Connect Magazine PACK & SEND Connect Magazine - 2013 | Page 8

As a result, says Gregory, industries are experiencing massive changes with many of their retail outlets such as music and book shops diminishing. To combat this situation, Gregory says we need to find new ways of engaging people. Today’s business needs to deliver above and beyond customers’ expectations. We need to focus on what our customers really value about us and what we’re really selling – the one thing we can provide that is unique and is above what the customer is expecting. Activities added an extra dose of fun to the weekend with events that paid dividends for lateral thinking, awarding gift vouchers to the team that was first to build the highest straw building. Major suppliers including DHL, Globelink and Peak Marketing added further excitement, presenting awards and prizes to top performers in the network. Also included in the day’s events was a ‘group scoop’ process, facilitated by the Franchise Relationship Institute’s Jason Travis, giving light to question and answer time. As day turned to evening, excitement levels rose as attendees donned their very best in anticipation of the highlight of the weekend – the Gala Awards Dinner – with Darren and Aarjaun Johnson from PACK & SEND Toowoomba and Sumner taking out the highly coveted title of ‘Franchisee of the Year’. After a sumptuous dinner and dessert, attendees let their hair down with a night filled with dancing. Sunday’s Master Classes gave attendees a further opportunity for learning, offering classes in marketing using Guerrilla marketing tactics and instruction on a highly effective way of approaching lucrative No Limits opportunities. 6 | Connect By the end of the weekend, strong new connections had been made, invigorating new ideas had been collected, and a view of the not too distant future was given. Coming in on the tail end of the weekend was an update on the year’s events by New Zealand Master franchisee, Matthew Everest. Chairman Barry Smorgon concluded the conference with enthusiasm for the brand’s extension into online self-service, pressing the need for continuous innovation. He also stated that although there is always teething problems during the initial stages of any new project, we must work collaboratively to ensure that the brand is successful for everyone’s benefit. By the end of the weekend, strong new connections had been made, invigorating new ideas had been collected, and a view of the not too distant future was given. Where PACK & SEND fits into this technologically savvy future was clearly presented – a brand being re-suited to live up to its motto of ‘Anything, Anywhere’ ... revitalising ourselves for a strong, long and healthy future!