CEOs Have More Clients Than Anyone

Trying to make everyone happy - from employees to customers - is a tough job, but someone's gotta do it. This article takes a look at all the different types of clients a CEO has to make happy.

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Trying to make everyone happy - from employees to customers - is a tough job, but someone's gotta do it. And if you're leading your company, that's your job! Are your shoulders feeling a bit heavy? I know mine always have. Let's take a look at all the different types of clients a CEO has to make happy.

Your employees are your clients. You've got to have happy employees to have happy customers right? So your job is to sell your dream to them and hope that they follow you to success. At one point at VerticalResponse we found that we weren't communicating frequently enough to our employees. We changed that in a hurry. We have monthly e-mail newsletters and quarterly meetings that go over our previous accomplishments and shortfalls; as well as what our goals are in the coming months.

People who buy from you are your clients. Your customers have to believe in your products or services and your company. And with such great access to information, it's a good idea these days to have a face on your company and be transparent. People want to know who they are doing business with, and if you're not out there telling them, they'll likely move on to some who does.

Your investors are your clients. If you raised money, your fiduciary responsibility is to your investors. You've already sold them on your dream, now it's time to deliver on that promise. You may have to sell them on a new idea or even on an important hire, either way they're an important client since these people were here for you at the beginning, make sure your remember that.

Suppliers are your clients. You may need a loan, or you may need supplies to keep your business going and growing.  A great example would be if you need a line of credit for your business. Get your sellin' shoes on because you may need to convince the bank that you will be able to pay THEM back in a timely manner.

As the leader of your company there are a lot of people to sell to, to make happy and to show success for. If you're doing a good job on even a few of these groups of clients kudos to you, it isn't easy.  Just remember these three words... Always Be Selling!

Janine Popick is the CEO and founder of VerticalResponse, a leading provider of self-service e-mail and event marketing, online surveys, social media, and direct mail solutions. The company was ranked No. 1,771 on the 2011 Inc. 5000 list. @janinepopick