Retail IT technology will be the force that drives new business in the coming years. The distance between the consumer and the product is constantly shrinking, thanks to innovations such as algorithmic fulfillment and window shopping through augmented reality.
Along with those conferences on how to sell, retailers may also benefit from a few primers on the tech that will make or break their consumer relationships in the future. Here are just a few of the ways that retail IT service providers can educate retailers on new technologies.
Show and Prove
The best way to tell someone about new technology is simply to show them. Service providers may have inroads through short presentations using one of the many business video calling services available online. Even if prospects cannot download a beta, you can still demonstrate the new tech on an in-house setup.
The advantage to you is the ability to demo new tech at a relatively low cost and scale the meetings as well. You can expand your audiences far beyond the physical reach as long as you can properly cultivate the business relationship in the digital realm.
The Conference
Although there is something to be said for remote demonstrations, face-to-face meetings work wonders for retention. You may want to consider cultivating a conference around a technology that is especially poignant. Not only does this give selected participants the chance to ask any and all questions, but it also helps solidify the relationship between you and your most important retail customers.
You may be able to procure presales for an upcoming technology or simply gather information about the interest level in a new tech. In many cases, this is a great way to decide whether to move forward on a shaky initiative.
Leading by Teaching
Companies that are looking for new tech are not searching because of the technology itself. They are searching in order to solve a problem. They are trying to answer questions like, "How can I get my new products to my customers faster?" or "Is there a better way to segment my core audience and market upsells to them?"
In order to get businesses interested in a new technology or process, you may benefit from first teaching retailers about the problems they need to solve. The new tech fits snugly into the picture as the final solution for the problem. Companies will be able to see clearly what process gets improved, and they will have an easier time justifying the upgrade. Companies that prefer managed services and a more hands-off approach to technology may be the ones to target here.
Getting Excited About Technology
As an alternative to the strategy immediately above, you may also experience some success from educating retailers about the technology itself. Getting retailers excited about the power that innovation brings to the marketplace may entice companies who build their brands by being on the cutting edge.
It’s also possible that your retailers may envision solutions that you did not for a new piece of technology. Take note of the companies that maintain an in-house IT staff. These are the people to target with this kind of strategy, and they will be more than happy to expand their professional wings.
Learning the new tech should be a priority on the list of every retailer. The companies that will succeed in the next few years will be at the forefront of these new innovations, producing a more convenient and intuitive experience for customers.
