While you are out there shopping this holiday season, make sure to take note of the customer service lessons waiting for you!
Does that retail clerk smile even when five people are in line, three of them shouting questions? After all, that’s not much different then when you are in your office fielding calls from customers who all ask you to ‘get back with me today!’ Do you organize your day and your desk so a customer doesn’t get lost in the shuffle of a busy day?
If you are looking for a specific item and the store doesn’t have it, do they give you info on how to find it elsewhere? That’s not much different than when a potential client wants a product you don’t have. Do you just say ‘Sorry, we don’t have that.‘ and hang up? Or do you say, ‘Thanks so much for asking. We don’t carry that, but I know some of our customers have found that at XYZ Company.’ Remember, you are building a relationship, not just handling a transaction.
Are you irritated when a sales clerk seems to be more interested in a personal conversation with a co-worker than you Christmas shopping list? Even if you are not a retail business, clearly communicated policies re cell phones and putting the customer first are important keys to a successful customer service effort.
Lessons from the holly and sometimes not so jolly season are out there and waiting for every business person who is willing to learn from the University of Holiday Shopping. Get your mental notepad ready. Your next lesson may be wrapped up with a big red bow!
