Why going Online is NOT the best strategy during Covid-19?

Did you know at internet usage is up 50% since the start of this pandemic?

Did you know that many entrepreneurs are now pivoting their business by going online?

Did you know that while going online is a good strategy it is not the best strategy?

The effect of so many people going online is that it now makes the internet and social media a very crowded market place. With such a crowded marketplace, it is more difficult for entrepreneurs to stand out.

While the pandemic has forced many entrepreneurs into survival mode and going online was how they pivoted, now might be the time to relook your strategy all together.

I am not suggesting that going online is not a good strategy, I am suggesting that it may not be the best or only strategic move at this time.

Did you do really do a strategic review of your business as a result of the pandemic or did you have a knee-jerk reaction and intensified your online work?

One of the key mantras in my life is something that I learned from a mentor of mine, Mr. Edwin Haynes. He said 'Shane, if you want to be successful, look at what everyone is doing and do the opposite'.

As I looked at everyone rushing online, I decided to apply the principle. How can going offline improve my business? What new opportunities would present itself by going offline? How can I start out by going offline when everyone was going online?

My simple offline strategy was to pick up the phone and call former and potential clients. The results have been amazing. One of the first feedback was that they did notice that their phones have been ringing less during the pandemic so it was a surprise (pleasant one) when someone actually picked up the phone and called them.

I later realised why this was a good strategy. An entrepreneur who has built a global brand and business, Mr. Kama Maharaj of Sacha Cosmetics, recently said that if you cannot do your business via the phone then you really don't have a business. 

It should not be interpreted that we are suggesting not going online but rather the ability to speak with and truly connect with customers is invaluable during and after this pandemic.

Going offline has opened new and bigger opportunities for me. Shortly I would be doing a live online class for the Branson Centre for Entrepreneurship simply because I reached out, understood their challenges and offered a solution. The same for another large financial institution.

As I write this article I also remember the advice from another global legend, Mr. Bob Burg. He is also about doing things differently and once suggested that it might be more impactful to write and post (traditional mail) a thank you card to a client/customer than to send an email.

[Bob Burg and Shane Ram @ The Ritz London, 2017]

Lately I have been helping many entrepreneurs to pivot their business by going online but supported by offline activities as well. A hardware store calling its customers to say you can now order via What's App/Facebook/Website is ultimately more effective and a lot cheaper than simple making the online service available and trying to advertise the new service in a crowded online world.

Go OFFLINE!

Go For 10

Shane Ram is an Executive and Life Coach, HR Consultant, author and a sought after global keynote speaker. He helps successful female executives and entrepreneurs to leverage their expertise to create a legacy brand/product/cause that positively impacts humanity so that they have more fulfilling lives with time, emotional and financial freedom.

Shane's strikingly effective coaching process shows individuals and corporate teams how to create the personal lives they want while becoming a megastar at work. To book a time to speak with Shane go to https://meetme.so/shaneram. To book Shane for events and seminars go to www.shaneram.com or call 1-868-351-5000 or email at [email protected]

He is also the CEO and Founder of Go For 10, a company that provides transformational education for all ages, through mediums that range from digital publishing, educational technology, online learning, content, events and more. We stand for ideas that enable people to be extraordinary and impact lives. www.igofor10.com