Social media is being used to highlight positive business stories, news and videos as Power Week continues.
Running until Sunday, the new campaign has been launched to allow firms the opportunity to boost their exposure online.
It will also encourage people to do what they can to support the local economy.
The Power Week is part of Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce’s North-East Now initiative, which has been helping local firms through the coronavirus crisis.
Among the north-east businesses that has been significantly affected is Sonya Angus: The Unique Boutique.
Founded by Sonya, the business is described as “a little star shining brightly in the corner of Cults”.
Owning a boutique – which offers fashionwear, homeware and accessories – has been something the 50-year-old has dreamed of since she was 16.
She said: “I’ve always worked hard in life and was so lucky to achieve my dream of having my own shop – not everyone can set up their own business aged 46.
“But lockdown snatched that from me, and I realised I had possibly taken it all for granted a bit.
“I felt real loss, and was in a situation I’d never prepared for.”
Like many other business owners based in the north-east, Sonya was incredibly motivated to battle through the pandemic.
“At the beginning, it was very hard to go back to the shop,” she added.
“I nursed my wounds at home for a few weeks then realised I had to pull myself back together.
“I had to make sure we’d be able to open the doors again and when we did, we’d be in the best shape possible – but I really didn’t want to move my business online in the meantime.
“With only little old me behind the scenes, I want to be able to offer my customers an old-fashioned personal service regardless of where they are.
“I kept the shop alive virtually, and tried to add a bit of fun to what was otherwise a bit of a bleak time for everyone and swapped my shop videos for ‘how to’ sessions in the kitchen.
“They were a roaring success and I’m still getting stopped in the street by people who’ve made my dishes.
“But I was so happy to invite my customers back from their home to mine on Monday June 29. It was the perfect present for me, too, as I’d just turned 50 on the Saturday.”
The North-East Now campaign has pulled together a range of information, directories and blogs aimed at allowing people to find out more about local firms operating throughout the pandemic.
The Power Week will involve the social media accounts of the Press and Journal, Evening Express, Society and Original 106 retweeting any company that uses the hashtag #northeastisopen for the remainder of the week.
Driven by Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, the initiative is also supported by creative agency Hampton, Aberdeen Journals, Original 106 and VisitAberdeenshire.
Sonya said: “North-East Now provides a one-stop-shop for all, and a handy tool to use quickly on your phone.”
People can visit northeastnow.scot to access the hub and find out more.
How to take part:
- North-East Now has created a free toolkit jam-packed with logos, posters and graphics to get you started.
- You can choose to print the poster for display in your premises.
- Use the ready-sized graphics on your social posts, on your emails or even on your website throughout the week.
- Feel free to share the pack with other businesses you think could benefit from joining in.
- Consider running a discount or a special offer during the week. You can shout about it on social media and North-East Now will maximise your exposure
- If you have a great story to tell, share it via stories@northeastnow.scot Your story might end up being a good news article in the Press & Journal, Evening Express or you could be interviewed on Original 106 during Power Week, giving your brand a great profile boost.
- Do your bit and like, share or comment on posts from other local companies tagging @NorthEastNowAbz or using the hashtag, it’s a great way to grow your contacts.
- At any time from September 7-13, do one special social media post using the steps below:
- Write #northeastisopen on a piece of paper/card/banner
- Take a picture of employees or owners holding the sign with the hashtag outside or inside your business
- Upload the image to Twitter including the hashtags #northeastisopen and #NorthEastNowAbz on your post
- The Press and Journal, Evening Express, Original 106 and Society will all retweet your post, gaining you maximum exposure