"Appearing in the media"
I feel like I've been given a great reward by being able to appear on "The World is Full of Things I Want."
When you think about it, we're a newbie that's only been in business for four years, and even though we couldn't accompany you on the interview due to the impact of COVID-19, we were able to appear on a hugely popular nationally broadcast program, so it's quite an achievement!
This might be Layout's chance to achieve its goal of "changing the industry"!
On the other hand, there was a constant sense of anxiety swirling within me and my buyer, Hirai.
The big risk behind the opportunity
The question is whether Layout's ideas can be conveyed through the program.
Entertainment tends to be drawn to flashy episodes and visuals, and even if they are overly exaggerated, viewers will take them to be facts.
In this situation, won't Layout also be caught up in this trend?
Will Layout be able to maintain its core value of conveying information simply and clearly?
Previously, when Matsuko came wandering around, she declared that she would "change the industry," but won't she be absorbed into that industry? Or will she be seen as the same?
Won't it disappoint people who have appreciated it up until now and make them think, "Oh, is this what the Layout industry is like?"
I was extremely worried.
To be honest, rather than thinking about the opportunity, I was more concerned about the dangers and risks that lay behind it, and how to eliminate them. I think Hirai was probably quite nervous as well.
I tried various measures in my own way, but I can't say that they were particularly successful.
I realized how difficult it is to get media coverage.
Get them to buy it, get them to know it
Layout's basic concept is to "let people know about rugs."
To that end, I think every day about how to convey its appeal.
Layout's style is to "let customers know about the appeal and then leave it up to them to decide what comes next."
However, until now, the carpet industry has had to think of various ways to get people to buy their products.
Although these look similar, they are actually very different.
I won't go into specifics, but I can say this with certainty because I've seen it in reality.
"What you do to get people to buy" is different from "what you do to get people to know about you."
Well, Layout is saying such naive things, but they are stubbornly determined to make it happen somehow.
That's why, as I've said many times, I was really worried about whether I could maintain the trust I had built up with everyone who found Layout appealing (laughs).
Concerns about a decline in service
I think this is something that could happen anywhere.
It may sound strange for me to say this, but our current staff are really nice people.
They continue to provide a meticulous, high-quality service (they don't try to sell anything, after all (lol)). I'm moved every day seeing how beloved these staff are by customers, but will appearing in the media help Layout continue to provide the ideal service?
I think this is making all the staff feel uneasy.
But it's by overcoming these kinds of challenges that we can hone our brand and ourselves. I'm sure our staff will overcome them with a smile.
Great experience
The most valuable thing I gained from appearing on this program was seeing the professional work on set.
Even taking a single photo of the rug takes an incredible amount of time!
I wonder how it must feel for the people on set to have footage that took so long to shoot cut out during editing...
And studio recording.
The tension was incredible... Being able to experience the overwhelming determination and sense of solidarity to create something great was an emotional experience for someone like me who has lived a carefree and carefree life.
A wonderful encounter
I am extremely grateful to the two directors who helped me so much with this performance.
I'm impressed by the courageous decision to have such an immature Layout appear on the show.
Thanks to these two charming people, I was able to hang in there.
I was reminded that it all comes down to people.
One last time
At Layout, we bring you the joy and happiness that can be found in using rugs.
I think it's a little wrong to convey the one-sided values of sellers and makers, such as saying that something is good because it's traditional culture.
I think it's more natural for people who have acquired something that gives them comfort in their daily lives to become deeply interested in rugs and come into contact with Iranian traditions and culture.
Future Layout
We have received many inquiries since the broadcast (as of the 22nd).
The company was originally scheduled to go on a company trip to Okinawa from the 19th (a bold move to take a break after the broadcast), but it was canceled due to concerns about COVID-19, so it seems they've been able to cope properly. (Everyone is amazing.)
Layout is always busy, with a move scheduled for October, but we want to grow even more and have our buyer Hirai, who says "rugs are my calling," featured on Jonetsu Tairiku! This is an ambition we've had since the company was founded, and we'll definitely do it!