Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Proten Sales Development has just completed another successful year and there’s an element of smug satisfaction in signing off the latest set of annual accounts.
In part that’s down to the results we achieved, but in a way, what’s equally satisfying is that the accounts were finalised and signed off within three weeks of the year end date.
That’s partly due to the fact that I’m scrupulous in keeping on top of my accounts at all times but it’s equally down to the fact that I’m supported by a great accountant, Melanie Curtis Accountants.
The day after my Year End, I received an email from Mel and her team with a checklist of the information they would need to complete the year end process. A few days later I submitted the required information and two weeks after that everything was done and dusted … accounts finalised and approved and submitted to HMRC within a month of finishing the financial year.
Now that’s what I call service!
But this got me thinking about the relationship we all have with our suppliers and how they help us, but also how we as suppliers to our customers and clients help them. I know that my accounts are far less complex than many of Mel’s clients, but the speed and efficiency of her team’s response means that I already know exactly what my tax liabilities are, well before they’re due for payment, I can put the cash aside to cover them and not have to fret or worry about what’s due and when, or whether I’m likely to get chasing emails from HMRC.
Now that’s what I call value!
The real value to me is not in the preparation of the accounts and tax returns … It’s the piece of mind, it’s the reduced stress, it’s the financial certainty and it’s the freed up time I can now spend continuing to develop my business. And that value is worth paying for!
If we can all take a similar approach with our customers and clients … help give them piece of mind, help them reduce their stress levels, help them generate more profit and cash or reduce costs, or help them free up time to spend on more productive activities, then we’re delivering real value and we can start to be thought of as genuine business partners rather than simply suppliers.
That’s what much of my work with clients is all about … Helping them develop plans, strategies and action plans that help them achieve whatever it is they want, whether that’s business growth, generating cash for further investment or retirement, reducing stress levels or simply achieving a more satisfying work / life balance. And by providing ongoing coaching and support, we can work together to keep them on track so that there are no nasty surprises when they reach their next year end.
If you’d like to have a brief discussion around how I might be able to help you and your business, get in touch. Maybe we can be your next business partner.
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