Tag Archive of: cx masterclass

Pioneering CX in pensions: Martijn van den Berg's blueprint for success

Welcome to CX Leadership Talks, where we dive deep into the world of customer experience and leadership. In today's episode, we have a special guest, Martijn van den Berg, who will be sharing his insights into creating meaningful experiences for customers in the financial industry. Martijn leads a CX team at PGB, a leading pension fund in the Netherlands, and has a wealth of experience in integrating customer experience into business strategies.

In this episode

Join us as Martijn discusses the transformation of PGB into a customer-centric organization, his journey in the field of business communication, and the importance of internal cultural changes in driving customer-centricity.

Get ready for an engaging and insightful conversation with Martijn van den Berg and host Nienke Bloem as we explore the strategies and principles behind building a customer-centric culture in the financial sector.

About Martijn van den Berg (visit his LinkedIn profile here)

As Lead Customer Experience Management, Martijn is responsible for structurally organizing Pension fund PGB's own and consistent brand and customer experience. The aim is that the fund can distinguish itself in terms of customer focus and knows how to "touch" its customers. Together with the CX team, Martijn has developed the pension fund's own CX framework, which consists of 4 pillars: Strategy & Identity, Market and Customer Insight, Customer Service and Culture & Organization.

Martijn van den Berg has a passion for customer satisfaction and efficiency. As a Lead Customer Experience Management, he was inspired by the video 'Give 'em the pickle' by Bob Farrell, about a restaurant manager who started his second restaurant. In the video, a customer complained about being charged an extra 75¢ for a pickle, which had always been free. This resonated with Martijn, reminding him of the importance of maintaining consistent and fair pricing for the customers. This experience helped shape his approach to managing PGB's customer experience, prioritizing clear communication and fair pricing for his customers.

Want to grow as a CX Leader? Contact Nienke Bloem via her website www.nienkebloem.com. She is a CX expert and can provide you with the guidance and support you need to succeed in CX leadership.

Timestamped overview

00:00 Making pension products more attractive for customers.

03:38 Exciting meeting to discuss pension strategy.

08:20 Building a successful customer experience team.

12:39 Feedback, communication training, strategy implementation, and organization types.

14:09 Understanding strengths, building results, and enthusiastic work.

17:27 Pension funds must regain trust through CX.

22:54 Improved onboarding process led to better ratings.

24:11 Pension funds-critical for B2B companies' growth.

30:05 Measurement changed, aiming for 3 stars. Signal management.

32:16 Seek external perspectives to improve and progress.

36:44 Woman left supermarket with almost empty bag.

41:16 Facebook's strategy emphasizes cultural elements and consistency.

42:03 Building engagement through smart, consistent work progress.

45:23 3E model, great approach, advice for listeners.

Martijn's recommendations

Listen to this episode of CX Leadership Talks on Podbean or in your favorite podcast app!

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Navigating the CX landscape: Strategies for successful leaders with CXPA's CEO Greg Melia, CAE

Welcome to CX Leadership Talks, where we explore the world of Customer Experience leadership with top industry experts. In today's episode, Nienke Bloem sits down with Greg Melia, CEO of The Customer eXperience Professionals Association (CXPA), and a seasoned advocate for Customer Experience excellence. They discuss the evolving landscape of customer experience and the role of CX leaders in today's businesses.

In this episode

Nienke and Greg delve into the importance of ongoing training and validation for CX professionals, the potential of artificial intelligence in shaping customer interactions, the significance of the CCXP certification, and the strategic approach to CX development.

Don't miss this in-depth conversation that touches on vital competencies for successful CX leaders, the CXPA's global community, and the valuable insights and practical strategies shared in the discussion.

So, grab a seat and join us as we explore the world of Customer Experience leadership with Greg Melia on CX Leadership Talks.

About Greg Melia

Greg Melia is a passionate advocate for professional associations and certifications. He has dedicated his career to educating and empowering individuals and organizations to understand the importance of being part of a professional association and obtaining certifications.With a background in marketing and communications, Greg has a talent for explaining complex concepts in a way that is relatable and understandable. He is committed to helping people recognize the value of associations and certifications in their professional development and success. Greg's engaging and approachable manner makes him a sought-after speaker and consultant in the association and certification space. His favorite memories are those where he can see the "aha" moment in someone's eyes when they finally understand the significance of being part of a professional community and earning a certification.

Want to grow as a CX Leader? Contact Nienke Bloem via her website www.nienkebloem.com. She is a CX expert and can provide you with the guidance and support you need to succeed in CX leadership.

Timestamped overview

00:00 Career titles, passion for customer experience, CEO role.

05:26 Member of CXPA, pursuing CCXP title.

09:23 Discussing broad topics, trends, and upcoming events.

12:13 Collaborate, support, and align for success.

14:49 CCXP certification is increasingly valuable in industry.

19:05 Salespeople make promises, CCXP ensures customer satisfaction.

20:34 CX connects people, prepare for career changes.

25:24 AI powerful tool, but not a replacement.

27:21 Exploring AI's impact on contact centers.

32:33 Emphasizing importance of good CX strategy and branding.

36:30 Stephanie Leheta to discuss developing multiyear AI strategy.

37:23 Include people in future vision and planning.

41:08 Reintroduced curiosity, creative problem solving, iterate.

44:18 Link in show notes, join CXPA community.

Greg's recommendations

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The need of a development plan (and what it has to do with tulips)

Last year around this time, I got to visit two of the greatest names when it comes to Customer Experience. Disney and Zappos. I traveled to California to learn all about CX magic at Disney Institute. In Las Vegas I got a tour at Zappos where I interviewed leaders at their fun property. Many of the learnings I shared in my blogs and I even published an e-zine on my insights at Zappos. But why did I do that? Why did I choose these two companies as my Go-To-Learning-Place for 2019? It's all about development. Let me share my vision with you in this blog.

Buy my flowers!

But first I want to share with you that tulips are my favorite flowers. Nice to know, right? Or not? But hang on, it has to do with the story? The picture you see is taken at the local flower market in Utrecht. Every Saturday you can buy all kinds of flowers and plants on this market. It is a very bright and happy place to visit, even when it rains. The colors, the smells, the people and especially the salesmen and women behind their flower stands make me smile. They get it when it comes to selling their goods. They look at you, recommend their flowers and try to lure you into their domain.

What could happen - and they understand sales really well, so it probably will happen - is that they seduce you to buy some flowers. Not just the flowers you planned to buy. But more and different ones. Which will cost you more money than you had planned to spend and they will take up more room in your house. Colorful, yes! But maybe not what you went out for.

Stick to the plan

The same might happen with development. You go out there, see all kinds of education and inspiration, but what to decide? When you go online you might get lost in a maze of development options. To learn new skills, get inspiration, be a better entrepreneur, learn all CX, be a better you. I know many people that get seduced to follow webinars, free events and buy education as a result. Sometimes for the good. Often maybe not for what they planned to do. Is that bad? No, but think of all the time and money that is wasted. So when I go out to get tulips, I get tulips. And maybe one extra bunch of flowers to give away. But I stick to my plan.

The big picture

That is where my big picture in development comes in. Every year I determine in what area I want to develop myself. Two examples to show you how I do it. In 2018 I wanted to learn more about comedy, about being funny on stage or when delivering my Masterclass. To learn what my trade was, when it came to this art. I went to a standup comedy weekend in Brighton with Jill Edwards, had a day course with Jeremy Nichols and watched tons of comedians. On stage as well as on Netflix. A big learning experience that resulted in finding out that I am more of an improv comedian, than a standup comedian. But it was such a good learning ride.

Personal and business development

2019 was all about learning more on CX. Really deep diving into my own profession and learning from the best. The reason I went to Disney and Zappos. And why I hosted the International CX awards and why I was a judge. Because we were also writing our book about CX, I needed to focus on my profession. An extra touch was that both Disney and Zappos focus on change from a cultural lens. Very handy with regard to our Employee Experience Game and the Masterclass CX Culture I am developing. This investment in me was not only an inspirational one, but also a business smart decision!

The plan for 2020

This year will be all about growing my facilitation and audience interaction skills. I want to find my own interaction games (I already have some fun ones, but I think I can be better). Not only in a small setting like our CX Masterclass with 16 participants, but also with audiences of thousands. I like people in my audience to be really involved. So, I have work to do. I will visit the Global Speaker Summit in Namibia in February to learn from the world's greatest speakers and I will join the annual PSA Australia event in Adelaide to get some Down Under magic. In April I have booked myself a seat in a two-day Masterclass to be a better Master of Ceremony. I don't fancy becoming an all-round MC, but at customer events, I love the role. Because I can add some Nienke Bloem and CX magic to the day.

Your theme for this year

So, what to learn from all this? The big picture. My question to you is, what is your theme for the year? Do you like my way of bringing focus to personal development? Or do you have other ways, that I can learn from? Please share, because there are far more ways when it comes to development, and there is no good or bad. Oh well, actually there is a bad one. That is doing nothing. Staying still. Not investing in yourself. So, when you are at the flower market, I hope you'll be seduced to buy some flowers. I will get myself some tulips.

 

** Nienke Bloem is expert in Customer Experience (CCXP), both as Trusted Advisor, Keynote Speaker and co-founder of The Customer Experience Game and The Employee Experience Game. Do you want to read her blogs or learn more about her? Visit her website or subscribe to her monthly CX Greetz. **

 

** Feel free to comment on this blog and share it in your community! **

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The Why and How of my Customer Experience study trip

"How do you stay inspired, Nienke?"

"What companies do you want to visit and learn from their CX secrets?"

"Where do you get new material for your speeches and master classes?"

Three random questions I got from CX peers and personal friends. Very valid questions, because I am a teacher to others, inspire others, get them to act. But occasionally my material also needs to be refreshed.

The inspiration is out there in daily life. That's what I often blog about, but I also have to stay ahead. Bring best practices to my business to help others. So that was the WHY behind my CX study trip.

In this YouTube video I explain the Why and How of the trip and give you the insights how you could organize it yourself ? Because, let me be honest with you, it was pretty easy to organize. Just book time in your calendar, make sure you have the money (not cheap, and I will let you know afterwards if it was worth it) and just DO it.

If you want to follow me with my learnings, subscribe to my Youtube channel or join my monthly CX greetz list. I'll send you a short informative and fun newsletter once a month to help you grow your CX leadership, subscribe here.

And.... this year I'll start with an inspirational BANG. I am traveling to the USA to follow a course at the Disney Institute and continue my American CX adventure with a tour at Zappos behind the scenes and two interviews with executives. I am so looking forward to broaden my horizon. To see with my own eyes how these two brilliant examples organize Customer Experience.

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25 ways to stay inspired as a Customer Experience professional

The thing I hear often is that fellow Customer Experience Professionals work hard. They are focused on realizing their customer centric transformation, improving NPS and CES (or other customer metrics, but that is another blog post ?) and engaging the organization. You might also recognize that as you are working hard, it can make you feel alone.

Yes, you are the only person responsible for CX within your company (or together with your team). You are the expert and your non-CX colleagues expect you to inspire them when it comes to customers. So how do you stay inspired? You probably have your own "Go-To-Inspirational-Places" and in this blog I'll share mine: 25 suggestions to find CX inspirations, stories, news, facts and figures.

CX People to follow on Twitter

I decided to copy their Twitter biographies. Nice and to the point.

  1. Colin Shaw: Customer Experience Thought Leader | Recognized by LinkedIn as World's Top Business Influencer | CEO, Beyond Philosophy CX Consultancy | Author | Podcast Host
  2. Rik Vera: International Keynote Speaker. Agitator. Connector. Experimenter. Networkifier (if it wasn't a word, it is now). Writer.
  3. Blake Morgan: #CustomerExperience #futurist, author, speaker, @HarvardBiz, @Forbes columnist, podcast host, mom. Married to @JacobM. Visit me.

CX on Youtube, I promise you this will be growing the next years

  1. ShepTV by Shep Hyken. You are welcomed by the Cab Story. A classic when it comes to customer experience. He is the big name in the USA when it comes to customer experience and customer service.
  2. Steven van Belleghem. My Belgian inspirator when it comes to customers the day after tomorrow and the writer of the book When digital becomes human. The channel is about customer centricity in a digital world. Updates on the latest trends in digital marketing, customer service, social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram...), conversation management, robotics, etc.
  3. BrandLove by Chantel Botha. I have not met her in person yet, but she is an inspiration on CX from South Africa. Love the videos on Journey Mapping, so start following her Youtube Channel

CX Podcasts

  1. Rockstar CX by James Dodkins. For me a newcomer in CX, but he really rocks it! Has his own weekly Rockstar CX podcast and with all the big names when it comes to customer experience.
  2. Online Marketing Made Easy. The podcast of Amy Porterfield which I listen to weekly. Not really CX, but all about Online Marketing. About how to use online tools, build lists, motivate yourself as an entrepreneur. An inspirational woman with a voice I love to listen to.
  3. Forrester's what it means. For me Forrester is together with Temkin Group the place where I go for research information. And Forrester has a brilliant podcast, so start listening NOW. If you want to start anywhere, start with the episode of December20thwherethey talk on ROI and financial modeling. Very relevant topic!

CX Blogs

  1. Experience Matters. The blog by Bruce Temkin and his colleagues. I love the combination of vision and facts. Go to this blog site and register for their newsletter to stay inspired. Many of their visuals are free to use (but always with a reference, of course!).
  2. My Customer. Brilliant reads, much more often than once a week, on everything related to customers. Journeys, sales, loyalty. The WHOLE deal. Get a broader view and be inspired.
  3. Take Their Breath Away. Where Chip Bell and John Patterson write on how customer service really makes the difference when it comes to customer experience. Read their post of December11thwherethey suggest you create a great service exit. Spot on.

CX Books with best practices

13. Ritz Carlton and the New Gold Standard by Joseph Michelli, 5 Leadership Principles for Creating a Legendary Customer Experience Courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. It is a golden oldie, but still very relevant. Go read.

  1. Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh. Yes this one is mentioned all the time, but if somehow you missed it. Please read it. And I am visiting Zappos in January, so I need to reread it myself.
  2. The Starbucks Experience by Joseph Michelli, Five principles for turning ordinary into extraordinary and of course the Starbucks story.

Cx Books you have to read

  1. Would you do that to your mother by Jeanne Bliss introduces the Make Mom Proud standard. I love her writing, easy to understand situations and solutions. A very entertaining read.
  2. Customer What? by Ian Golding. I could have mentioned him among the people to follow and twitter and the blogs, but I think his books needs to be mentioned here. Practical and a good guide when it comes to CX.
  3. The subtle art of not giving a f#ck by Mark Manson. It has NOTHING to do with CX, but is has EVERYTHING to do with CX. How can you be a happier CX leader, a better person? How to not lose your energy on people or tasks that are not important for you. I laughed and got many Aha's.

CX Events to visit

  1. International CX Awards. The second edition will be on November21st in Amsterdam. Register if you want to send in a case and compete against other CX professionals/teams/initiatives or join as a judge. It was a blast in 2018, so be warned for 2019 ?
  2. CXPA Meetings. Brilliant peer sharing of CX professionals all over the world. Be welcome in Amsterdam, the next one is on January17th in Amsterdam and the European Insight Exchange will take place on March13th and14th in Dublin.
  3. Customer Experience Event. The yearly event by N3wstrategy. The event is all Dutch and a brilliant day to be inspired and meet your local CX peers. This year on March21st in Rotterdam.

One CX Course I recommend

  1. CX Masterclass This two day masterclass is tha bomb! is what our participants say. Delivered in the Netherlands by Jaap Wilms and me (in English) and in Belgium (in Dutch) with Els Dhaeze. We prepare you for the CCXP exam and help you in becoming an even better CX leader. There are four dates in 2019 and the first option of March7thand8th has only a few spaces left.

People to follow or connect on Linkedin

(yes, all four are women I love to read from and work with)

  1. Evelien van Damme and Karolien van der Ouderaa: these ladies are active, fun and experts when it comes to Customer Experience. Both senior consultants with Kirkman Company and taking the lead in Customer Experience transformations. Keep an eye on their cactuses.
  2. Kathy van de Laar: as partner of EarlyBirdge she blogs and shares posts of colleagues to bridge the gap between you and your customer. She was the first CCXP in the Netherlands and a fabulous inspiration.
  3. Babs Asselbergs: she writes shorts blogs on customer experience, opens your eyes and wants to give you a different perspective. She is co-founder of BlommaBerg and the Customer Expeirence Game and I think she is a consistent contributor on Linkedin.

So now you know how I stay inspired. Next to these sources, I also get a lot of inspiration in daily life. Where I let businesses surprise me with their brilliant and more often awful customer experiences as a customer. My oh my, how many lessons can be learned from that?

And.... this year I start with an inspirational BANG. I am traveling to the USA to follow a course at the Disney Institute and continue my American CX adventure with a tour at Zappos behind the scenes and two interviews with executives. I am so looking forward to broaden my horizon. To see with my own eyes how these two brilliant examples organize Customer Experience. So, I have two calls to action for you.

  1. If you want to follow me and my CX escapades: make sure you get my monthly CX Greetz by Nienke Bloem. Just register here.
  2. Share your source, of your own blog/vlog/profile. Where do you get your inspiration? Please share and add your source, so we can all learn and stay inspired to make customer experience work.
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