Social media training big hit with fresh produce industry
The Fresh Produce Consortium hosted the seminar for members to demonstrate that social media is a low-cost and highly effective marketing tool for the fresh produce industry. Such was the success of the day that FPC plans to run more seminars in 2015.
“If you have the passion for your fresh produce brand then social media’s for you,” commented Dr Sarah-Jayne Gratton. “You can showcase your products in real time and it doesn’t have to cost you a penny.”
A third of the delegates attending the seminar had never used social media previously, but they were soon tweeting on the day.
Best-selling author of social media books ‘Follow Me’ and ‘Zero to 100,000’ Gratton told delegates to leave their fears behind: “Don’t be afraid to self-disclose – remember our emotions govern our actions.” While Gratton admitted that mastering social media is not a fast-track solution to increasing profits, it does have the power to build brand awareness. “It will increase the brand equity of any fresh produce business by raising awareness and over time, brand loyalty,” added Gratton.
In the four-hour session Gratton worked with delegates on getting the most out of what she considers to be the two key social media platforms for the industry, Twitter and LinkedIn.
“You need to identify with those people in the industry that you need to connect with and those you want to work with,” said Gratton. “Social media is your opportunity to incorporate a call to action to get those people to both notice and respond to you.”
For more information:
Siân Thomas
Fresh Produce Consortium
D +44 (0)1733 405792
M +44 (0)7584 995903
Email: Sian@freshproduce.org.uk