Sleep Geek social network for bedding RSAs tops 3,000 members

David Perry -- Furniture Today, October 30, 2012

A “Hide and Go Geek” contest is one of the fun opportunities on sleep-geek.com, which also focuses on learning, training and interaction among bedding RSAs

CARTHAGE, Mo. — Leggett & Platt says its online social network for bedding industry retail sales associates has grown to more than 3,000 members.

"We wanted to create a place where RSAs can interact, learn and just have fun," said Mark Quinn, segment vice president of marketing at Leggett & Platt. "One of the main reasons Sleep Geek (sleep-geek.com) has really taken off is because we listen to the community and respond.

"We learned from a survey that people wanted more professional development and that's why we created Geek University, an online training platform that is free to anyone in the industry. Since training can be expensive, Leggett & Platt wanted to create a bedding industry ‘university' that supplements local programs and gives retailers a way to engage their sales force beyond the initial training," Quinn said.

In addition to offering learning opportunities, Sleep Geek features a weekly blog, industry news, poll questions, quizzes and even opportunities to win money.

"Making it fun is a big part of our philosophy," said Quinn. "For instance, when we filmed the Get Hybrid video last spring, we hid four Sleep Geek items on the set and we made that into a sweepstakes where community members can win a $100 Amazon.com gift card. It's called Hide and Go Geek. Our content is sometimes irreverent and the tone is kind of wry and we like that. It makes the bedding industry more exciting."

That game runs from Oct. 29-Nov. 23.

Another new feature added to the online platform is a video series called "Sleep in 60 Seconds." In about one minute of viewing, sleep professionals can learn quick tips that will help them on the sales floor.

"Great content drives engagement," said Quinn. "Develop sharable assets, be consistent and listen to feedback - that's how you build a robust community."

At Furniture Today's 2012 Leadership Conference, set for Nov. 28-30 at the Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort in Naples, Fla., Quinn will be talking more about Sleep Geek, community building and how to produce engaging content.