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Tom Reilly Training Home of Value-Added Selling and Coaching for Sales Success |
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Customer Service Is not Rocket Science by Tom Reilly Customer service is not rocket science. In fact, it is so simple—so basic—that I'm amazed more companies don't do it. One can only conclude that it's not a lack of intellect, but a lack of interest that is the culprit. Here's my point. In my seminar I ask the question, "Think about the last time you were treated badly as a customer. What did the person do that really frustrated or alienated you?" The answers are always the same. "No time." "No information." "I was treated like a number." "The other person looked at me like I was an interruption." "The clerk acted like he was doing me a favor by helping me." Rule number one in customer service: The very things that frustrate and alienate you as a customer are the things that frustrate and alienate your customers. And it's rarely the big things. When I reverse the question and ask it this way, I also hear some interesting remarks. "Think of the last time you were the customer and loved the experience. What happened?" You can imagine what people say. "They welcomed me." "I was treated like valuable merchandise." "They made me feel important." "They used my name." "They thanked me." Incredible stuff. Right? Rule number two in customer service: The same things that make you like a buying experience are the same things that make your customers feel good. Again, it's rarely the big things. It's the small stuff that counts. An inviting smile. A pleasant phone voice. Using the customer's name often. Thanking them for their business. Anticipating a need and pro-acting on it. Going the extra step without being asked. Offering additional service. Giving a little special attention. It's not rocket science. Why are some people so much better at it than others? Simple. They care. They care about something bigger than themselves. They care about how their performance adds value. Simply, they care enough to be more concerned about making a difference, not just making a sale. And that's the secret of customer service—caring. It all begins with what I call the "attitude of gratitude," a willingness bordering on a passion to serve. In fact, I go so far as to say that if the attitude is in place, the behavior is free. The employee will naturally select behaviors that manifest concern for the customer. Years in the training business have taught me that success in any job is about seventy to eighty percent selection and twenty percent training. You must begin with the right person. In this case, it means looking for people who care. Look for employees who are eager to serve. Look for people who believe that the customer is an opportunity—not an aggravation. When you begin with this type of person, the behavior follows. If you're working with employees already in place, teach them (by example) to care. Explain that customer service is not a department that handles complaints. It's an attitude for servicing people and creating satisfied customers. When you make caring and concern cornerstones of your business, you're building a foundation solid enough to withstand any competitive thrust. Beyond that, you're service people. Customer service is not rocket science. It's a variation of the Golden Rule. It's common sense that leads to uncommon service. Tom Reilly is president of Tom Reilly Training, a St. Louis based firm specializing in training salespeople and sales managers. He is author of twelve books, including: Value-Added Selling, Coaching for Sales Success, Customer Service Is More Than a Department, The Young Eagle, Get Out of the Wagon and Help Me Pull This Thing, and Crush Price Objections. For more information contact: Tom Reilly Training, 171 Chesterfield Industrial Boulevard, Chesterfield, MO 63005 (636)537-3360 www.TomReillyTraining.com |
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