Few things feel better than a job well-done, and while you should always be the one to know whether it was, in fact, a job well-done or not, it still feels good (great even) to have customers and clients voice their satisfaction. Often though, customers may not do so simply because they don’t have a standard for comparison.
All the customer knows is “this is what I paid for, and this what I got.” What customers do have a standard for comparison for, however, is customer service. Customer service is an inherent part of every company and nearly every transaction made. It’s vital and simultaneously universal.
Most importantly, though, it’s an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to acquire new business, to bolster a professional reputation, and to increase brand exposure—but how we take advantage of that opportunity is open for improvement. In order to do so, take the following tips into account:
Contribute to the surrounding community.
When helping support the local community, your company is not only doing the right thing, but is receiving the added benefit of marketing. You’re getting your name out there. Moreover, you’re associating your name with a positive, altruistic image that consumers will respect. This respect will then translate to client/customer referrals, which equals revenue.
There’s no reason altruism and making money have to be mutually exclusive, so why not combine them? Like I always say, “make money by doing good in the world.”
Put money into product.
Although some resources may be cheaper than others, it quite literally pays off to purchase quality. Utilize the proper “tools” to provide the best possible service or product to the consumer. As time wears on, the product doesn’t, and it’s this long lasting endurance that will eventually distinguish your brand from the rest.
While the results may not be immediately apparent, they will manifest over the years as your brand becomes one associated with quality.
Focus on the customer experience.
Understand where the customer/client is coming from. They are seeking an intuitive process where it is easy to ask questions if they arise. Perhaps the most important aspect to this is just being available.
When a customer has a question but no one to ask, it is incredibly frustrating for them. It only makes sense they would seek out some way to express that anger if they can never get through to someone. Just be available, and of course, responsive.
Simply listening to customers and responding makes a world of difference.
Customer service is of the utmost significance and represents a fantastic untapped source of revenue for the vast majority of businesses out there today. Take note—and be glad you did.