I’ve just sent an e-mail off to my friend and fellow PI World blogger, Margie Dana, to ask her if any of her buyers (she runs a print buyer’s group out of Boston) offer "open hours" to their vendors. There was a time when this was offered, though not a widespread practice. Does anyone besides me remember back that far?
The idea was that each print buyer left a two-hour hole in his/her schedule each week (Or maybe it was every other week. I forget.) so that new vendors could make an appointment and get a 15-20 minute audience to show off their wares. What I liked and respected about this concept was that it showed that the company was still looking for ideas and kept it’s ears and eyes open, constantly challenging the status quo and seeing the process of meeting with new vendors as a way to not only stay on the leading edge, but also keeping its existing vendors on their toes.
In the time it’s taken me to get this far writing the blog, Margie just e-mailed me back and said the practice was rare but she was going to put the question out there. I will post whatever info she passes along.
This idea lives in my perfect world (the one that has me dating the woman of my dreams and chilling with Tom Brady and Gisele). It is a standard feature for all companies that demand the best.
Sadly, my world is not perfect (Neither Tom nor Gisele answer my calls though I stay persistent. “Stalker” has such a negative connotation to it.) and companies do not have suggestion boxes for this kind of thing. What a great idea, though. Maybe if Margie puts it out there, it will make a comeback.
I can dream, can’t I?
- Categories:
- Business Management - Marketing/Sales
Bill Farquharson is a respected industry expert and highly sought after speaker known for his energetic and entertaining presentations. Bill engages his audiences with wit and wisdom earned as a 40-year print sales veteran while teaching new ideas for solving classic sales challenges. Email him at bill@salesvault.pro or call (781) 934-7036. Bill’s two books, The 25 Best Print Sales Tips Ever and Who’s Making Money at Digital/Inkjet Printing…and How? as well as information on his new subscription-based website, The Sales Vault, are available at salesvault.pro.