We all see it as a crisis. COVID-19 touches the company in one form or another. This also applies to our consulting group. Fortunately, over the past few weeks, the network has reacted in an unusual way – providing members with daily news and news on government support measures from around the world, as well as organizing online meetings. This allowed RBI companies to continue to share reliable and up-to-date information with their customers, supporting their business needs.
Keeping global communications is a process that we are still moving on and adapting our service offer to this end. In an extremely unstable global business environment, each week brings new challenges. In fact, new strategies should be developed every week in the current environment. "In trying to keep in touch with our members, helping them share their experiences and valuable expertise, we had to consider alternative approaches to normal practice," he says. Stephen Hamlet, CEO Russell Bedford International.
Wednesday, 8 April 2020, occurred first a virtual large-scale meeting where management partners of member companies from all over Europe, the Middle East and Africa have met. Their relationship is optimistic.
„Remote work’ works
Managing partners expressed their surprise about how well their teams are coping with moving to 100% remote work. They are very impressed with their effectiveness. They are confident that their teams still serve customers because they get feedback from them. Like he said, one with partners: "Although we are overwhelmed by COVID tsunamis in some respects, we respond positively to this tide."
Paradoxically, the crisis strengthens customer loyalty and builds strong relationships. Values added for customers appear, i.e. cost-free or low-paid additional services. This is very important now that they need all the help they can get.
The opportunities of the crisis
Surprisingly large number of partners shared the experience of acquiring new companies as a result of the crisis. In difficult times, customers often look for a personal approach. This is a unique opportunity for middle-level accounting companies to offer more personal service, so desired in times of crisis. Partners have stated that customers from sectors such as construction, logistics and some government sectors, for example in road and highway projects, continue to prosper despite the crisis.
Partners share the view that it is time for a proactive approach to the customer. You need to contact your customers to inform them that we are available to them to support them during this difficult period. Make sure you communicate with your key clients in a clear and responsive manner and they will repay you with their loyalty.
Advice in difficult decision-making processes
The accountants are now in a unique position, giving their customers not only guidance on the use of government measures, but also, most importantly, advising them on the concrete actions they should take.
The real value added is the certainty that you direct your customers in making difficult decisions (even if they do not want to make them). Giving important recommendations and advising customers with a sense of critical business decisions has never been so important, because survival on the market is at stake now.
Commitment of employees
The partners shared their views on how important it is for their teams to work together through regular communication, both with managers and through top-down communication. It is important that the teams "hear" decisions that affect business operations. Member States Russell Bedford They also adopt a very proactive approach to the well-being of their employees through various actions, including discussions with psychologists and interactive social sessions.
What will the future look like?
Question for one million dollars... Members Russell Bedford They are actively trying to construct future business plans based on many scenarios, and most already know that the way we conducted our business is unlikely to return to the old framework. Some have already accepted the fact that traditional office setting can now change and plan to take a more flexible approach, although most still agree on the high value of their teams working together in the office environment.
At Russell Bedford What will always remain the same is a set of values that define us. People are the core of our business, our network exists thanks to them, so although we will continue to adapt the way we arrive and serve our companies, their business needs will always be the top priority.
We're changing the way we act faster than we've ever imagined possible. This is a surprising success. The attitude of our members remains the same as always. We're in this together and we'll get through this together.