Adding value to move onwards or upwards

Rhonda Ridge of Ab Initio looks at how installation business owners can add real value to their operation whether they’re looking to stay put and grow sales, or move on.

Ab Initio is celebrating 30 years in business this year, and in that time, we have formed a lot of long-term relationships and witnessed a great deal of change with people and companies coming and going.

And there are more transformations to come. While some companies are successfully finding pockets of growth to boost their sales, we are unfortunately continuing to see some businesses close their doors.

There is, however, another trend emerging. We are seeing an increasing number of owners looking to retire and hand over the reins. But before they can step down, their businesses must be fit for purpose and having the right Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software in place is becoming an essential part of the process.

You might not think it in this digital age, but there are still plenty of installation businesses that are relying on pen and paper to pass on information. This method of communication brings a strong disconnect for anyone new coming in to take over the business.

There is no central system allowing them to review the business, and no single reliable means of connecting with customers and employees. Companies that use the right CRM can benefit from improved efficiencies, enhanced connectivity, and better customer service, which mitigates risk and creates a far more valuable proposition.

Build a connection

Running a successful business comes down to building strong connections with customers and employees. The AdminBase installer management system offers installation businesses improved connectivity across the board with one central, integrated system.

The CRM is easy to use so that every individual in the company, whether they work in the office or out on site, can easily update progress on their own tasks as soon as they are completed. The result of this level of shared information is that everyone feels like part of a team, and everyone has access to up to date information on all projects, all the time.

Open customer communication

As well as sharing information with colleagues internally, there is increasing pressure to improve communication with customers externally. The AdminBase Customer Portal supports excellent customer service by allowing consumers to log in to their account 24/7 to help themselves to updates on their orders.

The system holds all the information they need so they can confirm appointments online, make payments and when the job is complete, report any service issues that may crop up.

AdminBase also offers an SMS messaging service that allows installers to send texts directly from the system. With messaging now a popular way for consumers to interact with businesses, building it into the system gives customers what they want, while ensuring all messages are logged onto the customer’s record so that any member of the team, or new management, can access all interactions for the very latest on any given project.

We are also in the process of developing the integration of WhatsApp to take this customer service one step further.

Streamlining operations

When it comes to handing over a business, it is far easier to pass the baton on to someone else if the operation is running efficiently than if its systems are in disarray. AdminBase helps installation businesses achieve this by automating everyday admin tasks, centralising all data, simplifying communication channels across the business, and accurately managing costs to facilitate informed decisions about the business.

It also provides an easy-to-read overview of the business for existing management and potential new owners, covering performance, resource organisation, and waste management.

Using a robust installer management system like AdminBase delivers a plethora of advantages to home improvement companies whatever their goals and ambitions. But if you are an owner planning to exit the business in the short to medium term, it’s worth exploring AdminBase to improve connectivity, support better customer service, and increase efficiencies. All of which will add value and help you get your business into the best possible shape, for the best possible valuation.