Entrepreneurs bank on social groups as marketing tools

When Monica Matiri left her formal employment to start a transport business, least of her concerns was how to get contacts that are key to growing her fleet management solutions enterprise.

But later, she realised this is a great challenge to not only her, but to many other entrepreneurs especially those in start-ups.

Getting new business opportunity without having to offer kick backs or such ‘incentives’ to bag a deal remains the main stumbling block to many aspiring to grow their business.

“The potential to meet prospective clients establish business relation is daunting as the opportunity is rarely there and the day-to-day rush to look for those elusive business deals takes up the better of an entrepreneur’s time,” said Ms. Matiri.

However, more business opportunities seem to be coming her way through a business network group she joined six months ago.

Ms. Matiri says coming together with other entrepreneurs has assisted her get business contacts, learn from each other through sharing the day-to-day challenges thereby sharpening each others ideas.

With limited funds start ups rarely have the leisure to engage in expensive advertising campaigns to create awareness of their services.

However, through the network group the use of word-of-mouth, arguably the most effectively marketing tool has eased the whole business transaction process.

This in the process has earned her trust from others and getting that much needed deal keeping her business moving.

“The forum brings entrepreneurs together allowing them to interact, learn from each other and offer business referral hence easing the challenges of entrepreneurs obtaining business sales”, said Kariuki Macharia, director of Business Referral International (BRINT).

The business networking forum under BRINT brings together entrepreneurs to share their experience, obtain business referrals and support each other.

Mr. Macharia says entrepreneur’s biggest challenge is to have potential business contacts that will generate into sales.

Currently, BRINT brings together 29 members from diverse sectors such as information technology, event management, printing and medical fraternity.

Others are designers, tour operators and hoteliers.

The members who are both corporate and individual meet after two weeks.