Ifat Lev, a Customer Success Management (CSM) expert with over 25 years in advanced tech, shares invaluable insights on becoming a top-tier CSM. She discusses defining measurable success criteria to improve outcomes and aligning business objectives with customer goals. Ifat emphasizes the importance of structured value-driven frameworks, enhancing customer conversations to focus on business outcomes, and preparing for client meetings with tailored success plans. Her expertise offers practical strategies for delivering exceptional customer value.
A value-driven customer success manager (CSM) is essential in aligning the CSM's actions with the client's business objectives and KPIs. This approach focuses on understanding what success means for the customer, which can encompass various goals such as revenue growth, cost reduction, or improving customer experience. Implementing a structured conversation framework helps translate these high-level objectives into measurable success criteria. By prioritizing the customer's needs and actively engaging in discussions about their business goals, CSMs can ensure that their efforts lead to tangible value and alignment.
Creating a Structured Framework for Success
Establishing a comprehensive framework, such as a value business map, allows CSMs to streamline their approach to client management effectively. This framework can provide templates that encompass the common goals and success criteria shared among typical clients, facilitating a deeper understanding of specific business objectives during initial discussions. Additionally, incorporating feedback and insights into these templates strengthens the process by giving CSMs a concrete starting point for conversations with customers. The result is a standardized yet flexible method for managing client relationships that enhances the perception of value provided.
Empowering CSMs Through Practice and Support
Successfully adapting to a value-driven framework requires consistent practice and support for CSMs. Training programs that include simulations, recorded call reviews, and an inventory of examples can equip CSMs with the skills needed to navigate value-focused discussions effectively. By gradually introducing CSMs to the practice of emphasizing business outcomes in conversations with clients, organizations can improve the proficiency and confidence of their teams over time. This ongoing education not only helps CSMs articulate value effectively but also fosters stronger client relationships and ultimately drives customer success.
Discover essential strategies for becoming a top-tier Customer Success Manager (CSM) with Ifat Lev! Learn how to define success criteria, align business objectives with customer goals, and implement value-driven CSM frameworks effectively.
Meet Ifat Lev, a recognized expert in Customer Success Management (CSM) for B2B businesses with over 25 years of experience in advanced technology companies like NICE, Microsoft and Sisense. With a decade-long specialization in steering Customer Success, Professional Services, and CS operations teams, Ifat brings unparalleled expertise in establishing, expanding, and strategically managing these critical functions.
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