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Dont Underestimate the Power of Customer Service

Guest post by: Alan McLaren

Article Overview: Without spending a penny, here is some advice that is sure to boost your sales and bring in more customers.

Dont Underestimate the Power of Customer Service

Bad economy + good customer service = business

All right so we all know this isn’t the best time for the economy. We have been in the so-called recession for over a year now. A few businesses are doing better than ever, some are struggling to make ends meet and many have folded.

Something maybe many have forgotten about, underestimated or just don’t think is of much importance. And that is good old fashion customer service. Being kind, courteous and helpful to your customers could very well be the breaking factor for someone on the fence about buying your product or service.

Have people underestimated the power of “friendly”?

Without spending a penny, here is some advice that is sure to boost your sales and bring in more customers.

1. Train your staff and ALWAYS be helpful, courteous and knowledgeable

Even if you don’t think you will make a profit, go the extra mile. Throw in something extra. Whether it is a coupon, discount or extra information, giving your customers value shows you appreciate their interest and want to keep them around.

2. Don’t make promises, unless you are willing to keep them

Nothing annoys customers more than a broken promise. Being reliable is key to building good relationships with your customers. If you promise a call, then call. If you promise to deliver a proposal on a certain day, complete it. If not common courtesy is to call to inform them of the delay. You would be amazed at how many times these basic rules are broken.

3. Listen to your customers’ complaints, concerns and worries

You can’t please everyone. But if you listen to your clients maybe you can please them one at a time. Show them that you care and suggest ways to solve the problem. Again, it’s about building relationships. Handling these situations properly can land you a client for a long time.

4. Give a genuine smile and enjoy what you do

People can always tell if you’re sincere and it makes then feel important. People still do business with people (for the most part) and being genuine and trustworthy is the right thing to do. Ask yourself how many times you refused to buy from someone because you just didn’t trust them…

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Article Tags: complaints, customer service, customers, economy, staff



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Re: Service Or Product? - I agree with starting a Service-based Business in the economy. Here is what I think is critical: 1. Researching that your Service business has a market. 2. Marketing the Service with as much leverage as possible. 3. Product-izing the Service (aka Package Expert Knowledge). This will only help elevate you as "the" expert in your niche and make you accessible to people in different price points.
Marketers, Learn What You Can, Cannot Control Online - I am a Customer Service Representative in my company so naturally every once and a while I get angry customers fed up with my companies policies. Oh! I remember one day on my way home from school I was walking by a gas station and there was a man with a huge cardboard sign outside a small car mechanic business telling people not to go there because they are crooks. I am pretty sure they lost tons of business. I know my mama kept away from there after I told her about it. I found it pretty funny. I wonder if the guy got arrested or fined though....
Wearing different hats in Business - I have a business that produces beautiful custom rugs for home and business environments. Different hats that I'm wearing... Rug Fabrication - 10 [i:21cr28m8](partially outsourced to an outfit here in the US)[/i:21cr28m8] Customer Service / Sales - 8-10 Bookkeeping - 1 Marketing - 6 Website development - 5 [i:21cr28m8](mainly outsourced)[/i:21cr28m8] SEO, SEM - 6-8 Accounting - [i:21cr28m8](outsourced)[/i:21cr28m8]
Women Entrepreneur Tips - Thank you LeoOliveros, I found #4 particularly true in my case: 4. The Enterprise Must Include the Power of Power Networks. As a conductor of your own enterprise, you can not see yourself as a one-woman-show. You must choose to utilize the power people in your life, by asking for help when you need it, and effectively delegating in order to capitalize on your strengths and that of your power network. When certain experts are not represented in your power network, you must actively seek advisors or mentors and develop a team of specialists, so the benefits are received by everyone involved in the power network - the true Power of Power Networks.
Re: Two Useful Books To Help You Focus On The CLIENT - Hi David, To add to your thread, I'd like to recommend Jonathan Tisch's "Chocolates On The Pillow Aren't Enough: Reinventing The Customer Experience". Tisch's book includes content on "Welcoming Customers", "The New Art of Customization", "The Challenges of Customer Diversity" and "Offering Something Extra to Your Customers" to name a few.


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