Alternative ways to connect and promote your business

Creating a successful business is all about connecting with people. I’ve said this before, if you don’t like the word marketing, simply replace it with the word connecting instead. 

At the most foundational level, all you’re really doing with your marketing, no matter how you’re doing it, is attempting to connect with people. This core concept doesn’t change. What continues to develop and expand are the possibilities, the channels and formats, to make connections. But you’re busy, I get it. You don’t need more things to do or more to learn.

Evolving your business

However, at the same time, it’s crucial to continue to evolve in your business. Maybe it’s time to let something go if it doesn’t work anymore. Doing this will create space for something new.

Learning something new and trying a new way of connecting could possibly even make your life easier - think about that for a second. For example, a new channel of communication may help you leverage your content which saves you time and amplifies your message.

Further, trying a new platform or communication format may allow you to reach a new group of people that you wouldn’t have otherwise been able to connect with. And perhaps an alternative approach will help you increase your visibility which could open a door to a channel that is difficult to enter.

Different ways to connect

I’ve collected a bunch of ideas here and by no means am I suggesting that you try them all. Have a quick look through them all and then choose a couple of them to examine further. And don’t forget that you can also combine ideas to create your own fresh and unique approach to expanding your business.

What you’ll notice is that there is a theme, using your voice - or even your own face - to connect with others.

Asynchronous connection

If you or your client(s) have chaotic or unpredictable schedules (think small children, homeschooling, partner at home, etc), then working asynchronously may be the perfect solution you’ve been dreaming of.

Asynchronicity is defined by doing things which are not coordinated in time. If you and your client cannot find a suitable time to speak, then one of you can leave information such as a video, that can be viewed at a later time by the other party.

Providing your own content which includes your voice also makes the relationship between you and your client much more personal, as opposed to sending a lengthy text.

Asynchronous tools

You can use a tool like Loom to give feedback to clients using audio / video without needing to match up schedules or agree upon a certain time. Loom allows you to record your screen and share video messages which can be viewed at a later time, cutting out the need for time-consuming meetings.

You could also consider offering asynchronous voice coaching or consulting using Voxer. You can send or hear voice messages in real-time, like a digital Walkie-Talkie! You can also listen to these messages at a later time and also include photos, videos, and even share your location! This way, you can connect with your clients in a way that is convenient for both of you.

VideoAsk

Adding a new way to connect online can also help you pre-qualify potential clients, which saves both of you time and energy. One way to do this is through interactive video tools, like VideoAsk. Tools like these allow you to post a video to your website, to which people can reply with their own video, text, or audio message. This is extremely useful if you want to learn more about your clients without asking them to drop everything and give you a call.

Additional voice messaging platforms

Not a fan of the tools mentioned so far? Maybe you’re more familiar with the following platforms which also offer asynchronous ways to connect with people:

• WhatsApp voice message
• Facebook Messenger voice
• Instagram voice message
• LinkedIn voice message (Only available in their app)

Podcasting

Podcasting is an intimate way to connect on a one-to-many basis using your voice. One of the easiest ways to get started is with a podcasting tool, like Anchor. Platforms like these allow you to start your own podcast from scratch by providing creation and monitoring tools, usually all in one place. Podcasts give your audience a specific place where they can listen to your content anywhere.

Real-time voice-only tools

Video is the next best thing to being together in real life, but it requires preparation and a lot of energy. A warm and cosy alternative to video content is strictly audio content. Using just your voice, it creates a different kind of experience - and it’s simple.

Clubhouse

An option is to use a voice-only application like Clubhouse. This platform transmits voice-only content live and it can also produce recordings that you can share later. 

Discord

You can gather people in your community and have live chats using Discord. While this application is mainly used for communication in real-time through voice, you can also do video calls.

Zoom: Audio calls

We all know Zoom for video gatherings but can create a gathering and choose to make it audio-only: simply ask everyone to turn their video off. Further, if you use the Zoom app, you also can meet on the go for those with busy schedules.

Twitter Spaces

Another voice-only option you can use is Twitter Spaces. This feature allows you to have live audio conversations in a Space, where anyone can join, listen, and speak in real-time. 

Try new things

Although there are many modern communication tools these days, there’s nothing like connecting with someone in person. All of us in the digital age are missing that real-life connection right now.

Take some time to analyse the best options for you and then take action. Marketing is all about experimenting, don’t be afraid to try out your ideas to see what works.

What’s your favourite way to communicate with people? Tell us in the comments below!