Despite the many uncertainties faced during the Covid-19 pandemic, thankfully we are now beginning to return to some kind of normality, albeit with greater restrictions in place to help keep people safe. But what have the weeks of lockdown meant for you? Have you still been busy in a key worker role? Working from home and/or home schooling? But more importantly, has the new found time allowed you to reflect, do more of what you love or even find a new interest?
Perhaps this time has provoked a shift in where you see the direction of your career going. Maybe you have been waiting for the right time to move on and lockdown has helped you to realise that it’s time to finally take the plunge? Whether you have learnt a new skill or have mastered an existing one, Charlotte Baldwin, Operations Manager at IQ Cards believes that now is the perfect time to take the leap and establish your own business.
‘Lockdown might have given you the time to evaluate your current situation and however you have found your skill, whether from a favourite past time or new found hobby, now is the time to create your product or service portfolio’, explains Charlotte. Looking back to starting out herself, Charlotte advises, ‘You might already be accustomed to making goods for friends and family but when starting off, you need to introduce a key line of products or services to get yourself out there and noticed. Less is often more, so do some research and decide which key designs or items would be best to launch with’.
Many people might see this as a risky time to start a business, however you will actually find yourself in the same boat as many, trying to pick up existing businesses in recovery from lockdown. ‘Many businesses have also had to learn and invest in social media to survive and that combined with initiates and communities looking to shop locally, now is a great time to jump on the bandwagon. Rally support from loved ones and the closest people around one to get the ball rolling. Social media really can be a powerful platform to help you get started’.
Building and developing a brand can take time but as long as you have a plan to follow you will get there. With a fitting product portfolio you can use your chosen form of social media to get your product and message out there. ‘Selecting a relevant name for your business along with designing a unique logo are important in the online business world as this will become the face of your business. Remember that reviews, testimonials and word of mouth are also key when starting in business so make sure your customer service also remains on top form as this leads to people sharing their experiences and don’t be shy of sharing customer feedback’,’ explains Charlotte.
Looking to the future it is important to continue to build on initial success and is the time to start to develop your product/service range. Now you have established your business and your staple product line, it is time to start extending what you have on offer through new designs, new products or services. ‘This is a crucial element to build upon your success and remain relevant to retain customers and attract new ones. Once you have got your bearings with establishing your business, you should continue to build momentum in gaining awareness by thinking outside the box in terms of promotion’. Online competitions or asking people to like and share your business pages for the chance to win prizes are key tactics that Charlotte advises to help get your business seen without too much outlay.
Concluding, Charlotte says, ‘If you are waiting for the right time to start your own business, the fact is there might not ever be the perfect opportunity; sometimes you just have to go for it. One thing for sure, especially in the light of a global pandemic is that it is always a right time to be doing something you love and that makes you happy.’
