The Future of Small Business Is Online:
5 Reasons Why
If entrepreneurship teaches you anything, it’s this: what’s often mistaken for a wrench in your plans is an opportunity to build something better than you ever imagined. The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the idea that “necessity is the mother of invention”—and small business owners are leading the charge.
Navigating the new norms of an ever-evolving pandemic is fast-tracking the shift to digital for businesses big and small. But taking new aspects of your business online will have an even bigger payoff for entrepreneurs like yourself, who have the opportunity to dig even deeper into the relationships you’ve built with your customers (remember, they’re embracing this new digital way of life, too).
This shift isn’t limited to the e-commerce world, either. In fact, you don’t have to have a physical online product to offer in order to reap the benefits of the shift to digital. Here are five perks that come with digital transformation:
Hone Your Brand Identity on Social Media
If we’re being honest, the real winner in all of this is social media. Thanks to massive cultural and behavioural shifts, even your uncle who once cursed Facebook is tuning into his newsfeed intently to stay up-to-date in this new, ever-changing world.
This is a major opportunity you to fine-tune or jump-start your social media marketing strategies (hint: most of your customers are tuning into social media to find out what you are doing and how you’re faring in the face of the pandemic), and develop your brand voice in new ways.
Remember, your social media strategy isn’t just about selling what you’re selling. It’s the way your customers get to know who you are as a business. Don’t be afraid to share your personal and brand developments with the world, especially in light of how rapidly the world is changing. The more personal you can be, the more connected your customers, new and old, will feel with your business.
Tap in to Your Community in New Ways
This pandemic has reinforced just how important community is to all of us, both personally and professionally. But just because you’re not able to physically interact with your community doesn’t mean you should leave it behind.
Rather than cancel your physical events, think about moving them into a digital meeting space, such as Zoom. This could be a special offering for your clients, a town-hall style meeting with other local entrepreneurs to discuss re-opening plans, or even a fundraiser for local initiatives.
Expand Your Reach Nationally or Internationally
The obvious perk that comes with focusing on the digital growth of your business is the opportunity to transact with people far beyond your geographical reach. This will look different for every business, depending on your product or service. But e-commerce opens the door to all types of new and exciting opportunities—just be sure to connect with your accountant to ensure you’re in line with tax laws.
Connect with New Demographics
Beyond connecting with those outside of your geographical reach, you might even find yourself transacting with new demographics, marking a true evolution for your business. But remember to consider these new faces when you’re fine-tuning your business plan and goals for the future. They will be the ones to take your business to new heights.
Attract New Talent
If the government can run an emergency session of Parliament on Zoom, then you should have no problem on-boarding a new employee or contractor virtually. Even if you plan to have the majority of your team work alongside you in-person, our “new normal” presents the opportunity to have a virtual team member if the perfect fit comes along—no matter where they are based.
What type of changes have you seen in your business thanks to the shift to digital? Our team is here to help you navigate the finer details as your business evolves. Give us a call if you need some advice.
Blue Alliance Accounting Group helps companies develop, use, and profit from their proprietary strengths. Build the business you always wanted and achieve the goals you have worked hard for.
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