Published: Monday 8 November 2021
Businesses can make the most of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2021 by signing up for free online sessions being run by Portobello Business Centre (PBC).
Independent, Council-backed social enterprise PBC is marking GEW 2021, which runs from Monday 8 to Sunday 14 November and is focused on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, by hosting a Meet the Experts IV event for the borough’s entrepreneurs.
To mark this year’s GEW, Carole Pyke, Director and Marketing Strategist at the Portobello Business Centre and ‘Sparkle Navigator’, discusses the event and shared and words of support for entrepreneurs:
When Charles Dickens penned the words “it was the best of times, it was the worst of times” in A Tale of Two Cities, he could never have known just how perfectly that would sum up the current business landscape.
To help entrepreneurs navigate their way through these uncertain times, Portobello Business Centre have assembled a team of digital experts whose collective expertise will equip you with tips, tools, and strategies covering the key aspects of getting your business up-and-running or taking it to the next level.
Branding, marketing, planning, social media, SEO, and more will be discussed at the ‘Meet the Experts IV’ event on 10 – 11 November 2021 – part of Global Entrepreneurship Week 2021.
Here are some additional pointers to help position you for success wherever you are on the entrepreneurial road:
- Research will provide you with important insight into the marketplace, potential customers, similar products or services, and where gaps exist;
- Every business needs a vision of the entity they are creating, where it sits in the marketplace, how it adds value, and what sets it apart from its competitors. The market and the environment are always changing so it is key to continually keep yourself abreast of these areas. This detailed picture is the vital first step to creating your route map, business plan, strategy, and marketing plan;
- Understand your core audience, what their pain points are and the impact this has on their lives / businesses. They are not looking for your product or service, they are looking for the solution your business provides – so the better you understand their needs, the more they will have a listening for you and what you have to offer;
- Communicate in a language that your audience understands, making sure your message is all about them and the transformation / change they are looking for that your solution can bring them;
- Differentiate yourself. Don’t try and be like others in the market, instead look for what sets you apart remembering that people buy from people. Meet them where they are and seek to make a connection with them first.
Yes, these are challenging times. This is also the perfect time to be in business as the solution your audience needs. Money is still changing hands; people are now more discerning about how and with whom they spend that money.
Whatever you do, don’t give up. Keep going, your audience is waiting for the solution you provide and organisations like Portobello Business Centre, The British Library, and Enterprise Nation are here to help.
Kensington and Chelsea Council also has dedicated support pages on their website for businesses that may need help with Covid-19 recovery, training and upskilling.