550 words … short but sweat (pun intended) … enjoy the ride
One of the things that Covid brought (and the Delta Variant may revive) was an increase in personal fitness commitments. In our neighborhood, the sidewalks were filled with folks taking walks. Sometimes they were for physical health - get that cardio in and steps counted. Other times they were more for mental health - “if I have to stare at the four walls in my home office (aka spare bedroom) a minute longer, I’m gonna go crazy! Whatever the reason, people were on the move.
And those that weren’t on the road were on a machine. And since for a long period gyms were closed, the machines were being purchased and added to the home gym (aka another guest bedroom or little Johnny's playroom). Business Wire reported on a researchandmarket.com study indicating that fitness equipment sales grew by 170% during the coronavirus lockdown.
Enter stage right - Peloton. Actually Peloton was already on stage but during the pandemic they moved center stage. The “about us” section of their website provides the following brief introduction to their story:
“In 2012, we brought the best talent in technology, hardware and production together to accomplish an ambitious goal: bring the community and excitement of boutique fitness into the home. The idea struck us after years of struggling to get to the workout classes we loved, while balancing our demanding jobs and busy families. So we made it our mission to bring immersive and challenging workouts into people's lives in a more accessible, affordable and efficient way.”
So they’re selling a lot of bikes (and treadmills now too) .. so what? If it were just the hardware, it wouldn’t be that different of a story. Fitness equipment comes and goes. Sometimes it comes and stays but only as a place to hang stuff on or gather dust. But the real power of the Peloton story has been their ability to build a community. The way they say it is “Peloton uses technology and design to connect the world through fitness, empowering people to be the best version of themselves anywhere, anytime.”
I don’t know about you, but substitute a few words in that last statement and I think you have something that the church should be seeking to accomplish as well.
The “Peloton difference” is stated as the use of a platform to connect, bond, inspire and grow stronger together. They accomplish this through their software, live Leaderboard, beautiful hardware, addictive classes, empowering instructors and exciting community events.
Shouldn’t we as leaders in the Church be saying the same?
Our church (insert name of the one that you lead) difference uses our platform to connect, bond and grow people stronger together. We accomplish this through our digital platforms, means to measure growth as a disciple, compelling content, equipping teachers and guides and exciting opportunities to gather corporately to worship and serve.
Are people in your church saying this about your online community? If they aren’t I’d love to help you change that.
Last week we talked about the hybrid model that was informed by the experience of Walmart. And this week’s focus on Peloton highlights the opportunities for impact via a digital platform.
Do you have a plan for either?
For a free copy of the Durable Digital Campus Process and Toolkit, email Daniel at daniel@ligongroup.com
To schedule a call to talk about it, just go here.
Where are you along the journey? Email me your innovation experiments and stories at greg.ligon@generis.com.