After more than a year-long hiatus, Club90 successfully returned to its usual format. The session, organised by Colony Networking and Think Beyond, took place at Mottram Hall on 21st October. Guests had the pleasure of a business lunch combined with bitesize learning and informal networking. Read on as we look at the return of Club90.
Future technology
The theme of the event linked all the three presenters together. Firstly, Kirsty James from Colony Networking, discussed modern networking tips using technology. Kirsty gave us some very useful tips including how to cleanse and backup your LinkedIn profile. She also made reference to the art of follow up, what to do without business cards and even WhatsApp names. As the host of this event, Kirsty introduced the speakers and set out the aims of Club90.
Secondly, our star speaker was none other than Danny Simpson, CEO of Mid Communications, a leading partner of O2 for retail and business connectivity. Danny spoke with great energy and inspiration about the changing technological landscape. From a review of the pre-pandemic world to some great statistics about technology usage and how it has increased, Danny entranced the audience.
As inspiring presentations go, Danny didn’t stop there, also referencing the ‘experiential’ nature of where digital is heading. Additionally, he made an eloquent case for the new technologies of the future and some clever uses in our day-to-day lives. We saw everything from fully robotic warehousing (Ocado) to smart advertising hoardings using the Internet of Things (IoT), Virtual Reality (VR) meetings and robotics (Boston Dynamics).
Speaking to Danny at the end of the event, he was clear that he wanted to achieve a “mix of emotions” and he certainly achieved it.
The future of customer experience and technology
Lastly, Steven Cozens, Consultant and Co-founder of Think Beyond, gave an overview of Customer Experience (CX) linked to technology. Without comparing notes, both Danny and Steven neatly overlapped on VR, Augmented Reality (AR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), IoT, drones, robotics and driverless vehicles.
From a range of definitions of CX to measurement and omni-channel, Steven covered the evolution of CX. Crucially, all of the current and future technological change causes us to have an emotional and physiological response. Positive responses improve CX and help loyalty and retention (and therefore, advocacy), negative responses risk frustrating and alienating customers if done poorly. Using a combination of service and journey mapping with neuroscience, Think Beyond aims to help businesses measure and improve CX.
Steven closed by saying that, “There is value and opportunity in closing the gap between how we think customers feel and how they actually feel.”
A business club with a difference
With 2 face-to-face events in November 2019 and January 2020, Club90 went virtual on Zoom until now. The 20 attendees had the chance to enjoy good food, nice surroundings, face-to-face discussion and three great speakers. As a socially-distanced event, Club90 took place in the St. Andrews Suite 3 at Champneys Mottram Hall hotel. With plenty of space for networking, large tables for lunch and room for the speakers, we asked guests to act responsibly. We also provided face masks and hand sanitiser for people to manage their own comfort and safety.
With dates scheduled on 27th January, 28th April, 21st July and 20th October 2022, we plan to continue face-to-face. For £90, guests get 90 minutes of lunch, learning and discussion every 90 days. We plan to continue using the fabulous facilities of Mottram Hall for the foreseeable future. Not only do you have a fantastic venue, you can take the Champneys tour after the event and see the new spa facilities. They also have Tesla charging stations for those with electric vehicles. You can sign up for Club90 now by contacting info@colonynetworking.co.uk.
Business learning and consulting
As a business and marketing consultancy, Think Beyond offers a range of value-add solutions to help you find new opportunities and accelerate your business performance. In partnership with Colony Networking, we bring you thought-provoking and inspiring speakers to lunch, learn and connect. We offer a huge thank you to Kirsty, Mercè (co-organiser), Danny and Steven.
To find out more about Club90 and Think Beyond, simply call 01565 632206.
Alternatively, why not email events@think-beyond.co.uk or fill-in a few details online.