2020 will be a year that will be marked in the history of humanity because of pandemic of the coronavirus and its consequences and developments, whether in the health sector, in personal or professional relationships, and also in the way of selling and dealing with customers for companies of any segment and size.
Customer profiles, the way they choose what and where to buy, which were already undergoing a process of change, have accelerated. Today, companies need to adapt to the "new," and with this, technology has become an even stronger and more necessary ally, opening up and providing new possibilities for how to treat and serve their customers.
In an article published on the IstoÉ Dinheiro website on May 20, 2020, it is said that there was an increase of around 400% in the number of companies that started using the internet to sell their products and services during the initial period of the pandemic and social isolation, particularly in the fashion, food, and services sectors. But why not also sell iron and steel online through e-commerce sites or social media and establish or strengthen relationships with your customers?
Iron and steel They are commodities and generally have products that follow a standard to be commercialized, which allows your company to conduct business using the resources that technology has available.
Today many companies already have chatbots, which are automated chat mechanisms through WhatsApp that facilitate the sale of products and services. If the customer still wishes to speak directly with a salesperson, these systems redirect them.
Sales apps and websites are also excellent tools, but for all these new forms of customer relationships, there are some precautions to be taken.
Try to sell only products in a standard size and format. Customization can create difficulties that can only be resolved through direct contact with a salesperson. It can also detract from the agility these tools can bring to your business, potentially even preventing customers from using them again in the future due to a problem encountered during the purchase process.
Hire companies with a reliable client portfolio to partner with in the development and implementation of these marketing channels for your products and services. A cheap option can end up costing you much more. Technology is an investment, not a cost; remember this concept.
Last but not least, the security. Have audit processes associated with these tools so you can monitor potential cyberattacks that could compromise your sales services and, especially, your customers' data. Currently, in Brazil, we have the General Data Protection Law (LGPD), and in several countries, equivalent laws that can generate very high fines, even forcing a company to close its doors for somehow allowing its customers' information to be leaked, exposing them.
Don't be afraid of technology, it's here to help you and present your business to the world.
Author: Cassio Mota
Cássio holds a degree in Systems Development Analysis from Estácio-FIC and an MBA in Information Technology Governance from the same institution. He has over 30 years of experience in Information Technology and serves as Systems Coordinator in the Information Technology Department at Aço Cearense Comercial, where he has worked for over 14 years.
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