Last
updated April, 2003
Be
Indispensable
Business is competitive, and
keeping customers and clients is key in building profits.
Clients expect value. Now is the time to take a hard look
at how your clients perceive your value.
Respond Quickly
One of the most
important value-added services is to respond to questions,
calls or e-mails quickly. With today's instant communication
capabilities, communicating clearly and quickly is essential.
Global business
transactions are made possible with the Internet, video
conferencing, wireless communication, and telecommunications.
Make sure your company is hooked into the latest communication
tools to keep connected.
In a rushed business
world, immediate responses can carve a strong path to making
you more valuable to clients who have stressed deadlines.
Continuum of
Services
Make working with
your business as easy as possible. Many businesses prefer
to work with only one company for a project, service, or
goal. Be a one-stop shop for your customers. If you are
unable to offer full service on a project, create alliances
with complimentary companies and offer all of the services
under one turnkey procedure. When you oversee it all and
present it as a one-stop shop, it can ease the stress of
your clients.
Small Things
Count
Customer service
is one of the few variables left in today's business world.
Can you remember the last time someone wowed you at a restaurant
or retail store? It's easy to stand out among a crowd by
simply taking a "customer first" approach to business.
It may be as simple as offering coffee whenever they enter
your business, clipping printed material about them, or
e-mailing a client with project updates when they do not
expect it.
Another small thing
that can make a BIG difference is passing on sales leads
and referrals for your clients.
Being proactive
and paying attention to small value-added details is imperative
in creating staying power for your business relationship.
Bottom Line Value
When it comes to
business, the bottom line is what counts. Be aware of the
positive bottom line you bring to your customers. The bottom
line can be improved for businesses in many ways. Your
business may offer long term savings, increased customers,
visibility or increased profits.
Keep track of how
you have helped customers and be sure to give them the
information. Toot your own horn... it might just help YOUR
bottom line!
