Ryan Rock, Ankeny Entrepreneur, on Adding Value When Beginning a New Business Relationship

Elbow bump is new novel greeting to avoid the spread of coronavirus. Two Asian business friends meet in subway. Instead of greeting with a hug or handshake, they bump elbows instead.

A new client has signed on the dotted line and created a new
business relationship with your company. It’s always an exciting opportunity,
but it’s essential to think beyond the first payment and look at the ways to
strengthen the bond of that new relationship further. Although the first
instinct is to instantly knock the project out of the park with high-quality
work, here, Ryan Rock, Ankeny entrepreneur and CEO of Empire AG,
LLC shares some additional ways to add value at the beginning of a new business
relationship.

  1. Send a thank-you note and
    personalized gift after the contract has been signed. It’s a nice gesture
    that says that this relationship is long-term rather than for a one-off
    project.
  1. Help them achieve their goals
    outside the project. See an interesting article about their niche or one
    of their competitors? Reach out and send them a link or clipping with a
    note letting them know that you were thinking about them and their
    success.
  1. Share your network. If they ask
    for recommendations or mention they need a new service provider, let them
    know who you turn to. Keep in mind if you’re not happy with the service
    they provide all the time, you may not want to share the information as
    you don’t want the recommendation’s poor business practices to reflect on
    your company. Stick with suggestions that you feel comfortable making.
  1. Go above and beyond with the
    finished product they’re expecting. Find some way to go the extra mile to
    impress upon them how important the budding relationship between them and
    your company is to you. You’ll always want to do your best work, of
    course, but find a way to make it even better. Deliver before their
    deadline. Handle something outside of the original scope that adds value
    to what you deliver.
  1. Create a bonus to go along with
    the new business relationship. Think about items such as white papers or
    infographics that provide value to the client.
  1. Offer incentives for loyal
    clients that come back to the company again and again. Give them a
    discount on their projects or throw in a few free items to sweeten the
    start of the relationship. This shows them that they are valued and that
    your company is right for their business needs.
  1. Find ways to be unique. Check
    out what your competition does for their clients and find ways to do it
    better. You want to add value in a way no other company can.

Following Ryan Rock’s tips will help you add unique
value to your company. Turning a one-time client into a returning client can be
very beneficial; they have the peace of mind knowing that they are working with
a company that cares for their clients and provides excellent work while you’ll
benefit from more than one project with the client. Adding extra value to your
offerings can help strengthen your relationship enough that they’ll return
again and again over the years.

About Ryan
Rock

Ryan Rock, Ankeny native, successfully maintains a
proactive work, family, and life balance. During his college career, Rock
balanced multiple activities, which also forced him to categorize his
priorities. Rock’s time-management and prioritizing skills allow his company,
Empire AG, LLC, to take up multiple projects and deliver quality work.