Category: ACXM

5 Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Implementing Customer Journey Mapping

Even though Customer Journey Mapping (CJM) has become a popular tool among customer experience (CX) professionals, many organizations are still not utilizing it to its fullest. Oftentimes, the cause of this is a lack of knowledge about how internal operations and data are related to the customer journey. To gain a better comprehension of the customer experience, CX experts need to comprehend the entire process customers navigate when interacting with an organization. This includes not only their dealings with the organization’s products and services, but also the processes and systems that underpin those connections.

Overview

Earlier this week, I released a short video about Customer Journey Management and its benefits for organizations, with examples from Amazon, Starbucks, Uber, Netflix, Apple, and the Financial Sector. (see the 4 minutes on YT: https://youtu.be/an5tNYXXzHo)

Wow, what a response. I didn’t expect that.
Many folks have tried and failed to deploy Customer Journey Map approaches effectively.

Here’s a summary of some of the five most significant challenges. In another article, we will discuss how to avoid them based on the best practices of those who have delivered success.

Some significant drawbacks can affect a company’s ability to provide a great experience to its customers.

🤝Customer Needs

One of these issues is a need for insight into the customer’s needs and desires. This can create an inconsistency between their services and products and the customer’s expectations, leading to disappointment and exasperation.

💖Personalization

Furthermore, not offering a personalized experience make customers feel disregarded and unappreciated.

🎸Co-ordination

Additionally, a failure to properly coordinate and integrate different channels and touchpoints can lead to an incoherent journey for the customer, making it difficult for them to get the assistance or data they require.

🏢Structural challenges

A hindrance is silo-based thinking; when a business has several separate systems and processes, it can take time to get a comprehensive outlook on the customer’s experience and to determine their path.

This can make it challenging to find and address any issues or areas that need to be improved.

✍️Connecting the dots

Understanding the link between internal operations, data, and customer experience is essential. By being aware of the overall process customers go through when interacting with an organization, and the systems and processes that back them, CX professionals can pinpoint pain points and chances for optimization within the customer journey.

Additionally, it is essential to remember that CJM is not a single-time task but rather an ongoing effort to be evaluated and updated routinely. It calls for the participation and collaboration of all levels of the organization. It serves to align initiatives from various departments to upgrade the customer experience and positively affect the business.


Conclusion:

Several specific actions will reduce the risk of poor CJM implementation. We will discuss those shortly by reviewing the best practices of companies that have delivered success.

If you want the inside track on that, subscribe and share this blog.

RECOMMENDED QUALIFICATION:
The Accredited Customer Experience Professional® (ACXP): https://bit.ly/GCCACXP

If you want to check if your colleagues are already qualified do a search with #ACXP on Linkedin.

Learn more about CJM plus as practiced within the CEMMethod: https://www.cemmethod.com

Connect with the author: https://linktr.ee/SteveTowers

Gain a competitive edge with professional qualifications in Customer Experience

Gaining certifications in customer experience can be advantageous for employees and businesses alike. It demonstrates an individual’s dedication to the field and provides an upper hand in the job market. Furthermore, it can enhance output in current positions by increasing expertise in the most effective techniques and lead to a higher customer satisfaction rate for the company. Professional qualifications can also bring a feeling of personal achievement. There are several options to receive these qualifications, such as virtual classes, physical seminars, and degree programs. All in all, obtaining professional qualifications in customer experience could be a beneficial investment.

It is essential to acknowledge the significance of customer experience. More is required to deliver an outstanding product or service in this highly competitive business environment. Businesses need to put in the extra effort to provide a remarkable customer experience to be distinguished from rivals and gain customer loyalty. This is where obtaining a professional qualification in customer experience comes into play.

Professional Qualification (or not?)

First, having a professional qualification in customer experience demonstrates a commitment to the field. It gives an impression that you have invested your energy to learn the most current best practices and have the necessary capabilities and expertise to offer exceptional customer service. This can be especially helpful for companies searching for customer experience professionals, as it reflects that you are devoted to your career and take it earnestly.

Obtaining professional credentials in customer experience can be advantageous in the job market. In an arena where customer experience is becoming increasingly imperative for businesses, having the qualifications can give you an advantage over applicants with different proficiency levels. This can be particularly advantageous if you want to progress in your profession or change to a new sector.

It is not just about your job

But the advantages of obtaining professional qualifications in customer experience go beyond impressing potential employers. It can also help you be more productive in your current role. By gaining a more profound knowledge of customer experience best practices, you will be better able to recognize and handle any issues that may crop up and find ways to improve the overall customer experience. This can lead to improved customer loyalty and satisfaction and, eventually, higher revenue for your organization.

In addition to the tangible benefits, obtaining professional qualifications in customer experience can also give you a sense of personal accomplishment.

man in white crew neck t shirt holding laptop
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

If you want to become professionally qualified in customer experience, multiple alternatives are accessible, such as online courses, in-person seminars, and degree programs. Examining and determining the most suitable choice for your needs and timetable is vital. Regardless of your choice, getting a professional qualification in customer experience is a beneficial investment. It can make you stand out in the job market, increase your capability in your current role, and bring satisfaction. So, if you plan to progress your job in customer experience, consider becoming professionally qualified – it is the push you require to succeed in this fast-developing area.


Summary:

Gaining certifications in customer experience can be advantageous for employees and businesses alike. It demonstrates an individual’s dedication to the field and provides an upper hand in the job market. Furthermore, it can enhance output in current positions by increasing expertise in the most effective techniques and lead to a higher customer satisfaction rate for the company. Professional qualifications can also bring a feeling of personal achievement. There are several options to receive these qualifications, such as virtual classes, physical seminars, and degree programs. All in all, obtaining professional qualifications in customer experience could be a beneficial investment.

RECOMMENDED QUALIFICATION:
The Accredited Customer Experience Professional® (ACXP): https://bit.ly/GCCACXP

If you want to check if your colleagues are already qualified do a search with #ACXP on Linkedin.

Review the extensive options from the BPG: https://www.bpgroup.org

Connect with the author: https://linktr.ee/SteveTowers

Discover 23 Must-Attend Top-Notch Customer Experience Conferences in 2023!

Overview of customer experience featuring 23 must attend conference in 2023

As a business leader, you know the importance of customer experience (CX) and its impact on your success. But do you know about the must-attend customer experience conferences for 2023?

Must-Attend Customer Experience Conferences in 2023

Now that you know the importance of customer experience, let’s take a look at the must-attend customer experience conferences in 2023:

January 2023

February 2023

March 2023

May 2023

June 2023

July 2023

August 2023

September 2023

October 2023

These conferences are great opportunities to learn the latest strategies in customer experience, network with other industry professionals, and gain invaluable insight into the customer experience industry.

Conclusion

Customer experience is an essential part of any business’s success. It involves understanding customer needs and developing strategies to meet those needs. It also involves creating customer-centric strategies, setting customer goals, and measuring customer satisfaction.

Attending customer experience conferences is a great way to learn the latest strategies in customer experience, network with other industry professionals, and gain invaluable insight into the customer experience industry.

Review these 23 top-rated CX Conferences for 2023 to start your journey to become a customer experience expert!

Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/stevetowers

The Most Highly Regarded CX Leaders share Incredible Thought Leadership

I loved that James Dodkins couldn’t find a comprehensive Customer Experience Quotebook, so he decided to create one by assembling the best of the best from our current era of CX luminaries and Business leaders.

Let’s review my choice of the very best best ones 😉

You can get a FREE copy of the CX Quote book with 365 insights with some additional bonuses.
One Inspiration for every day of the coming year perhaps?

https://cemnext.com/cxquotesbook

do not resist change, embrace it

To upskill to the latest CX ‘Next Practice’ Find out more: https://bit.ly/GCCACXP

There are always more questions than answers 😉 However, in the ACX Masters program, we cover all the bases and provide a set of tools and approaches that enable you to WIN THE TRIPLE CROWN in every CX initiative
Join us soon!

The 3 Most Frustrating things about those people who love Quotes

Stay with me for this one. James Dodkins says he just cut n pasted the best CX Quotes into his cornerstone work of 365 CX Quotes. He didn’t because I was there to see the process… try this google ‘Great Quotes’* and you will have some idea of the size of the task in hand.

* It produces results of nearly two billion. 😱

And we all know that 95% of those are dross. So that leaves just 10 million half ways decent ones to get it down to 365 which itself is a herculean task. However he did it, and you can get the results for free (see the link below). One a day CX quotes to brighten the dullest day. And without the dross.

Talking of arrogance and dross produced a really nice quote from that brilliant sci-fi guy, Isaac Asimov.

Let’s just say, like some of us, he doesn’t suffer fools gladly…

Now I would have included that, but I also know James Dodkins hates with a passion sci-fi. Don’t mention Star Trek, Star Wars, or Space Rangers. You will become persona non gratis 😂 Hence Isaac isn’t in this book…..

Even so, this book is an inspiration.
Open it at random and you might get your thoughts changed for a day or two. Or treat it like a 365-day advent calendar and regale your friends with a quote a day for a year – no don’t do that, it is too nerdy.

Here are a couple of fine examples.

I especially like this one. Been there and done that way too often.


Here’s a link that will get you this work of a genius (OK then, the work of the CX RockStar)

https://cemnext.com/cxquotesbook

Catch you soon!

Steve Towers

To upskill to the latest CX ‘Next Practice’ Find out more: https://bit.ly/GCCACXP

There are always more questions than answers 😉 However, in the ACX Masters program, we cover all the bases and provide a set of tools and approaches that enable you to WIN THE TRIPLE CROWN in every CX initiative
Join us soon!

The 11 Critical Things Mentally Strong People Avoid

Entrepreneurs are often interested in physical strength and health, but mental strength is even more important. Mental strength is a critical characteristic for entrepreneurs, as many articles address tenacity, “grit,” optimism, and unfailing ability to “fail up,” as David Williams of Forbes puts it.

do not resist change, embrace it

However, mentally strong individuals avoid doing certain things as well. Licensed Clinical psychotherapist and social worker Amy Morin[1] created a list of things mentally strong individuals don’t do as part of LifeHack. It inspired me enough to summarize and spread it around, and I’ll add my thoughts on how these things relate to entrepreneurs.

  1. Mentally strong individuals don’t waste time feeling bad for themselves.
    They don’t waste time thinking about how they’ve been wronged. They are responsible for their actions and consequences and realize that life isn’t always fair. Even though they emerge from difficult situations with self-awareness and gratitude for the lessons learned, they can respond to an unfavorable outcome with the phrase “Oh, well.” Next!” or simply “Next!”
  2. Hand their Power to Others.
    Mentally strong individuals avoid relinquishing control to others, ensuring they do not feel inadequate or inferior. They understand that they are in charge of their actions and emotions. They acknowledge that their strength lies in managing how they respond.
  3. Seeing change as an enemy
    A mentally strong person accepts change and challenges with open arms. If they have a greatest “fear,” it is of becoming inwardly focused, complacent, and stuck. An environment of change, challenge, and uncertainty can energize a mentally strong person and bring out their best.

  4. Waste time on things beyond their control.
    A mentally strong person doesn’t whine about bad traffic, lost luggage, or other people (as these things are usually outside of their control) but instead focuses on what they can control: their response and attitude. Even in a bad situation, they know that the only thing they can always control is their response and perspective, and they make the most of these attributes.

  5. Wanting to be liked by everyone.
    Do you know any people pleasers or people who go out of their way to displease others to reinforce an image of strength? Neither position is good. A mentally strong individual aims to be kind and just, in addition to pleasing others if appropriate, but they are not afraid to speak up. They can deal with difficult situations where someone might become upset with grace, if possible.

  6. Worry over taking Risks.
    A mentally strong person is very willing to take calculated risks. This differs from taking foolish risks. However, with mental strength, an individual can weigh the risks and benefits thoroughly, consider the potential downsides and even the worst-case scenarios before taking action, and make a rational decision.

  7. Lament and become sentimental about a past event.
    A mentally strong person can avoid miring their mental energy in past disappointments or fantasies of the “glory days” in the past. Acknowledging and learning from past experiences, in particular, provides mental strength. Investing the majority of their mental energy in creating an optimal present and future is what mentally strong people do.

  8. Avoid Habitual Mistakes.
    The definition of insanity is when we take the same actions repeatedly while hoping for a better outcome than we got the last time. We all know what it means. A mentally strong individual acknowledges responsibility for previous actions and is willing to learn from errors. According to research, one of the greatest strengths of successful executives and entrepreneurs is their self-reflective, accurate, and effective way of thinking.

  9. Avoid the Green Monster trap.
    It takes strength of character to be genuinely pleased and enthused by other people’s achievements. Mentally strong people possess this skill. When others succeed, they don’t become jealous or resentful (although they may carefully observe what the individual did right). They work hard for their own success rather than taking shortcuts and are willing to do so.

  10. Surrender when they fail.
    The most outstanding entrepreneurs acknowledge that many failures characterized their first efforts. Every failure provides an opportunity to improve. Mentally tough individuals are willing to fail repeatedly as long as they can learn from each “failure.” They don’t fear being alone; they treasure and even enjoy it. During their downtime, mentally strong individuals reflect, plan, and accomplish things. They don’t need others to keep them happy and cheerful, so they don’t rely on others. They can enjoy being with others and also enjoy being alone.

  11.  Understand that the world owes them nothing.
    Employees and executives at all levels realize that the world does not owe them a salary, rewards package, and an easy life regardless of their education and preparation. People with mental strength are prepared to work and succeed on their own merits at every stage of life.

    Those who want immediate results will be disappointed. Even when they start a business or begin a workout plan, people with mental toughness are in it for the long haul. They know that they must take measured doses of time and energy and celebrate each step of success as they go. They have staying power and recognize that real change takes time.

    Are you mentally tough? What areas of these habits do you need to strengthen?
Change Your Habits Change Your Life

[1] https://www.amazon.com/Things-Mentally-Strong-Women-Dont/dp/0062847635

To upskill to the latest ‘Next Practice’ Find out more: https://bit.ly/GCCACXP

There are always more questions than answers 😉 However, in the ACX Masters program, we cover all the bases and provide a set of tools and approaches that enable you to WIN THE TRIPLE CROWN in every CX initiative
Join us soon!

Leveraging Analytics to Create the Ultimate Customer Experience Ecosystem

Dr. Durrell Ramrathan, Ph.D

Dr. Durrell Ramrathan is for many an unsung hero carving a path for the rest of us to follow as he takes CX and Analytics to the next level. This recent keynote is exactly what |I am talking about, chokka block full of useful practical guidance and some great stories at the same time.

Watch the presentation here and download the transcript below.

You can reach out to Durrel at: Durel Ramrathan, Ph.D
and he is part of the groundbreaking CX team headed by Roland D. Naidoo over at #Multichoice.

Get the Transcript: https://bit.ly/CXAnalyticsTransacr

To upskill to the latest ‘Next Practice’ Find out more: https://bit.ly/GCCACXP

There are always more questions than answers 😉 However, in the ACX Masters program, we cover all the bases and provide a set of tools and approaches that enable you to WIN THE TRIPLE CROWN in every CX initiative
Join us soon!

The Complexity of Corporate Communication: How to get your message across!

The complexity of corporate communications

Corporate communication is a broad field that deals with the different public and internal facing aspects of a company. It involves various methods and approaches to share information about a company’s brand, products, services, employees, and so on with a broad internal and external audience.

Communication as a whole is complex as it involves many stakeholders and audiences. Moreover, effective communication requires strong connections between people at all levels of the organization.

To be able to communicate effectively within your organization and with the outside world, you need to understand what corporate communication is, its benefits, and how you can implement it in your organization.

That is why in this article we will discuss everything you need to know about corporate communication so you can get your message across!

What Is Corporate Communication?

When we talk about communication in business, we are primarily referring to two things – one is the process, and the other is the outcome of the process. The process consists of the steps involved in communication, for example – sending the message, the channel through which it is sent, the time frame, and so on.

The outcome of the process refers to the impact that the communication has had on the person who received it.

That is why communication is often described as a process through which we create an understanding between people who are not in the same place at the same time. In this sense, corporate communication is the process and activities through which organizations create a strong connection via employees with the outside world for the purpose of brand building, increasing reputation, and the acquisition and retention of customers.

Why is Effective Communication Important?

Communication is the process of exchanging information and ideas between two or more people. For this process to be effective, certain factors need to be in place. To start with, there should be an understanding between the sender and receiver of the message.

Communication is all about sharing information, and if the information is not understood, it won’t be useful to anyone. We have a saying that ‘a message without meaning is like a bird without wings’. It is because of this that communication is an important aspect of any business venture.

The right words, carefully selected and strategically placed with the correct tone, can be a very powerful tool. They can make for an excellent culture, your brand more recognizable, and encourage customers to buy your products and services.

Benefits of Effective corporate communication

Stronger relationships – The biggest benefit of effective communication is that it strengthens relationships. Whether you communicate with the members of your team, customers, or anyone in between, a strong connection will lead to better results.

Greater productivity – When people understand each other and have a clear idea of what their role is within the organization, productivity increases. This is especially true for organizations where employees have a say in shaping the communication process – for example, when they have the opportunity to voice feedback and suggestions, and when they have the power to participate in the decision-making process.

Better decision-making – When communication is effective, decision-making becomes much easier. This is because the information you share will be well-understood.

Better brand recognition – A strong connection with your audience will not only bring them closer to your brand, but it will also make them more loyal to it. Moreover, the brand of your business will become more recognizable as you take part in various communication activities.

Types of Corporate Communication

Internal communication – This is the communication that happens between employees. It can happen in a number of ways, including one-on-one meetings, group meetings, emails, and so on. Internal communication is important because it helps people work together more effectively and efficiently.

External communication – This is the communication that happens between your organization and the outside world. This could be in the form of marketing campaigns, public relations, social media posts, and more.

Customer communication – This is communication between your customers and your organization. It can happen in a number of ways, including through a company’s customer support or customer service department, through social media posts, and more.

Summing up

Communication is an essential part of any business venture, and it can make or break an organization. The success of your business relies not only on the quality of your products or services but also on how well you communicate that quality to your customers.

When you have strong relationships with your audience, when you can make better decisions, and when you can recognize your brand better – you have stronger communication.

To achieve this, it is important to implement effective goal-driven communication in your organization. This can be achieved by focusing on the type of communication you engage in and by making sure that your communications are all aligned to Successful Customer and Business Outcomes.

You may be doing things right, but are you doing the right things?

CX Metrics are being abused and misused… see how the road to hell may be paved with good intentions.

Change Architect of the Year

The Global Change Architect of the Year is announced! And the 2021’s award goes to… Edwin de Lange in South Africa.

The BP Group and Affiliates are pleased to announce the winner of this years prestigious ‘Change Architect of the Year’ Award goes to Edwin de Lange, Manager: Customer Experience Design at Mercantile Bank, South Africa.

The Award, now in its fourth year, recognises the formidable achievements of the winner in delivering both personal, professional and business transformation in the organisations they work with.

Over the last few years, Edwin has progressed his professional credibility and qualifications and is acknowledged as one of the most accomplished and recognized African Customer Experience leaders.

His perspective on Customer Experience Management is both grounded in reality and backed up with sharp-end practical accomplishments and success. An inspiration to his colleagues and peers it is a well-deserved honor that once again sets the bar even higher for those wishing to push the boundaries and application of business transformation.

Edwin’s recent licenses and certifications qualifications include:

Prior to joining Mercantile Edwin worked for Old Mutual and All Life in the financial service sector in South Africa.

Selected by their immediate peers and fellow professionals the Change Architect of the Year now appears in the ‘Change Architects Hall of Fame’  – Edwin de Lange is now acknowledged as this years ‘Global Change Architect for 2021’. 

You can review Edwin’s profile at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwin-de-lange-cxs-cppmasters-acxmasters-mentor-coimaster-cppc-aba43911/

https://www.bpgroup.org/changearchitect.html

For Customer Experience, Process Transformation and Operations Management visit www.bpgroup.org