Role of leadership in ensuring there is consistent B2B account growth
Leadership plays a crucial role in ensuring consistent B2B account growth. A strong and visionary leadership team can create a culture that fosters growth, innovation, and customer success. Here are some ways that leadership can drive B2B account growth:
Establish a clear vision and strategy: Leaders need to define a clear vision and strategy for growth, including specific goals and metrics for success.
Foster a customer-focused culture: Leaders should encourage a customer-focused culture that prioritizes customer satisfaction and drives customer loyalty, which is essential for consistent account growth.
Invest in sales and marketing: Leaders need to ensure that the organization has the resources and tools necessary to drive lead generation and convert leads into customers.
Foster innovation: Leaders should foster a culture of innovation and experimentation, encouraging teams to test new ideas and approaches that can drive growth.
Embrace technology: Leaders need to embrace new technologies and tools that can improve sales and marketing efforts, streamline processes, and drive growth.
Develop strong partnerships: Leaders should develop strong partnerships with key stakeholders, such as suppliers, customers, and industry groups, to drive growth through collaboration and referral business.
Lead by example: Finally, leaders need to lead by example, demonstrating a strong commitment to growth, customer success, and continuous improvement.
By establishing a strong leadership foundation, B2B organizations can ensure consistent account growth and set themselves up for long-term success.
Nilakantasrinivasan J (Neil) (born 1974) is an Indian author, consultant and guide, focused on the subject of client centricity, B2B client centric business growth, business transformation & analytics.
Nilakantasrinivasan J (Neil) is the author of 3 books, The Client Centric Protagonist, The Master Book for Lean Six Sigma & A Little Book for Customer Experience.
There are several reasons why B2B organizations may end up with low EBITDA margins (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization), including:
Increased Competition: Increased competition can put pressure on pricing and margins, making it difficult for B2B organizations to maintain high levels of profitability.
Rising Costs: The cost of doing business, such as labor costs, raw materials, and overhead expenses, can increase over time. If these costs are not properly managed, they can reduce profitability and lead to low EBITDA margins.
Inefficiencies in Operations: Inefficiencies in operations, such as bottlenecks in production processes, lack of automation, and insufficient inventory management, can increase costs and reduce profitability.
Poor Pricing Strategy: B2B organizations that do not have a clear pricing strategy or do not regularly review and adjust their pricing to reflect changes in the market, can struggle to achieve high margins.
Undersized Sales Team: An undersized sales team can result in missed sales opportunities, which can negatively impact profitability.
Lack of Innovation: B2B organizations that fail to keep up with changing market demands and technological advancements can struggle to maintain high levels of profitability.
Weak Cost Control: Poor cost control can result in the mismanagement of resources, leading to higher costs and lower margins.
In conclusion, low EBITDA margins in B2B organizations can be caused by a combination of factors, including increased competition, rising costs, inefficiencies in operations, poor pricing strategies, an undersized sales team, lack of innovation, and weak cost control. By addressing these challenges, B2B organizations can improve their profitability and achieve sustained success.
Nilakantasrinivasan J (Neil) (born 1974) is an Indian author, consultant and guide, focused on the subject of client centricity, B2B client centric business growth, business transformation & analytics.
Nilakantasrinivasan J (Neil) is the author of 3 books, The Client Centric Protagonist, The Master Book for Lean Six Sigma & A Little Book for Customer Experience.
Leaders in B2B organizations can take several steps to improve low EBITDA margins, including:
Conduct a Cost Analysis: Leaders should conduct a thorough analysis of the organization’s costs to identify areas where they can be reduced. This may involve streamlining processes, reducing waste, and rethinking approaches to procurement and inventory management.
Review Pricing Strategies: Leaders should review their pricing strategies to ensure that they are in line with market conditions and reflect the true value of their products and services. This may involve adjusting prices, implementing dynamic pricing strategies, or finding new revenue streams.
Invest in Technology and Innovation: Leaders should invest in technology and innovation to improve efficiency and reduce costs. This may involve implementing new software systems, automating processes, or developing new products and services that can help the organization stay ahead of the competition.
Build a Strong Sales Team: Leaders should invest in building a strong sales team that can effectively sell the organization’s products and services. This may involve hiring new salespeople, providing sales training, or reorganizing the sales team to optimize performance.
Foster a Culture of Continuous Improvement: Leaders should foster a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging employees to identify and implement new ways to reduce costs and increase efficiency. This may involve regularly reviewing and adjusting processes, setting performance targets, and providing recognition and incentives for improvements.
Collaborate with Partners: Leaders should collaborate with partners, suppliers, and customers to identify opportunities for joint cost savings and revenue growth. This may involve sharing information and resources, developing joint ventures, or forming strategic alliances.
In conclusion, improving low EBITDA margins in B2B organizations requires a combination of strategic planning, investment in technology and innovation, and a commitment to continuous improvement. By taking these steps, leaders can position their organizations for long-term success and profitability.
Nilakantasrinivasan J (Neil) (born 1974) is an Indian author, consultant and guide, focused on the subject of client centricity, B2B client centric business growth, business transformation & analytics.
Nilakantasrinivasan J (Neil) is the author of 3 books, The Client Centric Protagonist, The Master Book for Lean Six Sigma & A Little Book for Customer Experience.
To improve EBITDA margins in B2B companies, employees should develop the following skills and capabilities:
Cost Analysis: Employees should have the skills and knowledge to analyze costs and identify areas where they can be reduced. This may involve using data analytics, process mapping, and other techniques to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for cost savings.
Pricing Strategy: Employees should have a strong understanding of pricing strategies, including how to set prices based on market conditions, customer demand, and the organization’s cost structure.
Technology and Innovation: Employees should have the ability to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends, and be able to identify opportunities for using technology to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Sales and Marketing: Employees involved in sales and marketing should have a deep understanding of the products and services they are selling, as well as the needs and motivations of customers. This knowledge can be leveraged to develop effective sales strategies and increase revenue.
Continuous Improvement: Employees should have a strong commitment to continuous improvement and be able to identify and implement new ways to increase efficiency and reduce costs. This may involve using data analytics, process improvement methodologies, or other techniques to identify and resolve issues.
Collaboration and Partnership Building: Employees should have the ability to collaborate effectively with partners, suppliers, and customers to identify opportunities for joint cost savings and revenue growth. This may involve negotiating favorable terms, sharing information and resources, or developing new business models.
In conclusion, developing these skills and capabilities in employees can help B2B organizations improve their EBITDA margins by reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and growing revenue. This can be achieved through a combination of training, coaching, and development programs, as well as a strong focus on continuous improvement and collaboration.
Nilakantasrinivasan J (Neil) (born 1974) is an Indian author, consultant and guide, focused on the subject of client centricity, B2B client centric business growth, business transformation & analytics.
Nilakantasrinivasan J (Neil) is the author of 3 books, The Client Centric Protagonist, The Master Book for Lean Six Sigma & A Little Book for Customer Experience.
Client centricity plays an important role in improving low EBITDA margins in the B2B sector. When organizations focus on their clients and put their needs at the center of their business strategies, they are able to increase customer satisfaction, improve client retention, and drive revenue growth. This, in turn, can lead to improved EBITDA margins.
Here are some ways in which client centricity can help improve low EBITDA margins in B2B organizations:
Increased Customer Satisfaction: By putting the needs of their clients first, organizations can increase customer satisfaction and build stronger, more meaningful relationships with their clients. This can result in increased client retention and reduced churn, which can lead to improved EBITDA margins.
Better Understanding of Customer Needs: When organizations focus on their clients, they gain a deeper understanding of their needs, preferences, and pain points. This knowledge can be used to inform product and service development, as well as pricing and sales strategies, leading to increased revenue and improved margins.
Improved Client Retention: Client centricity can help organizations build stronger relationships with their clients, leading to improved client retention. When clients are satisfied with the products and services they receive, they are less likely to switch to competitors, which can result in improved EBITDA margins.
Increased Revenue: By focusing on their clients, organizations can increase their ability to sell more products and services, and drive revenue growth. This, in turn, can improve EBITDA margins by increasing the top-line while reducing costs.
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Download free customer experience self-assessment check sheet that is useful before commencing client centricity journey in your organization.
This self-assessment check-sheet will help you to quickly evaluate your Customer Experience program and learn about areas that need improvement. This is a qualitative assessment. Hence you should take an unbiased view during evaluation. There are 2 parts in this assessment. First contains 16 questions and you can evaluate where your organization stands in each of those areas. Second part contains, ideally expected responses which can be used for comparison.
In conclusion, client centricity is an essential component of improving low EBITDA margins in the B2B sector. By putting the needs of their clients first and building strong, meaningful relationships, organizations can increase customer satisfaction, improve client retention, and drive revenue growth, leading to improved EBITDA margins.
Nilakantasrinivasan J (Neil) (born 1974) is an Indian author, consultant and guide, focused on the subject of client centricity, B2B client centric business growth, business transformation & analytics.
Nilakantasrinivasan J (Neil) is the author of 3 books, The Client Centric Protagonist, The Master Book for Lean Six Sigma & A Little Book for Customer Experience.
North Star Objectives are a company’s core, overarching goals that guide decision-making and help ensure everyone is aligned towards a common vision. They serve as a beacon that keeps teams focused on what truly matters and helps them prioritize their efforts and resources.
An example of a global company with a North Star Objective is Amazon. Amazon’s North Star Objective is to be the world’s most customer-centric company. This objective guides all of their decision-making and drives their focus on providing the best possible experience for their customers. As a result, Amazon has built a loyal customer base and become a leader in e-commerce and cloud computing.
Steps involved in developing North Star Objectives are :
Identify the key problem or opportunity: Start by understanding the problem or opportunity that you want to solve for your customers.
Define your customer segments: Get a clear understanding of who your customers are, their needs, and what they value.
Determine your product’s Unique Value Proposition (UVP): Identify what makes your product unique and valuable to your customers.
Establish measurable goals: Set specific, measurable, and achievable goals that align with your UVP and customer segments.
Align your team: Ensure that everyone on your team understands the North Star Objective and is aligned with it.
Monitor progress and adjust as needed: Continuously monitor progress towards your North Star Objective and make adjustments as needed.
Make it actionable: Create a plan to turn your North Star Objective into action, including metrics and key results to measure success.
Nilakantasrinivasan J (Neil) (born 1974) is an Indian author, consultant and guide, focused on the subject of client centricity, B2B client centric business growth, business transformation & analytics.
Nilakantasrinivasan J (Neil) is the author of 3 books, The Client Centric Protagonist, The Master Book for Lean Six Sigma & A Little Book for Customer Experience.
Here are some pro tips for writing effective Key Results (part of OKRs – Objectives and Key Results):
Make sure Key Results are quantifiable: Key Results should be expressed in a way that is easily measurable, such as a number, percentage, or deadline.
Align Key Results with Objectives: Key Results should support the Objectives and help measure progress towards achieving them.
Make Key Results challenging, but realistic: Key Results should be challenging and drive progress, but they should also be realistic and achievable.
Use a variety of metrics: Using a mix of metrics, such as financial metrics, customer satisfaction metrics, and employee engagement metrics, can help provide a comprehensive view of progress towards the Objective.
Encourage collaboration: Key Results should be written with input from team members and should encourage collaboration and teamwork.
Consider including interim milestones: Including interim milestones can help track progress towards Key Results and ensure that the team stays on track.
Review and adjust Key Results regularly: Key Results should be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with the Objective and company goals.
By following these tips, you can write effective Key Results that support sustainable business growth and drive progress towards your company’s goals.
Nilakantasrinivasan J (Neil) (born 1974) is an Indian author, consultant and guide, focused on the subject of client centricity, B2B client centric business growth, business transformation & analytics.
Nilakantasrinivasan J (Neil) is the author of 3 books, The Client Centric Protagonist, The Master Book for Lean Six Sigma & A Little Book for Customer Experience.
Here are some pro tips for writing effective OKR Objectives (part of OKRs – Objectives and Key Results):
Make sure Objectives are SMART: Objectives should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Keep Objectives clear and concise: Avoid using overly complex language or including too much detail.
Align Objectives with company goals: Objectives should align with and support the company’s overall goals and vision.
Make Objectives challenging, but realistic: Objectives should push individuals and teams to achieve more, but they should also be attainable with effort and dedication.
Encourage collaboration: Objectives should be written with input from team members and should encourage collaboration and teamwork.
Consider adding Key Results: Including Key Results that support the Objective helps to ensure that the Objective is specific and measurable.
Review and adjust Objectives regularly: Objectives should be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with the company’s goals and vision.
By following these tips, you can write effective Objectives that support sustainable business growth and drive progress towards your company’s goals.
Nilakantasrinivasan J (Neil) (born 1974) is an Indian author, consultant and guide, focused on the subject of client centricity, B2B client centric business growth, business transformation & analytics.
Nilakantasrinivasan J (Neil) is the author of 3 books, The Client Centric Protagonist, The Master Book for Lean Six Sigma & A Little Book for Customer Experience.
Here are some examples of OKR (Objectives and Key Results) that an organization could set:
Increase sales revenue by 20% in the next quarter
Objective: Increase sales revenue
Key Results:
Achieve a 15% increase in customer acquisition
Increase average order value by 10%
Launch 3 new products that contribute to revenue growth
Improve employee engagement and satisfaction:
Objective: Improve employee engagement and satisfaction
Key Results:
Conduct employee satisfaction surveys and analyze results
Implement a recognition and rewards program for employees
Increase employee participation in training and development programs by 25%
Enhance customer experience:
Objective: Enhance customer experience
Key Results:
Reduce customer complaint resolution time by 50%
Increase customer satisfaction score from 80% to 85%
Implement a customer feedback system and act on customer feedback to improve customer experience
These are just a few examples, and OKRs can be tailored to specific organizational goals and objectives. The key is to ensure that the objectives are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
Nilakantasrinivasan J (Neil) (born 1974) is an Indian author, consultant and guide, focused on the subject of client centricity, B2B client centric business growth, business transformation & analytics.
Nilakantasrinivasan J (Neil) is the author of 3 books, The Client Centric Protagonist, The Master Book for Lean Six Sigma & A Little Book for Customer Experience.
Some of the common reasons for the OKR implementations failure include:
Lack of buy-in: OKRs are only effective when they are embraced by the entire organization. If there is a lack of buy-in or understanding of the OKR framework, employees may not fully understand its purpose or may not see its value, leading to resistance.
Overly complex goals: If the OKRs are overly complex or difficult to understand, employees may struggle to see how their work contributes to the achievement of the goals. This can lead to a lack of motivation and engagement.
Unclear ownership: If the ownership of the OKRs is not clear, employees may not understand who is responsible for achieving the goals, or who they should turn to for support or guidance.
Lack of resources: If the organization does not provide the necessary resources, such as time and budget, to achieve the OKRs, employees may feel frustrated and unable to deliver on the goals.
Poor alignment: If the OKRs are not well aligned with the organization’s broader strategy, employees may struggle to see how their work contributes to the overall success of the organization.
Infrequent reviews and adjustments: If the OKRs are not reviewed and adjusted regularly, they may become stale and no longer relevant, leading to a lack of motivation and engagement.
In order to avoid these issues, it is important for organizations to carefully design and implement their OKR framework, ensuring that it is well understood and embraced by the entire organization, and that the goals are well aligned with the organization’s broader strategy. Regular reviews and adjustments of the OKRs can also help to keep the framework relevant and effective over time.
Nilakantasrinivasan J (Neil) (born 1974) is an Indian author, consultant and guide, focused on the subject of client centricity, B2B client centric business growth, business transformation & analytics.
Nilakantasrinivasan J (Neil) is the author of 3 books, The Client Centric Protagonist, The Master Book for Lean Six Sigma & A Little Book for Customer Experience.
The use of a balanced scorecard (BSC) and OKRs are not mutually exclusive, and both frameworks can provide valuable insights and benefits for organizations. The choice between using a BSC or OKRs, or using both frameworks together, will depend on the specific needs and goals of an organization.
The balanced scorecard is a performance management tool that provides a comprehensive view of an organization’s performance by measuring and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) in four areas: financial, customer, internal processes, and learning and growth. The BSC provides a broad view of an organization’s performance and can help organizations make data-driven decisions and track progress towards their goals. strategy maps in balanced scorecards (BSCs) are indeed designed to drive performance and growth by providing alignment. Strategy maps used in BSC provide a visual representation of an organization’s strategy and help to align the organization’s efforts towards its goals. The strategy map links the organization’s vision and mission to its objectives, measures, and initiatives, providing a clear picture of how the organization will achieve its goals. By providing a visual representation of the organization’s strategy, the strategy map helps to ensure that everyone in the organization understands how their work contributes to the achievement of the organization’s goals and objectives. In this way, strategy maps play an important role in driving performance and growth by aligning the organization’s efforts towards its goals and ensuring that everyone is working towards the same objectives.
OKRs, on the other hand, are a goal-setting framework that provides a clear and specific structure for setting and tracking goals. OKRs help organizations align their efforts towards achieving specific and measurable objectives, and provide a clear understanding of what success looks like and how it will be achieved. OKRs can provide a more focused view of an organization’s performance and help organizations prioritize their efforts and resources.
In some cases, organizations may choose to use both the BSC and OKRs, leveraging the strengths of both frameworks to drive performance and growth. The BSC can provide a broad view of an organization’s performance, while OKRs can provide a more focused view and help organizations align their efforts towards specific and measurable objectives.
In summary, the choice between using a BSC or OKRs, or using both frameworks together, will depend on the specific needs and goals of an organization. Both frameworks can provide valuable insights and benefits, and organizations may choose to use both frameworks together to drive performance and growth
Nilakantasrinivasan J (Neil) (born 1974) is an Indian author, consultant and guide, focused on the subject of client centricity, B2B client centric business growth, business transformation & analytics.
Nilakantasrinivasan J (Neil) is the author of 3 books, The Client Centric Protagonist, The Master Book for Lean Six Sigma & A Little Book for Customer Experience.
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