THE CHAIRMAN AS COMMERCIAL AMBASSADOR

Michael Tait discusses the value in the Chairman meeting with customers

The chairman of a company plays a critical role in representing the company and can form an important role in building relationships with its customers. As the face of the company, the chairman has the opportunity to make a positive impression and to demonstrate the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction. Here are some key ways that a chairman can play a role in customer visits:

1. Prepare thoroughly: Before visiting a customer, the chairman should prepare thoroughly by researching the customer’s business, understanding their needs and priorities, and familiarising themselves with the company’s products and services. This can help the chairman to have informed and meaningful conversations with the customer, and to address any concerns they may have.

2. Build relationships: During the customer visit, the chairman should take the opportunity to build relationships with the customer and to demonstrate the company’s commitment to their satisfaction. This may involve listening to their concerns, answering questions, and sharing information about the company and its products and services.

3. Act as an ambassador: The chairman should act as an ambassador for the company and should represent the company in a positive and professional manner. This may involve dressing appropriately, being on time for appointments, and exhibiting good manners and etiquette.

4. Seek feedback: The chairman should also seek feedback from the customer during the visit, and should ask questions to understand their experience with the company and their future needs. This can help the chairman to identify areas for improvement and to develop strategies for strengthening the relationship with the customer.

5. Communicate effectively: Effective communication is critical in customer visits, and the chairman should take the opportunity to communicate the company’s vision, values, and goals. This may involve sharing information about the company’s plans for growth, new products and services, and investments in technology and innovation.

6. Follow up: After the customer visit, the chairman should follow up with the customer to ensure that their needs and concerns have been addressed, and to maintain the relationship. This may involve sending a thank-you note, scheduling a follow-up call, or arranging for a future visit.

In conclusion, the chairman plays a critical role in customer visits and has the opportunity to make a positive impression, build relationships, and demonstrate the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction. By preparing thoroughly, building relationships, acting as an ambassador, seeking feedback, communicating effectively, and following up, a chairman can help to ensure that customer visits are productive and successful, and that the company is able to build strong and lasting relationships with its customers.

Michael Tait has spent 30 years in Sales and received formal sales training to advanced levels.