<\/a>3.\u00a0 Protect your intellectual property<\/b>.\u00a0 Although many of us might inherently recognise the importance of protecting our intellectual property (IP) and that of our businesses, such as our designs (including programming code), logos, business names, and even unique production processes, too often we are not motivated enough to do something about it.\u00a0 In most, if not all, Caribbean countries there are IP protection offices where you can be advised on the requirements to protect your IP.<\/p>\nIt must be highlighted that registering your IP can be a bit pricey, and hence businesses must be prepared to budget for it. However, this ought not to be a deterrent. In targeting international markets, you are inherently placing a spotlight on your business and the services you offer. More importantly, the entity that registers an IP first is usually the one that is bestowed the rights. Hence if you did not register critical (or the most sensitive) aspects of your IP in the main countries that you are targeting, should someone else register it before you do, you could find yourself in the unhappy situation of trying to prove that you are the original owner.<\/p>\n
4.\u00a0 Develop your web presence<\/b>.\u00a0 In today\u2019s age many businesses have a website through which to introduce themselves, their offerings and even to engage consumers. Although it is a good practice generally, there could be some benefits in updating your website to make it look more professional and to incorporate web design best practices. Equally important is the need to have good content and to regularly update the website with new content, which encourages web visitors to return to learn more, and hopefully become customers.<\/p>\n
Although persons might wish to avoid the cost and effort of developing and maintaining a website, and opt instead to use a Facebook page, the latter might not allow you to fully control and deliver your message.\u00a0 Additionally, should you wish to target non-English-speaking markets, unless you (or members of your team) speak the language, it could be difficult to manage the real-time engagement that social networks tend to demand.<\/p>\n
5.\u00a0 Step up your social networking<\/b>.\u00a0 Although many of us might be members of a variety of social networks, such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr and YouTube, often, our interest tends to be personal, rather than professional.\u00a0 However, social networks offer a powerful platform to begin to message persons about your business, and could be a pointer to content on your website.<\/p>\n
It is also important to highlight that while many social networks are useful to engage persons \u2013 to build awareness of your brand and offerings \u2013 they may not necessarily result in sales, or the conversion of consumers to clients. Research has shown that blogs, websites, podcasts and video-casts are more effective at driving sales than other social networking platforms.<\/p>\n
6.\u00a0\u00a0 Strengthen your Rolodex<\/b>.\u00a0 Too often, especially in the ICT\/tech sphere we can be so involved in developing our products or business that we do not develop new contacts and nurture relationships with existing ones. From time to time, someone might take a chance and buy your product or service based on your website or the engagement you have developed on social networks. However, your success rate could increase considerably if you can develop cheerleaders for brand \u2013 persons could suggest your brand or your product or service to others, and might even be prepared to recommend them.<\/p>\n
To be clear: networking is a skill and does require preparation, such a creating an elevator pitch, and even having some succinct marketing collateral (e.g. a presentation) prepared. Ultimately, everyone you know, and have messaged, can be an ambassador for business or your brand.<\/p>\n
7.\u00a0 Give yourself time<\/b>.\u00a0 Finally, although it goes without saying, adjusting the focus of your business can take time. It is important to properly prepare and plan for this new venture, and to be able to continually assess your progress and to adjust your strategy as needed. In essence, the goal is to ensure that the time, money and effort that you have applied will not appear to have been in vain, but ultimately strengthen your brand and business.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Image credits:\u00a0 jscreationzs;\u00a0 nokhoog_buchachon; \u00a0Stuart Miles \/ FreeDiigitalPhotos.net<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n__________<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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