The phrase “added value” is tossed around a lot in the business world. Is it just buzz? Or does relationship wisdom lie within those two words?
A trusted mentor once told me: “Always be looking for ways to make yourself indispensable to your client. If you are not adding value, you, yourself, are not valuable.”
Oftentimes, the best underrated value Blue Wagon brings to its clients rests solely in the “customer service” we provide. We do our best to respond to every request in a timely, helpful manner. Our clients know they can count on us, and regularly we ask our clients: “How else can we help you? What can we take off your plate?”
The more obvious value we bring is in our expertise and our resources. You hire us for a specific service, project, or task. The “deliverables” convey the expected value.
But sometimes, opportunities present themselves to bring even more to the table. Maybe we were hired to do media relations, but they mention an internal comms issue. “Hey,” we say, “did you know we can help you with that, too?” Or maybe a client needs a website developer. “That’s not in our wheelhouse, but we can connect you with a great colleague to take that on for you.”
Over the years, I’ve worked hard to follow my mentor’s advice in building relationships with my clients. Those relationships develop into long-term partnerships – even friendships – that involve more than just the exchange of fees for services.
Blue Wagon becomes a trusted advisor and a preferred vendor because we work hard to understand our clients’ goals and work side-by-side with them to achieve them.