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 – as they also learned more about Nimans’ leasing, network services and two-way radio portfolio.
Running from mid morning to mid afternoon, the initiative was a big success for Jeff Wilkes from payphone specialist Solitaire. He said: “What a great opportunity to meet staff face-to-face, interact with the people that actually sell our products and also highlight the introduction of the new 10 pence coin. It proved a very worthwhile and productive experience for both me and them.”
Phil Kellett from structured cabling manufacturer HellermannTyton, was equally positive as he remarked: “It’s been very interesting and a great opportunity to meet the people on the front line - enhancing their knowledge and expertise especially about our RapidNet plug and play cabling solution. What a great idea this was.”
Nimans’ Dealer Sales Director, Tom Maxwell, said feedback from his own team was equally positive. “The sales staff found it fun and informative as they engaged face-to-face with suppliers. 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.” He added: “We conducted a similar exercise for the first last year which proved equally productive. I’m sure more will follow.”