Weekly Newsletter - 1.15.2025

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CES 2025 RECAP  📅

Anna Peggram at CES 2025: Key Takeaways and Insights

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025, with over 4,500 exhibitors and 141,000 attendees, once again proved itself as the epicenter of tech innovation. This year, AI was the undisputed star of the show, permeating every major announcement and innovation. As someone deeply invested in sales enablement and productivity, I couldn't help but draw parallels between what I saw and Hive Perform's mission: empowering sales teams through cutting-edge technology. Here are my top takeaways from CES 2025:

L'Oréal's Beauty Genius: AI Meets Personalization

L'Oréal unveiled its Beauty Genius technology, which leverages AI to offer personalized beauty advice, skin diagnostics, and virtual product try-ons. What struck me was how seamlessly this technology could enhance customer engagement—a priority for any sales-driven organization. For companies like Hive Perform, the takeaway is clear: personalization powered by AI isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a necessity. This aligns with our vision of tailoring sales insights to each rep, enabling them to connect with prospects more effectively.

NVIDIA's Agentic AI: Redefining Sales Productivity

NVIDIA’s keynote focused on Agentic AI, a transformative leap that promises to delegate routine tasks to AI agents. Imagine a world where sales reps can focus solely on selling, while AI handles administrative burdens. At Hive Perform, we’re exploring how similar technologies can shift sales reps’ time away from non-sales activities, boosting productivity and driving revenue. NVIDIA’s blueprint for Agentic AI reaffirmed our commitment to redefining sales productivity through intelligent automation.

Accenture's People, Process, Technology, and Data Framework

Accenture’s keynote introduced an evolved framework: People, Process, Technology, and Data. Data, now a critical pillar, underpins modern business strategies. At Hive Perform, we’ve long recognized the power of data in driving sales success. Our platform extracts deal insights from call recordings and CRM systems, enabling accurate forecasting and better decision-making. Accenture’s emphasis on data reinforces the importance of our data-centric approach to sales enablement.

Conversations with Sales Leaders: The Demand for Simplicity and Speed

Throughout CES, I had insightful discussions with sales leaders who echoed a common theme: the need for clear, actionable data insights. They expressed frustration over the time spent on admin tasks, longing for tools that prioritize selling over reporting. This feedback directly aligns with Hive Perform’s mission to provide concise, actionable sales insights that enhance visibility into team performance. By reducing time spent on data entry and analysis, we empower sales reps to focus on what they do best—closing deals.

Hive Perform: Empowering Sales Teams with AI

At Hive Perform, we’re on a mission to transform sales enablement. Our solution streamlines workflows, leverages AI to deliver actionable insights, and reduces the administrative burden on sales reps. By equipping teams with the tools they need to succeed, we help drive better performance and achieve greater sales success.

In case you missed us at CES 2025, do press the button below to connect! 🙂 

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS 🌐

Unlocking Pop-Up Success by Boosting Retail Engagement with Innovative Experiences

Successful pop-ups in the beauty industry capitalize on immersive, entertainment-driven experiences to engage consumers and boost brand visibility and sales. Brands like Jo Malone London, Beauty Pie, and Glow For It effectively use pop-ups to connect with their audience by offering unique, memorable experiences that go beyond traditional retail. These activations are not simply about commerce; they serve to foster consumer loyalty, drive physical engagement, and provide brands without physical stores a tangible presence. The strategic choice of location and timing, usually linked to high footfall areas or significant seasonal events, plays a crucial role in the success of these pop-ups.

Another vital aspect of a successful pop-up is a powerful creative concept. Engaging designs that invite consumers to participate in exclusive events, sample products, or meet company representatives transform these temporary establishments into must-visit destinations. Partnerships with other brands or thematic elements, such as NYX Professional Makeup’s Barbie-themed experience, emphasize the importance of creativity in drawing consumer interest and creating buzz.

Recruiting & Retaining A Killer Sales Team - Live at PPAI Expo 2025

Nicole Rhooms, HR director at PPAI, moderated a panel on “Future Ready Sales: Recruiting and Retaining a Killer Sales Team.” The panel discussion unpacked the secrets to recruiting top sales talent, building a high-performing team and retaining the best in the business.

Key strategies included fostering a strong employee value proposition, leveraging referral programs, and creating a culture of transparency and collaboration across sales teams. Panelists emphasized hiring slow, firing fast, balancing inside and outside sales roles, and effectively managing multi-line key accounts. To prevent burnout, companies highlighted strategies such as Summer Fridays, sabbaticals, and maintaining clear work-life boundaries. The session also covered inclusive hiring practices, emphasizing diverse recruitment channels and team interviews. The discussion wrapped up with insights on commission-only structures, providing value to sales reps, and leveraging internal support systems to drive sales success.

INDUSTRY NEWS 📰

Ulta Beauty’s New CEO Faces Challenges and Opportunities in 2025 Reboot

Under new CEO Kecia Steelman, Ulta Beauty aims to strengthen its position by enhancing operational efficiency, revamping its customer experience, and fostering innovation. Focus areas include digital transformation, store-level profitability, and loyalty programs, ensuring Ulta remains competitive amidst market challenges and shifts in consumer behavior.

Lake & Skye's Strategic Growth Under Tru Fragrance Acquisition

Tru Fragrance & Beauty has acquired Lake & Skye, aiming to expand its growth in the US market. The partnership seeks to enhance Lake & Skye's footprint with retailers like Ulta and Nordstrom. Founder Courtney Somer focuses on creativity, while Roxann Blasz assumes the role of brand president.

Unilever Ventures Boosts RAS Skincare with $5 Million Funding Round

Unilever Ventures, leading a $5 million funding round, invested in RAS Luxury Skincare, aiming to enhance its retail presence and global reach. Co-founders commit to building a sustainable, innovative brand. This investment illustrates Unilever's ongoing support for emerging beauty brands worldwide

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