Monday, February 17, 2014

Love Your Customers/ "Like" Your Fellow Chamber Members

HOW TO LOVE YOUR CUSTOMERS

  February is described as the 'Month of Love' but this love is not limited to those in a relationship. This year, businesses need to take time to reflect on the relationships they have established with their customers. Most businesses focus on marketing and selling their products in time for Valentine's Day, but forget that their customers also want to feel appreciated.

It's time to make customer service a priority. Whether your customer be a patient, a patron, a client, or a window shopper, let them know they are welcome and appreciated from the moment they walk in the door. In today's competitive market place, you can't afford to let customers leave your place of business dissatisfied. Please follow these simple tips to be sure you offer the most accommodating and satisfactory experience to your customers.

1. Engage with your Customers

This is an opportunity for you to engage with your customers. Make them feel special on Valentine's Day. You have to focus on their individual needs and customize your engagement approach to match them. When your customers feel that their needs have been met they are more likely to remain loyal.    

2. Listen

 
Customer service managers cannot ignore the value of listening to their customers. You need to be a great listener: pay attention to what they are saying. Hearing what they are saying is not enough- you have to listen carefully. It is difficult to pay attention when there are several internal and external distractions. Hard as it may be, it is possible to shut everything else out and listen to your customers. Do not try to offer a solution before the customer has finished talking. Active listening is important for good customer service. Customer service fails when you only choose to hear what you want. Listen to the customer even if they are complaining about something you cannot address.
   
3. Offer a Gift

Customers appreciate gifts, especially when they are not expecting them. Valentine's Day should not pass unnoticed by your customers. Offer a gift to each customer who makes a purchase. Think of something functional that will ensure your customers keep you in mind. It would be appropriate if the gift is connected to the service or products that your business offers. A gift is a great way for customer service managers to show love to their customers this valentine.   

4. Sort out Issues

There are days when a customer presents a problem that you do not really know how to solve. This Valentine's Day, go out of your way to solve all the issues that your customers present to you. The complex nature of the problem should not deter you. Listen to the customers' problems and once they have finished talking, ask them to give you time to find a solution. Call the customer back as soon as you have a solution. If the issue has not been addressed by the end of the day, it is important to call the customers and inform them of any updates. The customers will feel appreciated because you have gone out of your way to address their concern.   

5. Create Flawless Customer Experiences

As a customer service manager, you should be prepared to listen to customers' needs. Your response has a significant impact on their experience. It is impossible to give customers everything that they want each time; however, you can compromise to ensure that both you and the customer are pleased with the outcome. On most occasions, you have to negotiate with a customer and this involves a lot of internal politics and revisions. On Valentine's Day, your customers should enjoy a flawless experience. You may have to work tirelessly to give them what they want but when you are engaging with them, you remain professional. This will help to establish both respect and trust, which are vital for a long term relationship.

To sum up, this month is an opportunity for you to be creative. Think about your customers and what they need. It is easy to please customers once you identify the right thing to say or do.


_____________________________________________________________________

 
IN THE SPIRIT OF LOVE, THE CHAMBER HAS ALSO STARTED A

NEW FACEBOOK CAMPAIGN TO "LIKE" 5 MEMBERS' FACEBOOK PAGES PER 

WEEK. WE WOULD LIKE TO INVITE YOU TO CLICK BELOW 

TO BE TRANSPORTED TO THE PAGE OF EACH OF OUR 5 FEATURED

 "LIKE IT UP" MEMBERS. IF YOU'D LIKE TO BE THE NEXT "LIKE IT UP" 

BUSINESS IN OUR E-BLAST, PLEASE CONTACT: 

 cmatthews@gadsdenchamber.com   or kerri@gadsdenchamber.com

THIS WEEK'S "LIKE IT UP" MEMBERS ARE AS FOLLOWS: 
(click the member business name below to be transported to Facebook page)








DON'T FORGET TO LIKE AND FOLLOW THE CHAMBER BY CLICKING BELOW!


(Click on any of the underlined listings for more information)

  


Ribbon Cuttings
  
  



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