Burlingame, CA (PRWEB) September 09, 2014
Ruby Ribbon announced today the launch of its CONNECT mobile learning platform. The platform is a training and development application designed for use by the company’s sales force of Independent self-employed Stylists who sell Ruby Ribbon clothing at pop-up retail events in locations including homes, spas and offices. Ruby Ribbon is one of the first social selling companies to make learning available via mobile devices and to “gamify” learning by allowing Stylists to earn badges and chart their progress.
In-depth Stylist training and development has fueled the company’s rapid growth; from a start in August 2012, there are now Stylists in 48 states, adding thousands of new customers every month. Stylists provide high-touch service including personalized fittings, and often have teams with dozens of members. The company provides training on the styling and fitting of its apparel products, as well as courses on time management, running a productive pop-up event, and effective sales techniques.
“Using game mechanics is perfect for direct selling because the achievement of rewards and recognition have real value in this channel, and socially broadcasting accomplishments to peers leads to higher levels of engagement and increased retention,” said Betty Palm, former President of Dove Chocolate Discoveries – a social commerce division of Mars Chocolate, who is also an Advisor to the company. “As a young company in the social selling space, Ruby Ribbon is establishing itself as an innovative leader with tools like CONNECT that have high appeal for today's new breed of direct sellers.”
Up until now, Ruby Ribbon’s training materials had been available only online. With CONNECT, a Stylist will be able to access the library from her tablet, Android or iOS smartphone. In addition to making content available in this format, the company has modified and added curriculum so that Stylists can access it as time allows – for instance, in the few minutes available between appointments. The investment in this new technology was strategic as 95% of Ruby Ribbon Stylists have a smartphones, 65% have tablets, and most of these Stylists seek flexibility in consuming the content while on-the-go.
“Our Stylists are active entrepreneurs with busy lives. Giving them great training tools in a way that is fun and fits their lifestyles is core to our mission and company values,” said company Founder and CEO, Anna Zornosa. “With CONNECT, we are using mobile technology and gamification to engage our base in an interactive way, while recognizing her when she accomplishes key tasks that help build her business.”
CONNECT was in alpha testing throughout the summer. In July, the company released its beta version to approximately 20% of its sales force. Beta testing proved successful as 80% of the beta testers performed the majority of the initial tasks.
Upon registering for CONNECT, Stylists receive a starting list of tasks to complete, such as setting up their profiles, listening to a welcome message, taking a survey and signing up for an upcoming companywide training call. After completing each item, they receive reward points and badges, based on the activity completed. Once tasks are fulfilled, CONNECT assigns another set of “to dos,” for Stylists to earn more points. There is an overall “Leader Board” that tracks the highest scoring Stylists, generating friendly competition amongst the group to get the most points.
About Ruby Ribbon
Ruby Ribbon is a new social commerce company that sells fashionable clothing with a modern fit. It is supported by a nationwide network of independent personal Stylists. The collection includes fashion layers, shapewear, and Shaping Essentials constructed with its unique Intomi by Ruby Ribbon® technology. The company has created the category of Shaping Essentials – classic wardrobe staples such as t-shirts, leggings and skirts - that have shapewear built right in. Its shaping Cami won the “Great Values Award” by Woman’s Day readers. All Ruby Ribbon products are sold exclusively through in-home or in-office “pop up” events. Stylists use the latest in social media and technology to build their businesses and increase their sales footprint while drawing inspiration from Ruby Ribbon's core beliefs: entrepreneurship, friendship and camaraderie. Ruby Ribbon has raised $11.7m in financing from Trinity Ventures and Mohr Davidow Ventures. Founded in 2011, Ruby Ribbon is based in Burlingame, CA. The company has been featured in national and regional press, such as SELF, Wall Street Journal, Women’s Wear Daily, Woman’s Day, Silicon Valley Business Journal, and Crain’s New York
Learn more about Ruby Ribbon
http://www.rubyribbon.com/join