Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Good Customer Service Starts Here

By Craig Calvin

Do you think you are providing great customer service? Most businesses would say yes, yet customers report that modern business is plagued with poor customer service and rude employees. In this atmosphere, knowing the secrets to great customer service can set you apart from the competition and guarantee repeat business. There are five concrete things you can do to make customers look forward to dealing with you and your employees.

1. Provide a personal touch. Most people engage in small talk at some point in a business deal. Following up on this small talk can make customers feel that they are special and wanted in your business. This can be as simple as asking a customer whether they got over a cold they were fighting or asking them how their daughter performed on the SAT's. Although this doesn't seem like much, it will reap huge rewards and build customer loyalty.

2. Tailor your customer service. This simply means adjusting your service to fit their needs. If a customer does not like talking about an order over the phone, you could email it or come in person to discuss it. Making adjustments for your customer will make them happy and feel like you want their business.

3. Take complaints seriously. Do not act defensive or like they are insignificant. Listen to what hte customer says and improve where needed. If a customer does not feel satisfied with the reaction, they will tell others how they feel.

4. Honesty. Being honest about the good and bad of your products will make your customers trust you. If you are dishonest, they will not come back. By inegrating honesty into your business values, you will setting yourself apart from your competition.

5. Get your employees into the act. Talk to your employees about the way you expect them to treat every employee who walks through the door. You can even offer incentives and prizes for superior customer service. Your customers should be treated well every time they interact with your business, whether it is with your secretary or with you. - 15246

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