By Denise Graziano
CFOs should note the correlation between these areas and metrics in their company. Further, they should consider each as a potential source of increased revenue.
When reviewing budgets or ranking the importance of or approving proposed projects, CFOs should always weigh the potential impact of customer experience, and consider it a top priority.
Investments in personalization are on the rise because it drives revenue and engagement, a trend that CFOs should recognize
Perception and Perspective
Don’t let your own rhetoric cloud your vision. Just because you say your customers love working with you, that does not mean they agree it is a smooth, enjoyable journey for them.
When was the last time you put yourself in the shoes of your client and traced their path? Without vital feedback from, and a true understanding of, your customers you can lose them.
The potential revenue opportunity: With a better understanding and ongoing dialog with clients, companies can increase brand ambassadorship, as well as offer more relevant, revenue-driving products/services.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure takes many forms, and cannot be a “set it and forget it” area in any company. Left unmonitored, cracks in infrastructure can be a big revenue drain.
Conversely, correcting a flaw in a website can save millions of dollars in call center calls, for example.
Companies that rely on brokers, distributors or other outside sales reps for sales should consider this: If you are not providing them the tools (infrastructure) they need to best serve their customers, they will look elsewhere for better-equipped partners.
The takeaway: You have no idea how much revenue you may be losing because of frustrated clients and/or brokers who have a negative view of working with you.
Service and Conflict Resolution
A customer is four times more likely to buy from a competitor if the problem is service related vs. price or product related (Bain & Company with Harvard Business Review). While CX is not the same as Customer Service, the service and treatment customers receive has a direct effect on their impression of the company.
Resolving conflict is essential to retaining client relationships. Ditch the scripts and give your CS team the tools and latitude to solve problems, not transfer them to another department.
Our brains are wired to respond to stories; many times the end of the story is all that is remembered. Therefore, when you can put a positive end on a mediocre or poor story/experience, that can save a business relationship, boost client retention and prevent negative association with a brand.
Customization
We all have become accustomed in our personal lives to a certain level of customization. Think about a simple search on Amazon. Their algorithms will automatically recognize and recommend other products that we might be interested in, or that people “like us” have already purchased.
Facilitating the buying experience, particularly in retail, is just one look at customization.
In the corporate world, customers also want and appreciate the ability to personalize and customize, whether you serve large or small companies, B2B or B2C. A key to success is understanding customer needs and wants, and how they like to interact with your brand, and then delivering in that way.
Investments in personalization are on the rise because it drives revenue and engagement, a trend that CFOs should recognize.
Value Over Price
Create the experience that wins out over price. Create fans. Become the problem solver, ally, and partner that your clients would not want to leave for any reason. Create a positive experience that customers will want to repeat, and hopefully, refer.
CFOs need to be aware that the experience is often the differentiator in a crowded market that drives retention and brand ambassadorship.
I challenge each company to envision ways they can uplevel their CX. Clients are willing to pay for it, thus increasing revenue.
CFOs should consider that employee engagement and recognition programs are not ancillary. Engaged employees directly affect the experience of the customer, and very often the first impression of a potential customer
Employee Engagement
The effect that engaged or disengaged employees have on customer experience is among the most overlooked in all companies. Engaged employees are the ones most likely to drive the innovation, growth, and revenue that their companies need (Gallup’s State of the American Manager Study).
The same Gallup study revealed that less than one-third of Americans are engaged in their jobs.
CFOs should consider that employee engagement and recognition programs are not ancillary. Engaged employees directly affect the experience of the customer, and very often the first impression of a potential customer.
Companies commonly overlook the impact employee engagement or experience has on CX, and therefore on revenue.
Poorly Developed or Undeveloped Managers
Companies often promote incorrectly based on length of service vs. qualifications. Per Gallup, 50% of American adults had left their jobs to get away from their manager in order to improve their overall life during their career.
CFOs should know that when sufficient managerial and leadership training is not provided, it can have immediate negative effects on revenue, employee, and eventually client retention.
No Formal Client Retention
A company’s clients are not mind readers. They do not know how much a company values their business unless they are told and shown appreciation.
Relationships must be nurtured, regularly and on multiple levels, or clients will turn to competitors who do make these efforts.
Siloed Information Within Companies
Segmenting or siloing information within companies causes delays for clients, adds extra steps and time for employees, and prevents everyone involved from having a complete picture of the project at hand.
This stems from competitiveness, poor infrastructure, laziness and archaic systems, among other reasons. The bottom line is that siloing can cause lost revenue, poor brand image, and client defection.
With this perspective, CFOs can take a more strategic and insightful view of departmental and line item budgets that can have significant impact on revenue, retention and brand image. Monitoring of intangibles and how they impact customer experience can reveal potential Critical Churn Triggers™ that can be turned into growth opportunities.
About the Author
Denise Graziano is President of US firm Graziano Associates, which helps fast-growing companies in the business-to-business market capitalize on customer and employee interactions. This article first appeared on LinkedIn’s Influencer blog and was re-edited for clarity and conciseness.