Widespread Internet access has improved the world in a host of ways, including enabling small, independent businesses to enter the global marketplace. Indeed, many of the most successful brands of today — including Amazon and Google – started from humble origins, operated from a single computer in someone’s home or office.
If you’re thinking of starting a business, or indeed have just launched your own company, then there are countless ways you can benefit from online platforms, resources and connections. Here are just a few of them.
Education: whatever you’re looking to learn, you can find it online
With resources ranging from formal qualifications to informal YouTube tutorials, the Internet offers boundless opportunities to learn and develop your skills.
If you’re looking to educate yourself on business and marketing, you will find a large number of MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) on these topics, with syllabuses underwritten by respected institutions such as Princeton University and Stanford University. On the other hand, if you want to pick up some physical skills, you may find what you are looking for on sites such as Skillshare.
Sometimes, all you need is a little extra support to feel like you’re capable of launching your business. Certainly, you’ll find this from the learning resources available online.
Suppliers: find the right partners from anywhere in the world
Global connectivity has certainly made the world a smaller place — it’s easier than ever to communicate through time zones and across borders. Online, you’ll find it quick and simple to partner up with independent designers who can help with your branding, and suppliers who can deliver the goods you need to make your entrepreneurial dreams and reality.
When it comes to building your brand’s website, you’ll find it easy to build an idea in your head based on the websites you enjoy using yourself. Ensure you partner with a developing team who has an impressive catalog of work — such as eventige.com — and work with them to reach an end result that’ll help launch your business.
Fund: get the power of the people behind you
Crowdfunding has boomed in popularity of late, with many consumers finding great joy in financially supporting the businesses they wish to see come into fruition. As such, this poses a great opportunity for small, independent businesses to seek the funding they so greatly need, and reach out to an existing base of future customers.
There are no shortage of crowd and peer funding platforms available, so find the one that works for you and see your funding increase overnight.
Customers: engage them wherever they are
Most individuals in the developed world now have a smartphone in their pocket — businesses are increasingly using the Internet, and social media platforms are being utilized to engage with existing and potential customers wherever they are in the world.
What’s more, the use of social media puts small independent businesses on a level playing field with big, established brands. There’s no need for an impressive marketing budget, or do to battle via billboards. Your fresh new enterprise will have as much chance of engaging with social users as your competitor.
The internet: a great support for entrepreneurs
The possibilities for new brands to grow and develop via the Internet is astounding. Use it to learn the required skills, create the optimal digital presence for your company, and then connect with your future buyers all from your own home.
