What You CAN Work On During #LockDown

Last week we watched an animation video made by African Animation Studio

, promoted by the Department of Health. The video explains to children why the country is on lock down. From this video I remembered three things:

1. It was a great video for children, (my child enjoyed it)

2. I remember the brand’s name behind the video

3. The use of social media was a great choice to raise awareness, not only about COVID-19, but also for the Department of Health and the company that produced the video

We have also been seeing entrepreneurs get really innovative - last week on Twitter, a mobile spa owner, because of the lock down, began offering online training to teach people how to apply their own gel manicure. Nice one Utopia Spa!

All businesses are having to adapt to doing business differently - whether we like it or not. For many, this involves taking full advantage of technology. How are you using technology to help keep your business running during this time?  Share your experience with us on our SME SA Forum here.This week we have put together resources to help you with some of the things ALL entrepreneurs can work on during this period. We recommend focusing on MARKETING ACTIVITIES.

Use this week to work on improving your business website, nailing your social media presence and finally building a personal brand. FIND ALL RESOURCES BELOW:Stay safe and healthy.

NOW AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD - The SME South Africa #Tech4Growth White Paper Report 

With COVID-19 and the subsequent lock down - now, more than ever, we have seen the importance of tech in the running of a business.

In the ‘Advancing Technology Use Among South African SMEs to Accelerate Growth’ White Paper, sponsored by Telkom, we find out why South African SMEs are not using tech and the benefits they are missing out on. GET YOUR FREE COPY. 

LESSON OF THE WEEK

Don’t drop off the radar“Personal branding can be a way for you to get your business noticed and to develop credibility and garner support more quickly.” - Donna Rachelson

READ MORE: Finally, A Definitive Guide To Personal Branding For SA Entrepreneurs + Book Excerpt

4 Reasons to use Social Media to increase brand awareness

1. To give value to your audience (including customers) through content.

2. To engage with your audience and build a connection

3. To learn more about what your target audience wants & likes (through Insights)

4. Through consistency, to build trust and ultimately, get loyal customers

MARKETING RESOURCES

Make the most of these social media platforms

- 10 Powerful Ways Entrepreneurs Can Maximise Their LinkedIn Profiles

- Everything You Need to Launch an Instagram Profile For Your Business

- Twitter 'don'ts' for your brand

How other entrepreneurs are successfully using social media

- The Business of Social Media

– What To Expect Going Into the Industry

- Women are Good at Using Social Media for Business

- Meet The Branding Whizz Who is Taking his Passion for Marketing to Social Media

- Guide to Launching a Business as a Mommy Influencer

Use social media to cultivate networks

- #SistersinTech – How SA Women Entrepreneurs are Finding the Support they Need on Social Media

Other ways to upskill yourself

- A Comprehensive List of Free or Cheap Online Courses for Small Business Owners

How SME South Africa entrepreneurs are dealing with the lock down

We asked our readers on Facebook what they are focusing their energies on during this time.Check out what they had to say HERE.