Why Do Some Of My Clients Consider Me Their Secret Weapon?

Clearly, the attached representation is an AI-generated image of what I might have looked like in my much younger days as a “secret weapon”.  While the image is a tongue-in-cheek piece of fiction, it is true that I am a secret weapon to some of my clients.  “Why” you ask?  Let me give you a few reason and let you know how some of my clients utilize my services…. things they don’t tell people, as I am their secret weapon.

1. Independent Contractor.  As an independent contractor, providing a number of different services, I tailor my services to meet the individualized needs of my clients.  Simply, independent contractors are less-expensive overall than hiring a full-time employee.  You don’t have to pay them benefits, give them time off, sick pay, insurance, pay payroll taxes on them, or even schedule/supervise them.  Best of all, you use them for their talents and abilities, when YOU need them, and you don’t have to pay them the rest of the time.  When you get a good one that you trust, you simply tell them what you need and the parameters to work under and turn them loose to work on your behalf.  This expands YOUR time and reach.    My smartest (long-term) clients get to know me, and what I can do for them to make their job easier and more productive.
2. Marketing Experience.  While I don’t actively “promote” my years of experience in Marketing, I have done it all from website development to trade shows, direct mailings, e-mail marketing, sales, not to mention business ownership and promotion.  My wisest clients know several things:
   1. “Marketing is the culmination of everything you do, from every source, to promote yourself, your business and your products and services.”  My quote that I’ve told my clients for many years.
   2. It’s all about the customer.  Many, many businesses don’t keep that in mind any longer.  Sad really.
   3. Modern marketing should include all the latest marketing trends, but the wisest clients also recognize the need for older, more traditional methods that are not as popular currently.  Don’t be a sheep and only follow current trends.  (Refer to #1).
   4. Consider marketing similar to the stock market.  By the time you hear about the latest trend in marketing, it’s too late.  You are not on the cutting edge.  You are a follower.  This is especially true on YouTube.  Don’t fall for it.
   5. I could go on, but this is not a marketing lesson.
   6. My clients utilize me for all my services, talents and abilities.  My marketing experience is one of those that is just an extra benefit of being my client.
3. Business, Purchasing and Inventory.  This is where my most beneficial (to you) background is. I source products, bid and compare suppliers when needed, and help you select the products and services correct for you.  I place the orders, follow up and keep you informed.  I am like your own Purchasing department that you don’t have to pay for in-house.  FYI, I have over 20 years of experience at the Director level of Purchasing for multi-million dollar businesses.  Would you find this alone a valuable service for your business?  How many of you are experts in this area?
4. Promotional Products and Printing.  Some folks think the printing industry is no longer around.  Not true.  It is just more specialized, depending on what you are looking for.  The hard part is finding the right printer for the right product(s) that you are needing.  That’s what I do.  I use printers from across the United States.  I source your products, bid if necessary, and ship them direct to your door.  Don’t take your time to do all the work.  That’s why I am here.  I use networks I have developed over the years and continually update.  Additionally, I also have the experience to get all the artwork done that is super-confusing to most people.  It’s like being a mechanic.  It’s important you use the right tools for the right job.  Extremely true in printing.
5. Bookkeeping.  I am a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor.  I also spent over 17 years as part of an Accounting department (in Purchasing).  Whether you need someone to handle the books on a monthly basis, do a books “cleanup”, just do an initial install and setup, or you just need some consulting, I am that super power for you.  This also tags right along with my business, purchasing and inventory control experience.  Lets talk!  Let’s see if we are a good fit for this service.  Free estimates.
6. Travel Advisor/Agent. I am a fully-certified associate of the Archer Travel Group and Evolution Travel.  I mostly book cruises, all-inclusive resort trips and family entertainment trips like Disney and Universal Studios.   What you may not know is that I can also book group travel like business trips, school or organization travel, or even simple business air travel.  I can also do excursions, adventures or even event tickets.  If you need individual, family, business group or other group travel planning, I am that secret weapon for you.

I don’t wear a cape or face mask, but perhaps now you can see how my services can come together to benefit you and your business.  I hope I have represented how I can save your business time and money.  My goal with my clients is to become their trusted partner, and to benefit them is the ways that help them most.  These are affordable services, but you will never know unless you ask me to demonstrate for you in areas that are of importance to you.

During these times when expenses are spiraling out of control, perhaps it’s time to identify some cost savings or some ways to spend your money better in your business.

I have a record for many years of helping businesses grow, or to help introduce cost savings.

Let me know how you want help.  I’d love to be your partner.

Sincerely,

Allen Beck

AKOR Services

(503) 427-8553

Allen@akorservices.com