#KnowFLO #AceYourInstaGame

PURPOSE –

Introduce the various aspects of FICCI Flo to the members
Launch Flo Bangalore Instagram page
Provide members with insights on growing their business on social media
Create opportunities for members to interact with more people

THE EVENT

The event started on a high note with National President, Ms Harjinder Kaur Talwar’s address highlighting the importance of training workshops for women entrepreneurs.

The “together we can” focus this year works on providing our large pool of nearly 600 members with a stepping stone to their dreams.

The chairperson covered the – The “Think Tank” initiative which born from the ideology of continuous growth irrespective of the committee in place. The “Think Tank” was introduced to the members. Its purpose of managing and assisting government agencies without disrupting the flow on communication or support from FLO.

The KNOW FLO presentation by the executive committee took members through the behind the scene processes as well as the various opportunities available to each one of them through FLO.

A common concern amongst budding member entrepreneurs had been their inability to harness the power of social media and the growing Instagram platform to further their business ventures.

Ms. Anusha Shetty, the co-founder of Autumn Worldwide, with over 20 years of marketing experience was invited to help the members ace their insta game. She drew on her experience with small scale businesses to giants of the world, like PepsiCo

She reiterated that not all business have nor do they need the funds required for television advertising. She explained how the online Indian user far outnumbers the individuals who watch tv. Both in actual numbers as well as the frequency of use. Thereby establishing the need to focus on online and digital platforms, that do not require exorbitant budgets.

In her address, she presented relevant case studies and outlined a 3 prong strategy to grow any brand on social media.

1. YOUR PRODUCT IS YOUR CONTENT

This emphasized the need to understand your personal offering and stay true to it. A picture speaks a thousand words thereby creating the need for brands to make their content visually appealing. Whether this is done via influencer marketing or original content the content must always focus on the product offering.

2. MEDIA IS KEY

Creating and putting up content is the first step. The next is to get noticed. There are several ways to do this. To drive consumers to your page or website she encouraged promoting each post. Instagram has provisions to create targeted advertising helping brands reach specific relevant audiences. She encouraged brand owners to stay within their budgets and put out new relevant content when they have the ability to promote and drive audiences to their page.

3. SELL ONLINE

The objective of these endeavours must have a relevant call to action – in this case the ability to generate revenue. With the onset of various plug and play mechanisms, it is imperative to exploit these platforms to set up an e-commerce site. Shopmatic was a site she recommended, that has myriad templates to choose from.  A brand can have an ecommerce website with a delivery partner, operational in a matter of hours without burning a hole in their pocket.

She encouraged understanding one’s audiences and where they are online to ensure targeting relevant customers. She emphasised the need to use catch words and hashtags that potential customer relates to, rather than what you believe sounds “cool”.

#KNOWFLO TAKEN TO THE NEXT LEVEL

As is the motto of our current Chairperson – “Together we can” – the networking team focussed on members creating new alliances via engaging and entertaining exercises.

The meeting started with every member receiving a folder and a name badge to wear to FLO events. A second badge was handed to a ‘Mystery Member”. Every member needed to interact with various people to find their second badge. Creating the opportunity for new conversations and introductions in a supportive environment.

Members were also asked to draw table numbers for their seating. Ensuring each table had an eclectic mix and gave the ladies the opportunity to meet new people. To truly break the ice the event ended with a “Peas in a Pod” game. Every table was given a sheet with 20 blank lines and 15 minutes to huddle and discuss what ALL 10 had in common. This steered their interactions and conversations into new territories. Learning fun personal aspects, to aspirations, to elements they might have never brought up with a stranger.

New friendships were forged, new alliances were fabricated, new support systems were built.

High tea was high energy with the sound of chatter as new friends were brought into old circles. Light hearted moments of boomerangs in the insta photo booth sealed these memories for a lifetime.

Beaming smiles all around and enthusiastic feedback spoke volumes of the event as every member left in anticipation of more to come.