Onboarding Process
Launching a Store is an empowering experience – but let’s not get ahead of ourselves! Part of what makes this process so successful and exciting is working with our incredibly knowledgeable Onboarding Team. Today, we’re having a conversation with our Onboarding Specialists, Sheri and Julie. These two are experts at not only setting you up with the perfect store for your end user clients, but also walking you through how to use it most effectively.
What Is Your Favorite Part About Onboarding?
Julie: My favorite part is getting to teach people how to use the stores! Working with people and getting to know them over a period of time is so rewarding. I like being able to understand what they’re looking for and helping them implement it so we can get the store built. It’s fun when their store has been completed and it’s exactly what they want.
Sheri: My favorite part is the actual launch itself. It’s really rewarding to work with people one-on-one and get through the entire process. It feels so successful and exciting when they finally do launch their store. It’s truly just so fun to see. There’s a great energy around launching a store and getting all those questions and concerns that may come with it resolved.
What Do You Need From Distributors To Begin the Onboarding Process?
Julie: We need an agreement from the Sales Team! We will then send an initial email to set up a call or meeting to get started with the Store Building process. We determine if distributors want to do a product add and also send them the forms for Design if they have a Turnkey Store. If they’re doing a DIY Store, we make sure to ask what features they need and decide what is the most important to have in their stores. They will only be billed for the extra features they choose. Then we add products and work with the Design Team to finish your store!
Sheri: It is great when Distributors come with a general understanding of the purpose of a store and what features they’ll be using. We also need the Store building form with relevant information about shipping, taxes, store name, and any other general information to determine how the store should be set up.
What Can Distributors Expect?
Julie: Distributors can expect a high level run through of most features in the administrative area. Based on store level they choose and the features that are important to them, we definitely like to circle back and get more into specifics. Getting comfortable maneuvering around and testing out things on their own is a great exercise they can do anytime.
Sheri: Sometimes I think distributors are what a robust system we have. We try, but sometimes we can’t cover everything in time allotted for training, but we don’t always need to. Some features won’t be relevant to your store. We are careful to make sure we understand the requirements of the store because we want to dive into those features a little more without wasting time on information that won’t be useful to you. And giving them extra time to ask any questions they might have about BrightStores and our platforms in general. Don’t worry about interrupting the training, please jump in any time and make it a conversation. Be curious!
How Can You Ensure A Store Is As Successful As Possible?
Julie: Diving into the features they really need, and paying attention to the Store Building form they have filled out! Knowing what they need to focus on is so important to make sure the distributor is successful. Going over features they’re using to ensure they have comprehended the information and can do it on their own is a huge advantage. Training is fairly high level and we like to leave enough time at the end to make sure distributors can ask all of the questions they need to in order to feel prepared.
Sheri: Again, I always want the distributors to know that we are here to help through the entire store building process up until launch. They will have a dedicated person available to help and answer any questions. We are experts in this software system, and you’re not getting a random data entry person. We know you, and your store, and want it to be a success. Our team is full of experts and even if we can’t help, we can definitely connect you to the right people who can. I also want them to understand that we are not managers of the store, and in order to be successful you must have an in-depth understanding of how it works. We want them to be independent. So we are ensuring success by doing everything they want and need for their store, answering questions, and providing additional resources such as the Support Team and knowledge based articles.
Do You Have Any Tips Or Tricks For Onboarding?
Julie: We want you to feel empowered through independence and managing your own stores. We are here to teach you all about the software and train you so that you’re set up to be self-sufficient and can even build your own stores in the future! I just want to reiterate how beneficial it is for everyone to be listening, involved, and engaged. Taking the time to learn and actually experiment with the system for yourself is helpful. Take notes and ask questions. Wanting to learn is key.
Sheri: It really is about being engaged. Distributors who are fully engaged in the process and who genuinely want to understand their stores, are more likely to manage stores that are more filled out, balanced, and beautiful than the ones where we are expected to do everything. Stores will be more successful if the distributor is invested in them as well. Ask questions and tell us about yourself and what you need. Building a relationship while building your stores is important since we will be working together so much.
What Is Important To Take Away From The Onboarding Session?
Julie: When ending an Onboarding session, it is critical for me that they know how to utilize the resources such as knowledge based articles or how they can reach out to support. Beyond training they still have a lot of resources.
Sheri: You will have support from us in Store Building all the way until the launch! We want to help you and make sure you really understand your store. And there are a lot of resources you can access outside of our Onboarding and Support Teams.
Any Last Thoughts?
Julie: We are so excited to work on your stores! Like Sheri said, actually launching the store is really fun and rewarding for us, so we love to be there for that part and help you with any last minute details or answer any questions.
Sheri: Definitely. We look forward to the Store Building process and really getting to know everyone we work with. And the launch is so fun. Knowing that you’ll be in good hands with our Support Team after you’ve launched makes us feel confident that you’ll have all the tools you need for a successful store. So if you have any problems or questions in the future, you can always access our Support Team. And getting assistance from our Support Team has no extra fees involved, it’s totally free!
Sheri and Julie are tirelessly focused on setting up your end user client stores for success and can’t wait to work with you! They have been working so hard and streamlining the entire Onboarding process here at BrightStores, and we want you to experience how great it is for yourself.
Contact us today to learn more!