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Like many of you, I’m frustrated by the constant focus on the ‘negative’. I’ve spoken with many businesses during the last six months, and we’ve watched as the press have ‘talked’ us into a recession. It’s hard to hear good news above all the doom and gloom – I guess it doesn’t sell papers!
But, if we ignore the stories in the press and focus on what’s happening on a day-to-day basis, I have to say that we’re fortunate because there’s no difference to projectfive and our business. OK, so the team diary for next week is empty – but then that’s always the case (no-one ever phones up to say ‘my computer is going to fail next Thursday – please can we book a couple of hours of your time in the diary’!). We’re noticing that some of our clients are finding things tough though – but many are finding new opportunities too.
It would be irresponsible of me, as a business owner, to ignore the world around me. So, we are planning and preparing for the difficult times ahead. Now’s the time that a successful business can focus on increasing market-share. This is our opportunity to position projectfive to take full advantage – but we must focus on what makes us different and, more importantly, what our customers need from us.
It’s really important to continue to provide an engaging and understanding Customer Support experience. The need for the services of an IT Department will not disappear – but, our client’s ability to pay for them might. Therefore, we need to focus on providing excellent customer service and demonstrating good value for money. If we can keep our clients happy, and help them through these tough times, then I’ll be very happy.
We’re finding that some businesses are looking into outsourcing some of their IT, HR and Admin functions. It may not be right for everyone, but there are some significant cost savings to be made if you get it right. Take the time to research what’s possible before you dismiss the idea – we all need to be flexible at the moment.
I’m conscious that we need to increase our visibility in the local area, so that potential new clients can find us easily and then they, too, can enjoy the benefits of our services. I’m positive that this will help us all grow stronger and stay better able to survive what the world throws our way.
To this end, we’re investing in a couple of bright orange SMART cars. When we’re on the road, visiting clients, we’ll be more visible. We’ve got our new ‘uniforms’ – bright orange Polo Shirts and grey Jackets – another example of how we’re trying to stand out from the crowd. Then, there’s the new techbytes newsletter, and our updated website with better Google ranking. We hope this will bring us increased recognition.
But, we stand and fall by our customer service. Our clients are the most important part of our business, and their survival is important to ours. Our promise to you is that we’ll be here, through thick and thin, to help you. Please let me know what you need, and we’ll do our best to deliver!
In the meantime, let’s see if the results of the presidential elections on the 4th November have an effect on the Global mood.
Steve Coburn,
Managing Director, projectfive.
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