The idea came about during our customer training sessions. During the first coffee break, the participating mail order and online retailers were already engaged in a lively exchange, discussing the latest trends in eCommerce or sharing their own personal business experiences. The first business cards were exchanged and further contacts made over lunch at the latest. In most cases, small, dynamic communities had already been formed after the first day of training, where you could see the desire to think outside the box and develop ideas together.
Opening up spaces and creating connections
For us, this was the starting signal to initiate JTL regulars’ tables throughout Germany. Every customer and prospective customer should have the opportunity to meet like-minded people locally. We didn’t want a marketing or sales event, but a platform for the real experts in online business: for you, who have to prove yourselves in eCommerce every day. The tower room in the Alter Bahnhof brewery in Düsseldorf-Oberkassel was already fully booked with 35 customers at the first JTL regulars’ table on October 28, 2014. Since then, we have had over 1,600 participants in 22 cities in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Initially, we attached great importance to an appealing ambience. But it soon became clear that a quiet room was much more important than outstanding gastronomy. During the introductory rounds, the dealer colleagues listen attentively to each other in order to discover interesting conversation partners for a closer exchange. Here and there, short guest lectures on various interesting topics get the discussion going. Our JTL service partners have also taken part in the meetings right from the start. They are, of course, happy to answer questions and make suggestions.
It's the mix that makes the difference: New sellers and professionals are welcome!
In the meantime, our customers or service partners have largely taken over the planning of the JTL regulars’ tables. What we are particularly pleased about is that even after the fourth or fifth event at one location, the response to our newsletter invitations remains high. Some people attend every meeting and say: “We take something away for our business every time.” And every time, new customers or interested parties also attend. The high number of participants and the mix of “old hands” and new sellers create an exciting atmosphere. Rarely does a regulars’ table end before midnight. And even then, there are still small groups standing in front of the pub with no end in sight. The topics are simply inexhaustible and everyone is already looking forward to the next meeting.
We at JTL cannot be present at every regulars’ table. Many customers regret this because they are looking to talk to us and would like presentations or first-hand information. Or to be able to address their wishes and problems directly to us. Please understand that we are unable to do this.
Discover the JTL regulars' table for yourself!
Every JTL regulars’ table is different and also has a regional character. All guests can play an active role in shaping the event. Each participant decides for themselves how much they want to get involved and what they want to take away from the regulars’ table. The overwhelmingly positive feedback and the continuing popularity definitely encourage us to continue this series. We are often informed about the next JTL regulars’ table the day after the event. A cycle of 3 months has proven to be ideal.
Log in to the next JTL regulars’ table in your area right away! For example, to our “home game” in Hürth on 13.04.2016. You can find further dates on our homepage at: www.jtl-software.de/Stammtische
We are also happy to receive your ideas for the organization or suggestions for topics. Perhaps you also have suggestions for new regulars’ tables to be set up? If possible, we will implement them and help with the planning, organization and publicity. Some customers now invite each other and show off their newly built warehouses or other achievements and solutions that help them. A remarkable perspective, isn’t it?
So stay in touch and stay active! Because it’s all about you. It’s about your business and your sustainable success in eCommerce. The next JTL regulars’ table could provide you with valuable inspiration and ideas!
