After a year of rolling lockdowns and social distancing – together with all the personal and business stresses that have come along with it – many people are looking with hope to the future.
Perhaps one thing that a once in a lifetime global pandemic has taught us, is that we are resilient. On both personal and business levels, people have made changes to the way they go about their daily lives, in often stressful and trying times.
Despite social restrictions and health considerations, life goes on, and so too does planning for personal and business events.
Planning cost-effectively
Small business owners have been particularly hard hit in these uncertain times. Rolling lockdowns have seen reductions in customers and limitations on the numbers of attendees in stores, showrooms and events.
In many cases, business owners have been faced with periods of store, boutique or office closures. The bottom line is that many proprietors are now running financially lean in order to survive, and simply aren’t in a position of having deep financial pockets to invest in re-opening events and promotions.
Cost-effectiveness is the catch cry, and with that in mind, let’s consider some steps to ensure success without putting undue pressure on the piggy bank.
Choose rental or hire equipment
For business presentations or functions, it is likely that some form of audio-visual equipment will be required. A short-term, or one-off rental of equipment becomes a key strategy in keeping financial outlay to a minimum. It is an easy proposition to hire a projector and related operating equipment like screens and laptop computers, as opposed to using purchased office equipment.
Similarly, if the business is considering a number of similar presentations in the future, as the market slowly re-opens, a rental equipment strategy remains a key financial consideration.
Use free advertising wisely
Advertising and promotions traditionally account for a large percentage of the total financial outlay for business events. The advent of social media has effectively provided a tool for small business to take control of the management of marketing and promotions in a highly cost-effective way.
Consider using social media to its fullest advantage. Use business Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts to inform potential customers of an upcoming event or presentation. Don’t be afraid to set up an event-specific Facebook page to promote an upcoming event. Remember, it costs nothing to do this and the financial benefit can be immense!
Instagram also provides a customizable ‘countdown clock’ on a story to draw further attention to an impending event.
Social media tools will also assist you in the equally important post-event stage – helping you to follow up on contacts and to close potential sales.
Share photos of your presentation
To gain further interest, consider taking photographs of your business presentation and post to your social media network, or print hard copies to display at a store or boutique. This represents another low-cost (or no cost!) way of capitalizing on your presentation to benefit future events, create a business vibe or to provide a summary for those who could not attend.
By following a few simple methods, it is possible to plan a small business presentation with maximum effect for minimum outlay.
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