In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of eCommerce, building a strong community of online sellers is vital. Growing your network of fellow entrepreneurs and professionals from related fields is a powerful strategy.
Working as an online seller can be a solitary undertaking, since you’re often working alone. ECommerce businesses tend to be small, frequently consisting of just one or two people. As an eCommerce entrepreneur, you don’t have a big team of coworkers with whom to build connections and share ideas. That’s why taking some time to build a network is important.
Your network can help you discover promising opportunities, come up with new strategies, and establish meaningful connections. And in case you get stuck with an urgent business problem, you can turn to your network for help and guidance.
Read on to learn about the platforms and strategies that can help you grow your network so you can leverage the potential of eCommerce meet-ups and community events.
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In today’s digital age, social media platforms have proven to be invaluable tools for building vibrant virtual communities centered around common interests. Social media is an easy place to start networking, since you can do it from anywhere.
If you’re looking for relevant eCommerce communities on social media, here are some great options to get started.
Internet forums are sites where people can have discussions online. You can ask and answer questions, talk about topics of interest, share your own stories, and more. It’s a great way to build a community and find other like-minded individuals to grow your network.
ECommerce forums offer a space for industry-focused discussions, knowledge sharing, and some even organize meet-ups. Here are a couple of
By actively participating in these forums, you can gather valuable information from a community of online sellers. In addition, internet forums may open doors to potential physical meet-ups, partnerships, and collaborative projects.
In the fast-paced world of eCommerce, there’s always something new to learn. One of the best places to stay updated is at professional conferences and exhibitions.
ECommerce conferences, events, and exhibitions happen frequently and can be found all over the world. There are some larger annual conferences such as NRF: Retail’s Big Show in New York City, Prosper Show for Amazon sellers, The White Label Expo, Amazon Accelerate, and many more. Black in eCom is another great conference that brings together Black entrepreneurs. You can find more events by searching for them online, or look for local eCommerce conferences in your area.
These events focus on eCommerce, online retail, and digital marketing, offering a wealth of knowledge about the latest trends, innovative strategies, and cutting-edge technologies. You can learn more about the industry from eCommerce experts, get advice and tips from successful sellers, and discuss business with other entrepreneurs.
But these events offer more than just a learning opportunity. They often host networking sessions, where you can meet and connect with other professionals in the field.
These connections could be fellow online sellers, industry thought leaders, or service providers offering tools that could help enhance your eCommerce operations.
Engaging in these networking sessions allows you to tap into a wide array of perspectives. You can learn from the experiences of others, gain insights into different business models, and even explore collaboration opportunities.
As you’ve seen with social media and online forums, our increasingly digital world provides online sellers with a number of virtual networking events and learning opportunities. ECommerce specific podcasts and webinars have emerged as powerful channels for networking.
These digital avenues offer several advantages. For one, you can access them from anywhere, making it easy to fit into your busy schedule. They also provide both information and an opportunity to connect with industry leaders and experts, who often share their knowledge and insights.
If you’re looking for a good place to get started, check out 8fig’s very own podcasts Ecom Unfiltered and Sell YEAH!
You can simply listen to the content, ask questions, share your thoughts, or engage in discussions with the experts and fellow listeners. This active engagement can lead to establishing meaningful connections within the industry.
Regular participation in these digital platforms can also lead to invitations to exclusive eCommerce events. And even if you don’t receive an invitation, you’re likely to hear updates about upcoming events, ensuring you never miss out on networking opportunities. So start exploring eCommerce podcasts and webinars, and begin building your network right from your living room.
At 8fig, we underscore the importance of nurturing a strong network within the eCommerce industry. Alongside providing funding to help you scale your eCommerce business, we foster a thriving community of high-growth entrepreneurs who share valuable insights, strategies, and success stories. Our sellers connect with us, with industry leaders, and with each other through social media, webinars, and even at in-person meet-ups and events.
Our clients, though varied in their backgrounds, share a unified ambition for massive growth. Leveraging our support, they’ve achieved astounding success, enjoying fast and sustainable revenue growth.
As you explore eCommerce meet-ups and community events, remember that 8fig stands ready to equip you with the tools, resources, and financing to propel your eCommerce business. If you own an online store that has been in business for at least a year, generates $100,000 or more in annual revenue, and brings in at least $8,000 in monthly sales, you likely qualify for an 8fig Growth Plan.
Apply for funding today to join other eCom sellers like you who are scaling to 8-figures.
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