In the highly competitive B2B tech SAAS market, winning large customers is a top priority for companies. However, once the deal is closed, the real work begins to keep these valuable customers happy and retain them for the long term. This is where customer success and account management teams play a critical role. In this post, we’ll explore the importance of customer success and account management teams working together to grow enterprise/large customer accounts and provide actionable tactics to achieve success.

1. Why Growing Enterprise/Large Accounts is Important

Enterprise and large accounts represent a significant opportunity for B2B tech SAAS companies. While these accounts may only make up a small percentage of your customer base, they often generate the majority of your revenue. Additionally, enterprise customers tend to have more complex needs and require a higher level of service and support.

By growing and nurturing these accounts, you can achieve sustainable revenue growth and build a reputation as a trusted partner for enterprise customers. This can lead to increased customer loyalty, higher retention rates, and more opportunities for cross-selling and upselling. Furthermore, enterprise customers often have extensive networks and can serve as valuable references and advocates for your brand.

• Focusing on enterprise and large accounts can also help you stay ahead of the competition. 
• By delivering exceptional service and support, you can differentiate yourself from competitors and become the go-to provider for enterprise customers in your industry. 
• Focusing on larger accounts, you can establish a steady revenue stream that is less vulnerable to market fluctuations or economic downturns.

In short, growing your enterprise and large accounts is a key component of any successful B2B tech SAAS strategy. By focusing on these high-value customers, you can achieve sustainable revenue growth, build a reputation as a trusted partner, and differentiate yourself from competitors.

2. Account Planning and Stakeholder Mapping

To successfully grow enterprise and large accounts, it’s critical to have a clear account plan and to identify key stakeholders within the customer’s organization. Here are a few steps to consider when developing an account plan:

• Set goals: Define clear, measurable goals for the account, such as revenue growth targets or customer satisfaction metrics. These goals should be specific, realistic, and aligned with the customer’s business objectives.
• Analyze the account: Conduct a deep dive into the account to understand their business, industry, pain points, and opportunities for growth. This will help you identify areas where you can add value and differentiate yourself from competitors.
• Map stakeholders: Identify the key decision-makers and influencers within the customer’s organization. Develop a stakeholder map that includes their roles, responsibilities, and communication preferences. This will help you tailor your approach and communication style to each stakeholder and build strong relationships.
• Create an action plan: Based on your analysis and stakeholder mapping, create a detailed action plan that outlines the steps you will take to achieve your goals. This plan should include specific tactics, timelines, and metrics for success.

3. Strategies for Growing Enterprise/Large Accounts

While account planning and stakeholder mapping are essential, there are additional strategies that customer success and account management teams can use to grow their enterprise accounts. Here are a few tactics to consider:

• Upsell and cross-sell opportunities: Encourage your team to upsell or cross-sell additional products or features to enterprise customers. By analyzing data on their usage and pain points, you can identify the best opportunities to do so.
• Identify growth triggers: Keep a pulse on market trends, industry news, and the customer’s business to anticipate growth opportunities. This way, you can reach out proactively and offer your solutions to help the customer grow and meet their business goals.
• Develop and leverage advocates: Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders at the customer’s organization and leverage them to expand your footprint. These advocates can act as references, help navigate the organization, and even introduce you to new business units and decision-makers.

4. Impact of Successful Enterprise/Large Account Management

Effective enterprise and large account management can have a significant impact on your business, from boosting revenue to improving customer satisfaction. Here are a few ways that successful account management can benefit your organization:

• Increased revenue: Growing enterprise accounts can result in significant increases in revenue. These accounts may represent a small percentage of your total customer base, but they often generate the majority of your revenue. By keeping these customers happy and growing them over time, you can achieve sustainable revenue growth.
• Improved customer satisfaction and retention: Enterprise customers have complex needs and high expectations. By providing excellent service, proactive account management, and strategic support, you can ensure that these customers are satisfied and loyal. Satisfied customers are more likely to renew their contracts, purchase additional products or features, and act as references for your company.
• Better market positioning: Effective enterprise and large account management can help your organization build a reputation as a trusted partner for enterprise customers. By delivering value, expertise, and personalized service, you can differentiate yourself from competitors and position your organization as a go-to solution for enterprise customers. This can help you win new business and expand your reach in the market.

Overall, growing enterprise and large accounts requires a strategic, proactive approach and a deep understanding of the customer’s business. By developing a strong account plan, mapping key stakeholders, and leveraging additional strategies, you can grow these accounts and achieve sustainable revenue growth and customer satisfaction.