January 09, 2015

Let's Talk About Sex Siopa

For a nation that's famous for our gift of the gab, we are slow and more than a little uncomfortable talking about sex openly. And don't ask us to talk about sex toys or products! That may lead to 'wink wink, nudge nudge and sure what we would know about such things?'

What we do know is there is a demand for good quality and safe sex products (yes, even in little old Ireland!) and because the industry is largely unregulated and customers are unwilling to talk openly about their consumer needs, there is a real danger that customers will end up purchasing badly designed and poorly made products, all for want of a mature conversation.

Starting The Conversation

Sex Siopa, this week's feature on Kickstart Your Business, is just the company to get the conversation going. Founded by Shawna Scott, who on a visit back to home to her favourite sex shop in Seattle, was struck by how completely normal the shopping experience felt and was determined to bring a similar approach to sex shop retailing in Ireland. Sex Siopa stocks well designed toys and accessories as well as providing customers with current, up-to-date information about toy care, safe sex and the products themselves.

Get Ireland Talking

As with any product, it's important to get customers using, talking about and reviewing their purchases. That's a challenge in any industry but particualty in this one. With her well designed website and matter-of-fact and informative blog, Shawna is making it easy for customers to have mature and engaging discussions about their shopping experience.

Over To You

What other ways can Shawna keep the conversation going through her website? Listen back to the show on Kickstart Your Business and let us know what you think. 

We'd love to hear from you.

Kickstart Your Business is broadcast live on The Right Hook on Newstalk106 in Ireland every Thursday at 6.40pm and is available on Playback.
  
Meanwhile, for those of you Kickstarting your own business in 2015, why not check out our Raising A Brand Programme, a practical course (one afternoon a week) over six weeks during which Gerard teaches you all you need to know about researching, developing and building a brand that will make you the natural choice of customers.

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Gerard, thanks again for having me on the show. I found it very useful, and it was wonderful to get your feedback about the business.

I have a few things planned for Sex Siopa in 2015 including manufacturing and writing a book, but I'd love to hear any other suggestions people might have. In what directions could you see Sex Siopa going?

Zoe said...

I agree about Shawna and her matter of fact attitude about shopping for sex toys - I made my first purchase from her at the Tropical Popical event before Christmas, having heard about her through social media initially!

Rory Treanor said...

Great interview last night. Well done, guys!

Cathal said...

Brilliantly frank interview and Shawna came across as a real business woman who knows what her company is about. I can only see big things (pun intended) for this company!

Gerard Tannam said...

Hi Shawna, you must delighted with the great response to your interview and more importantly, your excellent business. All the very best for 2015!

Unknown said...

Hi Gerard, thanks for checking in. I am indeed. It's been a wonderful response so far. Hope your 2015 is going well too!