Do you feel isolated in your Mumpreneur business? You are not alone. There is a way to make meaningful online business connections without leaving the house or your children. In this post I will explain how to use a popular social media site Facebook to help you build your business and networking opportunities.
Caveat up front, if your target audience hangs out on a different platform, then use that platform. I use Facebook as that is where my target audience prefers to connect and interact.
Businesses have changed
The world of work has changed beyond recognition in the last 50 years or so. We have seen revolutions in what businesses sell, how they sell it and how business is conducted. There are many factors that have contributed to this change but undeniably technology has impacted commerce on every level.
The growth, availability and speed of the internet have meant that the mechanics of business no longer needs to happen behind the stuffy old doors of high city tower blocks. It no longer needs to be dominated by men or the select few who have benefited from nepotism. The internet has opened the world of business up to all of us and one entrepreneur group who have spent an eternity multitasking have been quick to take advantage of this; mothers.
The internet gets a lot of flak; I am forever reading articles about how the World Wide Web has driven us further apart from each other and created divisions in our community, forcing our eyes down into our smart phones and our doors closed tight.
I see these points but as an optimist, opportunist and business woman I choose to see something more. I see that the internet has given those of us who had been previously unable to access the heights of the successful business world, a platform. As women we have been previously isolated by our locations and circumstances but no more.
How can Facebook help your business
Despite all these changes, one thing remains constant; business is about people. Being online does not mean you are unable to make meaningful connections though. One of the most popular people orientated sites you can find is Facebook.
If you are ready to make productive business relationships using Facebook here are the first 2 steps you need to take.
- Start a Business Page
Business connections are created by networking. You may think that a Facebook business page is just aimed at your clients but it is more often the face of your business and your brand. When making online connections you need a place to start the conversation or to direct people to. My first important tip when starting a business page is that only 2% of the people who like your page will organically see your post (this is because Facebook wants you to pay for a higher reach). If those 2% engage then more people will see it but if you don’t write something valuable to engage those first few viewers then the post could potentially fall into digital oblivion.
Mumpreneurs like to support each other and those who I work with will often like, comment, share and click on other Mumpreneurs posts so that more people see it. Building connections with people who are prepared to support your business goals is really important and a business page is the first step.
You may already have one, but it’s what you do with it that counts. When choosing what to post don’t just go into the hard sell, it is the equivalent to walking up to someone on the street and pushing your business card in their face. Let them get to know you as a person, remember I said business is about people, well people want to know who you are. Also put interesting and relevant pictures, videos and articles that will give your viewers a reason to engage. This can strike up conversations and assist you in building positive relationships with other businesses and potential/existing clients. You will find that ounce you are connecting and adding value through your business page, the opportunity to direct people to your website opens wide with less barriers.
- Join a Facebook group
Groups are really successful connection tool on Facebook. Firstly those in the group have to request to join and be approved they are therefore more likely to engage than those who randomly liked a page. They are also more likely to see each post through notifications. If you post in a group all members will know about it and many will respond. It is important to find the group that is right for you and your business.
Networking with like-minded business owners who understand what it is like to run a business and a family simultaneously will benefit you personally and professionally. You will be able to find solutions to shared or unique problems, make people aware of what you do and support other Mumpreneurs on their journey also.
For this purpose I have my own Facebook group that I would like to Invite you to now that focuses on supporting and connecting Mumpreneurs living in regional, rural or remote locations anywhere in the world. Once you have joined don’t be shy, introduce yourself and tell us about yourself. We want to get to know you.
We are all Mumpreneurs on the same mission to grow our empire while growing our families. When you offer help and also ask for it you are building relationships that could bring you services you need, clients or just valuable information.
These connections are meaningful, even if you are not sat opposite each other in the same town or country. I have made some amazing connections across the world by being a part of and interacting in groups.
For more information on my services for Mumpreneurs including a free Strategy Call that I offer then click here.
Women can be very powerful together, make connections today that will support your business tomorrow.
How are you using social media to connect with your target audience?
To Your success
Cheers
Kate
