My Year with the Digital Service Squad

The Journey of Growth 

I stumbled across Digital Main Street a few months after I had graduated. I was determined to work within the digital marketing field but didn’t have the experience required for most positions. Computers had never been an issue for me – I had spent most of my high school and university years building websites for friends and helping them get their initial businesses off the ground. However, I lacked the formal experience that could expand my resume. Shortly after interviewing with Digital Main Street, I was offered the position of a Digital Service Squad Team Member. I was ecstatic to be taking on this new challenge and role. When I began to meet with businesses, I needed to adapt to the dynamic needs of both entrepreneurs and our digital environment. Here are some of the key skills I’ve developed:

Technical Proficiency:

When I started, I had a basic understanding of digital tools and technologies. However, my role required a much more advanced skill set with those tools, including website development, social media management, email marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO). This growth has been essential in helping my clients grow with their own digital marketing skills. For example, to better address my business’s needs, I’ve further developed my skills with Google Ads. Business owners need to ensure they work within their various budgets while also achieving the increased traffic or sales that they need.. One example that stands out, is a business that was on the verge of closing its physical store, to now having her physical store become just as popular as her online store. I was able to support her in understanding topics like targeted Google Ads, SEO and more, which resulted in an increased amount of foot traffic into the store as well as online sales.

Problem-Solving Skills:

Small businesses often face unique challenges in the digital world. From limited budgets to a lack of in-house expertise, these businesses need creative solutions. My role has honed my problem-solving skills as I've worked to help business owners uncover the information they need to identify cost-effective and efficient ways to address their digital. Business owners often want to look for either budget-friendly or completely free tools that they can use to minimize expenses. Each client faces a unique problem and has individualized needs. Helping a client in their journey to uncover a new tool is like adding a new piece to their puzzle; I need to help them find what suits them and their business. For example, I had a business that was low-tech but knew they wanted their online store to better integrate with their physical store. With the help of Shopify, we were able to get them set up with the Shopify payment system and ensure their online store is connected with their in-person store with minimal amounts of effort.

Empathy and Communication:

One of the most significant aspects of my growth as a Digital Service Squad Member has been my ability to connect with small business owners on a personal level. Understanding their concerns, listening to their dreams, and empathizing with their struggles have become second nature. Effective communication has been key in building trust and fostering collaboration. Going around the community in weekly blitzes has allowed me to connect with the community members in a way that I never anticipated. Initially, I was a strange face offering a service they had never heard of. Now I’m welcomed eagerly and receive questions from business owners readily. Travelling across the various Toronto BIAs and meeting new business owners has quickly become one of my favourite parts of the job.

There was one particular business that I had met during the summer that always stuck with me. I popped into her shop for the first time and gave her my usual pitch. After looking at me a bit skeptical, I could tell that she wasn’t sure, so I showed her the Digital Main Street website through my phone. After seeing the website, she was readily on board and wanted my assistance with her digital presence and strategy. She let me know her list of concerns, and when I assured her I could help her learn and understand how to address these challenges, she hugged me. After the hug, she proceeded to march with me down the street and introduced me to a few of the other business owners that she was friends with, in her BIA, so I could share with them about DMS and the services we provide. Her kindness and warmth always stuck with me, along with how truly grateful she seemed to receive support in areas she was struggling with. Ever since that day, I’ve been able to help many business owners in this BIA and continue to help them.

Adaptability:

The digital realm is in a constant state of flux. New technologies and trends emerge daily. This role has taught me the importance of adaptability. I've learned to stay updated with the latest digital trends, which not only benefits my clients but also ensures my professional relevance. Cybersecurity and keeping online businesses safe have been a huge topic within the last year. As a result, many business owners know that they should be practicing online safety but aren’t entirely sure how to get started

Digital Main Street: A Catalyst for Small Business Success 

Digital Main Street's role in supporting small businesses is essential. It provides resources, guidance, and a platform for collaboration that is invaluable to small business owners who want to navigate the digital world. As a Digital Service Squad Member, I've been fortunate to be part of this ecosystem, and it has been instrumental in my development and the success of the businesses I serve.

It’s fascinating to look back at where I started to where I am now as a Digital Service Squad Member. Working with small businesses through Digital Main Street has been a journey filled with satisfaction and purpose. As I look ahead, I am excited about the new challenges and opportunities this role will bring and the fascinating people I will continue to meet. If the past year is any indication, it promises to be an incredible ride of advancement and fulfillment. Even though I’ve taught businesses, it’s been the businesses that were truly teaching me.