Social networks for entrepreneurs
By KINGSTON ALI MWILA –
MAJORITY of those reading this article have opportunities to connect and use social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, LinkedIn, Tumblr and Pintrest.
While participating on social media or social networking sites we interact with people who have different needs and wants.
We have different purposes with different reasons for our appearance on these sites. Some use it for fun, some for relationships,friendship, information seeking, business, marketing, entertainment, education.
For an entrepreneur, he/she will listen and identify the needs and wants to create a solution. They take advantage to return value.
The focus of my article is to raise a positive awareness and increase technology knowledge to the readers so that they can appreciate the value of technology as it encompasses our lives. More informative Business articles, entrepreneurship, and technology can be found at manic Zambia website (www.manic.co.zm)
For an Entrepreneur, social networking is considered as an opportunity to undertake a rewarding venture.
He will analyse, identify a common problem (need or want) and move in to provide a solution in order to retain wealth creation.
An entrepreneur will stay alert to make well informed proactive steps.
She/he will not spend time tagging locations, food eating, clothes to put on, cars, posting how great the previous night was, how bored she/he is, complaining about a boss and work.
While all that can be considered fun, entrepreneurs have a different mind-set. Instead, they will pay attention to listening to the needs of others and provide a solution.
Their presence on social networking sites will be calculated for rewarding opportunities. An entrepreneurial presence will have “SMART” goals.
He will have Specific goals and objectives. He will have a specific targeted client he will have a specific solution to the identified problem.
Then his approach will be measurable. He will calculate the risks involved and will fully be aware of the benefits-actionable-realistic-time bond.
There are many ways one can take advantage and benefit from social networking sites to undertake an entrepreneurial reward. I have outlined a few but you are free to come up with more:
1. One can easily conduct a research, analyse, identify the needs and provide a solution.
2. You can easily define and brand your social media presence. You can grow a specific audience and be identified by what to do and produce.
3. You can easily connect with people and groups with whom you share the same values and interests. For example, there are groups and pages
which discuss farming, art works, small businesses and many others which are a source of information and connections.
4. The traditional market sometimes requires you to physically reach the customer but social media provides a digital marketing platform with very minimal advertising costs which is almost free. National and international companies are using social media to meet their customers. For example, Airtel, Zesco and MTN can disseminate important information to its subscribers and immediately get the responses. An entrepreneur can also use the same method.
5. Quick interaction with your clients to give and receive feedbacks.
This time even corporate companies use this tool to reach a large client base for interaction. You can quickly respond to the needs of the customers. Social media creates a platform to meet those clients who are satisfied and those who are not. Since it carters for a larger
audience, a single concern by one customer can be shared with many.
6. You can take advantage to seek free information posted on various social networking groups. By subscribing to the pages and groups of your choice you can find rich valuable information at no cost. One can buy and sell stocks; you can learn who is selling any particular
commodity at a cheap price. Most of the renowned business people, entrepreneurs and consultants are on social media. Connecting with them is very vital to anyone seeking business information and to grow
their connections.
7. Entrepreneurs will take advantage of this faceless business. Some businesses can be conducted without worrying about the costs and hustles of traditional physical market places. Check around on social media, you will find brilliant young men and women advertising the products and services which they deliver to most parts of Zambia. Some are selling clothes, mobile phones, jewellery, real estate. Most of them do not own traditional shops.
8. There are no restrictions to geographical locations to reach your clients. Your business will not only be limited to your locality. You have the freedom to trade with people of different cultures and beliefs.
Finally, the increase of social networking can be used as a great platform to identify the needs of different communities, people and provide a solution.
While we can use this platform for different purposes and different reasons, it still remains a cost effective entrepreneurial ground with good opportunities when approaching them with a positive, wealth creation mind.
I am aware that there are counterfeits and scams on social media therefore it is wise to always remain alert, be honest, and diligent in your dealings.
There are limitless opportunities on social networking sites but are only limited by our desires and perceptions.
(The Author is ICT specialist)