​Networking success at the HCCI Business Showcase, 1 October 2018

​On 1 October the Havering Chambers of Commerce and Industry (HCCI) held their annual showcase event at the Queens Theatre, Hornchurch. For the first time, Perfect Layout Digital Marketing were in attendance as exhibitors.

As we arrived to set up, many businesses had already organised their tables and there was a buzz of anticipation in the air. Exhibiting at this event was open to both members and non-members of the HCCI and Barry Hicks (Chairman of the HCCI) had meticulously overseen the planning and administration.

The Perfect Layout stand, getting ready.

Barry Hicks, Chairman of HCCI with Christine

The evening was opened by the Mayor of Havering, Dilip Patel, who spoke about the value that local businesses added to the community. There was a raffle with prizes that had been donated by the exhibitors and a free buffet and wine, for everyone in attendance.

Being on the other side of the table presented the challenge of attracting business owners to the table to talk about how our services could help theirs. Whilst we understand that not everyone needs our services, it was our aim to highlight that having a website that ‘looked good’ was only one element of drawing regular leads to an online business.

We presented a PowerPoint questionnaire that asked attendees the following questions:
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Does your website and digital marketing need some TLC?

We have some quick tips to help make your site work better for you.

Enter your business service plus location to find out where your business comes up, i.e. website designers Romford

It’s a well-known fact that when people search for a service, businesses beyond page two don’t get looked at

When searched for locally, where does your business appear?

Does it appear in the Map Pack?

Do you have a ‘Google My Business’ listing for your business?

When you type your name into Google, does your business appear in a box to the right and does a list show where your business appears in directories?

Claiming your GMB and optimising your profile can do wonders for increasing your online visibility
– and it’s free!

If you are struggling to be found, let us put the icing on your ‘website’ cake.

Do any of these questions touch a nerve or highlight aspects of digital marketing that your business is lacking? If so, get in touch, was we can definitely help!
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We really enjoyed attending the HCCI showcase event. It enabled us to mingle with other businesses and sow a seed in their minds about what we do. It’s still early days to know whether or not we’ve acquired any new customers, but networking for us isn’t just about that. It’s about getting to know the faces and personalities behind the businesses in our area and passing details on to others that may need their help. For us, creating real connections in this way is what networking is all about.