OIA Outdoor University: Listen to ‘Growing Outdoor Participation…and Your Customer Base’
The SNEWS Retail College invites our readers to listen to a most valuable webinar class on "Growing Outdoor Participation...and Your Customer Base," organized by the OIA Outdoor University, and free to all SNEWS subscribers. Links to access a PDF of the presentation are provided.
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Mark McKinght, e-commerce and marketing director for specialty outdoor retailer Rock/Creek, hosted a webinar classroom, “Growing Outdoor Participation…and Your Customer Base,” on May 12, 2010, at 2 p.m. MST. The Outdoor University is an affiliate of the SNEWS® Retail College, and as such, this classroom remains open to all OIA members and SNEWS subscribers for free — access links to download the presentation PDF and view the webinar below.
Specialty outdoor retailers have a unique ability, and motivation, to grow outdoor participation. Engaging with your community through events and social outreach initiatives will grow your user base as well as your bottom line.
To that end, during the webinar, McKnight will discuss:
- How to engage with your customers on their terms, through live chat, social media, video, events and traditional customer service.
- How to compete, not necessarily with the big box down the street, but with other priorities competing for your customers’ time, attention and wallet.
- How to build lasting relationships with all levels of outdoor enthusiasts, from aspirational to expert.
If you are not an OIA member, you can listen to the webinar without having to pony up $99. As a SNEWS subscriber, you are able to participate in any Outdoor University program for free. You can view the recorded Webinar at your convenience and download a PDF of Mark’s presentation.
Want all your staff to be able to participate in the Outdoor University / SNEWS® Retail College webinar series? Just have them register for SNEWS and they are automatically enrolled in the SNEWS Retail College — registration is free! Simply share the following URL with all your friends and store employees: https://www.outsidebusinessjournal.com/SNEWSFreebie/OURetailCollege.html
Upcoming 2010 Outdoor University / SNEWS® Retail College webinar classes (all begin at 2 p.m. MST):
June 9 – Branching Out Without Losing Your Roots
Guest Instructor: Jennifer Mull, CEO, Backwoods
July 14 – Converting to a New POS System
Guest Instructor: Lisa Hollenbeck, VP and merchandise manager, The Alpine Shop
August 18 – The Evolving Role of the Independent Rep
Guest Instructor: Brad Werntz, Pemba Serves
September 8 –The Art of Feng Shui in Specialty Retail
Guest Instructor: Beth Cochran, owner and founder, What’s UP PR
October 13 — Marketing Your Locally Owned Business
Guest Instructor: Rod Johnson, president, Midwest Mountaineering
November 10 – How to Form a Key Vendor Marketing Alliance
Guest Instructor: John Mead, president, Adventure 16
December 8 – Working With, Not Against Big Boxes
Guest Instructor: Darren Bush, owner, Rutabaga Paddle Sports
