登录查看更多内容

Cristóbal Pérez: Navigating Change in the Cycling Industry

Pedro Couto Lopes

?? Marketing ?? Creative ?? Cyclist |??Host of the Ride To Success Podcast | Creating brand stories | B2C & B2B Marketing Strategy

发布日期: 2024年10月8日

In a recent episode of the Ride To Success podcast, Cristóbal Pérez , a seasoned executive with over three decades of diverse experience in and out of the cycling industry, shared insights into his career journey and the evolving landscape of the cycling industry. His unique perspective, shaped by roles in non-cycling industries, offers valuable lessons for current and aspiring leaders.

Cristóbal Pérez's career began outside the cycling industry, in sectors often resistant to bringing in outsiders. This diversity, however, has been a cornerstone of his leadership approach. Pérez emphasizes valuing attitude over past experience, believing that passion and willingness to learn are paramount. This philosophy allows him to harness fresh perspectives and innovative strategies, benefiting companies by avoiding biases and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Industry Impact

Pérez advocates for change in the cycling industry because he believes adaptation and innovation are crucial for survival. He notes that while the bike has evolved dramatically, the industry's strategic and operational frameworks have lagged. The rise of commuting and leisure bicycles presents a new paradigm, requiring the industry to prepare for these shifts. Pérez views this as an opportunity for the cycling sector to play a significant role in promoting environmental sustainability and public health.

Reformation and Future Vision

?Pérez stresses the necessity of digitalization across all levels of business, from having a basic online presence to implementing sophisticated data management systems. This digital shift is not just about technology but about rethinking business models to provide comprehensive, integrated services that meet modern customer expectations. He believes that small bike shops can compete by offering personalized service and leveraging digital tools to improve customer experience.

Opportunities and Threats for Small to Medium-Sized Cycling Businesses

?Service quality is identified as the primary opportunity for small to medium-sized businesses. Pérez argues that while large retailers may dominate in scale, small shops can excel in personalized service and local expertise. The biggest threat, he notes, is the failure to adapt to these new demands and integrate necessary technological advancements. This could lead to obsolescence in a rapidly changing market.

You are not Amazon and you will never be.

So don't try to play their game.

They will eat you up.

So your opportunity is once again service, which is the most important topic.

Service is what will put companies apart.

On one side, the ones that will survive, and the other side, the ones that won't survive. So service is key. Nearest, knowing your product, knowing how to advise your client.

Pérez highlights the importance of creating a holistic customer experience that extends beyond product sales. This includes proactive maintenance services, transparent communication, and community engagement. By adopting a customer-centric approach, the cycling industry can foster loyalty and attract new users. Additionally, integrating new technologies and leveraging data can help businesses anticipate customer needs and improve service delivery.

Cristóbal Pérez's insights offer a compelling vision for the future of the cycling industry. By embracing diversity, prioritizing service, and leveraging technology, the industry can navigate the challenges ahead and seize new opportunities. His call for a balance between innovation and tradition serves as a guiding principle for businesses looking to thrive in an evolving market.

____________________________

Tune in to Cristóbal’s Masterclass on the key principles of business success in the cycling industry on the Ride To Success podcast with Pedro Couto Lopes.