Job interview FMCG

[what_no_pies]

Got a second interview next week and need to do a presentation and role play.

The part of the business I would be leading is selling soft furnishings (bean bags) to schools primarily. The products are usually themed (animals/woodland/farmyard theme for outdoor learning etc) and claim to be interactive and enhance the learning environment - this claim is backed up by lots of research. The company wants to explore new sales channels in the UK and abroad (so getting into department stores and suchlike) and asks me to do a presentation on how I would aim to make a commercial success of this. I was thinking outdoor centres/museums etc could be interesting Ave yes to explore too.

I've sold many different things but never fast moving consumer goods and never into the type of places I'll be targeting for this role.

The board tends to be full of insight on all topics so I'm after any input on this.

Really fed up after 2.5 great years at my current place then a very tedious last 6 months.

[Milltown1882]

Can't really help in terms of market knowledge but I'm in a similar boat at the moment and using the below format for the presentation, not sure if something similar would help:

Target Market

* How would build the successful area and scale out. How going to identify and develop opportunities and build the network and expand offering.

Projects and Milestones

* 30/60/90 day plan to go after target market and how to prioritise the approach. Linking in with what would expect to achieve in the first 90 days then after 6 months etc

Revenue Targets

* Revenue targets for first 6 months then how would expand to develop further

Track Record

* Current and past performance, how achieved
* Specific target market currently and how that could be linked

Just a few ideas for the format not sure if it helps at all.

[Sidney1st]

Get some market research done is the first goal.

Is anyone else selling similar?
What sizes are available?
What are the safety requirements for schools/pre-schools and do they meet them?
Dependent on what your RRP is, have you considered places like Home Bargains or B&M as potential customers?
Also in regards to markets have you looked at online outlets like eBay/Amazon stores who sell similar and may be interested in being a seller for you?
Consider indoor soft play areas, they might be interested in that sort of thing too.
Libraries might be an option for their kids areas.

If you have various sizes, Motorway service stations sell alsorts of stuff and could be worth considering.

If you've got kids ask them for their opinion on them and/or your mates kids.

[beddie]

Besides outdoor centres add chreche's to the list. You could do with trying to crack the Hospital market, the majority have areas for children to play/ recover, physio's etc. I would even think about whether the company would set you up with a professional stall, like a small marquee at some of these prestige shows, Yorkshire show in Harrogate etc. Perhaps the company would allow free samples that you can leave with some of these Hospitals etc, it's a way then to follow it up in the hope of cracking a big order. You also need to think about advertising, if you could run something past a National that they would print, it could unlock the door. It's even worth writing to the head of buying in the top stores, if one of them likes your products they will want to stop their competitors from purchasing the same thing. Good luck I hope you get the job.

[IanMcL]

Early Year's seems to be your hot area. Perhaps with an incentive for parents to buy via their nursery, if their child loves the product. Nursery gain commission, so likely to push sales for you.

Also, covers to suit each centre... logo embroidered perhaps.

[Sidney1st]

I did a number of the country shows last year and with the right product it can be very benefical.

However if it isn't a hit it's also a very long and tedious day, but usually plenty of women to look at.

[CombatClaret]

PlushCoin
A decentralized blockchain platform backed by and for the distribution of animal themed bean bags.

Contact me to discuss my commission. Attached my advanced technical analysis.

[cricketfieldclarets]

KYC...

[RogerBest]

As a teacher most of the times I have ordered something for school it has been through an education catalogue. I suggest getting your products into the catalogues would help you sell a lot.

[Funkydrummer]

The bigger garden centres, The B and Q's of this world together with organisations
such as The National Trust (particularly animal/plant based products), English Heritage,
RSPB, RSPCA etc could prove to be good points of contact.

Good luck with it.

[what_no_pies]

Thanks everyone, some really good replies so far.

The products are already in the various school catalogues so fairly well established in that regard. Really think the key will be demonstrating I'm capable of taking it to a wider market.

Events/shows to promote at are definitely a consideration and I'll probably identify a few and include them in the 30/60/90 day plan (which I had intended to use as a time line anyway).

Anyone aware of any innovation in education events or similar? The kind of shows mentioned so far seem less specialist. Interested to know how/where teachers/heads meet at that could be opportunities to present this.