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Writer's pictureJonna

The Benefits of a Customer Support Strategist

Updated: Oct 20

In today's market, excellent customer support isn't just optional—it's essential for SaaS companies. Yet, many businesses struggle to optimize their customer support operations, often seeing it as a cost center instead of a vital part of growth.


That's where an external customer support consultant, or a customer support strategist, can make a difference. With fresh perspectives, deep expertise, and tailored solutions, professionals like me can transform your customer service operations and help your business thrive.


In this post, I'll dive into why hiring a customer support strategist can be a solution to boost customer service and keep your operations running smoothly.


Expertise and Experience

When it comes to customer service, experience is crucial. I have over 15 years of experience in customer support, and hiring someone with that much experience permanently might be out of the budget.

A seasoned customer support strategist brings a wealth of knowledge and a successful track record that can be incredibly valuable to your business. 


Unlike in-house teams that might be limited by their routines and perspectives, a consultant has worked with various businesses and faced a wide range of challenges. They know what works and what doesn't, quickly identifying and addressing issues that might be invisible to your internal team. For instance, a consultant can spot inefficiencies in your support processes, suggest best practices that have worked elsewhere, and train your team on the latest customer service techniques.


Beyond just fixing problems, a customer support strategist helps you develop a comprehensive strategy that aligns with your business goals, ensuring your customer service operations not only support but also drive your success. Their extensive experience brings innovative solutions and industry best practices, giving your business a competitive edge.


Fresh Perspective

One of the biggest perks of hiring an external customer support consultant is the fresh perspective they bring. When you're knee-deep in your daily business activities, it’s easy to miss the forest for the trees. Over time, in-house teams can get stuck in their ways, leading to overlooked inefficiencies and missed opportunities for improvement.


Here’s how a consultant can make a difference:

  • Unbiased Assessment: They can quickly evaluate your current processes without any biases and offer insights that your team might not have considered.

  • Identify Inefficiencies: Pinpointing bottlenecks and streamlining workflows that might be overlooked internally.

  • Innovative Solutions: Offering creative approaches to enhance customer satisfaction and improve service quality.

Moreover, a consultant's unbiased feedback can help you make better decisions. Without the influence of internal politics or preconceived notions, they can offer honest and constructive criticism. This objectivity ensures that the recommendations are purely focused on improving your customer service operations.


Research shows that 78% of customers have backed out of buying due to a poor customer experience, highlighting the need for objective and innovative solutions that a consultant can provide​. So, bringing in a consultant can be a game-changer for your business.


Time and Cost Efficiency

Hiring a customer support strategist isn't just about getting expertise and a fresh perspective—it's also great for your bottom line. Here are some key benefits in terms of time and cost efficiency:

  • Save Time: Training an in-house team to reach the level of a seasoned consultant can take ages. A consultant, like me, comes equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge from day one.

  • Cost-Effective: Avoid the high costs that come with poor customer service, such as lost revenue and a damaged brand reputation.

  • Swift Implementation: Consultants can quickly identify areas where you can cut costs without compromising on quality and streamline processes to save time.

The cost of poor customer service can be substantial. Customers who receive inadequate support are more likely to take their business elsewhere, leading to lost revenue and potential damage to your brand reputation. By improving your customer service operations through expert guidance, you can enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty, translating into higher retention rates and increased sales.

Additionally, a consultant's focused approach ensures that improvements are implemented swiftly and efficiently. They can quickly spot areas where you can cut costs, streamline processes, and introduce best practices that lead to more efficient operations overall.


Customized Solutions

Every business is unique, and so are its customer service challenges. One of the biggest perks of hiring an external customer support consultant is the tailored solutions they provide. Unlike generic advice or one-size-fits-all approaches, a customer support strategist takes the time to understand your specific needs and goals, crafting strategies perfectly aligned with your business.


External consultants bring a wealth of experience from working with a variety of companies across different industries. This diverse experience allows them to adapt best practices to fit your particular situation, ensuring that the solutions they recommend are both relevant and effective.


A customer support strategist will conduct a thorough analysis of your current operations, identifying strengths and pinpointing areas for improvement. Based on this analysis, they will develop a customized plan to address your unique challenges, whether it's improving response times, enhancing the customer experience, or implementing new support technologies.


Moreover, these solutions are designed for immediate impact but are also scalable and flexible to grow with your business. As your company evolves, a consultant can help you adjust your strategies to meet new demands, ensuring that your customer service operations remain efficient and effective.


Focus on Core Business

Running a successful business means juggling many tasks, but trying to do it all can lead to burnout and inefficiency. When you hire a customer support strategist, you free up valuable time and resources, allowing you and your team to focus on what you do best: running your core business.


Customer service is crucial, but it can be incredibly time-consuming and complex. By bringing in an expert, you ensure that your customer service operations are handled with the utmost professionalism and efficiency. This means your internal team can concentrate on their primary responsibilities without being stretched too thin.


A customer support strategist takes on the responsibility of assessing, planning, and implementing improvements in your customer service operations. They handle the nitty-gritty details, from analyzing data to training staff, so you don’t have to. This delegation not only improves the quality of your customer service but also enhances overall business productivity.


When your customer service operations are optimized, it leads to happier customers. Satisfied customers are more likely to become repeat buyers and advocates for your brand, driving growth and profitability. This positive cycle allows your business to thrive without the constant pressure of managing every aspect of customer support.


Conclusion

Exceptional customer service is a great benefit for business success, but optimizing your operations can be challenging. Hiring an external customer support consultant brings expertise, fresh perspectives, and customized solutions that can transform your customer service. This strategic move saves you time and money, allowing you to focus on your core business while ensuring your customer service is top-notch.

Ready to elevate your customer service operations? Contact me today to see how an external pair of eyes can make a difference for your business.


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