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Here is Darius of and Terrance spending time together at Mosi Science Museum. It was mentor Saturday. Mentor Saturday is where to spend time with your mentee at one assigned place and another place of the mentee's choice. This was a memorable experience. Children and Teens need various outlets besides their immediate family members. The reason being is that they can let guard down and be more expressive without judgement and consequence. The youth need to know that you care about them.
This was Picture was at the end of 2018, with Mr Davis and his assistant. This was award night for all of the mentors that served the youth throughout the year.
]]>Because of that data, you are probably wondering if you should follow my footstep or make the right business decision? That is to create an eCommerce store during these trying times when many retailers and big malls alike are already closing. Well, just like what the title of this article said, the Pandemic and eCommerce are your unlikely duo.
]]>CNBC reported that 25,000 stores are predicted to close in 2020, as the coronavirus pandemic accelerates industry upheaval according to tracking by Coresight Research, with 55% to 60% of those situated in America’s malls. Because of the lockdowns and strict health regulations to fight the Pandemic, many businesses have been hit with the crisis, up to the point that many are filing for bankruptcy.
Because of that data, you are probably wondering if you should follow my footstep or make the right business decision? That is to create an eCommerce store during these trying times when many retailers and big malls alike are already closing. Well, just like what the title of this article said, the Pandemic and eCommerce are your unlikely duo.
Pandemics Will Come And Go But eCommerce Is Here To Stay
What the Pandemic highlighted this year is that eCommerce or online marketing is an excellent investment. In fact, it is a factor as to why many retailers are closing their physical stores. More and more people are shopping online because of convenience. Yes, you can see that people still go out despite the fear, but many people are still wary to go outside and do their shopping online. Then let’s add up the convenience of shipping and handling. Even if the restrictions are lifted, and everyone can shop physically now, one thing is for sure, businesses who haven’t transitioned to digital marketing will see eCommerce as the next big step.
So What’s Stopping You?
It’s normal to have doubts; it is reasonable to be afraid when you want to invest in something new because money is involved. If you read my story, I can assure you that creating your own business will have its own set of challenges, but it doesn’t mean you will not succeed. Fortunately, I’ve written another article entitled Best Top Tips - How to Promote Your Clothing Brand Online so you can get a good start with your start-up, and you can get your brand of clothing rolling on your own eCommerce shop!
]]>Cause Marketing is defined as a type of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in which a company's promotional campaign has the dual purpose of increasing profitability while bettering society. So in simple terms, your business support relevant issues like LGBTQ equality, Black Lives Matter, and the likes. Now whether you are new or already settled with your business, it is good to know what are the Pros and Cons of Woke Marketing before you jump in the boat.
]]>Cause Marketing is defined as a type of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in which a company's promotional campaign has the dual purpose of increasing profitability while bettering society. So in simple terms, your business support relevant issues like LGBTQ equality, Black Lives Matter, and the likes. Now whether you are new or already settled with your business, it is good to know what are the Pros and Cons of Woke Marketing before you jump in the boat.
The Pros
Sales, Revenue, and Business Growth
Cause marketing requires you to be socially responsible, and if the woke society sees you as such. They will prefer and buy your brand, so in return, expect sales, revenue, and business growth because you're doing what they want you to do.
Customer Engagement = Community of Followers
What comes after sales is an increase in customer engagement. This is where you can build rapport and lasting relationships with your customers. Expect them to spread the news about you, attracting more potential consumers, and turning them to loyal customers. You'll have a community of woke that will rally behind your brand.
Organizations Reaching Out To You
Because of the community you've made, you're more popular now than ever. So expect non-profit organizations or even bigger brands to reach out to you for partnership. If you make a smart business decision with your chosen organization, expect more sales in return.
The Cons
It Needs a Huge Budget
Because you're marketing on the premise of goodwill, you need to step-up your marketing strategy, requiring spending. Why? Because you need to get your message across clearly so that the consumer market doesn't feel that you are just another business joining the woke bandwagon. Your advertisement should show real value and commitment to the cause. Yes, organic social media marketing may work. Still, if you want to reach out to a bigger market of wokes, you need to have paid advertising that is well thought out.
Closing The Deal Too Fast
As mentioned earlier, organizations will reach out to you. Most entrepreneurs make the wrong decision by being too excited and close the deal too fast. Remember, you're a business that needs and wants sales and an increase in profit. Non-profit organizations need money, but without the business side of it, no ties. If the partnership goals are not appropriately discussed, expect to have a lot of issues and conflicts in the long run.
Woke marketing is a serious business. You don't want to be too complacent and impulsive about your decisions because it can make or break your business. So sit down, think, and create a development plan that can benefit your business and the cause you want to support on the same level. If you're going to test the waters, woke/cause marketing doesn't have to be at a national level immediately. You can check your local community and start from that. So why am I writing this even though I haven’t been into cause marketing? Because we all have been there, considering if we can tap that market. I wrote this so we can all be aware of what we’re getting into as start-ups.
]]>Build Your Website
“Hey, why do I need to build a website? I am already using eCommerce platforms to sell my brand.” That’s a good argument, but you should do multi-channel marketing if you want your brand to get known. eCommerce platforms can only say little about your brand. However, having your own website creates an intimate connection between you and your customers. Your website will tell them your mission, vision, or values of your brand. eCommerce platforms are just like accepting visitors in your porch, while the website is inviting them to come inside your house and have a deeper relationship with you. That’s deep.
Build Your Social Media Empire
You might argue again that having your own website is already unnecessary to market in social media. But then again, if you want to speak the language of your target market and hang-out with them on their favorite spot, create a solid social media strategy. It is called social media because you need to socialize, so stop posting things that are only about you. Comment, like, collaborate, interact, and engage and at the same time telling people your brand story. The result? They’ll see your value and visit your website or eCommerce platforms to buy your brand.
So what’s next after creating your website and social media channels?
Those are the basics of promoting your brand online, and along your journey, you’ll also learn to master the art of promoting your brand. Your victory won’t happen overnight, so prepare to be frustrated, and you just need to be strong. So celebrate small victories while you promote your brand and you’d be surprised how much you’ve grown!
]]>Challenge #1 - Brand Authenticity
You’re not the only independent clothing brand to flood the market, and you are also competing with mega-brands, being authentic can pose a big challenge. If you want to cut through the noise, you need to be clear about your vision and values. For example, Ripe Brand Clothing is all about being resilient and overcoming challenges, which is evident in my branding. So make sure your brand is seen in every aspect of your company.
Challenge #2 - Where To Find Your Audience
We are now in the eCommerce age and digital marketing is all the hype. For example, Instagram is the social channel with the second-highest ROI among marketers. (HubSpot, 2020). Clearly, if you want to talk to your target audience in their language, social media is your platform. But of course, it does require a lot of work at the back-end. Creating catchy lines, photos, and videos, and SEO is an essential strategy to make a following. If you have the budget, having a social media strategist will make a big difference.
Challenge #3 - Online Marketplaces
Online marketplaces are flooded with independent and megabrands so the challenge it poses is how do you make your eCommerce store as the same level with big players? What can you offer to create a following of loyal customers? Personalized services, solid customer service, easy returns, fast shipping and delivery, and flexible payment methods are factors you can consider to stand-out.
In summary, you really need to be prepared financially, mentally, emotionally, and physically, if you want to ace the business. As you go along the journey, you will hear many criticisms and negative comments, take everything with a grain of salt and use it as leverage for learning to improve your business. And yes, never do it alone, just like the Red Pineapple, it needs water, sunshine, and soil to grow. You will also need all the help you can get, build a team, and take care of them like family. I wish you best in your business as well!
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