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Renew
Online
You may now renew your annual membership dues online. Annual dues are $45.00.
Customer Service That Sets a Business Apart
by Phyllis R. Nelson,
Arbonne International
Sometimes in the fast paced, stressful world of commerce it is
easy to forget one of the most important components of business
- our customers. Our business thrives on loyal customers willing
to recommend us to people they know, so it is imperative that we
have a plan for making sure customers are getting the kind of
attention that sets us apart from our competitors. I suggest
that we keep in mind that we may be business owners, but we are
also customers. I think the Golden Rule is the cornerstone of
excellent customer service, “Do unto others, as you would
have them do unto you”.
Some quick facts reported by Successories-a leading source of
motivational media:
- We spend up to 10% more for the same product with better service.
- We tell anywhere from 9 to 12 people when we enjoy good service.
- We tell up to 20 people when we receive poor service.
- Studies have shown that it takes as little as 10 seconds to pick up on the attitude of the person we are speaking with. (Make it good!)
Dr. John C. Maxwell says, “Serving is the art and act of
focusing on someone else’s interest instead of your own”. We
know that serving others does not come naturally. It is human
nature to have a bent toward, “what’s in it for me?” Therefore,
if we care about having a reputation for excellent customer
service and reaping the benefits that come with it, we have to
“purpose” to serve. We need to choose the interest of our
customers first.
Some attributes of quality customer service:
- Saying thank you is an expression of gratitude
- Respect for the customer and his/her needs
- Entails listening and asking questions
- Shows appreciation and uncommon courtesy
Some benefits of quality customer service:
- Adds value to our customers and to our business
- Builds relationships-something missing in today’s culture
- Sets our business apart from others and can generate valuable referrals
- People are more likely to do business with us and recommend us if they feel as though they know us, like us and trust us.
In closing, cultivate a culture of gratitude and helpfulness in
your business by first treating your employees or teammates with
the same respect you like to have. Approaching your business
with a positive attitude goes along way to building this
culture. When faced with challenges, see them as opportunities
for growth rather than problems which give us license to grumble
or rant. Set the example-and you will see those around you rise
to the challenge of problem solving, which in turn creates an
atmosphere in which most everyone wants to be of service. All
can see and feel the benefits. Remember the Golden Rule and that
excellent customer service isn’t about me!