How do you make yourself stand out and add value to your clients?

1 Know your clients

The first step to adding value to your clients is to know them well. This means not only knowing their industry, products, and competitors, but also their vision, values, and challenges. You should conduct regular research, surveys, and interviews to gather insights and feedback from your clients and their stakeholders. You should also keep track of their performance, trends, and opportunities in their market. By knowing your clients, you can anticipate their needs, tailor your solutions, and align your goals with theirs.

2 Communicate effectively

The second step to adding value to your clients is to communicate effectively. This means not only being responsive, clear, and concise, but also being proactive, empathetic, and respectful. You should establish regular and consistent communication channels and touchpoints with your clients, such as calls, emails, reports, and meetings. You should also listen actively, ask open-ended questions, and address their concerns and expectations. By communicating effectively, you can build trust, rapport, and credibility with your clients and keep them informed and engaged.

3 Solve problems creatively

The third step to adding value to your clients is to solve problems creatively. This means not only being able to identify, analyze, and resolve issues, but also being able to innovate, collaborate, and adapt. You should use your critical thinking, research, and data skills to find the root causes and best solutions for your clients' problems. You should also use your creativity, teamwork, and feedback skills to generate new ideas, involve your clients in the process, and test and improve your solutions. By solving problems creatively, you can deliver value-added outcomes, exceed expectations, and differentiate yourself from the competition.

4 Learn continuously

The fourth step to adding value to your clients is to learn continuously. This means not only being aware of the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in your field, but also being willing to expand your knowledge, skills, and perspectives. You should invest in your professional development, such as taking courses, reading books, attending webinars, and joining networks. You should also seek feedback, mentorship, and coaching from your peers, managers, and experts. By learning continuously, you can enhance your account management skills, stay relevant and updated, and provide better solutions to your clients.

5 Add value strategically

The fifth step to adding value to your clients is to add value strategically. This means not only being able to deliver on your promises, but also being able to demonstrate your impact, optimize your resources, and grow your opportunities. You should use metrics, tools, and stories to measure and showcase your value proposition, return on investment, and customer satisfaction. You should also use planning, prioritization, and delegation skills to manage your time, budget, and team effectively. By adding value strategically, you can increase your efficiency, profitability, and retention.

6 Be proactive and flexible

The sixth and final step to adding value to your clients is to be proactive and flexible. This means not only being able to react to changes, challenges, and requests, but also being able to anticipate, prevent, and initiate them. You should monitor, evaluate, and adjust your strategies, solutions, and communication according to your clients' feedback, needs, and goals. You should also seek, create, and propose new opportunities, improvements, and recommendations that can benefit your clients. By being proactive and flexible, you can adapt to the changing market, meet your clients' expectations, and add value to your clients.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?