How to turn a period of crisis and business danger into an opportunity for success?
The pandemic has affected both human lives and the world economy, putting many businesses and activities on the battlefield. While business revenues are gradually droping and clients are dragging their businesses into isolation due to the cost reduction, marketing agencies around the world are facing the problem of a declining number of partners.
Your existing and potential clients are now looking for someone to guide them through this period, someone who will provide them with professional but also friendly advice and help them overcome the crisis as painlessly as possible. Someone they will be able to trust once this situation passes.
Whoever knows even a little bit about economics and the principle of the business cycle, knows that now is a good time to invest.
So invest – in new clients and good future relationships!
And if you are a marketing agency specialized in digital marketing and appearance on social networks – this is your opportunity.
DIGITAL PRESENCE – Getting used to the new situation and current way of doing business was faster than we can pronounce “Covid-19”. A large number of companies and brands had to switch to online business in order to maintain contact with their clients, customers and consumers, remain competitive in the market and finally survive.
Social networks are the only window to the world that remained completely open during the pandemic.
With a lack of human contact and true connection, digital channels are there to fill in the gaps in communication. In July 2020, there was a growth of 10.5% in active social network users, compared to the period before the pandemic, while some platforms even doubled the number of their daily active users.
That is why it is important to present to your clients all the necessary information, the latest statistics and the benefits of a digital presence. Explain to them that, in the fast, digital world we live in today, a business that does not keep up with modern trends – cannot survive. Help them transfer their business to digital channels, let them feel the pulse of their audience, see how their target group breathes, what they need and expect. Applying a holistic and proactive approach, offer them innovative and creative solutions to maximize the efficiency of their presence in new, social media.
Convince your clients of your knowledge, experience and abilities. Demonstrate confidence, but with coverage! Show examples of your previous successful projects. Guide them through the process in a simple and natural way and explain each step. Be a leader!
Be there to point out new trends that have suddenly imposed themselves, teach clients a new reality and be the connective tissue between their brand and their target group.
However, in addition to showing experience and emphasizing your professionalism and skills, in these moments of crisis, something more is needed. Something human and warm.
SET THE TONE OF COMMUNICATION – empathetic, with a sincere desire to help your client and their business get through these difficult times. At the beginning of the conversation, always check how they are, how they are coping with this situation, whether their families and loved ones are healthy. After all, people work with people. Clients, just like us, are simply people struggling for their vision, caught up in the same unexpected situation. They currently have one goal – to survive. Now, that is becoming our common goal.
BE HONEST AND DIRECT – In moments like this, no one needs additional uncertainty. With everything happening around us right now, people need security and truth. Therefore, always tell client the truth, even if it can sometimes be ugly. Point out the problem, draw attention to bad decisions or ideas that you don’t agree with, but offer a solution! Be proactive, always think two steps ahead. Predict, analyze and act! Let the client know that you are got their back.
PROVIDE ADDITIONAL VALUE – Roll up your sleeves and get to work. Serious work! Deliver even what they didn’t expect or ask for. What they didn’t pay for. Always show that you can do more. Find out what can improve their business, without them even being aware of it. It is not enough for them to be satisfied – make them delighted. We’re talking about always giving that one percent more.
Make it harder for yourself, in order to make it easier for them.
Surely you are now thinking why we had to emphasize that you need to do your job properly… (Isn’t that a normaln thing?) Because it is the best and only way to show your ability, create long-term and honest relationships with clients, earn their trust and keep it once this situation passes. As in any relationship, the key to success is mutual respect, understanding, trust, honesty and hard work.
Bring your clients to a level they never dreamed they could be without your support!
