By Tina Morris, Managing Director,
AddingValue Events
Passion, like laughter and Gary Barlow’s melodies, is contagious. I was given a great example of this scientific fact recently when the AddingValue events team worked with Peugeot on the launch of the new RCZ model to the dealer network. Everybody involved in the launch demonstrated truckloads of enthusiasm which was transferred to AddingValue events team. We were thrilled to be part of a project generating so much energy and commitment.
Mind you, the sleek sexy nature of the product was a help. The bold new design, a funky rear screen and low-slung style has garnered praise in the press. The Sun said it was the ‘sexiest Peugeot for years - but it has character too’; the Telegraph called it ‘gorgeous’; and Top Gear magazine said: ‘ (It)... may just be 308 in a dress, but it's an immensely sexy dress that men like us would quite like to wear’! No wonder all the management team at Peugeot are driving this car, and that all employees want to drive one. I’ve have worked with Peugeot since 1985 and not since the 205GTI have I seen such excitement.
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Right now, AddingValue is running a five-and-a-half week customer service training programme for Peugeot and Citroen, three-and-a-half weeks of which are up at the company’s offices at Pinley House, in Coventry. We are spending a lot of time there and it is evident that everyone is really upbeat about the RCZ.
Now, you might say ‘So what? Isn’t every company bullish about its own brands?’ and I’d have to answer ‘Not always.’ It makes a real refreshing difference when a client is clearly exhilarated by its products and it has rubbed off on us – everyone at AddingValue loves the RCZ too.
The dealer launch took place at the Battersea Evolution in London in January (yes, we defied the horrendous weather!) during Peugeot’s National Business Meeting and it was immediately clear that it was going to be a winner. Don’t just take my word for it – have look at the Facebook
site, which is great example of using social media to promote your brand (more of which anon) and also take a look at this video coverage.
I could go on but, by now, I think you’ve got the message – at the risk of sounding like an Agony Aunt, I’ll sum up by saying that if you are genuinely excited by what you are doing, chances are you partners will be too...