By Sharina Ahmad
PEOPLE use their social media accounts more than ever during the Covid-19 outbreak to operate their businesses, especially when they are affected during the Movement Control Order (MCO).
It is one of the most significant avenues to supplement their income, as evidenced by the dramatic increase in internet usage over the last month.
During this period, it is crucial for businesses to maintain their operation and to reassure their customers that there are contingency plans in place to ensure that this pandemic doesn’t completely throw them off the rails.
SRVNT Creative Network & Froots Inc founder and creative director Mohd Itzhar Shahnaz shared that the company has been utilising its Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn accounts more than before.
“This is a blessing in a way on how we conduct our businesses during the MCO. It was difficult at first but as long as you don’t give up and keep putting in the effort, I think there’s always a way,” he told FocusM.
Mohd Itzhar said he has been running two different types of business – SRVNT Creative is a creative design house (branding and design services) and a fruit delivery service called Froots Inc.
“It has been something that I’ve been doing even before the MCO. A lot of customers also communicate via Skype, messaging and calls. At this time, you have to be creative and no longer able to be on the ground,” he claimed.
He added that the key is finding a need and filling it. Other than that, when trust is developed, the customer is more likely to buy the product from you.
In the age of instant messaging and conversations online, he said live updates and posts via Instagram and Facebook are vital for strengthening relations with the customers.
Moving forward, he shared that the company will be engaging with its social media audience to conduct a question-and-answer session. “It will be another way to strengthen the relationship between your company and the customer. They can ask anything pertaining to the product and we will provide information about it.”
Mohd Itzhar believes that social media is essential during MCO to inform and educate the public about the products that you are selling, and this will be a great move since everyone is relying on online shopping and updates on social media.
Mr Money TV founder Peter Yong said as a financial content creator, he has been able to generate income from ads and affiliate marketing via his Youtube channel during the MCO.
“I’ve started venturing to be a financial content creator on social media platforms since last year. But, during MCO, I have created more live events, new content to my own blog and hopefully adding in an advertising slot in the future,” said Yong who is currently developing an online learning programme for investment and personal financial management.
Yong added that he has been getting requests from his followers to develop financial literacy learning programmes for them so that they can manage their money and invest better during this time.
Yong, who is also a registered financial planner, makes content about money, career and values. He is a passionate educator who believes that everyone deserves to be rich. – April 10, 2020
