Social Media, why the interiors sector should be using it!

I am still surprised at so many people/businesses are not embracing Social Media

Social Media is now a huge factor in any business today, yet so many in the interiors sector shy away from it. There are so many platforms that you can use to your benefit, but these resources, which in the main are free (only your time, which we will get on to!) are just not being used.

Facebook: Not only can you set up a personal page, but from that you can then create your own group, business page and sell things, and where you can post images and messages about your business, all free! (Facebook shop does cost)

Twitter: See twitter as a text messaging service but to thousands if not millions of people. Good for one off comments or links to websites etc. It's free!

LinkedIn: A business platform for professionals which is ideal for networking. Connect to groups that would be of an interest to your business to exchange information and generate leads. It's free!

Instagram: Probably one of the most popular platforms for sharing images and information. Instant pictures and videos can be posted direct to your profile. It's free!

Google+ This platform is probably the least used in the UK, but by using Google+ you will rate highly in web searches. It's free!

Pinterest: More commonly used for making mood boards. a great place to find ideas, schemes and images to use. Create your own where you can send links to your clients to view and select one they like. This can ultimately make your job that much easier if your client is telling you exactly what they want from one of your own mood boards. It's free!

Remember, when using social media use hash tags #. This helps people find things much easier such as #interiors #interiordesigner #furniture etc when searching.

Website: A website is very important, even if it is just a one page landing page with basic information. Consumers now use search engines such as Google and Bing to find local businesses, and directories such as Thomson local and Yellow Pages (which is no longer going into print) are now a thing of the past. You don't need a huge budget to start a website, you can purchase a Domain name and annual subscription for less than a £100 with some amazing designs.

The important thing with websites is not just about having the correct search words, but also keeping it up to date. Make sure you have ALL the brands you deal with listed with logo's and links. People will search and check out businesses first before contacting or visiting, if you are not showing that brand, then they will go to the business who is.

Now, I hear you saying, come on John, we don't have the time to do all this? Setting up your Social Media profiles will take the most time. Getting it right with the right level of content with the information is important. Once done, that's it. Make sure you have a profile picture! A picture of you is best, it makes it more personal, but even a design image is better than a blank space as fewer people will connect. I have a great face for radio, but by having my image on my home pages means that people recognise me when we meet.

I get told quite frequently that I seem to spend a lot of time on Social Media, that is the perception. The reality, I probably across the day spend 1 hour. I can schedule posts to go out at various times throughout the day and night. I spend 10-15 minutes in the morning while having a cup of tea. Throughout the day between calls if I have time I will check my timelines for messages and comments, and maybe like and repost or retweet some of my connections posts. In the evening, particularly early evening when TV isn't at it's best, I may spend 30-40 minutes with updates, information etc. I'm self employed and I use this as my marketing time.

Does it work? for me yes. I have just this week had two new enquiries for brands I represent, I was recognised and introduced to four people and one I have arranged to visit as a potential new client from Decorex, which wouldn't have happened if I wasn't on Social Media.

I am not by any means an expert on Social Media, but by trial and error, listening and watching video's of "experts," I have self taught myself to a standard I am comfortable with, and anybody can do it.

Thanks for reading

John

To view all the brands I represent, then please visit my website www.johnfnorthwood.co.uk

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A suggested guide to visiting exhibitions

Over the years I have visited and indeed worked at many exhibitions both here in the UK and abroad. From the early days as a "rookie" to exhibitions where the whole experience was alien to me, and indeed, thinking it would be just like going shopping (wrong!), I thought I would put together a guide for those of you who are not only new to visiting these events, but to the seasoned visitor also (who I still see being un-prepared) to try and make your experience that little bit better. This may be quite lengthy, so please save to read later if you don't have time now. So lets go!

The first step is to prepare, prepare and prepare. You are going to be spending a whole day, perhaps 2 or 3 days travelling, walking and talking. Time is limited, you are spending precious time away from work and you need to plan a productive day(s) so they are not wasted.

First of all get a list of exhibitors. These are normally available from the event website. Don't wait until you get there to get a catalogue, it will be too late and your day will be unproductive!

From experience you will be combining your visit with seeing existing suppliers you deal with, looking for inspiration and possibly new suppliers and products, meeting friends and colleagues either from another office in your company or friends you know from Social Media, and maybe ex-colleagues just for a "catch up." So you need to be meticulous in your planning as this will take a fairly large chunk of your day if not planned properly. If you are planning to meet with people, then pre-arrange a time and place, have their telephone number just in-case you need to change the time or meeting area on the day.

Whether you work paperless (keep everything on your tablet/phone) or like to use paper, this process is the same. first of all I would read through the list and using a highlighter mark off those companies that are your must see exhibitors in one colour. Then mark off those that are secondary in another colour, maybe an existing supplier just to see what's new, if anything, or companies that may have been recommended to you or you have read about and would like to see the product first hand. If possible, as some exhibition companies do this, get a plan of the venue showing where the exhibitors are, and mark these from your list in exactly the same way. If there isn't one available, type or write your list in a numbered order so when you arrive, you are not wasting time walking around trying to find them from your list.

Next step is your travel arrangements and it is going to be a long day. The important thing is get to the event early. This is probably a once a year event, so it doesn't matter if you have to leave and get home at silly hour, or spend a night or two in a hotel, so be committed, it is a business day. If you are employed and your employer is allowing you to go or encouraged you to go, ask if you can take some time off at a later date, if not, treat it as an education day (you can never stop learning!), you will make new contacts (may help for future employment) and be seeing new and exciting products that you can refer to if you get asked by one of your customers.

The exhibition website normally recommends the best travel routes, so be guided by that. If you are driving, find the best place to park before you go and allow plenty of time. If you are going by public transport, pre-book your tickets so you are not messing about in the morning in queues trying to pay, and again, allow plenty of time. I would also check when booking tickets if there is going to be any disruption to your journey with engineering works or road works that could delay your journey.

Travel light and wear sensible shoes! Lets start with clothing. Venues can get quite warm, so I recommend wearing thin layers so you can add or remove items of clothing during the day. Exhibitions are usually during the colder months, so if you are having to wrap up in a large coat, scarves etc, make use of the venues cloak room, you don't want to be carrying them about with you all day. Wear comfortable shoes!! You are going to be in them all day, your feet will ache, they will hurt, and if your not careful, you could end up with blisters from not wearing the right footwear.

I suggest you take a small bag, something like a messenger bag or a rucksack. This will be useful for any clothing you may remove, your tablet, wallet/purse, note pad and pens, mobile phone etc. The less you carry the more comfortable you will be. Most important of all TAKE YOUR BUSINESS CARDS!! Not just for exhibitors, but you never know who you may meet. It could be a new client, a work contact or a possible new employer, be prepared, be professional.

Take bottled water with you and something to snack on, you need to stay hydrated and your energy levels maintained. Café and eating areas can get busy so you don't want to waste your time queuing, so taking snacks and drink with you can get you through until the queues have subsided.