by Robin Dicks | Mar 24, 2020 | Robin's Blog
It feels right to talk about something more “normal” for the moment. We did an interesting project a few months ago for a firm which was keen to understand the truth about how its capability was perceived vs. competitors, and indeed if it could successfully differentiate itself. From speaking to their clients and key opinion formers across their high priority sectors, it was clear that the activities of their competitors had created a gap. The firm in question just needed to more clearly communicate its capability and ensure that its “brand” resonated more clearly, though key people confidently delivering all the elements of a trusted advisor. They now have a clear map and focus to do this, and I’m sure they will...
by Robin Dicks | Oct 19, 2016 | Robin's Blog
Deborah Shell of Winckworth Sherwood has written an easy to read and interesting article about implementing client feedback programmes. It covers not only the set up of gaining feedback but how it is shared with partners and others to gain commitment, buy-in, results and also an impact at the client. Take a look Are you...
by Robin Dicks | Oct 12, 2015 | Robin's Blog
One theme has been increasingly visible in some of the recent in-depth client feedback interviews we’ve done for firms. It’s connected to “commerciality” but it’s more profound than that. It’s not “technical expertise”, and actually it’s not a client servicing issue either. What it is, is about understanding the context in which the client works in. Their operating pressures, the environment in the sector they work in, and the types and demands of the different (external) stakeholders they work with. Some clients have told us that understanding this enables the firm to be realistic, pragmatic, and to drive strategic value and the “right” result. Otherwise the firm can deliver something that looks great on paper but – crucially – that they don’t much benefit from in the real world. Fee earner/professional advisor performance is hugely variable on this – but it doesn’t have to...
by Robin Dicks | Aug 18, 2015 | Robin's Blog
Most client feedback exercises get feedback about how the firm performs. Better ones also identify what factors have the greatest impact on the client’s continued use of the firm. But few – still – use the opportunity created by the process to get vital insight into the events and commercial issues seen as most likely by their clients. Knowing this can not only alert you to opportunities with specific clients but also help ensure all your marketing and communications investments of time and money – including events, articles, and social media content – are focused on the issues of most relevance to your clients and prospects. Take a look at this...
by Robin Dicks | Jan 8, 2015 | Uncategorized
I recently wrote a piece on questions that firms should ask themselves, when reviewing their level of client insight. Here are some of them in case helpful for anyone as a check-list. Can your activities be improved to better answer these issues? * What are the most profitable opportunities? * What is the potential demand for new specialisms? * Where should the firm position itself to gain more profitable business? * How can more revenue be generated from the current client portfolio? * How can we reduce client loss? * In which clients is there untapped potential for more work? * How can we improve the return from marketing and BD? * How can we ensure all of our investments – including training and CPD – help improve revenue growth and...
