How to promote yourself

If you're struggling to build a genuine network and community around your small business, it could be an issue with the way you are (or aren't) promoting yourself.

Many business owners, especially women, struggle to put themselves out there - but when the small business world is built on referrals and word of mouth, you need to overcome that hurdle.

To get you started, ESBWA Founder & CEO Amanda Rose has some self-promotion tips:

1. Update your social media profiles

In today's tech-based world this is often people's first point of reference for you and your business, so make sure everything on your LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook etc. is fresh and reflective of your current directions and offerings. Ensure all links are functional.

2. Know your elevator pitch

Your elevator pitch should summarise who you are, what problems you help solve, and why you do what you do. This summary is something you can deploy at events, in conversations with friends and family, or speaking to potential customers. Knowing this spiel is a great source of confidence and identity as a small business owner.

3. Attend networking events

Networking events aren't as scary as they sound. If you're serious about growing your business, aim to attend one each month. Be on the lookout for people within and outside your industry. If you think there's an opportunity to work with someone or even barter goods/services, let them know exactly what you can offer them.

4. Always follow up

So you've exchanged pleasantries with someone at an event and offhandedly agreed to touch base in the future. What next? Follow up. Reach out via email or DMs to emphasise that you're serious about working together. Propose a day for coffee or a video call. 90% of connections fail because there was no attempt to nurture them.