Let’s Get Digital

Last year the Venture Melton Business Network hosted a series of webinars led by Valli Morphett, the director of place making and engagement firm Design Jam.

Even post lockdown, digital communications are more important than ever, so it’s a great time to revisit some of Valli’s key tips to help get the most out of the digital era.

As Valli says, “like it or not, attention is the capital of our times, poor quality webinars and digital engagement impact your brand”.

Valli’s Top Digital Engagement Planning Tips

1. Start with Why; don’t jump straight to the tool. Once you know your ‘why’ you can select the right digital techniques and platforms

Start with your ‘why’

Why	Digital Techniques	Platform
Build/grow your audience	Regular social media content Interaction with followers Live Q&A	Facebook, Linkedin, Insta, Youtube etc
Share information	Live stream information or performance Video Live & recorded webinars	Facebook, Youtube, GoToWebinar, Zoom, Webex, etc
Build Capacity	Live webinars	GoToWebinar, Zoom, Wbex, etc
Exchange information	Video conference meetings	Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Skype, Zoom, Webex, GoToMeeting, etc
Support business operations	Live & pre-recorded webinars	GoToWebinar, Zoom, Webex, etc

2. Think about your target audience: if you aim for all, you get none. Now that you know your ‘why’ and your ‘who’, you can prepare a digital communications plan

3. Practice! The more you use digital tools, the more your confidence will grow. Try using your platform of choice with close colleagues, friends, or relatives to get used to how it works before jumping straight to a webinar or presentation with clients

Basic Equipment Summary 

Technique	Equipment
Webinars	Email address Laptop or desktop computer with camera Wifi upload speed above 5mbs Desktop lighting/diffused background
Video Conference	Email address Laptop, mobile phone, tablet or desktop computer with camera Wifi upload speed above 5mbs Desktop lighting/diffused
Live Streaming	Email address Laptop or desktop computer with camera Wifi upload speed above 10mbs Tripod & phone attachment clamp Diffused lighting or natural light Microphone/audio kit (if more than 1.5m from camera)

4.     Map potential business operations and management opportunities for digital engagement

5.     Be present. Always turn your camera on when running a webinar. It will improve your audience engagement.

If you missed Valli’s sessions last year, feel free to contact us for a copy of both the introductory and advanced workshops.

Stay up to date with future events by signing up to the Venture Melton Business Network. We’ll keep you updated on what’s happening through our regular emails, all members have free access to events.

Randi Wagner
Place Engagement & Activation Officer