THE head of a North of Scotland business networking organisation has urged firms to develop an online strategy to help remain competitive.
Angela Kinghorn, executive director of BNI Scotland North based in Aberdeen, says ‘keeping up appearances’ during this unprecedented period is vital.
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With the Covid-19 crisis removing the option of face-to-face meetings, Angela says virtual gatherings are the best alternative to generating new leads and building new relationships.
Business leads passed across the groups increased from £725,000 in June to £1.1m in July, a rise of more than 50% that potentially shows signs of a recovery in the wake of uncertainty due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Angela, who runs BNI Scotland North with husband Bryan, said: “Visibility is essential. You need to be in the room, and that includes a virtual room. If you don’t have a presence, believe me your competition will.
“In addition, it’s important to make the most of every online opportunity
“Despite the fundamental changes that the lockdown has brought about, businesses the length and breadth of the country are still operating.
“There’s little doubt face-to-face meetings are the best form of networking as we all seek to create and cultivate relationships with fellow professionals. That said, online engagement is here to stay and there’s a need to have a strategy about how it’s going to play a part in the overall sales and business development.”
BNI has around 350 members with chapters in Aberdeen, Inverurie, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Montrose, Dundee, Perth, Dunfermline, Elgin and Inverness.
