Tag Archief van: cx education

Leveraging Global CX Day to create a ripple effect in your organization

Global CX Day is fast approaching, and I absolutely can’t wait. For those who don’t know, the Customer Experience Professional Association (CXPA) kicked off this celebration in 2013, and we mark it on the first Tuesday of October each year. It’s our time to celebrate the incredible profession Customer Experience (CX) Management, recognize the professionals who drive it, and promote a culture centered on our customers. But the real power of Global CX Day lies in how we leverage it to inspire our teams, improve customer experiences, and elevate our leadership.

In my recent podcast episode of CX Leadership Talks, I dived into some actionable strategies to make Global CX Day impactful at three different levels: organization, team/program, and you as a leader. Let’s break it down, shall we?

A. Organization level

To make Global CX Day resonate across the entire company, it’s essential to engage everyone in enjoyable and meaningful activities. Here are three ideas to get your juices flowing:

1. Organize a Global CX Day: Plan a day brimming with activities like guest speakers, customer panels, and leadership discussions. This isn’t just about recognizing CX – it’s about motivating team-wide participation and engagement.

2. CX hackathon: Celebrate innovation by organizing a hackathon where teams brainstorm and pitch ideas to enhance customer experiences. Seek quick wins that can be implemented immediately, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

3. Customer week: Why limit the celebration to one day? Expand it to a week dedicated to customer experience, filled with workshops, games, and interactive sessions. Companies like Thomas Cook have successfully done this, making it a cherished annual tradition.

B. Team/Program level

Your CX team is at the forefront of these initiatives. Energize them with programs that highlight storytelling, feedback, and cross-team inspiration:

4. CX storytelling: Empower your team to share customer stories through recorded interviews and internal forums. These narratives create a shared vision that everyone in the company can connect with and act on.

5. Customer feedback marathon: Dedicate a full day to dive deep into customer feedback from various sources. This helps pinpoint common trends and pain points, laying the groundwork for actionable insights and improvements.

6. CX Inspiration carousel: Organize sessions featuring CX experts, inspiring videos, and book discussions. Sharing best practices and learning from ‘failures’ can significantly enhance team creativity and innovation.

C. You as a leader

As a leader, you staying inspired and being involved is critical. How about you use Global CX Day and spice up your leadership?

7. Thank You express: Show your appreciation by sending personalized thank you cards to employees, customers, and partners. There’s something incredibly powerful about a handwritten note that strengthens relationships.

8. Small engagement tactics: Sometimes, it’s the small gestures that mean the most. Distribute customer-centric stickers, organize casual gatherings with coffee and cake, or use banners to create an inclusive and celebratory atmosphere.

9. Celebrate with peers at a CXPA event: Join the festivities of the CXPA globally, or join your local chapter. For example in the Netherlands we are hosting our flagship event where 125 CX leaders come together, learn, share and have a great time.

Small suggestion: don’t forget the evaluation phase

One thing I’ve learned is the evaluation phase often gets overlooked. It’s crucial to take time to evaluate what worked and what didn’t after your events. Make this a part of your planning process. It ensures that next year’s Global CX Day will be even more impactful.

So, whether you’re planning grand organizational events, energizing your dedicated CX team, or simply leading by example, these initiatives can transform Global CX Day into a cornerstone of your company’s customer-centric culture. Get ready to inspire your team, delight your customers, and spice up your leadership.

Remember, continuous learning and celebrating our successes play a significant role in thriving within our profession. Let’s make this Global CX Day unforgettable! Please listen to the whole episode of the podcast, I give many more examples and practical tips.

And don’t forget to tune into our next episode, where we’ll focus on journey management with a special guest. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it. Happy CX Day planning!

 

Listen to this podcast episode now!

/door

The power of pride: how TeamNL House made our Olympic Experience unforgettable

Have you ever visited the Olympics? Well, I hadn’t either. So, I surprised my daughter with a trip to Paris to attend the women’s soccer final, where Team USA triumphed over Brazil. However, the true highlight of our trip was visiting the TeamNL House.

Discovering the national Houses at the Olympics

I had no idea that many countries had their own “house” in the Olympic host city. As we walked to the TeamNL House, we passed the Brazilian, Mexican, French, and Indian houses. It was fascinating to experience the pride and cultural diversity of each nation firsthand.

We were fortunate to have pre-booked our tickets to the TeamNL House, as it was sold out by the time we arrived. People were still hoping to get in! The entire process was seamless, thanks to a handy app that provided entry tickets, a program of events, and a map of the area.

Holland Heineken House becomes TeamNL House

I had heard about the Holland Heineken House in previous years, but I wasn’t prepared for the size and energy of the TeamNL House. Hosting 7,000 visitors daily, the venue was a sea of orange – a true celebration of Dutch pride. My daughter and I joined in, donning our orange outfits (a must at Dutch events!).

How TeamNL House created a sense of pride and connection

The organizers of TeamNL House incorporated the EPIC formula from the book The Power of Moments by Dan and Chip Heath. They made everyone feel proud and connected, with 99% of visitors dressed in orange and cheering on Dutch athletes. At the central square, we witnessed the male track cyclists earn medals and saw the women’s hockey team win gold, which elevated our pride even further.

Smart branding: TeamNL merchandise and goody bags for kids

Of course, we couldn’t resist purchasing TeamNL merchandise – from shirts and sweaters to cuddly toys. They even offered free goody bags for kids, which was a genius move to foster a connection with sports and Dutch culture from a young age.

The better party: celebrating Olympic medalists with Rob Kemps

Inside the venue, the party kicked off with Rob Kemps as MC, and the celebration of medal winners added to the excitement. We watched bronze medalist kitefoiler Annelous Lammerts receive her special medalist jacket, and the ritualistic walk into the arena filled us with goosebumps. Pride soared to new heights!

A Dutch party like no other: Kraantje Pappie and the ultimate celebration

The night was a blast, with Dutch artist Kraantje Pappie performing and everyone singing along to “Everybody is welcome in the party tent.” The atmosphere was electric, and it was a celebration we’ll never forget. Check out my video for a glimpse of the incredible energy inside TeamNL House!

Key Takeaways: Customer Experience Lessons from TeamNL House

1. Create an immersive and emotionally engaging experience

  • Lesson: Immersive experiences that evoke emotions like pride and connection can leave a lasting impact on customers and enhance satisfaction.
  • Example: TeamNL House fostered a deep sense of national pride through shared experiences, such as witnessing Dutch athletes win medals and participating in meaningful rituals.

2. Leverage exclusivity and anticipation to build excitement

  • Lesson: Offering exclusive experiences or products, coupled with anticipation, can drive customer enthusiasm and engagement.
  • Example: The exclusivity of TeamNL House tickets and the anticipation built around the event contributed to the excitement and overall positive experience.

3. Integrate brand merchandise and freebies to enhance loyalty

  • Lesson: Branded merchandise and free gifts can boost customer loyalty and create lasting memories tied to the brand.
  • Example: The strategic availability of TeamNL merchandise and free goody bags for kids not only increased sales but also strengthened long-term brand loyalty.

This blog is part of the 4-part series Summer CX Experiences: The Good, Bad, Better (this one) and Brilliant.

 

*****

Nienke Bloem is often called the Customer Experience speaker in the blue dress. 

She’s a global CX thought leader, educator and a global keynote speaker who inspires audiences with best practices and proven methodologies. She leads a speaking practice, a CX game company and a training business; she breathes Customer Experiences and is author of two CX books.

Her two-day Customer Experience Masterclass is known as the best program to prepare for your CCXP and she is the go-to person voor CX leaders who want to advance their leadership and bring direct results from their Customer Experience transformation programs. Since 2020, she hosts a CX Leadership Masterminds program and helps leaders spice up their leadership and deliver an engaging CX Story including a solid CX Strategy. Besides, she is a modern-day pilgrim and found the parallel with leading customer centric transformations. 

With her over 20 years corporate experience, she speaks the business language. Her keynotes and education programs in Customer Experience are inspiring and hands-on. She is one of the few Recognized Training Partners of the CXPA and it is her mission to Make Customer Experience Work and help you deliver business results. Subscribe to her weekly CX Greetz to stay tuned. 

/door

From promoters to detractors in 24 hours: a lesson in Customer Experience gone wrong

For five consecutive years, we eagerly anticipated our annual holiday to Camping Bakkum. Our love affair with this place began in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, when we first stayed in bungalow number 11. We quickly became enthusiastic promoters, sharing our excitement with friends and family, and always looking forward to another stay at Bakkum. The bungalow’s location, nestled in nature with views of the dunes, was everything we city dwellers could ask for.

Arrival misfortune: a booking disaster unfolds

However, this year’s visit would shatter our high expectations. Upon arrival, we found another group of guests aggressively unpacking their luggage at our bungalow—number 11. When I called the reception, a young lady informed me that our booking had been changed in September 2023, and we had been reassigned to bungalow number 25 without our consent or knowledge.

Unclear communication and staff delays lead to frustration

It took 45 minutes before the staff we were familiar with arrived. They explained that the other guests, who did not have a specific booking preference, had called the reception as well and were refusing to move. The staff apologized, saying they regretted the situation but would leave the other guests in bungalow 11 due to their anger, admitting that the entire situation could have been avoided.

A compromise that failed to impress

Several mistakes were evident. Our booking was not marked as a “preferred booking” even though we had always stayed in bungalow 11. An intern had changed our booking in September without checking our history as regular guests. And finally, the team had failed to review their bookings at the start of the season to ensure loyal guests received the locations they preferred.

They asked if we would consider staying in bungalow 25. We reluctantly agreed to take a look, but as soon as we saw it, we knew it wasn’t right for us. It was located next to a small childrensplayground, with a water pump just 10 meters from our deck. The neighboring bungalow’s deck was just five meters away, and the view was filled with five other bungalows and the driveway to another campsite. This was far from the serene escape we were accustomed to.

Customer Service failure: an unforgettable experience for all the wrong reasons

Despite our disappointment, we decided to give it a try, but the experience only worsened. There was nothing in the bungalow to make us feel special as returning guests—no personal touch, no welcoming gesture. It felt like the staff had completely ignored their mission statement: “To provide our guests with an unforgettable vacation in the North Holland dunes, offering exceptional hospitality.” Well, it was certainly unforgettable, but for all the wrong reasons.

Further complications: broken promises and mounting frustrations

The next morning, I went for my usual walk, but the joy of being at Bakkum was gone. The staff had promised to try to relocate other guests so we could return to bungalow 11 later in the week, but by 11 a.m., we had heard nothing. My husband bumped into the two staff members, who told him they had no solution yet but would keep us updated. He urged them to speak with me immediately, as I was ready to leave.

They finally appeared and offered us bungalow 11 for the last week of our holiday, from Monday to Monday. However, since it was currently Tuesday, this meant we had to find alternate accommodation for the intervening days. This was far from our idea of a relaxing holiday.

Added costs and a lack of compensation lead to a canceled booking

We found another place, packed our things, and prepared to leave. Just as we were about to go, one of the staff members approached with another offer: we could return to bungalow 11 from Friday. However, he made it clear that his problem was now our problem, and he needed us to confirm immediately to avoid upsetting other guests. We felt pressured and frustrated.

Having incurred an extra cost of 200 euros due to the new booking, I called the staff and requested compensation for the additional expenses. Their response was a flat refusal, citing the effort they had already put into resolving the situation. I remained calm but felt anger rising. They had messed up our booking, ruined our holiday expectations, and now wanted us to bear the extra costs. My husband, frustrated beyond words, demanded, “Either you pay the 200 euros, or we cancel the whole booking.” The staff continued to refuse, so we canceled our booking entirely and vowed never to return.

Lessons learned: how poor CX can turn promoters into detractors

There were many more frustrating elements to this experience, but the overarching theme was clear: what could go wrong did go wrong, and the service recovery was the worst we had ever encountered. Within 24 hours, we went from loyal promoters to dissatisfied detractors. Our feeling was that they simply didn’t care about us. Camping Bakkum seemed complacent, knowing they could easily get other customers. They had become sloppy with customer service and loyalty, and their ambition for exceptional hospitality had vanished.

Key takeaways for businesses: the importance of Customer Experience

This experience at Camping Bakkum offers you three key takeaways:

  1. Prioritize and recognize loyal customers
    Regular, loyal customers should be treated with special care. Failing to acknowledge loyalty can lead to a sharp decline in satisfaction and advocacy. Despite our loyalty for five years, the campsite did not handle our booking with care or make us feel valued.
  2. Effective communication and transparency are crucial
    Clear, timely communication and transparency are essential in maintaining trust. The campsite failed to keep us informed, leading to confusion, frustration, and ultimately, the cancellation of our booking. Keeping customers updated could have reduced much of the stress.
  3. Service recovery must be swift and thoughtful
    When mistakes occur, recovery must be swift and considerate of the customer’s needs. The campsite’s service recovery was poorly handled, with slow responses, reluctance to compensate for extra costs, and a lack of empathy, ultimately resulting in the loss of a loyal customer.

Camping Bakkum’s failure to adhere to these principles led to a ruined holiday for us and lost them a previously loyal customer. It serves as a reminder that exceptional hospitality is not just a mission statement but a practice that must be consistently upheld.

 

This blog is part of the 4-part series Summer CX Experiences: The Good, the Bad, the Better and the Brilliant. 

 

*****

Nienke Bloem is often called the Customer Experience speaker in the blue dress. 

She’s a global CX thought leader, educator and a global keynote speaker who inspires audiences with best practices and proven methodologies. She leads a speaking practice, a CX game company and a training business; she breathes Customer Experiences and is author of two CX books.

Her two-day Customer Experience Masterclass is known as the best program to prepare for your CCXP and she is the go-to person voor CX leaders who want to advance their leadership and bring direct results from their Customer Experience transformation programs. Since 2020, she hosts a CX Leadership Masterminds program and helps leaders spice up their leadership and deliver an engaging CX Story including a solid CX Strategy. Besides, she is a modern-day pilgrim and found the parallel with leading customer centric transformations. 

With her over 20 years corporate experience, she speaks the business language. Her keynotes and education programs in Customer Experience are inspiring and hands-on. She is one of the few Recognized Training Partners of the CXPA and it is her mission to Make Customer Experience Work and help you deliver business results. Subscribe to her weekly CX Greetz to stay tuned. 

/door

Everything you always wanted to know about the International Customer Experience Awards – the basics of my interview with Vuk Vukanovic

So, CX leaders, if you’ve been yearning for recognition and the opportunity to showcase your customer experience initiatives, look no further than the International Customer Experience Awards. In a recent episode of CX Leadership Talks, I interviewed Vuk Vukanovic and we delved into a comprehensive conversation about the awards, providing valuable insights and practical details for potential participants. Let’s recap the key takeaways and everything you need to know about these prestigious awards.

The driving force behind the Awards

Vuk Vukanovic, sales manager at Awards International, part of a brilliant team; shed light on the driving passion behind the customer experience awards. He emphasized the platform’s commitment to recognizing and nurturing exceptional customer experience initiatives, offering participants learning opportunities, and providing global recognition. Furthermore, the awards facilitate networking and offer valuable feedback, contributing to a fun and enriching experience.

Award categories and entry process

Vuk outlined the various award categories available, including best CX leader, best Voice of the Customer, best CX team and for example employee experience. Look at the website for all categories you can compete in! What I found interesting is that potential participants were encouraged to consider entering more than two categories, especially if their company has multiple impactful initiatives worth showcasing. We most certainly indicated how important the importance of providing tangible evidence and financial impact of CX initiatives was, along with the need for concise and specific entries. This ensures that the quality of submissions aligns with the awards’ high standards and avoids wasting judges’ time.

Benefits of participation

As have being a judge for several years, I underscored the benefits of being a judge, highlighting the opportunity to gain practical insights into the CX field by being part of the judging process. These insights often involve judging rounds on paper and live presentations, offering a unique chance to learn from the best in the industry. In addition to recognition and networking opportunities, participation can provide indirect opportunities for business growth, making it an invaluable experience for CX leaders and professionals.

The Awards’ global reach

The conversation also touched upon the global growth and expansion of the International Customer Experience Awards, showcasing its impact in various countries. The transition to online events due to COVID-19 and the professionalization of the team behind the awards highlighted the adaptability and dedication of the platform to continue delivering excellence. In 2024 the awards show will be hosted live in London!

Case studies and success stories

Vuk and I shared numerous success stories, including a case where a CEO entered the UK Customer Experience Awards, winning multiple gold awards that contributed significantly to the sale of the company for £200,000,000. The story underscored the power of recognition and validation in driving business success. Other stories, such as Clint Payne winning the CX leader of the year, showcased the transformative impact of the awards on individuals and organizations, further reinforcing its value.

The importance of empathy and understanding

Vuk shared a personal experience related to the importance of customer empathy, emphasizing the significance of passion, hard work, and understanding in the context of business. This theme of empathy and understanding resonated throughout the discussion, emphasizing the importance of these qualities in driving exceptional customer experiences.

Networking and follow-up opportunities

We also touched upon the networking aspect of the awards, highlighting the potential for follow-up chats with interested parties, post-award ceremonies. This emphasizes the lasting connections and opportunities for collaboration that the awards can facilitate, further enriching the experience for participants.

Wrap-up and Call to Action

This is your moment to think about joining the upcoming International Customer Experience Awards in 2024, with its online judging and networking events. Step out of your comfort zone, join the awards in London in November 2024, and embrace the priceless learning and recognition opportunities the platform offers.

In summary, the International Customer Experience Awards offer a unique platform for CX leaders to showcase your initiatives, gain recognition, and facilitate unique connections within the global CX community. The passion and dedication behind the awards, combined with the strategic guidance and insights, make it an unmissable opportunity for CX professionals looking to make an impact and gain global recognition.

So, whether you’re an established CX leader or a rising star in the industry, consider entering the International Customer Experience Awards to leverage the incredible array of benefits and opportunities it brings. Do you want to learn more? Listen to our conversation on the podcast (as this is the summary). Because we believe that the path to success in CX is paved with recognition, learning, and meaningful connections – all of which the awards are specifically designed to provide.

Remember to mark your calendars for the upcoming 2024 International Customer Experience Awards and take that crucial step toward showcasing your exceptional CX initiatives. Your journey to global recognition and validation starts here.

 

*****

Nienke Bloem is often called the Customer Experience speaker in the blue dress. 

She’s a global CX thought leader, educator and a global keynote speaker who inspires audiences with best practices and proven methodologies. She leads a speaking practice, a CX game company and a training business; she breathes Customer Experiences and is author of two CX books.

Her two-day Customer Experience Masterclass is known as the best program to prepare for your CCXP and she is the go-to person voor CX leaders who want to advance their leadership and bring direct results from their Customer Experience transformation programs. Since 2020, she hosts a CX Leadership Masterminds program and helps leaders spice up their leadership and deliver an engaging CX Story including a solid CX Strategy. Besides, she is a modern-day pilgrim and found the parallel with leading customer centric transformations. 

With her over 20 years corporate experience, she speaks the business language. Her keynotes and education programs in Customer Experience are inspiring and hands-on. She is one of the few Recognized Training Partners of the CXPA and it is her mission to Make Customer Experience Work and help you deliver business results. 

/door

Three ways to put System 2 Thinking into practical use for CX Leadership

Welcome to CX Leadership Talks, where we dive deep into the world of customer experience management and leadership. In this episode, our host Nienke Bloem reflects on a crucial aspect of decision-making – the interplay between conscious and unconscious thinking.

Because do you also sometimes live on the automatic pilot? And in our CX leadership roles, we can miss out. So… Drawing insights from Daniel Kahneman’s work on System 1 and System 2 thinking, Nienke shares real-life examples and practical tips for CX leaders to cultivate a more conscious approach to decision-making.

Nienke highlights three compelling examples from her mentor calls, showcasing how conscious decision-making can lead to more strategic project selection, adept stakeholder engagement, and compelling storytelling within organizations. With practical advice and actionable takeaways, she encourages CX leaders to make conscious decisions, engage in System 2 thinking, and refine their approach to communication and project management.

Join us as we explore the value of making more deliberate choices, the impact of conscious decision-making on leadership, and how it can lead to greater success and recognition in the CX field.

Whether you’re a seasoned CX leader or aspiring to take on a leadership role, this episode offers thought-provoking perspectives to elevate your decision-making and leadership abilities. Tune in for a dose of inspiration and actionable insights to enhance your CX leadership journey.

Timestamped overview

00:00 Encouraging conscious decision-making and leadership impact.

05:14 Slow, effortful, logical; essential for complex problem-solving.

08:33 Consider conscious decision-making and project alignment.

12:42 Use multiple models to strengthen your methodology.

15:54 CX leaders need conscious communication for success.

17:01 Conscious actions lead to better results, recognition.


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. More on Nienke’s education portfolio: https://www.nienkebloem.nl/en/cx-educatie/

Listen to this episode of CX Leadership Talks here on in any of your favourite podcast apps!

 

*****

Nienke Bloem is often called the Customer Experience speaker in the blue dress. 

She’s a global CX thought leader, educator and a global keynote speaker who inspires audiences with best practices and proven methodologies. She leads a speaking practice, a CX game company and a training business; she breathes Customer Experiences and is author of two CX books.

Her two-day Customer Experience Masterclass is known as the best program to prepare for your CCXP and she is the go-to person voor CX leaders who want to advance their leadership and bring direct results from their Customer Experience transformation programs. Since 2020, she hosts a CX Leadership Masterminds program and helps leaders spice up their leadership and deliver an engaging CX Story including a solid CX Strategy. Besides, she is a modern-day pilgrim and found the parallel with leading customer centric transformations. 

With her over 20 years corporate experience, she speaks the business language. Her keynotes and education programs in Customer Experience are inspiring and hands-on. She is one of the few Recognized Training Partners of the CXPA and it is her mission to Make Customer Experience Work and help you deliver business results. 

/door

Nine tips for driving impact through Closing the Loop

Welcome back to the CX Leadership Talk podcast. In this episode, your host Nienke Bloem digs deep into the topic of ‘Closing the Loop’ in customer experience management. Drawing from her recent experiences, Nienke shares 9 insightful suggestions to boost your closing the loop program, from co-creation sessions and individual feedback research to risk management and reporting on customer feedback improvements.

Through engaging and practical tips, Nienke emphasizes the importance of investing in the outer and inner loops to enhance customer experiences. This episode provides a comprehensive exploration of the challenges, strategies, and practical actions related to the closing the loop process in customer experience management. Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode:

  1. Co-create for impact: Organizing a world cafe setting to engage all stakeholders in improving the closing the loop process can lead to insightful discussions and impactful solutions.
  2. Growth hacking approach: Implementing ‘Friction Fridays’ where teams come together to solve specific issues can lead to continuous improvements and boost team morale.
  3. Customer-centric reporting: Reporting on the progress of closing the loop, including NPS and customer feedback improvements, can provide a transparent view of the organization’s commitment to acting on customer feedback.

Tune in to gather wisdom from Nienke’s solo episode and discover how to improve and finetune your initiatives for closing the loop to new heights.

Timestamped overview

00:00 CX Leadership podcast: “Closing the Loop Program”

05:53 Improving customer experiences, energizing with practicality.

06:33 Host World Cafe event for deeper process review.

10:10 Clarifying ownership and strategy in customer feedback.

15:28 Identify and address risks with strategic solutions.

17:21 Address big issues every other Friday strategically.

20:49 Send biannual surveys, track improvements, and communicate.

22:45 “9 tips for enhancing customer experience management.”

The outline above offers a comprehensive overview of this episode’s content.

 

In the podcast Nienke mentions the World Cafe setting, more on that here.

Want to grow as a CX Leader? Contact Nienke Bloem. She is a CX expert and can provide you with the guidance and support you need to succeed in CX leadership. More on Nienke’s education portfolio: https://www.nienkebloem.nl/en/cx-educatie/

Listen to this episode of CX Leadership Talks here on in any of your favourite podcast apps!

 

*****

Nienke Bloem is often called the Customer Experience speaker in the blue dress. 

She’s a global CX thought leader, educator and a global keynote speaker who inspires audiences with best practices and proven methodologies. She leads a speaking practice, a CX game company and a training business; she breathes Customer Experiences and is author of two CX books.

Her two-day Customer Experience Masterclass is known as the best program to prepare for your CCXP and she is the go-to person voor CX leaders who want to advance their leadership and bring direct results from their Customer Experience transformation programs. Since 2020, she hosts a CX Leadership Masterminds program and helps leaders spice up their leadership and deliver an engaging CX Story including a solid CX Strategy. Besides, she is a modern-day pilgrim and found the parallel with leading customer centric transformations. 

With her over 20 years corporate experience, she speaks the business language. Her keynotes and education programs in Customer Experience are inspiring and hands-on. She is one of the few Recognized Training Partners of the CXPA and it is her mission to Make Customer Experience Work and help you deliver business results. 

/door

Strategy 50: Let’s put a dent in the universe

One of my heroes, Steve Jobs, said, “We are here to make a dent in the universe, why are we here in the first place.” And I totally agree, that’s why the last strategy (number 50!) is: let’s make a dent in the universe. And enjoy the ride!

The last chapter and therefore the last video about my book ‘CX is a pilgrimage’. I hope that by now you have boosted your leadership (and your life) and that my strategies have inspired you to make every day better and more exciting.

Thank you for traveling with me, I am extremely grateful for that!

I read aloud a chapter every week. Enjoy listening to my book ‘CX is a pilgrimage’. I do hope that I’ll inspire you to spice up your journey as a business leader, a CX leader, or maybe even as a leader in your personal life. 

Subscribe to my YouTube channel and you’ll be notified if another chapter appears! 

Would you rather read ‘CX is a pilgrimage’? You can find it online on Amazon or – in the Netherlands and Belgium – in any bookstore online.

 

*****

Nienke Bloem is often called the Customer Experience speaker in the blue dress. 

She’s a global CX thought leader, educator and a global keynote speaker who inspires audiences with best practices and proven methodologies. She leads a speaking practice, a CX game company and a training business; she breathes Customer Experiences and is author of two CX books.

Her two-day Customer Experience Masterclass is known as the best program to prepare for your CCXP and she is the go-to person voor CX leaders who want to advance their leadership and bring direct results from their Customer Experience transformation programs. Since 2020, she hosts a CX Leadership Masterminds program and helps leaders spice up their leadership and deliver an engaging CX Story including a solid CX Strategy. Besides, she is a modern-day pilgrim and found the parallel with leading customer centric transformations. 

With her over 20 years corporate experience, she speaks the business language. Her keynotes and education programs in Customer Experience are inspiring and hands-on. She is one of the few Recognized Training Partners of the CXPA and it is her mission to Make Customer Experience Work and help you deliver business results. 

/door

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 favourite podcast app!

/door

Strategy 49: Celebrate success

Do you celebrate your successes? I think you should. In fact, strategy 49 is ‘Celebrate success’. Let your achievements kick in.

My parents taught me to celebrate all you can celebrate. And they were right. So, this video is about celebrations and why they should be part of your business too.

I read aloud a chapter every week. Enjoy listening to my book ‘CX is a pilgrimage’. I do hope that I’ll inspire you to spice up your journey as a business leader, a CX leader, or maybe even as a leader in your personal life. 

Subscribe to my YouTube channel and you’ll be notified if another chapter appears! 

Would you rather read ‘CX is a pilgrimage’? You can find it online on Amazon or – in the Netherlands and Belgium – in any bookstore online.

 

*****

Nienke Bloem is often called the Customer Experience speaker in the blue dress. 

She’s a global CX thought leader, educator and a global keynote speaker who inspires audiences with best practices and proven methodologies. She leads a speaking practice, a CX game company and a training business; she breathes Customer Experiences and is author of two CX books.

Her two-day Customer Experience Masterclass is known as the best program to prepare for your CCXP and she is the go-to person voor CX leaders who want to advance their leadership and bring direct results from their Customer Experience transformation programs. Since 2020, she hosts a CX Leadership Masterminds program and helps leaders spice up their leadership and deliver an engaging CX Story including a solid CX Strategy. Besides, she is a modern-day pilgrim and found the parallel with leading customer centric transformations. 

With her over 20 years corporate experience, she speaks the business language. Her keynotes and education programs in Customer Experience are inspiring and hands-on. She is one of the few Recognized Training Partners of the CXPA and it is her mission to Make Customer Experience Work and help you deliver business results. 

/door

Crafting CX careers: Trends, traits and triumphs with Jo van Riemsdijk, CX Recruitment Specialist

Welcome to CX Leadership Talks, where we explore the world of Customer Experience leadership with top industry experts. In today’s episode, host Nienke Bloem engages in a captivating conversation with Jo van Riemsdijk. Together, they navigate through the intricate world of customer experience management from the perspective of Jo as THE recruiter in CX in the UK.

In this episode

Jo shares valuable insights on the challenges and trends in recruiting for customer experience roles, reflecting on the changing requirements and skill sets sought after by organizations today as opposed to in the past. We explore the complexities of navigating senior leadership buy-in, what she calls ‘managing upwards’, the shifting paradigms of the customer experience industry, and the increasing demand for digital expertise and change leadership. 

About Jo van Riemsdijk

She is THE Customer Experience Recruitment Specialist recruiting at all levels right up to Board level. With Kate Baird, she founded CX Talent Ltd, which is an Independent Customer Experience Recruitment Consultancy. They match the RIGHT people with the RIGHT jobs in Customer Experience, Digital Experience and Service Design roles. At all levels from Chief Customer Officer, Customer Experience Director, Digital Experience Director, to middle management roles across all industry sectors, covering a wide range of CX disciplines such as strategy, insight, design, digital, service, engagement, loyalty, and success. She is the perfect guest on the show, as she sees what her clients are looking for and sees where matches are truly made. She offers a consultative approach and always acts transparently and with integrity. Always passionate about matching the right people with the right jobs and helping businesses achieve customer satisfaction and profitability.

Click here for the Website of CX Talent Ltd.

Click here for the Monthly Newsletter on LinkedIn by CX Talent Ltd. 

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.

Time stamped overview

00:00 UK-based recruitment business serving international clients.

05:37 Research led to identifying customer experience gap.

09:30 Employers seek diverse skill sets for directors.

12:01 Customer experience manager roles and salary impact.

15:53 Increasing demand for digital design roles seen.

19:01 Key to finding ideal challenge: “Remember what you bring to the party.”

23:18 Developers want to create communities and entice employees.

26:42 Transition from vendor neutrality to consultancy education.

27:47 Stay informed about AI and organizational processes.

33:00 Cracking the leadership paradigm for greater value.

35:50 Creating ideal business culture by emphasizing values.

38:03 Tight client brief, thorough candidate assessment process.

41:04 Recommend recruiting for right person, seek professional help.

44:24 Prepare, engage, focus, share stories, manage upwards.

Jo’s recommendations

Listen today’s episode here or in any of your favorite podcast apps.

 

*****

Nienke Bloem is often called the Customer Experience speaker in the blue dress. 

She’s a global CX thought leader, educator and a global keynote speaker who inspires audiences with best practices and proven methodologies. She leads a speaking practice, a CX game company and a training business; she breathes Customer Experiences and is author of two CX books.

Her two-day Customer Experience Masterclass is known as the best program to prepare for your CCXP and she is the go-to person voor CX leaders who want to advance their leadership and bring direct results from their Customer Experience transformation programs. Since 2020, she hosts a CX Leadership Masterminds program and helps leaders spice up their leadership and deliver an engaging CX Story including a solid CX Strategy. Besides, she is a modern-day pilgrim and found the parallel with leading customer centric transformations. 

With her over 20 years corporate experience, she speaks the business language. Her keynotes and education programs in Customer Experience are inspiring and hands-on. She is one of the few Recognized Training Partners of the CXPA and it is her mission to Make Customer Experience Work and help you deliver business results. 

/door