In the maze of balance sheets, overhead costs, and profit margins, the essence of why businesses spend money boils down to two simple points. Either they're trying to get new customers or they're working to keep the ones they already have. That's it. If you’re a business owner, understanding this can be the game-changer you've been waiting for.
Get New Clients/Customers
This is the first pillar of business spending. Whether it's investing in advertising, launching a new product, or hiring a rockstar sales team, the ultimate goal is to attract new eyes and turn them into paying customers. Why? Because new customers mean new revenue, and new revenue is the lifeblood of any business.
Retain Existing Clients/Customers
Getting a customer through the door is one thing; keeping them is another ball game altogether. Customer retention often involves things like quality customer service, loyalty programs, and regular follow-ups. Here’s the kicker: It usually costs a lot less to keep an existing customer than to acquire a new one. Yet, the value of a loyal customer can be worth up to 10 times the value of their initial purchase over time.
The Bottom Line
As you plan your budget or strategize for your next quarter, remember these two pillars. Are your expenses aimed at getting new customers or keeping the old ones? If they don't fit into these categories, you might be spending money on things that feel important but aren't helping your bottom line.
So, keep it simple. Focus your spending on these two goals, and you won't just survive—you'll thrive.