“Get closer than ever to your customers — so close that you tell them what they need well before they realize it themselves” – Steve Jobs
Developing healthy relationships with your clients is a huge part of ensuring that your business is successful. In this age of automation and innovation, caring for your customers has never been more important. At any moment, an unhappy customer can share their opinion via social media and the internet; this would negatively affect your business because EVERYONE looks for reviews online! That’s why it’s even more important than ever to make sure that each client receives a stellar experience!
Creating love between your company and your customers can conjure up positive reviews and this, along with referrals, are crucial for the growth of your business.
Creating a customer-focused culture of this nature is a business opportunity that should not be overlooked. Most businesses are failing when it comes to the customer experience, which is your opportunity to swoop in and enchant those same customers into falling for your company.
Interact With Your Customers
Happy customers who get their problems resolved will have no problem referring people to you. The best way to influence positive word-of-mouth about your business is to talk with your customers as a person representing the business. Address your customers by name and exchange your name at the beginning of your interaction. Talk to your customers as you would in person; after all, they are people just like you! No need to be uptight!
Respect Your Customer
Don’t you hate rude customer service? We all do! Remember when we mentioned the importance of positive word-of-mouth? Negative word-of-mouth can work against you company’s reputation. It is extremely important to be respectful of your customers when trying to resolve an issue. Being patient is the key to giving your customers the freedom to vent about their issue. This also creates the opportunity for you to help solve their issues and tear down the walls they have built. The more comfortable the customer is, the more likely they will share valuable feedback.
Hear What Your Customers Have to Say
It’s so important to listen to your customers and request feedback. Your customers can make or break your business and ignoring them will cause negative results. The following methods will help you gather feedback: Surveys, Observation, Email and Web Forms, Focus Groups, Social Media, and more.
Communication is a Two–Way Street
Take your customers’ feedback seriously and make sure you act on it in a timely manner. Make sure that it is clear that you are open to receiving feedback and that your business values them as customers. Make sure that you track what works well, what doesn’t work well, and create a plan to work on for your future. Make sure that you are constantly requesting feedback from your customers – allow your customers to play a role in improving your product or service for the future; this will allow you to strengthen your bond, gain their trust, and earn their loyalty.
Word is Bond – Follow Through on your Promises
Following up on your word helps build trust and dependability. Make sure that your promises are realistic. By remaining consistent, your customers will learn what to expect from you and your business.
The Customer is Always Right
Here is the major key when it comes to customer service: no matter what the circumstance is, the customer is always right. If customers are irate, encourage them to get their frustrations out and never argue. Share your point of view as politely as possible and take responsibility for the problem. Don’t make excuses and take action to remedy the situation.
Offer Continuous Support
Customer service is crucial to any business; therefore, you want to do everything in your power to provide excellent service. Make sure that you are available to respond quickly and willingly. There is nothing wrong with offering discounts, especially when it opens the door to up-selling your customers. Remember, people don’t buy products – people buy into the people that are selling the product. Offering specials will continue to help satisfy your customers. Make it fun; come up with giveaways and contests. Have fun with your customers!
Gratitude Goes a Long Way
Always say thank you! Customers will be loyal and spend more with a company because of a history of positive experience. Each “thank you” should be crafted for that specific customer. Make sure that you are as appreciative as possible and again, don’t forget that “thank you”!
The Buddy Effect will give you back time that is needed to focus more on your customers. By tackling your big tasks, you can dedicate more time to ensuring that your customers fall (and stay) in love with your business. We handle the hard work so that you can focus on the things that really matters, such as your customers. One important piece of stellar customer service is being able to dedicate time to them. We can help, just contact us!