Notes from the SSA Chairman
Pascal Roberge • Beaudoin Beds
This industry is driven by innovation. One can argue that the essential shape and design of mattresses and pillows haven’t changed in a few decades. The technology inside these products and everything else in the sleep industry has come a long way!
The same goes for all the ways at our disposal to connect with our retailers and their sales team. As sales leaders, we have more ways than ever to help us reach decision makers and the salespeople presenting our products to consumers.
This same access to technology has given consumers access to so much more information ahead of making a buying decision or even connecting with any specific retailers.
As we’ve experienced over the last 2 years, all these tools have proven essential when we’ve been limited in our ability to connect in person.
I believe these tools have given all of us ways to make our trade shows including the Las Vegas market, more impactful than ever.
With all the virtual meeting tools now available and accepted as communication methods, here are a few ideas to add to your show plans:
• Take advantage of the virtual showroom opportunities:
Retailers will plan their show visit. What better way than to send them a link to what they can expect to see in person when they visit you!
• Plan a virtual meeting with your retailers:
There are always dealers or group of retailers you wish you could see at market. Why not schedule a live tour of your show space. This is the next best thing to a in-person presentation. You have the products you want to show, you can zoom in on the features you want to highlight, and you can have your presentation deck in their hands ahead of the meeting for a focused conversation and next steps!
• Plan a virtual meeting with your sales team:
It’s rare to be able to have your whole sales team at market. Schedule a walk through of your space to give them insight into what you are working on, how to best present your products, and what features to focus on.
There is no doubt that lying on a mattress, experiencing zero gravity position on an adjustable bed, or feeling in your hands the cooling properties of a set of sheets is the ultimate way to feel these product features and the technology it holds. But using all the new virtual tools available to connect, educate and inspire retailers and sales associates can only help be more successful. Here is to a successful Summer 2022 Market.