Due to Covid-19, The Giftware Association hosted a virtual AGM and Members Day on Tuesday (June 9), featuring a webinar presentation by international motivational speakers Geoff Ramm and Nigel Risner.
Interwoven with Geoff and Nigel’s personal stories about a ‘perfect partnership’, taken from their own business experience, topics included how retailers and suppliers can set about creating outstanding customer service, with suggestions for the tools and techniques needed.
“Every opportunity we have to put a smile on someone’s face, we take it,” Geoff told attendees. “Everything we do with our businesses is centred around the perfect experience. So in the current situation, everything’s changed but nothing’s changed.”
He continued: “With over 66m people living in the UK, there are still birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions that people need to buy gifts for, regardless of lockdown, with companies continuing to sell products. Therefore if you think about it in the right way, businesses can still get traction.”
Eschewing e-newsletters as “too impersonal”, Geoff revealed his way of keeping in touch with his clients is to do something more personal. “I send postcards,” he revealed. “I choose an animal postcard and write a personal note on the back.People photograph them and post them on social media. So both retailers and suppliers could take a photo of new products and put them onto a postcard which could then be mailed out to customers. Personally, I re-invest in clients I already have a relationship with, those that know and trust me, as a way of keeping those relationships strong. The minute you reach out and show you care, particularly if you show people vulnerability, people will love you even more.”
Emphasising the importance of coverage on social media, Nigel suggested investing in a small effort that’s both “topical and of the moment.”
Concluding the webinar, Nigel and Geoff added: “We hope we’ve put a smile on your face and a couple of ideas in your pocket!”
Top: Geoff Ramm and Nigel Risner delivered a motivational performance at the GA’s virtual AGM this week.
