Engaging Vendors with the BBY Learning Network: A Guide to Content Contribution

Best Buy is dedicated to providing accessible and effective learning solutions for all employees. This commitment is realized through a carefully curated learning network that empowers individuals to learn what they need, in the way that best suits them, and at their own pace. Merchandising partners, like you, are crucial in enriching this experience by contributing valuable content.

We are actively refining our training approach and developing enhanced learning opportunities for our vendor collaborations. To maximize impact and foster stronger engagement, our focus is on:

• Enhancing Vendor Content Engagement: By seamlessly integrating Best Buy and vendor learning strategies.
• Building Learner-Centric Strategies: Creating optimal learning experiences that simultaneously strengthen our vendor partnerships.
• Shifting from Space Selling to Experience Selling: Moving beyond traditional models to prioritize comprehensive learning engagements.
• Focusing on Content Quality and Targeted Learning: Emphasizing high-caliber content and precisely tailored learning experiences.

This guide is designed to assist our valued merchandising partners in navigating the Learning Network, covering company registration, user onboarding, and best practices for effective learning content curation.

Creating a Superior Learning Experience

Feedback from employees highlights what currently hinders effective learning:

• PowerPoint-style e-learning modules: Static and often unengaging formats.
• Lengthy videos: Overwhelming and demanding of time and attention spans.
• E-learning overload: Modules covering too many topics or requiring excessive time commitment.
• Dense product specification content: Overemphasis on technical details without practical application.
• Marketing-centric videos/e-learning: Content that prioritizes promotion over genuine learning.
• Communication-focused PDFs instead of training materials: Documents designed for announcements rather than skill development.
• Difficult-to-digest and retain PDF content: Poorly structured or overly complex written materials.

Vendor Content Guidelines – Attention to Detail

Content Submission Lead Time: 5 Business Days

All submitted content undergoes a rigorous 2-Step Review Process:

1. Technical Review (Vendor-Led): Ensuring all materials are correctly formatted and fully functional.
2. Sales Enablement Review: Verifying content adherence to established content guidelines and best practices for learning effectiveness.

Prohibited Content for Vendors:

To maintain a fair and unbiased learning environment, vendors are restricted from including the following in any content provided:

1. Vendor Mentions of Competitors: No direct or indirect references to other vendors.
2. Vendor A vs. Vendor B Comparisons: Avoid contrasting your offerings with those of other vendors.
3. SKU/Product Comparisons (Vendor A vs. Vendor B): Do not compare specific product codes or items from different vendors.
4. Technology Comparisons (Direct or Indirect): Refrain from contrasting technological approaches or solutions, whether explicitly or implicitly.
5. Self-Proclamatory Statements: Avoid superlative claims such as “World’s best…”, “Best in the Industry…”, or similar unsubstantiated assertions.

Clarity, Detail, and Validation of Technology Language:

When discussing technology, ensure your language is precise, comprehensive, and supported by verifiable information.

Thorough Content Review and Testing:

All learning materials must be rigorously tested to ensure optimal performance and user experience.

1. eLearning Module Standards: eLearning modules must be compliant with SCORM 1.2 and ADL industry standards to guarantee compatibility and tracking within our learning systems.
2. Video Compression and Format: Videos should be compressed to under 20MB and utilize the H264 codec (.mp4 output) to ensure smooth streaming and optimal playback across various devices and network conditions within our stores.

ADA Compliance and Accessibility:

Ensuring inclusivity and accessibility is paramount.

• Closed Captioning for Videos: All videos, whether standalone or embedded within eLearning modules, are mandatory to include closed captions. Furthermore, any spoken content within eLearning modules, outside of videos, must also be captioned to accommodate learners with hearing impairments and to enhance comprehension in diverse learning environments.