A 34-year-old Australian mother of four shared how she started a technology company to make it easy to transfer social information between phones quickly and securely – a model ideal for small business owners to attract new customers.
Mia Dickson, of Townsville, Queensland, launched Social Dot earlier this year on August 29th after she had to close her yoga business due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mia told FEMAIL that the brand was born out of “sheer frustration” of having to encourage customers to manually search for their yoga studio online because she “never” had business cards with her.
“I started the year working and running my yoga business, offering classes and workshops in North Queensland. I was always asked by new students how to find me on social media and I would explain my dealings to them “, she said.
“I realized I needed something to put my information on her phone because we were both standing there, phones in hand and chatting at the end of class.”
With a quick tap of your finger, you can securely and instantly connect to others and share links to social media accounts, websites, or contact information if you wish.
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Mia Dickson (pictured), from Townsville, Queensland, launched Social Dot earlier this year on August 29th after she had to close her yoga business due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Mia told FEMAIL that the brand was born out of “sheer frustration” of having to encourage customers to manually search for their yoga studio online because she “never” had business cards with her
Social Dot uses NFC technology to transfer contact information between two devices. All you have to do is tap the point with your phone.
The unique product can be placed on the back of a phone, iPad, tabletop or cash register and does not require wifi service.
There is enough data space for contact information, a brief description, up to ten social media platforms, six custom links and profile pictures.
It also has a “Save to Contacts” feature so your information can be instantly saved on the other person’s phone, and built-in analytics to help a company keep track of which links are being accessed.
Mia said by now a seemingly endless number of companies have jumped on board and started using social dot, including real estate agents for rental forms, cafes for typable menus, and photographers to display portfolios or galleries.
The product is also handy for those who simply want to expand their social media fan base and also don’t have business cards with them.
Social Dot uses NFC technology to transmit contact information. All you have to do is tap the point with your phone. There is enough data space for contact information, a brief description, up to ten social media platforms, six custom links and profile pictures
HOW DOES THE SOCIAL POINT WORK AND IS IT SAFE?
Will my data be encrypted and secure?
Yes, your data is encrypted on the social dot itself and can be updated at any time using your user name and password
The Social Dot uses NFC technology to transmit contact information. All you have to do is tap the point with your phone
Does Social Dot need wifi to work?
No, you don’t need WiFi for Social Dot to work. You don’t need any data or a network connection for your Social Dot to work. However, the person who taps your social dot needs an internet connection
Will it work on my phone case?
Yes it sure does! Including cases where credit cards are included. You can only get into trouble if your case has a metal back
Does my social point need to be charged?
No, your Social Dot never needs to be topped up
Are there any hidden fees?
No fees at all, just the cost of $ 49.95 per point
Source: Social Dot
Since launching just three months ago in late August, Social Dot has made over 400 sales and multiple company sales, with hundreds choosing the bundle option – with total sales exceeding $ 20,000.
Mia is overjoyed to know that there are companies around the world using a product that she and her husband developed.
“We originally only planned to go to Australia and New Zealand, but after a TikTok went viral, so many people asked about our overseas social dots that we had to open up worldwide shipping!” Mia said.
“The response so far has been amazing and I think there are people all over the world tapping our social spots – in New Zealand, the US, UK, Canada, Mexico, Ireland, the Netherlands, Finland, Switzerland and so on on!
“We expect high sales during Black Friday sales which will be amazing for any business owner to get a bargain for.”
Since launching just three months ago in late August, Social Dot has made over 400 sales and multiple company sales, with hundreds choosing the bundle option – with total sales exceeding $ 20,000
Mia is overjoyed to know that there are companies around the world using a product that she and her husband developed
Although the brand made a small fortune, it has been a challenging journey so far.
“With everything so new, we are still working on the kinks and we want to make upgrades to the platform that will be rolling out slowly over time,” said Mia.
“We’re also seeing more corporate customers looking to give their employees custom points. This will be one of the next projects we’re likely to work on.”
Mia said by now a seemingly endless number of companies have jumped on board and started using social dot, including real estate agents for rental forms, cafes for typable menus, and photographers to display portfolios or galleries
Mia is overjoyed to know that there are companies around the world using a product that she and her husband developed
Mia admitted that while it’s difficult to run a business, it’s fulfilling to find solutions to new problems and learn how to do new things.
“My husband and I definitely complement each other with our strengths too – he’s the tech and I’m very attentive on social media,” she said.
The couple also have four children and Mia’s husband works full time, which keeps her busy with most of the business.
Mia also admitted that while it’s difficult to run a business, it is fulfilling to find solutions to new problems and learn how to do new things
When asked what advice she would give to others looking to start a small business, Mia recommended two main tips.
“Be passionate about solving a problem, this is the whole premise of how and why Social Dot was created, and don’t be afraid to get started,” she said.
The Social Dot can be purchased on the brand website. Bundle packages are also available.
