The economy is turbulent and businesses are reaching out in every way they can to point people to their products and services. While seeking to bring more customers into their stores, too many businesses are overlooking one simple quality which can make or break the backbone of any company – you guessed it, Customer Service!

Consider the stores you shop at or the companies you work with and gauge their customer service. Each of us wants a company to treat us like a valuable person and not simply another statistic who passed through their store and bought a product. People want to know you care about them and you are helping them to become better before they will seek a product or service.

Let me provide you with Four Powers to Enhance Customer Service:

1. The Power of Acknowledgement – Be sure your employees acknowledge each customer; from a simple “Hello” when they are passed on store floor to a “Have a great day!” when they are leaving the store. Customers want to be acknowledged and treated well. Consider how many times you have been walking through a store when you pass an employee who says nothing to you, how did that make you feel? How abotu that one employee who asked you how your day was and your feelings about that store today?
2. The Power of a Smile – Have many times have you been encouraged because of a smile? Smiling is a simple action which yields unlimited results. A smile while working not only helps the day to go faster, but a simple smile is a contagious factor causing others to begin to smile. Have you ever heard a smile? When you smile while talking on the phone, the other person can hear the difference!
3. The Power Behind Words – Remember #1? Words make a difference! From a simple “hello!” to a quick “Goodbye,” words can change a customers view of a business. I encourage each employee to speak words of power to the customers. My favorite place to eat is Chick-fil-a. Want to know why? Here is it: after every time I order I hear, “Thank you for your order. It was a pleasure serving you today!” Not only are these words spoken, but they are said with a smile. (Remember #2?) Words from a sincere heart make a bold difference in others lives.
4. The Power to Assist – One of my favorite quotes I mention many times is that of Zig Ziglar, “You will not get what you want until you help enough other people get what they want.” I have heard Mr. Ziglar speak these words and I have spent many hours reflecting on how true they are. When you use your power to assist others in improving their lives, your life will be improved! Begin assisting others in what they are seeking and needing and your life will be enriched!

Customer Service is a powerful area which many companies are now relying on to strengthen and maintain their current status. Let Speak-Better.com help you in your quest to have a greater customer relationship.

You may contact Chris Gallagher at chris@speak-better.com to see how we may assist you!

______________________________________________________________________________________

Having worked in churches has brought new meaning to the words and thoughts of customer service. Most people decided whether or not they will like a church in under a minute. The way they are treated when they first enter a church parking lot will determine how their thoughts will be swayed. Since our society is one of service, visitors like to see parking close to the building, as well as a friendly greeting when the walk in the door as well as open pews which are located towards the back of the building. (Believe it or not, front pews scare people off). Working with those and other factors in churches has brought Chris a much desired expertise in the area of customer relations and the way a business grows when the relationship is enhanced.