While many newsagents are in Rotary, Lions or similar local community groups, few are in other groups that are equally important in networking, groups like online groups serving special interests. Such groups often don’t operate to a geographic boundary – and that’s okay … especially if the group is about something in which you are interested and with which you have a business connection.
Take Minecraft, a video game with an excellent pedigree and a devoted fan base. There are many online where you could participate if it was a game you were into. Subtly, through such engagement, you could promote Minecraft products – especially if you delve deeply into the collectible items and have some hard to get items.
Participating in online groups needs to be navigated carefully as you don’t want to come across as being there for commercial purposes only. Some groups have rules against members being commercial – check first.
Just being in such a group can be enlightening about product categories and licences. Members can be your mentors through their posts and take you deeper into the world of the those you may seek to serve.
Don’t be put off by not having time. Joining and reading what’s being discussed every so often can put you well ahead of competitors who do not try and get into the world of the customers they serve.
The more you know about your customers the better you can serve them.