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My Back To Business Strategy

By Andrew Hatcher, founder of The Cobra Club, a digital business club which offers business owners opportunities to grow their business online. It's open 10am – 5pm daily Monday to Friday and is a great place to make new connections and discover new opportunities, collaborations and receive plenty of free business advice and support from all of the members of this growing online community.

Summarise how Covid-19 has affected you? 

When Covid19 struck like a lot of other businesses my revenue vanished overnight. While sitting in my car wondering how I would respond to the crisis, the idea of The Cobra Club came to mind. In particular, how I could help and support small business owners to grow their business during the lockdown period.?

What has been your plan to continue?  

The concept of an online digital business centre took off straight away. Since launch we have experienced a -growing number of people looking to explore opportunities in this new format. So much so that three other Cobra Clubs have opened their virtual doors in Bristol, Birmingham and Cardiff. We also have another five clubs looking to open in the coming weeks. 

How has business changed for you over the last few months? 

Business was a constant struggle beforehand. Driving to meetings and constant networking can take its toll. Developing a consistent sales pipeline in management consultancy is no easy task. Business has changed considerably since the launch of The Cobra Club and I've never been busier. All my work comes through this new format now and can honestly say it was the best business decision I made to start the club.

What has been the most challenging aspect of all of this? 

The sheer amount of work to get an idea into a working business over the course of a week, then long hours each day refining, communicating, dealing with technical issues, web development, the list goes on and on. On the surface it’s a well-oiled machine but behind the scenes we are constantly working hard to make it successful and a great experience for all the members. 

What has been the most positive aspect? 

The number of connections I have made and the amount of support I have had from The Cobra Club business community. It has been overwhelming at times. It has also been great to see businesses flourish  where they struggled before. It just shows that new and different formats of doing business should always be explored. It has also been fantastic to see and support new start-ups engaging in this new way of doing business. 

Has it made you consider how you feel about other businesses/suppliers/customers/clients for good or otherwise? 

This new format of doing business just brings people closer together. It has all been good and cannot think of any negatives. It has also helped me to look further afield and develop relationships where it would have been impossible beforehand. 

How important is this phrase to you – ‘buy local, supply local’? 

Wherever possible I have bought local in the past. It’s so important to build relationships in the local business community and support each other. It doesn’t mean you can’t support people further a field and we support all businesses no matter where they are if we are able too. 

What are your top tips at this time?  

1. Don’t be afraid to stand up and shout about what you are doing.

2. Be prepared to pivot with your business and always look for new opportunities to grow your business sideways.

3. Keep pushing and try new ways of generating new business until you get the result you are looking for.

Do you have a service, product or special offer you'd like to flag up? 

First month 50% discount for new members at The Cobra Club. Use COBRA50 in the checkout process. www.thecobraclub.co.uk 

Your parting thought? 

The world has changed, embrace this new business digital age and make the most of the opportunities that present themselves.

Fiona Scott Media Consultancy Swindon

Scott Media

Scott Media is run by a UK-based journalist with more than 20 years' experience in the media - print, radio and television.

6 Gold View, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN5 8GZ

Fiona Scott Media Consultancy
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