A few months back I attended Google’s Get Your Business Online Webinars which were hosted live and helped small business owners understand how to harness the power of Google to increase sales and traffic to their business. They shared a lot of valuable information for small business owners, but what caught my eye most of all was their new platform: Helpouts By Google. Helpouts are essentially one-on-one sessions that you can request on a variety of topics from yoga instruction to social media marketing to cooking lessons. Some adventurous customers have even used it for medical consultations!
The benefits for small business owners are two-fold:
1. Now you can get assistance on a variety of business topics from qualified professionals nation-wide. The assistance is personalized, you are able to ask questions and the venders are vetted by Google. If you don’t feel like you were helped, Google is offering a money back guarantee during this initial test phase. Additionally, some helpouts are being offered for free.
2. Your business can use Helpouts as a new revenue stream and to increase its online presence by imparting your knowledge to others worldwide. You are given instant access to new customers and are no longer restricted by geography, time-zone or currency. Businesses of all industries, sizes and services are taking advantage of this new platform and those who jump on board from the beginning will most likely see the greatest results!
Learn more about Google Helpouts by visiting their website: helpouts.google.com. Google is currently beta testing this platform and businesses must request an invite code in order to become a vender.
Written by Lauren Riley, Marketing & Program Specialist for the Alaska Small Business Development Center