A sales manager is engaged in key account management and has identified which clients are critical to the company's long-term profitability. Which action should the sales manager take to maintain these client relationships?

While expanding the client base can be beneficial, this action does not prioritize the existing key accounts that are essential for profitability. Focusing on new clients may divert attention and resources away from maintaining and strengthening relationships with critical clients, which could jeopardize the company's existing revenue streams.

This option emphasizes acquiring new clients rather than maintaining relationships with current key accounts. While referrals can help grow the business, they do not address the immediate need to nurture established relationships with existing clients, which is essential for ensuring ongoing profitability.

Focusing on new clients may lead to short-term growth but could ultimately harm relationships with key existing clients. The sales manager should prioritize the needs of critical accounts to secure long-term profitability rather than spreading efforts too thin by also trying to build relationships with new clients.