We describe ourselves as a network company with the aim of facilitating the exchange of knowledge between digital experts. The aim is for everyone to achieve the best digital solutions. This is achieved by learning from and with each other. To this end, we organize structured and moderated group meetings, masterclasses and annual conferences where digital experts share their experiences with like-minded people from all over the world. <\/p>\n
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On your website you write “…we insist that knowledge is to be shared…” which speaks to my heart. What is your relationship to traditional consulting? <\/strong><\/p>\n Traditional consulting still has its purpose. But our idea focuses on how to really develop as a digital leader and expert. This is in line with the learning pyramid that group discussions, learning by doing and teaching others are the most effective learning methods. We don’t want to provide the solution, but rather offer the space to develop and learn from and with each other. In terms of cost, this is also very interesting, because an annual membership with us is roughly equivalent to what it costs a consultant to get to know each other and explain the challenges to them. <\/p>\n How should I imagine such a meeting or workshop in the group?<\/strong><\/p>\n This involves one to two dozen digital professionals meeting locally and engaging in an open exchange. In most cases, specific, real issues are discussed and solutions are developed. There are often also insights that require confidentiality, which makes the group more engaging. We don’t have PowerPoint marathons and there is no frontal teaching. Instead, you have to think of it as a group of sparring partners helping each other. This provides impetus and the much-cited ability to think outside the box. <\/p>\n How did you monetize your model? <\/strong><\/p>\n Simply by becoming a member. These members meet in local groups. We also organize two annual conferences and so-called master classes. These are events where members meet across groups. <\/p>\n How did you and your organization take the step towards the broad topic of digital transformation?<\/strong><\/p>\n When we started, the term digital transformation was still completely unknown, as you know. Our topics and content were therefore very IT-oriented. Gradually, communication and marketing people joined us because this area was affected by digitalization very early on. Today, we are seeing more and more people from different areas of the company joining us. This is also logical, as there is no longer any company or division that is not affected by digitalization. <\/p>\n You have over 60 group meetings in Europe and America. How do you organize yourselves? <\/strong><\/p>\n Basically, the focus is on professional interest and passion for these topics. The open exchange within the J.Boye team and with our members is extremely important. In addition, and this is often underestimated, we spend a lot of time organizing the events, putting together the groups and moderating. It is also important that we give people the opportunity to network at the events. Because the meetings are one thing, but over time we find it much more important to form this community. That’s why continuity is more important than a few good meetings. <\/p>\n What groups are there in Germany and how often do they meet?<\/strong><\/p>\n Each group meets 3 to 4 times a year. The current focus of the individual groups is on digital management, intranet and internal communication. There are currently 10 different groups in Germany. <\/p>\n You probably have one of the most representative insights into what moves digital professionals today. What do you notice? <\/strong><\/p>\n Yes, we regularly discuss this in the moderation team. At the moment, we see 5 topics that move people: The European data protection regulation GDPR scheduled for 2018, the use of artificial intelligence, start-up culture, cloud and better analytical use of data. I recently wrote something about this.(Find it here.<\/a>)<\/p>\n Where do you see differences between the USA and Europe?<\/strong><\/p>\n I think marketing is much more dominant in the USA than in Europe, where the traditional communications departments are stronger. When it comes to mobile, the Americans are way ahead of us. As far as data protection or “data ethics” are concerned, we are much stronger in Europe. <\/p>\n For me, diversity is one of the megatopics of the digital industry. How high is the proportion of women in your groups? Is there a trend towards more women in digital professions? <\/strong><\/p>\n There is a good gender mix in our groups. More and more women are coming to the conferences. Probably also because we are increasingly moving in the direction of communication and marketing. It disappoints me how many other conferences consist almost exclusively of men and how the proportion of men in the IT sector and expert panels is so high. I think the organizers need to develop a better feel for this issue. <\/p>\n You’ve been running J. Boye for 13 years now. What have you learned during this time that you can pass on to young company founders? <\/strong><\/p>\n 4 things: Hard work pays off. You have to be patient, especially when the company is growing. International expansion is usually underestimated: although it is “cool” and a must, it should be considered from the outset. And you have to make mistakes. You don’t do everything right from the start. In this context, “fail cheap” is important. <\/p>\n Janus, thank you very much for talking to us.<\/strong><\/p>\n Artikel auf Social Media teilen:<\/p>\n<\/div>![\"Learning](\"http:\/\/www.alainveuve.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/pyramid.png\")
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