THREAD // What #digital strategy should I pursue as a startup, small business, professional, freelancer or entrepreneur?

I’ve gotten this question a few times, so here’s a thread with some ideas and insights from @Circumspecte_ - so you can still #ThriveWithDigital. #Africa

First of all - it’s totally OK if you decide to hit pause .

If you follow the #TeamNoSleep school of thought when it comes to entrepreneurship, you’re prolly burnt out. Use (some of) this time to:
recharge your batteries & REST.

How http://bit.ly/11WellbeingTips  #ThriveWithDigital

What you do during this COVID-19 period largely depends on business type, sector or activity you are involved in.

Why? There are (potential) “winners” and “losers” with every situation - incl. one as troubling as CoronaVirus.

Your unique & collective context determines a lot.

E.g. If you are in the food industry, you are probably seeing a spike in sales - especially if you have a digital strategy, e-commerce option, or delivery service.

In the travel industry? Business prolly slowed down. But does that mean all is lost? No.

#ThriveWithDigital

The first thing you need to do is understand what is going on in your sector or industry - the trends & projections.

Startups in Africa esp have the benefit of time here since COVID hit us a bit later — ff global trends if no local yet, and adapt to context. #ThriveWithDigital

Regardless of your industry, digital will be important - if not now, then post-COVID. Numerous people, orgs, govt agencies have come online since COVID hit, accelerating the trend towards digital.

Qn is, do you (already) have a digital strategy or presence?

#ThriveWithDigital

Depending on where you are currently with digital, here’s a guide on what to consider:

0- little presence/strategy: Now is the time to begin sowing your digital seeds. Create & save social media accounts, build #digitalskills

You don’t have to be in IT to #ThriveWithDigital

Also, you don’t need much to start -
it’s still “free” to start a blog, create social accounts.

You can find some free resources to help you #ThriveWithDigital via @Circumspecte_.com, digital skills trainers like myself, and elsewhere on the web.

Use your data wisely

Some digital presence or strategy -

If you’ve been using social media and digital tools, now is the time to get strategic with it.

Take some time to review:
- your content stock
- engagement & analytics
- your “brand”
- the platforms you use

#ThriveWithDigital

The goal here for those with some digital presence / strategy is to determine what WORKS or doesn’t work.

It’s also a great time to brainstorm new strategies or content ideas, and to TEST things.

Why? People are consuming more online content - cos lockdown. #ThriveWithDigital

Most people are opting for IG Live sessions and conversations - you could try it out. Keep in mind there are A LOT of those going on.

Alternative: Focus on improving your SEO if you have a blog, doing some hashtag research for IG, or upgrading your skills #ThriveWithDigital