AIEx News

What was apparent from this session, run by Social Media expert Nancy Georges from Magnolia Solutions was that with over 1.7 billion users of the internet worldwide, if you are exporting overseas you simply cannot afford to not be using Social Media- especially as it is FREE to use.  How can exporters best use Social Media (facebook, twitter, linked in, you tube)?

BEST USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA FOR AUSTRALIAN BUSINESSES > INTERNATIONAL
                           as quoted by Nancy Georges, Magnolia Solutions at today's FLEx session

• Use Social Media to Connect with:
    • Potential market 
    • Potential consumers
    • Potential sales people / agents / distributors / supply chain

• Observe the Social Media activity in the market you are going to and identify the influencers – then ENGAGE them

• Content needs to be in-line with cultural tastes

• MUST update content regularly

• Link the sites to each other (Autoposting) as well as ensure the communication is integrated across all Social Media and your website

• Build database by acquiring names and email addresses

• Communicate with database regularly in unique and interesting ways – remember: NO CONSTANT SELLING!

• Customise newsletters with cultural elements while at the same time promoting your Australian-ness

• Highlight Made in Australia – this is a major strength – there is a lot of info / resources already in Social Media you can use and refer to.

• Run market research in the new market to make decisions moving forward

• Watch your competitors in the market and learn from their activity

• Capitalise on existing networks / sites eg Etsy

• Run a PR campaign online first and work out what gets the highest response

• Create your won Buzz using as much technology as you can – this will reassure your community you are up to date and encourage conversation

• Recruit staff in the new market from your community / fan base. The hard part is done, you have sold yourself to them they just have to sell themselves to you!!

• Remember: be genuine and authentic – users quickly spot and ‘out’ a fake

• Find the site that reflects your business culture and fits with your existing strategies and campaigns

• INTEGRATE the while campaign – this is vital with new markets – reinforce the brand and the message every chance you get

The next FLEx session will be on: "Insurance – why you can’t export without it" It  is a fact of international business that things don’t always go according to plan. In this session we’ll explore the ins and outs of credit insurance and how you can protect your business.  Find out why being covered makes good sense! 

Attendees will all receive a copy of the 2009 Country Risk Handbook- Usual RRP: $75.00

Please note that FLEx sessions are for representatives of IMPORTING/ EXPORTING companies only. Places are limited to 15- so REGISTER EARLY!