How hosting a virtual networking group can benefit your business during the coronavirus crisis

These businesses that came together were incredibly diverse and included a bridal shop, a barber, a dog-walking company and IT experts.

“I had actually previously approached a local tennis club about selling tennis holidays abroad and nothing came of it, but then when the club’s coach attended the meeting it helped us get the partnership over the line,” said Trowbridge.

He was also able to talk to and collaborate with the owner of the bridal shop to offer her customers honeymoons.

A NEW ERA

When the coronavirus-induced UK lockdown came into force on 23 March Trowbridge was determined not to let the ban hamper the group’s success, so he suggested the business owners get together on digital meeting platform Zoom.

He says this has actually helped the group to grow: “There are a lot more businesses involved now that it’s virtual – I think momentum gathered because people are even more keen to keep in contact with each other now.”

Trowbridge has hosted two virtual meetings so far and says that the purpose of the gatherings has changed to reflect what people most need from each other during this time.

“When we were face-to-face it was all about telling each other about our businesses and how we work, now it’s all about sharing what impact coronavirus is having on our businesses, what we’re doing to get through it and prepping for when the lockdown is lifted,” he says.

The one-hour Zoom meetings are being used to share training courses and online articles as well as ideas for keeping business going during these unprecedented times, and are being held on an ad hoc basis to suit people’s changing schedules.

EXTRA EFFORT

Trowbridge has supplemented the Zoom meetings with a Facebook group named The Business Nation Lee-on-the-Solent, which currently has 37 members and is also aimed at sharing content, webinars, training and motivation. This Facebook community showcases as much diversity as the Zoom collective, with the likes of a catering company and a mortgage advisor being added into the mix, among others.

If other travel agents are thinking of setting up a similar virtual group in their local area Trowbridge recommends approaching businesses with a “How can my business help your business?” stance, to avoid the suggestion coming across as a sales pitch when so many businesses are going through tough times.

“In general people know networking groups like this are good for relationship building, and you want to come out of this lockdown with strong connections you can do business with,” he says.

“It’s not about competition right now, it’s about working together and sharing information to get through this.”

Do you need more tips for keeping your travel business afloat during the coronavirus crisis? Visit TTG’s Coronavirus Business Support Service.