By John Hennessy
Office Depot's "Web Café" is an innovative marketing program that identifies and satisfies an unmet customer need. The program consists of online seminars available to anyone, not just members of its Advantage loyalty program.
According to Jennifer Bossinger, content manager for e-commerce at Office Depot, "We wanted to reach out to our customers who are small/home office professionals and provide them with a unique service that they could really benefit from. We recognize that most small/home office professionals probably don't have time to step away from the workplaces in order to attend a business seminar. This seemed like a wonderful way to leverage the flexibility of the web in a way that can really benefit our core customer."
Held every Tuesday on of alternating months, Web Café seminars are hosted by subject matter experts and cover topics such as Improving Productivity, Effective Marketing and Financial Management. Presenters and topics come from several sources. Often a prior presenter will recommend someone. Office Depot also constantly solicits feedback from its customers on the program.
"We like for it to be really be helpful to our customers," says Ms. Bossinger.
Participation in the program has doubled since it was launched in 2002, with a good balance of new and returning participants. Some attend several seminars, others pick and choose topics of interest to them and their current business situation. According to Ms. Bossinger, "If they cannot attend a live event, we also offer replays in our archives, which are available for viewing at their convenience."
This program helps Office Depot differentiate itself in the highly commoditized office products marketplace. Office Depot elevates itself from supplier to business partner through helpful content, provided in a convenient format.
Moderator's Comment: What can other retailers offer shoppers that go beyond discounts?
Online webinars aren't just for the office any more. Broadband Internet access has hit home in a big way with more than half of Internet users accessing via broadband; just not the doubling in participation for Office Depot's Web Café seminars.
While some may dismiss the idea of delivering educational online content because their customers aren't businesses but individuals, a lot of those individuals could participate in and benefit from such a program.
If you're a supermarket, using in-store chefs aren't new. They generate a lot of excitement but can also impede shopping on a busy Saturday and can only reach people who are there when they're there. And after a while, no matter how good the recipes, emails don't have the WOW of a well-produced online presentation.
How about partnering with one of the emerging cook-at-home chefs for an online seminar. The chefs can share a few cooking secrets or techniques for preparing a favorite dish and hopefully generate some business. The supermarket reaps new sales from those wishing to try out their newly acquired cooking skills. Shoppers gain professional insight for free and a closer bond with the host supermarket. The success of the Food Network seems to indicate that this option in worth pursuing.
A department store could partner with a financial planner to offer seminars that help newlyweds prepare as they move into a new lifestage. It could be offered as an additional service to those who use the store's Bridal Registry.
A car dealer could partner with AAA to educate customers about scenic driving vacations. Perhaps even getting a fuel center to help underwrite production costs.
There are lots of combinations that can benefit customers, other partners and your business. And none involve a sale price. - John Hennessy - Moderator