Get free mentoring for your business
GOOGLE AND DIGITAL BOOST CAN HELP YOU DEVELOP THE SKILLS YOU NEED TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS ONLINE
Many UK businesses are still not taking full advantage of digital in terms of selling and marketing, whether that’s because they are unsure where to start or what they need, or they feel overwhelmed at the sheer choice of programmes.
That’s why Google is offering free tools and training for businesses mentoring. Partnering with Digital Boost, local businesses will be paired with a mentor who specialises in the areas they need help in, from digital marketing to business strategy.
In the current climate it’s important that local businesses take every opportunity to develop the skills to make the most of their digital
The programme gives business owners access to Google Digital Garage trainers and Google staff, who will provide expert guidance in areas such as online marketing, using social media to boost sales and adapting to business realities post lockdown.
WHO ARE THE MENTORS?
‘I’d wholeheartedly recommend these services to a local business wanting to grow’
The role of a mentor is to provide support and advice in their area of expertise, to businesses or charities who are looking to explore a particular challenge online. There’s no “one-sizefits-all” description of a mentor from the programme; they are drawn from a wide range of backgrounds. And they welcome businesses from all industries and of all profiles; from long-established high-street businesses like butchers, through to those just starting out with a new project and looking to make their first sale. possibilities, really pushing their potential,” says Christine, a Google Digital Garage mentor.
One businesswoman to have benefited from a Google mentor is Jodie Tyrrell (you can read more about her story opposite). She had just started her business connecting small local grocery providers to the community: “A one-stop shop where you actually buy from the local butcher, baker and candlestick maker… OK, maybe not the candlestick maker just yet!” A few sessions with a mentor provided her with the skills she needed to build her online profile.
When it comes to mentoring business owners like Jodie, Christine believes leaving them with ness with at least three things they can go away and do,” she explains. “That might include attending a webinar or making changes to their website, and I ask them to set a timeline. Further sessions work best after those initial tasks have been completed.”
Priya, another mentor from Google Digital Garage adds, “I always leave businesses with an action plan. The key is that we enable them to empower themselves.”
As for Jodie, she certainly values the input her mentor provided when it came to spreading the word about her business. “Building the website is the easy part,” she says. “The hard work is telling people about it!”