WITHOUT clients we will not have businesses. But it so often
happens that we spend too much time, effort and resources on the wrong type of
clients - clients who drain our resources without adding much to our bottom
line.
We can change the cards by applying the following
guidelines:
1. Determine the profile of a valuable client by looking at
the following attributes:
- Individual or
business
- If a business, how big?
- Age
- Gender
- Industry
- Client interests
- Buying patterns (Which products do they purchase, where do
they transact, when do they transact, how do they pay for their purchase?)
2. Know what makes a client valuable:
- They purchase high margin products/services.
- They pay the quoted price and do not squabble about the
price.
- They order less frequently, but when they place an order, it
is substantial.
- They keep their commitments – orders are not cancelled or
changed.
- They pay timeously.
- They do not drain your after sales service capacity.
- It they are businesses, identify the ones who are expanding
and will require more of your products/services.
- They are well connected and can be a valuable referral
resource for your business.
All clients are not equal and do not warrant the same level
of engagement. We always have to treat all clients with respect and dignity. It
is, however, a productive business principle to differentiate your service
offering and level of engagement amongst clients according to their level of
value contribution to your bottom line.
*Jannie Rossouw is the head of Sanlam Business Market.
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