If there’s one thing you have to be good at in business, it’s making connections: whether it’s communicating with customers or chatting to supplier partners, relationships are the grease that keep the wheels of industry moving. 

That’s all very well when it comes to face-to-face meetings, but the past year or so has made that almost impossible, and even as we emerge from lockdown, the new normal will stay that way for a while. 

So, digital communication is still massively important, which is great if you’re tech savvy – but what about those business owners who aren’t? Don’t worry – our Emma’s coming to your rescue. 

She’s among the Vodafone Business V-Hub advisers for the Enterprise Nation business.connected programme, an initiative launched by Enterprise Nation in partnership with the telco. 

It’s a free 12-month programme, delivered exclusively online, featuring workshops, webinars and e-learning modules, and aimed at empowering businesses to kickstart digital change, adopt new technology and stay safe online, whether you’re new to digital or want to flex your muscles.

As a Vodafone Business V-Hub adviser, Emma will offer guidance on digital marketing, but the programme will cover everything from social media to online security.  

“I’m thrilled to be taking part in such an important programme,” said Emma. “There are so many benefits Save to social media for small business owners, and I can’t wait to start helping people get the most of this incredible resource.”

Small businesses can sign up to workshops and webinars from the Enterprise Nation business.connected programme now, with e-learning courses launching on the Enterprise Nation platform on Thursday, 27 May.

We’re 24 fingers, a digital marketing agency and a proud member of the 42 Club, Brentwood Chamber of Commerce, Excel Business Networking Group, the Trusted Business Community, the Organisation for Responsible Businesses and the Rotary Club of Brentwood à Becket. We help companies who are all fingers and thumbs with their social media grow their business and brand. Book your free strategy call here.

“Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change”, quipped Frankenstein author Mary Shelley. As life ever-so-slowly returns to normal after the Covid-19 outbreak, we know exactly what she means.

Lockdown has forced business owners big and small to think fast and on their feet: whether it’s moving from an office-based operation to working from home, or switching to online rather than in-person sales.

One of the many bits of fall-out from all this disruption is a change in the way people pay for goods, most notably the big move away from cash.

A Mastercard survey has revealed half of consumers will use coins and notes less often, even after the pandemic eases, while 70% said they would permanently stick with digital payments.

The survey also said e-commerce made up a record 33% of total UK retail sales in April and May – that’s a little bit of good news worth slapping all over your social media.

“Amidst an incredibly challenging time for individuals, for communities and for businesses, we’re seeing sparks of change brought upon by the growth of digitally-savvy consumers and businesses embracing technology that will enable a swifter, more secure future”, said Jorn Lambert, Mastercard Digital Solutions executive VP.

We at 24 fingers think he’s right on the money.

Businesses offering seamless, easy-to-use digital payments (and there are lots to choose from) can hop on the coattails of this trend by making it a focal point of their social media marketing strategy.

Why not create a poll in your next email newsletter asking customers to rate your digital payments experience, then use that data to either make some changes, or show off your satisfaction levels on social media.

If that sounds a little intimidating, don’t worry. Chat to us at 24 fingers and we’ll help you master marketing your digital payments solutions like a boss.