Customization

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Source: This is an excerpt from one of my presentations on 'customization'. I OWN this article; it is solely based on my experiences.
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What is Customization?

1. Getting a pizza with the toppings of your choice – is customization.
2. Cars modified by DC – is customization.
3. Getting tailor-made suits/dresses - is customization.

So, basically giving something more than your usual service offering is customization. Please note that customization often comes with a premium.

Myths around customization

1. Retail clients will never have customized requests – they do have customized requests but often avoid asking for it to avoid the premium.
2. Customization is not worth the efforts put in by us.
3. Clients with special requests are painful – they are not painful in fact these are the clients who have been around for quite some time and can be our growth drivers.

Why is customization needed?

• To understand clients and their requirements.
• To have a stronger hold over our competitors.

In short, with customization comes growth – if we understand our clients, their requirements and meet their expectations – we will have a stronger stand in the market that would enable further growth.

Challenges involved

• Lot of back n forth involved – at times client might get irritated.
• Be ready to face multiple rounds.
• Most of the times clients don’t know what they want – we have to understand them and educate wherever possible.
• Possibility of losing clients if we fail to meet their requirements.
• Need to be patient and calm at all times.

Benefits of customization

• Have a better knowledge about our service offerings.
• Stronger portfolio.
• Higher chance of converting bigger clients.
• Strong hold over competitors.

Consider 'customization' to be your key to success and enable growth through effective customization.