Technology, in our market or in any other, is always an excellent resource for optimizing time and money. It allows us to achieve, more than ever before, unimaginable results and opportunities that would otherwise be off our radar.
However, as with everything, there is another side to the coin. Due to the ease of working practically anywhere and with any device, people have created the habit, or a certain complacency, of no longer meeting in person, and of building real bonds, not just virtual ones, with their customers.
Driven mainly by the pandemic, this new type of relationship has become increasingly common in the job market. However, there is a portion of the population, excluding the Baby Boomer and X generations, who are often opposed to this new type of relationship, often considering it superficial and disposable.
We, brokers, are our own 'commodity', our business card, our product. Knowing the customer personally goes beyond a future sale; it's about creating a connection, showing yourself seen and relevant. Our role, in addition to always offering the best deal, is to keep the client updated on the situation in their market.
Eye to eye, handshake
The importance of a face-to-face visit has been in Aboissa’s DNA since its creation. For our founder, Munir Aboissa, it has always been essential to meet customers in person, regardless of location or distance. In his words, he always says: “He who is not seen, is not remembered”. As corny as this phrase may seem, it makes perfect sense in the practice of our market.
During my almost 10 years at Aboissa, I had the opportunity to meet companies and places that opened my eyes to the importance of this phrase. A handshake, eye contact and even a cup of coffee with a casual conversation are essential to creating a lasting connection. The hardest thing is never the first sale, but the second. Continuity is the biggest challenge.
Today, Aboissa works with more than 65 countries and in practically every corner of the world, serving different profiles of clients, companies and businesses. However, regardless of belief, nationality or ethnicity, everyone likes it when they are treated well, listened to and understood.
Per: Tiago Vicente | Expert cottonseed oil and soy oil
