The importance of providing excellent customer service

For your business to survive you will need to ensure all your customers are receiving excellent Customer Service.  It is paramount that your customers are happy with the service that you have provided “The customer is always right” is a famous business slogan.  The underlying truth behind this statement is recognising that customers are the back bone for any business.

Understanding the importance of good customer service is essential for a healthy business, in creating new customers, keeping existing customers and acquiring further business by word of mouth and, by having a good reputation.  So, “Are you providing an excellent service to your customers?”

Excellent Customer Service will result in:-

• Increased Sales
• Survival Against Competitors
• Satisfied Customers
• Job Satisfaction For Staff Members
• Customer Loyalty
• Improved Public Image & Reputation

Make sure your clients &/or customers first impressions of your business are positive.  Extensive staff training should teach and encourage your staff to provide an excellent service and, how to handle any minor complaints professionally.

Overall, make your customers feel welcome and don’t forget to – SMILE.  Fantastic customer service can also be provided over the phone in the same way.  Smiling whilst you talk will have a positive effect on your tone of voice.  Sound engaged, positive and show willingness.

Building a relationship is the key, build trust with your customers and this will encourage repeat business.  Maintain a good relationship and honesty also often goes a long way.  Whilst first Impressions count for a lot in the business world to ensure future business you need to provide a high standard of customer service at all times so, consistency is key.

Ask your customers for feedback on how you are you doing and ensure you listen to the feedback received.  It is important that you listen to any negative feedback as, this will provide you with the opportunity to fix what has not worked so well, to prevent a repeat of the problem, ensuring your customers remain happy with the service or product(s) you provide.  Listening shows your clients &/or customers that you care and are willing to resolve any issues that arise no matter what.

Think about how you’ve been treated whenever you have been the customer.  If you’ve ever had a bad experience with a company, you know that it’s not easy to forget the encounter, so in these situations keep calm and listen to the client and hopefully he or she will remember the positive points of how the complaint was handled and resolved and not focus on any negative aspects.

One way to show your customers that you appreciate their business, and a good way to generate more sales, is to set up a variety of competitions on your Social Network Pages.  This can in turn encourage positive interaction with customers, old and new plus, add a `fun’ and rewarding element.

Good customer service leads to many benefits.  Not only will you gain trust with your customer base, but, they in turn will also become a fantastic referral system as they spread the word about your business to other potential clients.  In the long run, treating people fairly and with respect will bring business to your company today, and in the future.