Simply providing services is not enough in the competitive facility support services landscape anymore. Customers seek trusted partners who understand their unique challenges, provide customized solutions, and establish strong relationships.
At HHS, we’ve discovered a game-changer in achieving this goal: transitioning operational leaders into sales executives. This strategic move empowers our sales team to sell services and become trusted advisors, transforming the sales process into a customer-centric approach.
Here are four reasons why, as chief growth officer, I make this a priority, and the impact it makes for customers:
Operations leaders live and breathe their services and are involved in every aspect of their day-to-day operations. They've witnessed the intricate workings of their departments, from managing teams and recruiting new staff to ensuring the smooth delivery of services. This hands-on experience provides them with an unparalleled understanding that goes beyond a conventional sales pitch.
When these leaders transition to sales roles, they bring an insider's perspective that transforms the sales process into a customer-centric journey. Their presentations are not just about selling services; they are narratives derived from personal encounters and challenges, providing customers with an authentic understanding rooted in real-world expertise.
Drawing upon their operational experience and industry knowledge, these sales executives can tailor solutions to meet each customer's specific needs. They can do this more effectively because they can anticipate potential hurdles, suggest proactive solutions, and build rapport through a shared understanding of the challenges faced in managing facilities. This approach sets the stage for long-lasting and successful partnerships, where parties work together to achieve common goals.
The ability to tell compelling stories is a powerful tool in the sales arsenal. When sales executives, with their background in operations, share their firsthand experiences, it resonates with customers on a deeper level. These stories are more than just descriptions of services; they paint vivid pictures for customers, allowing them to envision the solutions offered.
By sharing their real-world experiences, sales executives can effectively demonstrate how their services can address the specific challenges faced by customers. They can provide concrete examples of how their solutions have helped other customers achieve their goals, building trust and credibility in the sales process.
Customers are not just looking for a service provider; they're searching for a partner who can advise, consult, and guide them toward the best solutions. Operations-turned-sales professionals are uniquely positioned to fulfill this role, seamlessly transitioning from sellers to consultants.
Their deep operational insights enable them to engage in a more consultative approach. They become valuable partners, providing expert advice and guiding customers toward tailored solutions that address their specific needs and challenges. This shift from a traditional sales approach to a consultative one fosters long-lasting partnerships where both parties work collaboratively to achieve shared goals.
The decision to prioritize internal promotions and transition operational leaders into sales executive roles has proven to be a game-changer for HHS. By leveraging the unique insights and perspectives gained through hands-on experience, our sales team has transformed from service providers into trusted advisors, building long-lasting partnerships with our customers. This customer-centric approach has not only strengthened our sales force but has also reshaped our relationships with customers, leading to tangible benefits such as tailored solutions that address their unique challenges and needs.
We're not just service providers; we're partners in progress, and with this unique approach, we can set new standards in support services.
Editor's note: This post was originally published in November 2023 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.