Labface b2b Networking
Introduction
When buyers and suppliers register, they will access their own management suite area. From here they can select categories and exhibitions from a set list and this will form the structure of the simple b2b networking facility on Labface.
How It Works
For example, when buyers have selected product categories and exhibitions, they can see which suppliers they are matched with - we call these the 'matched' lists. So, if a supplier and buyer ticks a box to say they sell or possibly buy HPLC systems, then it is possible for the buyer and supplier to communicate at some stage. Of course, buyers can find supplier profile pages and view videos and PDF files from those suppliers to find out more about them.
Adding Suppliers
If buyers like what they see and they think there is a chance to do business then they can add that supplier to their 'product stars' list. The 'product stars' list means that buyers have chosen that company as a potential supplier for products they may purchase or find interesting in the future. A link to 'make a star' will also be shown from the suppliers profile and company article pages for buyers to click on. This link will only be present if there are 'matches' and this means that suppliers AND buyers have picked the same product categories.
And then...
Another part of the b2b networking system is the event and exhibitions section. Again suppliers and buyers can select the events and exhibitions they are interested in from a set list and then communicate with and possibly meet each other. This way buyers can use Lab face to arrange meetings with those suppliers who have been identified in their 'matched events' list and possibly add them to their 'event stars' list. They will be given a number of opportunities to 'make a star' of that supplier if they feel that their products or services could be of use to their company. If so, they can communicate with the suppliers and possibly meet them at that event. Remember, the buyers are always in control with the b2b networking functionality and their contact details will never be given to a supplier unless they contact the supplier first and open up other lines of communication.
Supplier deal
The suppliers do not get the same communication privileges as buyers because we don't want to open up excessive and one-sided communications from suppliers. However, the supplier will have the opportunity to send each 'matched' buyer one message a month even though they can not see who the suppliers are until the supplier adds them to their 'star' list. The message sent from the supplier to the buyer could say....
" You have chosen to add our company as a match and we wanted to introduce our new product to you. " Or, if it is in their 'event match' list it could say... " We understand that you are attending the ??? exhibition in August and we'd like to invite you onto our stand for a demonstration and a coffee. "
Buyers can view their messages via the management suite area and choose which suppliers (if any) they would like to contact after they have made them 'stars.'
Conclusion
Remember, this functionality will only work if both the buyer and supplier have selected the same product category or exhibition from the set list in their respective management suite areas and buyers have then added them to their 'star' list for events and/or products. Buyers will NEVER be spammed by suppliers at any time!
A full video of this b2b networking system is shown here.