On Thursday, November 7, 2024, The Smile of the Child's annual event was held at Eleon Loft to celebrate 29 years since its establishment. 

The event had a warm and exciting atmosphere. Focus Bari was awarded as an official sponsor of The Smile of the Child for its valuable support of the organization, including the implementation of qualitative and quantitative studies in recent years.

The founder of Focus Bari, Ms. Xenia Kourtoglou, remarked:
"I want to thank Kostas and his team for everything they do and for allowing us to contribute to this important effort. This sentiment resonates with all the sponsors of The Smile of the Child! Our entire team at Focus Bari is thankful, and we will always stand by your side with all our strength!"

he following are the key findings from this year's qualitative and quantitative research:

• 7 out of 10 Greeks would support a business because it collaborates with The Smile of the Child.
• The reasons why companies support the organization include social contribution and corporate responsibility.
• It was emphasized that there is a need to strengthen the culture of the common good in Greek society—something requested by both the general public and the business community.
• Large organizations must act as pillars of society, providing security and support during difficult times, and not just as pillars of the business community.

Greece in the digital age mainly via mobile: Increasing use of the internet, social media and online shopping!

- The new edition of Focus on Tech Life Tips by Focus Bari -

According to the new edition of Focus on Tech Life by Focus Bari, which has been conducted nationwide continuously since 1995, it is observed:

• Almost all of Greece is online, with the Region showing impressive growth.
• Dynamic entry into the digital world for older age groups, with 45+ increasing dramatically.
• Mobile phone use for online activities is exploding across the country, with Thessaloniki standing out on social media.
• More than three out of four Greeks demand more protection from the state against electronic piracy and cybercrime.

See the whole survey presentation here

Uncertain and Insecure Greeks

for the operation of private universities in our country!

- New National Survey by Focus Bari on Private Universities -

According to a new Panhellenic Survey by Focus Bari, on the topic:

"Views & Challenges for Private Universities in Greece",it is found that:

• Widespread insecurity among Greeks regarding the operation of private universities in Greece, highlighting the need for information and dialogue.
• Opinions differ by generation: older people support private educational institutions, 25-34 express opposition, while younger people remain neutral, showing a wait-and-see or even confused attitude.
• The main concern of citizens about private universities is the possible exclusion of the economically weak from higher education with the gradual abolition (or downgrading) of public educational institutions.
• Η συντριπτική πλειοψηφία των Ελλήνων συνεχίζει τη μόρφωσή τους μετά το Λύκειο, ενώ η αυξανόμενη συμμετοχή γυναικών στα ανώτερα- ανώτατα επίπεδα εκπαίδευσης, υποδηλώνει σημαντικές αλλαγές στο εκπαιδευτικό τοπίο.

See the whole survey presentation here

Safety of minors at the forefront: Greeks Demand Responsibility, Innovation and Cooperation!

According to a new nationwide survey by Focus Bari, entitled:

"Opinions & opinions. Suggestions of Greeks on the Panic Button and the Protection of Minors",It is found that:

• The majority of Greeks express moderate support for the expansion of Panic Button, recognizing its importance in the prevention and safety of minors.
• Half of Greeks express reservations about the extension of the measure,underlining the need for proper education and information in order to ensure its responsible use.
• The effectiveness of the Panic Button depends on the immediate information & response of the Authorities and the education of children and guardians.
• Public opinion recognises the mainstays of child safety in the public spaces, the police, schools and local authorities.
• Around two out of three Greeks believe that private companies can enhance the protection of minors through sponsorship for information and prevention.

See the whole survey presentation here

More than one in two parents express concern about the safety of their children in the school environment!

According to a new nationwide survey by Focus Bari, entitled: "Parental concerns in Greece: From safety to school shopping" , it is found that:

• Mental balance & bullying are the main parental concerns most prominently among moms and parents of teen and pre-teen children at the start of this school year.
• For the new school year, parents choose school supplies mainly based on low prices and offers, taking into account the preferences of their children, while quality and durability seem to come in "second place" in view of the tight finances in Greek household.
• The average expenditure on school supplies is €128, with older parents spending more.
• Almost three out of four parents prefer to buy school supplies from physical stores, with just 7% opting exclusively for online shopping for these items.
• Parents sourced school equipment from both well-known chain stores and local bookshops, with some choosing supermarkets.

See the whole survey presentation here

As part of its nationwide activities, the Hellenic Institute of Customer Service organized a seminar in Iraklion, Crete, with the aim of promoting the importance of Customer Experience for businesses. Xenia Kourtoglou spoke about the Power of Customer Experience, which is a central mission for every organization, presenting data from the Greek market and society that familiarize businesses with modern consumer demands, mindset, habits, and expectations. In her speech, Ms. Kourtoglou emphasized the increasingly close relationship between consumers and technology, and presented strategies that help all organizations develop a CX culture as well as practical steps for the continuous improvement of the customer experience they offer.

See the whole presentation of Mrs. Kourtoglou here

VIDEO XK CRETE

With great success, the 2nd Effective Dialogue Conference organized by Sympraxis was held at the Serapeion of the Municipality of Athens. The purpose of the Effective Dialogue is to surpass the boundaries of conventional public discourse and advocate for effective communication amidst increasing misinformation, polarization, and climate collapse. Against the backdrop of a world urgently in need of sustainable solutions, the conference aims to redefine the parameters of dialogue, gathering a wide range of participants from various sectors of society to ultimately redefine our path towards a sustainable and responsible future.

As a guest speaker on the panel "Beliefs, Standards, Stereotypes," Xenia Kourtoglou participated alongside leading figures in communication, arts, coaching, and corporate vision. Leveraging her expertise as a social researcher with extensive experience in Mental Resilience, she emphasized the need for citizens and organizations to cultivate and develop significant "human qualities," soft skills, and self-leadership to successfully navigate the continuous changes in personal and professional life.

This marked her impactful contribution at the conference, highlighting crucial aspects necessary for societal progress and resilience in the face of modern challenges.

As part of its nationwide activities, the Hellenic Institute of Customer Service organized a seminar at the Noisis Cultural Center in Salonica on May 21, 2024, with the aim of promoting the importance of Customer Experience for businesses. Xenia Kourtoglou spoke about the Power of Customer Experience, which is a central mission for every organization, presenting data from the Greek market and society that familiarize businesses with modern consumer demands, mindset, habits, and expectations. In her speech, Ms. Kourtoglou emphasized the increasingly close relationship between consumers and technology, and presented strategies that help all organizations develop a CX culture as well as practical steps for the continuous improvement of the customer experience they offer.

See the whole presentation of Mrs. Kourtoglou here

The 1st Conference & Exhibition of Building Materials Stores, organized by "Mastoremata" magazine of Karidakis Company, took place at the Technopolis of the Municipality of Athens. Xenia Kourtoglou was invited as an "inspirational" speaker, presenting "Insights into Contemporary Greek Society" to help businesses comprehensively understand their potential consumers, fostering empathy and a holistic view of whom they are targeting with their products and services. During her speech, the presenter explored various aspects of daily life, mindset, habits, and challenges faced by Greek citizens today, providing valuable insights into consumption habits, expectations from the organizations they deal with, household and family matters, while highlighting the generational gap evident in today's society and workplaces. The audience was enthusiastic about Ms. Kourtoglou's speech, finding it exceptionally interesting, useful, and valuable in guiding strategies that help businesses successfully navigate the continuous changes brought about by modern global and local developments.

See Xenia Kourtoglou's presentation here

With immense success and interest from the entire e-commerce market, attendees from all over Greece gathered to meet and listen to industry leaders at the e-commerce summit organized by Boussias Communications at Costa Navarino. Xenia Kourtoglou was an invited Keynote Speaker with her presentation titled "Discovering the e-shopper," where she detailed how Greek consumers shop, alternating their interaction with retail both online and offline simultaneously. She concluded that "there is no e-shopper, there is only the shopper," emphasizing the huge need and expectation from the public for retail businesses to serve them concurrently and simultaneously through both "channels" without distinction. Through a wealth of research data, she substantiated her position, concluding with valuable tips to help retail businesses adopt strategies that improve the customer experience they offer and, consequently, their sales growth. Subsequently, Xenia Kourtoglou moderated a panel with leading representatives of e-commerce in Greece, including experts from major local and international organizations active in e-commerce, such as Plaisio, Spitishop, L’Oreal, and Mastercard

See Xenia Kourtoglou's presentation here