The city’s traditional art of embroidery – ‘chikankari’ and other small businesses would soon get a digital push. Social networking giant Facebook has lent a helping hand to Lucknow’s women entrepreneurs, motivating them to use its digital space as a platform to reach out to consumers.

Experts from the social networking giant interacted with women entrepreneurs and educated them about the ways Facebook could be used as a free tool to expand business. The initiative was part of ‘Boost Your Business’ programme, which Facebook launched in collaboration with SheThePeople.TV – a video and digital platform dedicated to women in leadership – and FICCI FLO Lucknow-Kanpur Chapter.

“Our Boost Your Business programme is an initiative to enhance knowledge, skills and technology of women entrepreneurs who are running SMEs from different cities. Facebook provides platform to these SMEs for exploring various dimensions by optimum utilisation of social media,” said Ritesh Mehta, head of Economic Growth Initiatives for Facebook (India).

On his second visit to the state capital, Mehta said, “Our future is expressive and more communicative; hence we are here to train the entrepreneurs with a futuristic approach. It will surely help small businesses in connecting with new customers and expanding their horizon in this competitive world.”

Mehta’s speech was followed by another session where the women entrepreneurs were told about the ways they can get connected through the site – in the form of video stories, images, 360-degree images and virtual tours.

“Now, nobody likes to read… they love to see – be it videos, images and virtual tours. So, posting these would help more than the texts,” he added.

Shaili Chopra, founder of SheThePeople.TV, said: “Women entrepreneurs play an important role in the growth of Indian economy. Their ideas are innovative and creative. Their unique vision and dedication help in the growth of business and this programme helps in polishing their skills and creating brand awareness by providing the right insight and knowledge. This makes it a great platform for women entrepreneurs.”

The interactive session also witnessed a training session where a team of experts from Facebook also organised hands-on training sessions, covering topics like – how to effectively use mobile, create engaging content, leverage the power of social media to grow their business through social media networks like Facebook and Instagram.

Source: Hindustan Times