Based around a speed dating theme, the venture allowed selected brands to grab a bigger share of the limelight, raise their profiles and strengthen their trading relationships. Staff had a set period of time to visit each supplier and discuss new ways to harness revenue potential. They had to get each vendor to sign an individual form - with all completed entries entered into a prize draw at the end of the event.
Running from mid morning to mid afternoon, the initiative was a big success for Darren Bullis, Technical Product Manager from door phone, access control system and heavy duty phone manufacturer, Kalika. He said: “It was a great opportunity to meet people face-to-face so that they could gain a better direct understanding of our modular product range. We’ve had lots of positive feedback. We’ve done industry shows before but nothing like this and it’s been extremely worthwhile. We’d love to do it again as we can interact with the people who are actually selling our products.”
Jerry Mills, Managing Director of structured cable management system specialist, Fusion, hailed the event as “the best training activity we’ve ever been involved in.” He added: “It was very interactive. We spoke to staff across many levels of the business and different abilities. It was a very productive day.”
Oliver Reynolds, Sales Manager, from enclosure manufacturer Prism, remarked: “It’s been very interesting and a great opportunity to meet the guys that sell our products - enhancing their knowledge and expertise. It was a great idea.”
Nimans’ Dealer Sales Director, Tom Maxwell, said feedback from his own team was equally positive. “The sales staff found it fun and informative, seeing some products for the first time in the flesh. It’s more personable and interactive, helping us and our suppliers to better position products and build closer one-to-one relationships. It added a new dimension to traditional classroom-based product training. This was more hands-on which proved a real advantage.”