Top 5 Mistakes B2B Businesses Should Stop Making Right Away

Published on: 22 November 2020 Last Updated on: 30 October 2024

Many experts point out that running a successful B2B business is easy if you avoid making some important mistakes. Even if you are not running exceptionally sophisticated campaigns to woo newer clients, simply avoiding mistakes can give your company the much-needed boost.

This is more important in the new scheme of things, especially for a post-COVID-19 business world.

With 2021 just around the corner, it is essential that you pay heed to the contents of this article and ensure that you are able to avoid some if not all of these mistakes.

In this article, we speak to some of the leading minds from the B2B world of marketing, sales, and logistics. We ask them about the mistakes and the way forward.

List of Top 5 Mistakes B2B Businesses should stop making right away

1. Maintaining Data on External Disks-

We all know how data is important to the success of any business. In the case of B2B companies, data can be the deciding factor between success and failure. Most B2B companies are still averse to maintaining data on the Cloud and prefer to use hard disks.

Experts are of the opinion that in addition to the risks of data getting corrupted or being destroyed by human error, this strategy is flawed and outdated. Maintaining data on the Cloud does not only increase its security but also ensures cross-department usage of the same.

2. Using Outdated ERP and Inventory Management Tools-

The next set of mistakes concerns B2B businesses still relying on age-old strategies for inventory management. With AI, ML, and Automation being offered by the best vendors, it is high-time, B2B businesses should opt for the best inventory optimization software.

This will allow B2B businesses to accelerate the pace of their functions, boost the efficiency of the team, and improve customer experience. Looking after simple things like reducing the turnaround times can have a major impact on any B2B business in the world.

3. Manual Task Assignment and Follow-Ups-

If you are a B2B business owner, you will agree that following up with your team members or checking the progress of their work can be a pain. Using phone calls, emails, WhatsApp and other outdated mechanisms promotes inefficiency and prevents clarity.

This is why automated task assignment workflow software should be used to better employee performance. From Trello to Asana, there are many credible ones in the market, which are simple to use and will allow you to keep track of the work assignments of your employees.

4. Doubting Digital Platforms-

Most business consultants point to the fact that B2B businesses and their owners are still hesitant when it comes to pursuing digital transformations. They still feel that the internet will not be able to help them fulfill their sales and marketing objectives.

However, nothing can be further from the truth. Using search engines and social media in a strategic fashion can help you with a number of advantages. From reaching your target audiences to improving branding and lead generation, there is a lot to achieve from digital.

5. Taking help from External Specialised Vendors-

B2B businesses think they must set up internal teams to start digital transformation or automate their processes. They fear hiring specialists. However, it does not have to be that way.

By working with specialized digital marketing agencies, they can bring on an external partner firm, which can help them in multiple ways. This will ensure that they do not have to hire teams, give them systems, and spend on their office spaces.

Once you start avoiding these mistakes, you will see a qualitative and quantitative transformation in your B2B business. You need to understand that the world is increasingly moving towards a digital framework, and as a business, you need to make the most of it.

Common B2B Marketing Terms you Should Know

Still a beginner at your B2B marketing strategies. Here is your dictionary to understand the different B2B marketing lingo.

1. What is the 80/20 Rule in B2B?

The 80/20 rule simply states that 80% of a company’s revenue comes from 20% of its customers.

In a business-to-business model, this highlights the need to identify and cultivate your key accounts.

Therefore, concentrate on your sales resources on those customers who generate the most profit for you rather than trying to be all things to all people. You truly cannot impress anyone!

2. What is the 95/5 Rule for B2B?

The 95/5 rule suggests that at any point in time, 95% of your target market is not actively buying, and only 5% are.

As a result, B2B firms need to focus on consistently building brand and supplier awareness.

This also includes developing relationships with customers so that they will think of them when they do go into ‘buying mode.’ B2B customers are different than dealing with one customer. Therefore, it is important you are always in their mind.

3. What are the 4Cs of B2B Marketing?

The 4Cs are Client, Cost, Communication, and Convenience.

In B2B marketing, it’s all about understanding the client’s needs, keeping costs in check, opening channels for communication and making sure your product or service is convenient and of value to the customer – this is what customer relationships and loyalty are built upon in the world of B2B.

4. What are the 3 Most Important Qualities of a Successful B2B Salesperson and Why?

Knowledge, Persistence, and Empathy!

Successful B2B salespeople must be knowledgeable, persistent, and empathic. The more knowledge you have about your product but also about the development in your industry or the general economy – the more credible person you become for your client.

Because let’s face it, only real knowledge gives you power over the situation (matched with superb confidence). Every business out there looking for answers is desperately looking for someone who has all the answers.

However, as we talk of successful B2B salespersons, we need to consider that they often also deal with long sales cycles. In those cases, persistence is what will make you stand out from the competition.

If I shower my leads with attention every day, no other competitor can gain a share of attention.

While we’re in relationships, people buy from people they “take care of them.” Therefore, a successful B2B salesperson must adopt empathy when dealing with their clients.

5. How to Gain B2B Sales Experience as a Beginner?

As a beginner, you can gain sales experience in B2B by shadowing your experienced sales reps, going to networking events, and taking internships or entry-level sales positions.

The most valuable lessons are learned through real-world interactions, so concentrate on developing exceptional communication and negotiation abilities.

Plus, never stop learning, self-reflecting, and staying on top of industry news if you want to become an expert.

6. What is the B2B Lifecycle Strategy?

The B2B lifecycle strategy refers to an end-to-end management of the customer journey.

This starts from leading to post-sales support by providing value at every stage, ensuring client satisfaction and loyalty through attracting, engaging, converting, and retaining clients with consistent, personalized experiences.

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Mashum Mollah

Mashum Mollah is the feature writer of Search Engine Magazine and an SEO Analyst at Real Wealth Business. Over the last 3 years, He has successfully developed and implemented online marketing, SEO, and conversion campaigns for 50+ businesses of all sizes. He is the co-founder of Social Media Magazine.

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Why Registering a Company Online Now Becomes Easier

Are you looking for business opportunities in Singapore? This is an excellent choice because Singapore ranks 2nd in the world, in the ease of doing business. Singapore is also one of the most advanced financial centers in the world, acting as a headquarters for thousands of global brands. The ease of doing business starts right at the beginning stage of registration. Foreigners can easily register a company in Singapore, as well as get an employment pass. Singapore has outdone other competitors in Asia with entirely paperless business registration. Company registration is done in 1.5 days if the documentation for registration is right. Benefits of Online Registration Register from anywhere in the world You don’t have to come to Singapore to register a company. You can submit all the documentation online. Better yet, you can use a company incorporation Singapore service to register your company. This service is offered by a team of professionals who are conversant with the documentation and procedures required to register a company. Affordable Paperless registration translates into lower costs for registration. Paid-up capital is only SGD 1.00 which is very friendly for small businesses. Fast Online processing has allowed cutting short the duration needed for company registration to 1.5 days. You can start your business operations within a week after landing in Singapore. Who Can Register a Company in Singapore? Both Singaporean nationals and foreigners are allowed to register private limited companies in Singapore. Shareholders can be individuals or companies. Singapore is one of the few countries that allow 100% foreign shareholding. However, bankrupt people and those with criminal backgrounds are not allowed to operate businesses in Singapore. A foreigner who wants to register a company in Singapore should; Have at least one director who is a Singapore resident. This could be a Singapore citizen, or a person holding a permanent resident visa, or someone holding an employment pass. Hire a filing service for company registration. This is a team of professionals, usually lawyers, accountants, or company secretaries. They are familiar with the documentation and procedures needed to register a company correctly and in a short time. What Are the Procedures in Company Registration? Step 1 – Name Approval Companies in Singapore are registered by the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). You should submit at least 3 names for approval. Guidelines for company names include; No vulgar or offensive wording The name should not already be in use by another entity or be part of another company’s trademark. If the name includes words like bank, media, finance, or educational it shall require further approvals by the bodies regulating these sectors. ACRA reserves the approved name for 60 days, with a further 60 days extension. Step 2 – Document Preparation The required documentation for a private limited company registration includes; The name approved by ACRA Description of a maximum of 2 intended business activities in Singapore The registered office address Singapore or the physical address of the company offices. Consultants can operate from a residential address but must show landlord consent. Particulars of shareholders. Foreign shareholders are required to supply a copy of their passport and proof of residence in their country. Company shareholders must submit a copy of their Articles of Association and Memorandum of Association. Particulars of the Ultimate Beneficial Owners. These are shareholders with more than 25% ownership in any level of shareholding Particulars of directors Particulars of a data protection officer to comply with the requirements of the Personal Data Protection Act 2012 (PDPA) Particulars of the company secretary. This role should be appointed within 6 months of registration. The company secretary can be a filing agent. This is often offered as part of the package in business registration services. Paid-up capital. The initial paid-up capital is SGD 1. This can be increased after registration KYC documentation Singapore has strict anti-money laundering laws, which require Know-Your-Customer guidelines to be followed when registering a company. Individuals must show proof of nationality, proof of residence, and describe their professional or entrepreneurial background. Corporate shareholders must show a Certificate of Incumbency if they are offshore companies registered in places like the Caymans. Step-3 Submitting the Documents ACRA maintains an online portal on which the documentation is submitted for registration. The Certificate of Incorporation is generated electronically within 1.5 days. But company registration can take as long as 2 months if further approvals are needed from industry regulators. Why Use a Business Registration Service? Get a full corporate kit – You get a package that helps you start operating as soon as possible. This includes the Certificate of Incorporation, Company stamp, Memorandum and articles of Association, and the minutes of the first board meeting. Help in the processing of an employment visa if you want to relocate to Singapore Help in opening a corporate bank account Singapore is one of the most attractive investment destinations in the world. You get world-class financial services, good infrastructure, and a stable business environment. If you are looking for investment opportunities, work with a business registration service for quick company registration. Read Also: How to Register Your Company in China Fast

How can I use an RSS feed reader for business? 5 great ideas

You’re here because you’re searching for that hidden weapon. The one secret that will give you a definitive edge over other companies in your line of work. Behold the RSS feed reader. It’s not flashy. It can, in fact, be a little bit confusing, if you only have memories of them in the early 00s. But it’s true. An RSS feed reader can make all the difference for your business. What is an RSS feed reader? Or maybe you’re not familiar with RSS. Here’s a crash course. RSS is a protocol, which was developed early in the Internet’s youth as a way for users to have an easy way to access numerous sites simultaneously. Basically, every website and blog would have an RSS feed embedded in their code, which can then be accessed by an RSS feed reader. Add any feed to your reader and then receive its content as soon as it’s posted. It’s that simple and was the chief way to stay connected and on top of development during the blogging craze. Is it going to help my business grow? Yes. RSS readers have grown by leaps and bounds from where they started. For one, they now support all types of media files and formats, ranging from YouTube to podcasts. You’re able to cast your net wide – excellent for performing monitoring and research. Not to mention how RSS feed readers have added tools, filters, and integrations that now place them firmly in the category of productivity tools. Depending on which RSS feed reader you have, you are in the perfect position to streamline your company’s journey to success. How to use it for business? a. Monitor your brand To many, monitoring public opinion regarding their brand begins by opening their social media for a quick scroll down mentions and DMs. Maybe retweet something funny. That’s it. Smaller companies are particularly guilty of thinking ‘we’re small, so nobody’s really talking about us.’ It’s a fact many customers share their impressions of a business without tagging the businesses in their discussions unless it’s a direct complaint. Follow the breadcrumbs no matter how infrequent or small they are through RSS. Here’s what you can achieve with Inoreader as your RSS reader: Create Google Alerts for important branded keywords and migrate them to Inoreader. This way you get the benefit of Alerts without the ineffective mail delivery. Create keyword searches on social media, Twitter for instance, and subscribe to them via Inoreader, so you’re instantly updated when posts mention you. Subscribe to important trade sites and set triggers to receive alerts whenever an article pops up that mentions your brand. b. See what competitors do The same principles as above apply here. Users can shift their attention easily to direct competitors in a heartbeat with minimal effort. You don’t have to change much in your monitoring approach, but it can also be wise to subscribe to your competitors’ newsletter, website, and social media. The goal here is to monitor not just what’s said about your competitors, but also keep a close eye on every possible move they make. If you’re a considerably smaller fish in the pond, it’s smart to know when the market leaders are going to make an announcement, release a product or start a new campaign. That way you can time important marketing pushes on your part during the empty slots in their calendar. Besides, your competitors are live case studies on the viability of campaigns and marketing ideas. c. Follow influencers and bloggers I mentioned trade publications above and the importance of checking for coverage of your brand, but there’s also another important category of sources you shouldn’t neglect. I’m talking about influencers and bloggers. These are the people that are somewhere between your target audience and industry systems. They’re vehicles for promotion with varying degrees of influence. Some showcase what resonates with your ideal customers and others have economic power thanks to the size of their audience. Influencer marketing is still here for the time being and it’s a truly interesting phenomenon as it allows you to see firsthand what connects with your audience. Influencers and bloggers thrive on their relatability to their followers. RSS feed readers are made for this exact purpose – follow blogs, newsletters, forums, and now a variety of media formats. d. Discover new topics RSS readers have made a sharp turn towards assisting their user base in finding relevant material, not just consuming it. After all, will you ever leave your RSS reader, when you keep on finding new and new feeds to explore? However, this functionality is not just created for leisure. It’s perfect for research purposes. Inoreader has invested a lot into their discovery features. The very thing you encounter when you make your account is the discovery zone. You have several main branches of topics that further divide depending on how narrow your interests run. Each topic and subtopic is populated by the most subscribed-to RSS feeds in the reader’s database. Furthermore, you have a lot more flexibility in how you explore suggestions thanks to the Sort by Magic feature, while the browser extension simplifies subscriptions to new RSS feeds and grants easy access to recent updates. e. Learn more about your customers Really, through the right blend of branded and non-branded keyword monitoring (we touched on both above), you arrive at a fuller, more fleshed-out profile of your ideal customer. You experience your customers in relation to your brand, which is essential in improving the ever-fragile brand-customer relationship. But more importantly, you get to experience them in their own environment. If you follow the current crop of successful influencers, then you know quite a lot. Where do they hang out online? What’s important to them? How do they talk? What inspires them in their day-to-day life? What needs does your product meet? What motivates them to buy specifically from you? All these are questions you can answer. All from Inoreader’s dashboard. Read Also: 4 Reasons Your Home Business Needs A Virtual Receptionist Influencer Marketing Tool to Move from Local to Global Market 5 Content Ideas to Use with Instagram Influencers

Choosing The Right Visitor Sign-in Software For Your Organization’s Needs

With the complexities of modern security and privacy concerns, organizations across industries are increasingly turning to advanced visitor management solutions. A reliable visitor sign-in system streamlines the guest check-in process and enhances overall security and compliance with regulatory standards. Identifying the ideal software tailored to your organization's unique requirements is imperative for a smooth and secure operation. Keep reading to understand the critical aspects that will guide you in choosing the right visitor sign in software. Keep on reading till the end to learn more… What Is A Visitor Sign-In Software? You might remember how all the visitors who were temporarily visiting the building or an organization were made to sign a big fat data entry book in the past. They used to write down their names, the time of entry, and the purpose of the visit. They also used to mention their contact details and who they would want to meet. That was a visitor entry process that was made and managed manually. But times have changed. And with the evolution and advancements in technology, everything is now digital. Data has become centralized, and it is managed that way. And THAR is where a Visitor Management Sustem comes into play. A Visitor Sign-in Software is a part of the Visitor Management System (VMS). A VMS helps organizations keep track of visitors entering the building. It lets them efficiently manage the visitors. A sign-in software for the visitors is a part of the smart VMS. It is located on the premises to control the data and to maximize security. So, the reason or purpose of having this system is nothing new. It remains the same as before. Understanding The Security And Compliance Needs Of Your Organization The first step in selecting visitor management software is analyzing the security and compliance demands specific to your organization. This may include understanding data privacy laws, such as HIPAA in healthcare settings, which your software must adhere to. Identifying these requirements early can help prevent legal and security issues in the future. Scrutinize the various levels of access control offered by the software. It’s crucial that the system can identify and manage different visitor types, from contractors to VIP guests, ensuring appropriate access while maintaining security. Your staff should be able to easily monitor and control visitor movements within your facility. Another key consideration is the software's capability to keep thorough visitor logs. These records are vital not only for security audits but also for any emergency action plan in the event of a situation requiring a quick evacuation roll call. Ensure the system can securely store and manage data while providing quick and efficient retrieval when necessary. Your organization's industry may also influence the level of security you require. For instance, organizations that handle sensitive information or have high-security areas will need a sign-in system with advanced identity verification features, such as ID scanning or biometric checks. Key Features to Look for in Visitor Sign-In Software When evaluating potential visitor management software, consider the features that are essential for streamlining operations. User-friendly check-in processes, such as self-service kiosks or quick scan-in options, can significantly reduce queues and enhance visitor satisfaction. Notification systems are another feature to look for. The software should notify the relevant personnel immediately upon a guest's arrival. Additionally, customizable badges with photo IDs can enhance security by making it easier to identify visitors within your premises. Also, the system should be able to pre-register guests, which can save time for both visitors and staff. Pre-registration can often include pre-screening questions that aid in security and compliance, ensuring unauthorized or risky visitors are flagged before they arrive. Ensure the software also provides detailed reporting and analytics. These insights can help with data-driven decision-making, inform capacity planning, detect security patterns, and understand visitor trends. Reporting functionality is valuable for continuously improving visitor management protocols. The Role of User Experience in Visitor Management Systems The user experience is crucial to the success of any software solution, and visitor sign-in systems are no exception. It should be intuitive for both guests and administrative users, with minimal training required. A complicated system can result in a negative first impression for visitors and frustration for staff. The interface design should be clean and inviting, offering clear instructions and guidance for visitors as they sign in. On the administrative side, the software should allow staff to easily oversee visitor flow and access clear and concise visitor data. Mobile compatibility is increasingly a must-have for both visitors and administrative users. Whether it's providing the option for visitors to check in using their smartphone or enabling staff to manage visitor details on the go, having a mobile-responsive system can significantly enhance the user experience. Take a Look at Integrations It is important that your VMS can be integrated with several other systems that you use for your organization. This helps with the overall efficiency and operations. Some of the systems that you should consider incorporating your VMS with are security cameras, employee directories, and other access controls. One of the reasons behind this is that most organizations use a lot of digital and smart software. Since integration helps with data centralization, using a VMS that can be integrated with other systems makes managing the data much more efficient and smart. Freedom for Customization Last but not least, one of the things that you should keep in mind while choosing a particular VMS is whether you can customize it for better usage. Since every organization is different, the preferences and requirements for each of them will vary. Therefore, when choosing a particular software, it is important to see if it can meet all your needs. A VMS that you can customize as per your requirements will help create a better and more positive experience for both visitors and staff alike. Best Visitor Sign-in Software in 2024 Now that you know the importance of visitor sign-in systems, it is time to learn about the best software systems you can use. The options are endless, but you should have a list ready, right? Here are the top three best Visitor Sign-in Software that you should check out this year: 1. SwipedOn The first one on this list of the best Visitor Management Systems and Visitor Sign-in Software is SwipeOn. Just as the name suggests, it is one of the easiest to work with. It gets integrated with other systems pretty smoothly and helps in the working of the same. One of the best things about this platform is that the average time to get a response here is even less than two minutes. 2. Robin Second on the list is Robin This one is a great platform for enterprise and mid-market companies. Additionally, you can also use it for scheduling meetings with people around the world. When it comes to customization, this platform is truly one of the most popular ones. 3. Doordesk Last but not least, Doordesk is one of the most popular VMS tools that helps with enhanced security. It is a great choice if you want to improve your visitor experience and streamline the check-in and checkout process. Bottom Line Overall, a visitor sign-in system is an integral part of modern organizational security and efficiency. By understanding your specific requirements and reviewing your options carefully, you can select a visitor management solution that not only meets your immediate needs but also supports your organization's growth and evolution over time. In case you wanted to know about the things to keep in mnd while choosing a VMS, we hope that this blog has been of help to you. If you have any other questions related to visitor sign-in software, please feel free to let us know by commenting in the box below. Read Also: Everything You Need To Know About PKI In Cybersecurity Five Tips to Make Sure Your Security Software Is Actually Secure Why DRM Is the New Standard for Document Security

Top 5 Mistakes B2B Businesses Should Stop Making Right Away