Marketing is a big area that takes time and effort, but it’s worth it! Here are some simple and practical tips to help you kickstart your marketing in the early stages.
It’s tricky to stand out and get noticed in all the noise. So, how do you, as a new company, manage to outshine that Instagram ad for the “best lunchbox ever”? And what can you possibly do to beat that Facebook post about the next big self-help guru?
By answering a few simple questions about your target audience, you can get a long way in creating a marketing strategy that keeps you on track.
To nail your marketing, you need to know who you want to reach. A common mistake is trying to sell to “everyone.” You might think that if you appeal to a broad audience, you’ll sell more. But “something for everyone” often ends up being “nothing for anyone.” Don’t be afraid to narrow down your target audience. One tip is to create “personas.” A persona is a made-up character that represents the customer you want to reach. Give them a name and build a story about who they are, what interests and values they have, and what they do on different platforms.
The most important thing in your marketing isn’t what you want to say – it’s what the customer wants to hear. Focus on their problems and needs, and how your product or service can solve them. Tailor your message (whether it’s in an image, video, or text) to catch the customer’s interest, rather than just talking about yourself.
Learn as much as you can about your target audience (this is where your personas come in!) to figure out which channels to use. Digital channels are cost-effective if you don’t have a big marketing budget. There’s a ton of great data on how people behave on different social platforms – for example, check out the report “Swedes and the Internet” for insights.
Think about what you’re offering – when is the demand for your product or service highest? Successful marketing is all about timing and getting your message to the customer at the right moment. What influences their buying behavior? Is it the time of year or certain events in their life? Plan your activities around that.
When you put time and effort into marketing, you want to know it’s paying off. Set simple goals to track how well your marketing is working. Of course, sales and the number of users or customers are key goals, but you can also measure things like website traffic, newsletter subscribers, or growing your follower count and reach on social media.
Got an exciting business idea but not sure what the next step is? In this short guide, we’ll explain what to expect from a meeting with a business developer and answer some of the most common questions we get from new entrepreneurs.
During the first meeting, we’ll focus on getting to know each other. You’ll get to share more about your idea, and we’ll look at the best options for you. Together, we’ll explore different models and tools to really dive into your idea and make a solid plan for the future.
If you’ve already got a good grasp of entrepreneurship, we’ll move on to practical stuff, like building your network. And if we don’t have the expertise you need, we’ll connect you with someone in our network who does.
Once we get a sense of the challenges you’re facing, we can give you the best coaching, models, and tools to shape and structure your idea. We’re here as a neutral sounding board, and everything you share stays confidential. Together, we’ll figure out concrete steps to help you reach your goals. And who knows—maybe you’re not meant to do this journey alone? We can help you find potential partners within your network or ours!
As business developers, we get lots of questions every day from passionate entrepreneurs with exciting ideas. Some questions come up more often and usually during the very first meeting. Here are some of the most common ones we get:
You don’t need to prepare anything for our meetings —just bring your idea as it is! However, we do recommend taking a look at the NABC model. It’s a great tool to help clarify your idea and understand why it’s valuable for the market.
Whether your idea is good or not, we can’t say for sure—because we simply don’t know! The only real judge is the market—your potential customers. Our goal is to help YOU find that out by creating a first version of your idea and testing it with the market.
Absolutely! We can point you in the right direction for funding options and how to get started. Whether it’s grants, loans, or investments from business angels or venture capital, we’ve got tips for you. We also work closely with Almi Företagspartner for expert advice on financing.
We recommend checking out Verksamt.se. It’s a collaboration between the Swedish Tax Agency, Tillväxtverket, the Companies Registration Office, and the Employment Service. They’ll guide you through all the practical steps for starting, running, and growing your business.
Just getting started with your idea, or already made some progress? No matter where you’re at in your entrepreneurial journey, you’re always welcome to book a meeting with us at Science Park. When you book a business development session, you’ll be paired up with one of our experienced business developers. We can meet in person or online—whatever works best for you.
Our sessions are fully tailored to your idea and questions. We’re here to support you and help your idea reach its full potential. And the best part? Our coaching for new entrepreneurs is completely free and confidential. Ready to get started? Book a meeting here.
Book a meeting
Whether you just came up with your business idea or have been working on it for years, you’re always welcome at Science Park!
9 October 2024
20 September 2024
20 September 2024
Thinking about starting your own business on the side and becoming a “halfpreneur”? Maybe you want to turn your hobby into something more, make some extra cash while studying or working part-time, or solve a big challenge through entrepreneurship.
The common thread is that almost everyone has a strong passion to change something, solve a problem, or just create and share their skills and knowledge. That’s what drives so many cool businesses to get started every year!
Curious about starting your own side hustle? Awesome! We’ve put together some tips and tricks to help you out along the way.
Starting a business and making enough to pay yourself a full-time salary right away can be tough. That’s why keeping your day job while working on your side hustle can be the perfect combo. Quitting a stable job to go all-in on an idea that may or may not take off can feel scary—or even impossible financially. So, why not have the best of both worlds?
Being a “halfpreneur” means balancing your regular job with your own business. And once your business gets rolling, you can decide if you’re ready to take the plunge and go full-time!
In Sweden, there’s actually a law that allows you to take up to six months off from your job to try running your own business—as long as it doesn’t compete with your employer. How cool is that?
Just make sure to chat with your boss first, as policies around side gigs can vary. Be upfront and manage your work hours well—who knows, your boss could end up being a future client or even a big supporter of your business!
Keeping your job while starting a business gives you financial stability, even if it’s a bit less than usual. It’s a safer way to dip your toes into entrepreneurship without all the pressure.
Plus, working part-time on your passion project can be super rewarding. Whether you’re a creative, a developer, a consultant, or a writer, this setup can be the perfect way to bring your dreams to life.
Start by sketching out how much you think your business will make and how much you can cut back on your hours at your job.
Have an honest conversation with your boss about your plans. Being upfront means you can talk about your business openly and promote it without worrying about any conflicts.
Make sure you’re balancing your job and your business well. Stay on top of your schedule and commitments.
It’s easy to overbook yourself when you’re excited and motivated, but don’t overdo it. Keep track of your hours and make sure you have enough time for everything. Don’t be afraid to say no to projects or push deadlines out if you need to. Your well-being and your job come first!
Want to dip your toes in and work on your passion project without officially starting a company? Then a hobby business could be a good fit. It’s basically:
Something you do in your free time
Not your main source of income
Work that’s not done for someone else
You can read more about how it works on the Swedish Tax Agency’s website.
Another option is freelancing through an umbrella company. This means you’re linked to a company that handles all the admin stuff like invoicing and accounting for a small fee. It’s super convenient! But keep in mind, they’ll take a cut of your earnings, and you won’t qualify for startup grants or business expense deductions. So, once you’re feeling more confident, it’s worth starting your own company.
Check out Verksamt.se for more details on how it works.
v
Curious about how to take your hobby, skills, passion, or idea to the next level? Or maybe you’re wondering how to get started with your own business? You’re more than welcome to come see us at Science Park! You can book a free coaching session with one of our business developers.
Meet a Coach
Did you know that digital marketing is more about understanding people than mastering technology? To cut through the media noise and capture interest, you need to understand your customer’s needs, thoughts, and actions. In other words, you need to grasp all the phases a customer goes through from interest to purchase – the digital customer journey. That’s exactly what we’ll cover in this guide. At the bottom of the page, you’ll also find a recording of the online lecture “Get to Know Your Customer” with our business developer Simon Sleman.
Let’s say you sell bikes online. Your target audience includes both casual riders and elite cyclists. These two types of customers will likely behave differently when purchasing one of your products. This is because different things are important to them. The casual rider might value a safe and low-maintenance bike, while the elite cyclist prioritizes features like weight, construction, and gear systems.
Digital marketing is a type of marketing that occurs online, through the internet and digital channels. This can include everything from advertising on social media and search engines to email marketing and influencer partnerships. The goal is to effectively reach potential customers, strengthen your brand, and increase sales of products or services.
The “See-Think-Do-Care” model is a tool created by Avinash Kaushik, a marketing expert at Google. The model is based on the idea that your target audience goes through four different phases during their buying journey, and you should tailor your digital marketing efforts – such as digital advertising – according to these phases.
This phase includes potential customers who might consider buying a bike in the future. As a company, this is your chance to make a strong impression. The next time the customer actively thinks about purchasing a bike, your company should be the first that comes to mind. Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn are great communication platforms for this phase.
Tips for the “See” Phase: Create messages for social media that are more inspiring than sales-focused.
In this phase, the customer actively seeks information needed for buying a bike. They might search on Google using keywords like “tips for buying a bike.” As a company, you need to build trust and guide the customer through this process. You want to appear high in search engine results, so creating relevant content tailored to what the customer is searching for is crucial. Paid advertising on Google can also be effective in the Think phase.
Content Tips for the “Think” Phase: Share plenty of knowledge and expertise, such as “10 Tips for Buying a Fitness Bike.”
Now the customer is getting close to making a purchase. It’s crucial for your company to be present in search results and on social media. An effective marketing tactic to encourage the customer to click the buy button is retargeting ads – ads shown only to people who have previously visited your website or specific pages and products on it.
Content Tips for the “Do” Phase: Keep it short and concise with a clear call-to-action.
Now the customer has made a purchase, and it’s time to focus on nurturing that relationship and building loyalty to your brand.
Content Tips for the “Care” Phase: Share valuable content on social media, send out emails, be accessible, and provide excellent customer service.
Using tools like the ‘See-Think-Do-Care’ model and analyzing your results can help your company build a strong digital presence and increase sales. So, don’t be afraid to try new things, think outside the box, and always keep the customer in mind. Good luck!
In this online lecture, our business developer Simon walks you through the different phases of the digital customer journey, step by step. You’ll also learn effective tools for understanding your customer – and why this is crucial for effective marketing.
Standing out and cutting through the noise in marketing is an art. So how do you outshine that Instagram ad you see all the time? And what really trumps your competitor’s smart and well-written LinkedIn post? We encounter millions of impressions daily and need to filter through them. What’s relevant and what’s not? In this guide, we’ve gathered our eight best tips on how to succeed with your marketing.
It’s become easier to get your marketing out there but harder to stand out in the overwhelming amount of “content” flooding every channel. The biggest challenge today isn’t finding ways to communicate with your customers. The challenge is making sure your communication contains something valuable that makes customers want to follow and listen to you.
“If you’re not visible, you don’t exist” is an old truth that’s perhaps more relevant than ever. The tricky part about communication science is that it’s exactly that – a complete science, while also being subjective about what is considered “good” communication (though it’s easy to spot bad communication). There’s right and there’s wrong – and then there’s right that’s wrong and wrong that’s right. That’s how complicated marketing can feel if you’re not well-versed in it.
To make things easier – or at least less difficult – here are eight tips on how to reach your customers without spending a fortune on advertising.
Being active is key. If you want something to happen, you have to be willing to work for it. Dedicate part of your work time to marketing yourself or your business. It’s an investment that will definitely pay off!
Give your followers a reason to keep following you – and make them want to tell their friends about you and your business. Sharing knowledge, tips, and inspiration without selling builds trust and long-term customer relationships.
Don’t underestimate various forms of direct marketing. Email your customers, talk to everyone you know, participate in discussions on social media and relevant forums.
Have a website and accounts on relevant social media. Don’t waste time on channels where your target audience isn’t present.
Hand out your business cards. Put up a poster. Digital is great, but sometimes it’s good to go “back to basics.” One doesn’t exclude the other.
Make it easy for others to spread information about your business. This can be as simple as providing such great service that others want to share their experience.
… and that no one understands why they should deal with you and your business. Explain, argue, and repeat until it sticks.
Attend fairs, go to lectures and events. Be where your customers are! And when you can’t meet in person, focus on your digital presence and network on various digital platforms.
One last tip: dare to try new things! If it doesn’t work, then you know! The more you work on your marketing, the more fun and easier it will become. Communication works like everything else in life – practice makes perfect!
2 May 2024
31 July 2024
Creating a social media strategy doesn’t have to be complicated or difficult – and you’ll thank yourself when you reap the benefits of that extra effort. However, getting started isn’t always easy. That’s why we’ve written a guide on how to create a simple social media strategy.
What problem do you need to solve, and how will your presence on social media help? Start by answering these questions:
Is it to create brand awareness and reach more potential customers? Do you want to drive traffic to your website or a physical location? Or is it to sell products or services? Write down all your needs in a list.
Besides what you actually sell (your product or service), what knowledge and inspiration can you offer? Make sure to define your brand. Think about the role you want to play in the market.
If your company were a person, how would you describe it? What qualities and values does your company have? Once you’ve defined who you are and what you stand for, your communication and message will be clear. This way, your target audience will more easily understand why they should choose you and your products or services.
The difference between purpose and goals is that goals should be measurable. If your purpose is to create greater brand awareness, it might be a good idea to measure the reach of the content you publish on your social channels. If the purpose is to drive traffic to your website, you should monitor visitor statistics.
Just like you can have multiple purposes for your social media efforts, you might need to set multiple goals. The important thing is to define, track, and learn from them.
A clue here is: it’s not “everyone.” So be a bit self-critical. No matter how fantastic your product or service is, you need to think about who actually needs it. Here, it’s the customer’s needs that matter – not yours. What problems does your product or service solve? And who needs that solution?
Only once you’ve defined your target audience can you start thinking about which channels to use. So you need to know – are the people you want to talk to on social media? And if so, on which platform? Is it Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, or Twitter? The report “Swedes and the Internet” – an annual study of Swedish people’s internet habits – gives you a good overview of who is where.
Now you know why you should be on social media. You know what you want to achieve and who you want to communicate with. You also know where the people you want to talk to are. Great job! But now you need to figure out how to talk to them.
Refer back to point one, your purpose, and your list of needs. The needs you’ve listed, along with the role you’ve chosen and what you can contribute, will form your content strategy.
If your business idea is to buy and sell antique furniture, you probably know a lot about different furniture brands, their value, and history. Maybe you have skills in reuse, upholstery, and furniture restoration. Or are you focused on sustainability, environment, and cultural heritage? By creating content about all this, you can share both knowledge and inspiration that will interest your current and potential future customers.
Start with a few types of content. Test what engages your followers and make adjustments as you go.
Examples of different types of content:
Remember to tailor your content for each channel and the audience you want to communicate with on each platform. ChatGPT is a great tool for both generating content ideas for a specific audience and generating text for different social media platforms. Check out our guide “How to Write Effective Prompts for ChatGPT.”
Follow-up is often the step that gets neglected, even though it’s just as important as everything else. If you don’t track what your actions generate, you’ll be working blindly, and you risk spending time on the wrong things.
Most social channels have excellent analytics tools where you can get all the stats you need – and even some you don’t. Choose a few key metrics to track, ideally weekly or monthly.
Now it’s time to stop talking and start doing. Set aside time in your calendar to produce content for your social media, and don’t be afraid to take some risks and experiment. Learn from your competitors’ content and stay updated on trends in each channel. You’ve got this!
Networking happens at all levels and in all industries – whether in our professional roles or personal lives. As an entrepreneur, having a large network opens up a world of opportunities and potential collaborations.
Today, being good at networking is a superpower in the business world. And even though most of us aren’t born as Superwoman, we can actually learn to become networking stars. Like everything else, it takes practice.
Building your network is never a bad idea. Whether you’re an outgoing entertainer or a more reserved listener, there are lessons to be learned on both ends. Find your own personal way to network. Maybe it’s through a leadership course, an event, a lunch, or a new contact on LinkedIn? Only you know what works best for you. Not sure? Try different approaches!
For some, networking comes naturally, while others need a bit more practice – we all start from different places. One thing is certain: What you sow, you often reap, and you never know who might be the link to your next success.
There are no right or wrong ways to network, but here are a few tips that can make it both easier and more enjoyable.
A common mistake at networking events is focusing too much on ourselves and talking more than we listen. Make it a habit to always start conversations by asking questions about the person you’re talking to. Listen and ask follow-up questions. Then, you can give your elevator pitch – which, of course, you know by heart!
A classic interview technique involves asking “how so?” It’s a powerful question that encourages people to open up and talk about themselves. It’s a great follow-up question that shows you’re interested and keeps the conversation flowing.
If you feel a bit rusty at networking events, preparing in advance can help. Think of good questions and conversation starters to break the ice, and review the questions you might get asked. Keep your answers short and concise – no one wants to hear a long story in response to a simple question.
Everyone wants a large network, and with the right techniques and maintenance, you’ll likely succeed over time. When you start building your network, focus on people most relevant to your career and development right now. Get to know them deeply and target those who you can benefit from and who can benefit from you. Set goals and define what you want to achieve before you go. Instead of just attending an event because “there might be valuable contacts there,” define in advance which business contacts you want to meet and why.
Following up is perhaps the most important part of the networking process. Why? It’s simple psychology. People like to be acknowledged and remembered – whether it’s in professional settings or personal ones. Always follow up on your conversations within a few days. You can do this with a friendly email, thanking them for a great conversation, or by sending a LinkedIn connection request. “Always nurture your contacts, services, and reciprocations” is a saying for a reason.
Networking is an art, and one thing to avoid is coming off as too “salesy.” Be smooth and genuinely curious and interested in the person you’re talking to. Be honest and authentic when you network! Remember, everyone at a networking event is in the same situation as you. See it as helping each other create new business opportunities and move forward in entrepreneurship – it’s a forum for give and take.
In our Science Park community, there are plenty of events and activities for those already running a business or curious about starting one. We organize everything from inspirational talks to pitch nights with exciting startups, and over 5,000 curious individuals participate each year. Check out our upcoming events and activities here.
Mastering the art of selling is one of the keys to running a successful business. Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter how amazing your product or service is if you can’t convince others of its value. In this quick guide, we’ll walk you through a few simple yet effective tips to become a better salesperson.
You’ll learn about the four phases of the sales process, the importance of being a good listener, how to plan and organize your sales efforts like a jog, and finally, how to answer your customers’ three most important questions.
This is about creating a positive first impression on the customer. You only have five seconds to do it, so use them wisely!
In this stage, you ask questions to understand who the customer is and what they need.
Now it’s time to present what you have to offer the customer.
Finally, you reach an agreement.
Remember, a good salesperson is a good listener. One of the most common mistakes many salespeople make is rushing from phase 2 (analysis) to phase 3 (presentation) without fully understanding what the customer actually needs. Make sure you really understand the customer’s needs before presenting your solution. Start with open questions – how, what, why. As the conversation progresses, move to more closed questions – like “Have I understood you correctly that…” and “Is there anything that would prevent you from…”
Finish by discussing the cost, but only after making sure the customer wants what you’re selling. Sales should be a win-win for both parties.
As a salesperson, it can sometimes be hard to take the first step. For an entrepreneur, it’s often a step in itself – to even see yourself as a salesperson. Everyone running their own business needs to be a salesperson to some extent, especially in the beginning. But you know what? Getting started with your sales doesn’t have to be harder (or easier…) than starting to jog. Here are some tips to get your sales training started:
Just as you plan a jog, you should plan your sales contacts. Schedule them in your calendar. Tip! Choose a time of day when you usually feel the most alert and productive, and when nothing can disturb you.
One workout in spring and another in autumn won’t make you a fast runner. You need regularity to see results in your sales efforts.
Running in a group and holding each other mutually accountable ensures the jog actually happens. Your scheduled partner will notice if you try to skip the workout. Sell together in the company, or at the same time. Talk about sales, difficulties, and successes. Inspire and cheer each other on.
Anyone who says all jogs are enjoyable is lying – we all agree on that. And not all sales contacts will be wonderful. But it’s in these challenges that we really grow. Lower your expectations and place a reasonable emotional weight on a “no.”
Signing up for a race can be a motivation for training. Similarly, sales goals – ones you set yourself – can drive you in your work.
When you reach your sales goals, celebrate! Share your successes and brag about yourself. 🥳
To succeed in sales, you need to answer the customer’s three most important questions: “Why should I buy this?”, “Why should I buy this from you?”, and “Why should I buy this now?” By addressing these questions, you can create a strong connection between the customer’s needs and your product or service.
This is about clarifying the value of your product or service. How will it solve the customer’s problem or improve their life?
Here you need to help the customer understand what makes you and your company unique. What is it about your product, service, or customer service that sets you apart from the competition?
Finally, you need to create a sense of urgency. Why is it important for the customer to make the decision to buy now?
Becoming a skilled salesperson is a process, but with the right preparation and strategies, you can master the art of selling. Remember the four phases of the sales process, plan your sales efforts like a jog, and always be ready to answer the customer’s three most important questions.
We’re here to support you along the way. Book a meeting with one of our business developers, and we’ll get back to you shortly!
Book a meeting here
Everyone’s talking about Artificial Intelligence (AI) – but what exactly is AI? How does it work, and how can it be used? And did you know AI is already a part of your daily life?
In our quick and easy mini-course, you’ll learn:
The course takes just 20-25 minutes to complete and combines knowledge and examples with quick quizzes. You can start whenever you want!
AI – a digital crash course
Start the CourseThis crash course is part of the AI Readiness 2.0 project, run by Science Park and co-financed by the European Union, Region Jönköpings län, and Jönköping University. Here you can read more about the project and our business development efforts related to Artificial Intelligence.
A more sustainable business world is key to our planet’s survival. And we need to act now. We all need to help preserve Mother Earth for future generations.
The reality is harsh: our planet is becoming uninhabitable if we don’t act. Rising temperatures, sea levels, natural disasters, famine, displacement, wars, mass extinction, and economic collapse are all looming. Our Earth is on the brink.
But while the challenges are huge, there are also many positive forces at work. Many people and companies are ready to do everything they can to contribute to sustainable development and a better environment by minimizing their impact on the planet and keeping global warming in check.
Through collective action, we can steer in the right direction quickly. Here are 5 tips to make your business more sustainable while improving your business idea.
You have a clear vision and know you need to contribute, but you’re not sure how. Not everyone can do everything, but everyone can do something. It’s important (and easiest) to do something where you can make a real difference and where it matters to your surroundings.
Every business has different stakeholders: customers, employees, owners, and close partners. But we also operate within a context, an industry regulated by legislation and influenced by trends. This is where we should start. Look at those around you, what’s important to them, and where you can make a difference.
Every business has legal requirements, values, and unwritten rules to follow. This also applies to sustainability. We’re often well aware of what we must do and what costs money. But as we adapt our operations to do the right thing – why not go further and think about how we can deliver more value at the same time? How can we meet future demands and expectations and turn them into business opportunities?
Take the chance to be the first to solve an important challenge and take a significant market position on the issue.
The UN member states have adopted Agenda 2030, which includes the 17 Global Goals. Which goals can your business contribute to? Using the Global Goals and their related targets as a filter is a great way to understand where your business can make a real difference. Organize an engaging workshop with colleagues to discuss the Global Goals and their impact on your business. The knowledge gained along the way will inspire others and make you more effective in discussions with customers and suppliers.
Once you know which Global Goals are relevant to your business, it’s time to ask:
“If we could impact this area, would it be important to our stakeholders?”
Just like in your regular business, you need to understand external demands and customer needs. The more knowledge you have and ensure, the better solution you can develop and commercialize. Sustainability works the same way. Conduct your environmental scanning from a sustainability perspective.
🏁 Where are we headed?
✅ What new demands will be placed?
❤️ Which area of sustainability is closest to your heart?
🔍 What’s happening in other industries, and what’s important to customers?
The more important it is to the customer, the more important it is for you to work on it. Is it also an issue that your employees are passionate about? Then you’ve found your “sweet spot” – the significant issue to work on.
Now you know what’s important to you, your customers, and your surroundings. It’s time to get specific and identify the positive changes you can contribute to.
Are there areas where you’re already doing well and can make an impact? Can you improve existing products and services or develop new ideas that help both your customers and your surroundings become more sustainable?
There are also areas where improvements are needed. Here, you need an action plan to reach a sustainable level that meets customer and external expectations. Companies that ignore their weaknesses won’t survive in the market.
Running sustainable companies can be guided by strong values, laws, or where you feel it fits. Every step counts. I call these necessary changes “transition innovations.” For companies aiming for long-term profitability and sustainability, this method is effective.
If you want to discuss sustainability issues, get help in your sustainability work, and learn about our sustainable business methodology, we are here for you. Together, we can make a big difference, but we must act now. Pick up the phone today and book your first meeting.
