29th of July 2024
In our experience many firms instead of using their skills to get the best results for their clients, push them into a set of packages their skilled teams then execute. This means that a price can be given much earlier on in the customer journey. However, does it really meet a business’ needs?
We believe it does not. It makes business sense for the service provider, not the customer. The reason why businesses employ other businesses, consultants and freelancers is to meet their unique challenges with specialists who can solve them.
In this article, we’re going to discuss how this should be a template for agencies and professional service firms to produce optimal results for a client, and how this differs from many business practices.
At a recent public speaking event, a Shoothill customer spoke about how we approach business. Saying that we cared more about building the product than giving him the quote for the development of his app. Ultimately this is a key reason why this customer came to us to build the Wild Otter mobile app.
While we would eventually provide the customer with a quote, it was only after a consultation, that led to a high-fidelity mock-up and the clear establishment of his actual needs. Leading to an accurate cost of the entire project upfront, not one that would inflate with time.
An integral part of our process is developing a prototype before discussing costs or delivering a quote. This high-fidelity mock-up serves as a tangible representation of our understanding and proposed solution. It allows clients to visualise the end product, providing a basis for further refinement and adjustment. By presenting a working model, we demonstrate our commitment to the project and our confidence in the proposed solution.
At Shoothill, our approach to client relationships and project development is founded on a principle that may seem unconventional in today’s business environment: we prioritise understanding, build the right solution and package it up in a way that works for the customer.
This philosophy stems from our belief that the best outcomes arise from a thorough comprehension of our client’s needs, combined with a commitment to crafting tailor-made solutions that truly address those needs.
Our approach is inherently collaborative, as it should be for all service-based companies. With our clients, we work together towards a common goal.
By involving clients in the development process, be that an app or website. we ensure that their feedback is incorporated at every stage, resulting in a solution that is not only effective but also aligned with their expectations and business direction.
The results speak for themselves, last year 80% of Shoothill’s income was from returning customers. They come to view us as their external IT and Tech department, something that started out as a website and branding project will grow into a full bespoke software solution over time. Or a customer that comes to us for high-level software development will ask us to pick up various pieces in their organisation.
Once we have a solid understanding of the client’s needs, we shift our focus to developing the right solution. This phase involves rigorous research, planning, and iterative design. We prioritize quality and functionality, ensuring that the solution is robust, scalable, and user-friendly.
At this stage, the emphasis is on building something that works, not just something that sells. We believe that by focusing on creating value for the client, profitability will naturally follow. This is a long-term strategy that fosters trust and builds lasting relationships.
At Shoothill, integrity is at the core of everything we do. We are transparent about our processes, timelines, and capabilities. Our Executive Chairman and co-founder, Rod Plummer makes sure we follow 3 core principles, it shouldn’t be late, it should work and it should never cost more than originally stated.
By focusing on building the right solution first, we establish a foundation of trust. Clients can be assured that we are dedicated to delivering the best possible outcome for their project and that we actually understand what’s required of the project.
Our philosophy of building the right solution before focusing on our bottom line is not just about immediate success; it’s about building for the future. By delivering high-quality, customised solutions, we ensure that our clients can achieve their long-term goals. This approach has helped us forge strong, enduring relationships with our clients, who return to us for their future needs, as they’re confident in our ability to deliver exceptional results.
If you think your business could benefit from the creative application of technology, or are curious to hear how we could apply technology in your business – contact Shoothill today.
+44 (0)1743 636300
