Tips for new business!

Establishing a business from home is not as simple as uploading pictures and catchy captions. I have been doing this since 4 years on instagram. Plus handling my parents restaurant had its own advantages. I have learnt from my mistakes and hope that you never repeat them. So here are few tips to help you run a small home based business.

This is specially for people trying out business on instagram:

1. Don't fall into the trap of food bloggers/ influencers and digital marketing platforms. If you plan to send out your product to a blogger/influencer it is always best to check their profile, the number of followers, likes and comments on post and whether those followers are genuine. Many of them do barter but some charge as well. Instead approach your friends and family, send them samples and ask them to share their feedback. Even digital marketing is a sham. For new businesses especially it is a waste of money. Instagram promotion can be tricky but you can always learn that from youtube or some other platform. Don't waste money on all this. Use relevant hashtags, tag a few known accounts.

2. Use Instagram promotion instead of Facebook promotions. I personally don't use facebook so much. I have tried facebook promotions as well but it doesn't yield much results. I prefer instagram promotions. Select a few of your best photos, add a catchy and relevant caption. Select your target audience and the area very carefully. Don't over spend.

3. Join relevant and local groups on facebook and post your products there.

4. Have a speciality. No doubt you can do multiple things at a time but, trying to do everything just makes it difficult.

5. Reply people as per your convenience. Schedule proper business hours in which you can reply people. Organise yourself well. Have a schedule. And give yourself some rest as well. Instagram has some new business feature with a quick reply option you can use that as well.

6. Be polite to your customer. Be polite and kind in general! Remember their specifications. Send short notes. Kindness always counts.

7. For local delivery there are many apps available now. However, it is not reliable. If possible look for some local person and fix them for your orders. Not only it saves your money, it helps them as well.

8. Don't put up to non sense requests. You will come across different kinds of people. If you are not comfortable just say no. People should know respect others and their decisions as well. You don't have to compromise always in the name of business

9. Materials- try to get local materials as much as possible. Help to revive the economy. It is much economical as well for a small business.

10. Invest little at a time. Don't go all in. Watch and learn your audiences behaviour and work accordingly.

11. Be honest! Especially when working in food industry.

12. Be in constant contact with your customer. Ask for specifications, keep them updated.

13. Maintain an account dedicated specifically to your business to keep a tract of all the earnings and expenses.

14. Maintain a client database. Keep a track of their orders and specifications.

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Tips for Consumers:

1. Be understanding and helpful. We all are humans and we make mistakes only to learn from them.

2. Give constructive criticism. Your feedback helps us to learn.

3. If you like the product, share/post it on social media. Spread the word.

4. Be kind and respect the other persons time and hardwork.

5. There is no harm in trying out a few products if you doubt that it won't be great. Give them a chance, you never know how it is just by judging by looks.

6. Instagram has changed its algorithm making it difficult to reach people. What you as a consumer can do is Like, comment and share the post to increase visibility.

7. By supporting a small business you not just support one person. It is like a chain linked to other small scale workers as well. Example- You order a cake from me. I hire a help. I buy my materials from a local store and also buy packaging materials from other store which in turn hires other people. I also book a delivery person. We all are co-dependent when it comes to running the economy.

8. I don't mean to say that you completely give up known brands. But at least give these people a chance. You never know how things can turn out.

This is just my way of sharing and helping out others who are having issues with establishing their business. I just wish for everyone, especially women to be independent financially. No business/work is small scale or trivial.

Hope this helps!

Love,

Dr. Rida Peerzada (PT)

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