Sparks Electrical News March 2021

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

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Boost your business with prepaid L ast year had its challenges, but it has also opened up new windows of opportunities for small businesses and contractors alike.

the value of recognising the importance of people is incalculable. Citiq Prepaid is South Africa’s most trusted prepaid sub-metering service provider, offering superb service, support and products. The company works with con- tractors to create opportunities, support their growth, and ensure that everyone is happy – from the cus- tomer to the contractor.

you can expand your business and customer base through word of mouth, shared markets and high-end solutions. This is the perfect time for contractors to work with partners to help themmake the most of op- portunities and deliver even better service to custom- ers. As the market continues to struggle with the pan- demic, trusted partners can make all the difference. “The next few months will be defined by change and shifting market needs,” says Basson. “Staying ahead of this change and remaining ahead of the curve is challenging. Partnerships allow you to explore new markets, unpack new opportunities, and poten- tially find new revenue streams that you didn’t con- sider in the past.” 3. Leverage opportunities There are not many loyalty programmes designed spe- cifically for the electrical contractor, but the Citiq Installa- tion Club (CIC) was the first in South Africa. This loyalty programme supports contractors and wholesalers by providing them with additional resources and benefits that are relevant to their business and industry. “We de- signed the CIC to be simple, accessible and financially beneficial,” says Basson. “You gain immediate benefits from your installation of Citiq Prepaid sub-metering so- lutions, receiving a voucher worth R500 which can be redeemed at your preferred Citiq Prepaid wholesaler once a certain number of meters are installed. The more you install, the more you earn. Plus, you become part of the country’s largest installer database.”

come less and less relevant. In fact, people are gravi- tating towards companies and individuals who show compassion and humanity during an unprecedented time in history. Work with people you trust, sweat the customer’s small stuff, and ensure your prepaid sub- meters are of exceptional quality. If your customers know that you use the best prepaid sub-meters, of- fer high-end service, and connect them to a trusted service provider, they will recommend you to others and keep you on speed-dial. And, in times like these,

And now, more than ever, it is imperative that con- tractors focus on building successful businesses ca- pable of managing tough times and ready to take on the good times. With that in mind, here are four ways for electrical contractors to boost their business with prepaid sub-meters. 1. Jump on the trends One of the biggest trends to emerge from 2020 was working from home (WFH). People turned their homes into offices, parking their computers on any- thing that offered them privacy and a space to work. They had to adapt to a landscape that had changed dramatically and find new ways of working. At first, it was a holding pattern as people waited to see what happened. Now, desks and office chairs are selling out as people start to make plans for a longer-term ap- proach to WFH. With this in mind, they are also looking to their companies and accountants to help reduce home expenses like electricity and connectivity. And this is where prepaid sub-meters come in. “There has been a sharp rise in the demand for prepaid sub-meters thanks to the WFH trend,” says Jaqueline Basson, CIC Loyalty Manager at Citiq Pre- paid. “This is the perfect opportunity for contractors to take advantage of a growing market.” 2. Build relationships Focus on building relationships with companies and customers this year. With the right people at your side,

Enquiries: www.citiqprepaid.co.za

4. Pay attention to people The old adage ‘it’s not personal; it’s business’ has be-

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

MARCH 2021