Omegas

Omegas: Connecting with Female Consumers

Hey, Customers! We're listening.  

Omegas are so much more than focus groups, these groups of female consumers are valuable consultants for Best Buy. They sign up to work with us over a 90-day period to provide feedback and recommendations on Best Buy's products and services. They are asked to provide an honest assessment of where we're at and what we could be doing to better serve the needs of all of Best Buy's customers. And they present their ideas in front of Best Buy leaders from corporate and the field. As an Omega, you never know who might be in the room when you're presenting your ideas as Best Buy's CEO Brian Dunn has been known to stop by!

The Omega Program has been a part of WOLF from the very beginning, as we understood the importance of having the consumers' voice in the room as decisions were being made. Omega Chapters have been held in over 20 markets across the country and in London. Over 1,500 women have participated in the Omega Program, and over 500 ideas have been submitted to Best Buy.

After the initial 90-day program, Omega Alumnae are invited to stay connected to the work in many different ways. They're invited to stay connected with us on our website and through our social media channels. They also receive invitations to participate in special one-off projects, like touring a mock-up room and providing immediate feedback to one of our business teams at Best Buy's corporate office.

Omega Alumnae can also continue to engage with Best Buy through the Online Omega Program where they get to test and blog about Best Buy products and services and, again, provide feedback to the business teams. Yes, it's like being a product tester for Best Buy! Fun!! The Online Omegas have worked with our new business team to test electric bikes, our health and fitness team to test various products, and with Geek Squad to test their online service. We're excited to continue to offer these opportunities to alumnae of the program throughout the year.

In 2011 (FY12), we will be launching new Omega Chapters several markets and online. If you, or someone you know, is interested in becoming an Omega, please email WOLFOmegas@bestbuy.com. We do, however, rely heavily on our personal and professional network of employees and Omega Alumnae to refer ladies in their networks who would be interested in the project.

FAQ for Omegas

Can I become an Omega?

Yes! If you are a woman, over the age of 21, who wants to help make Best Buy a great place for women to shop you are eligible to join an Omega Chapter.

Who are your typical Omegas?

We don't really have a 'typical' Omega. Our group of amazing women are wonderfully diverse! We have CEOs and executives, grandmothers and stay-at-home moms. We're just looking for a woman with passion for the project!

What if there's not an Omega Chapter in my city? Can I still get involved in WOLF?

Unfortunately we can't be everywhere at the same time. If we're not launching a chapter in your city or market this year, there are still ways to connect with the work. Join the WOLF @ Best Buy Facebook Page, sign up to receive Friends & Family Offers, and start participating on the WOLF Blog. We'd like to get to know you, so that when we do have opportunities in your area, we know to reach out to you!

What's in it for the Omegas?

Women sign up to be a part of the Omega program for many reasons. They are compensated for their time, but that seems to be far down on the list as to why they sign up. Some Omegas want to build their professional network and view this as an opportunity to meet fellow executives while others see it as an opportunity to strenghten public speaking skills. Lasting friendships are often formed as women participate in Omega Chapters.

What's in it for Best Buy?

The authentic relationships, built between thousands of female consumers and our employees, is what's in it for Best Buy. These newly acquired relationships give us hope that in a unique way, a new consumer is willing to innovate to help build a Best Buy with her in mind. We know that listening to female consumers is good for Best Buy's bottom line and the women who shop with us.

Can I be an Online Omega without doing an in-person chapter first?

The Online Omega program is for alumnae of the program. We do this because being an Omega is more than just providing feedback to Best Buy, it is about joining the WOLF movement. By participating in an in-person program, you'll get to meet Best Buy employees, learn about of values and our culture, and truly build a relationship, that is much more than just transactional, with us!