutions in January 2010, we realised that the first few months would be a steep learning process. We’d researched and done our homework so knew there was definitely a need and niche for our professional services. However, the difficulty was letting our target market (other small business) know about our business support services. Getting our business known, recognised and trusted was no simple feat especially with a marketing budget that, like most small business, was non-existent.
So what to do?
We needed an online presence or we wouldn’t have our doors open for long and with no marketing budget to speak of, we had to do it ourselves. We started with the basics e.g. Facebook, LinkedIn and a webpage to direct our enquiries. Daily we connected online with like minded business people and steadily built our social network. More recently we’ve joined Twitter, Foursquare and a few other social networking groups. These online networks have evolved and taken on a life of their own. We very quickly learnt to monitor, measure and analyse our social media ROI (return on investment).
Six months on, 95% of business we’ve gained has been achieved through our social media efforts. To put that figure into perspective it’s important to note that we’ve spent a significant amount of time working on social media and building our networks. We’ve undertaken relevant courses, networked with experts, read any and every article we could lay our hands on and spent numerous hours in social media forums. To say we are experts is pushing the boundaries, especially with new forms of social media, applications and technologies being released daily! BUT, we do now know our way around, feel confident within this medium and enjoy it with a passion.
To any small business owner that may be reading this, we can say from experience that starting your own business is a white-knuckle ride especially when you’ve put everything on the line. Failure isn’t really an option. Everyday new challenges, learnings and ideas are thrown your way. The three major learnings we suggest all small business owners realise quickly are:
- time management is essential,
- a strong support base from family and friends is crucial,
- and a solid social marketing strategy is vital to your success
Please don’t make the mistake of thinking social media is a fad. It is well and truly here to stay and should be a strategic part of any small business marketing strategy. If you’re interested in learning more about social media as well as other business topics, tips and ideas that can assist your business grow, we hope you will continue to join us at the BizEez Blog.
Until next time….
After launching BizEez Virtual Solutions in early 2010, I've found the Web2.0 Online world to be my oyster. Through trial and error with my own website and social networks, I've learnt what works online to engage consumers and I've been very successful in utilising Web2.0 technologies to create and implement viral social media strategies for clients in start-up, arts, community, hospitality and retail arenas.
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