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Home » Business And Finance Articles » Customer Service A Lost Art

Customer Service - A Lost Art?

Is customer service a lost art? Before you answer that question, take a moment and think about the last few times you have gone shopping or out to dinner. Okay, now that you have really thought about it, is your answer any different?

Why is it that when we actually DO receive excellent customer service that it makes such an impression on us that we usually choose to go back? Why - because the occurrences are so few and far between!!!

As a home business owner, it is imperative to my business that customer service is ALWAYS a top priority. Remember the saying: "If you don't take care of your customer, somebody else will". I'm sure you have read or heard it somewhere before.....and how true it is.

Here are a few ways to improve customer service at your business:

1) SMILE - Sounds too simple, right? As a customer, would you prefer to be serviced by a smiling face, or a scowl that would befit a guard dog?

2) LISTEN - Always be slow to speak and quick to listen. Let customers express themselves without you trying to do it for them. Nobody likes being interrupted.

3) DON'T BE TOO PUSHY - Yeah, I know - the bottom line is sales, right?

There is a fine line between suggesting products/services and pushing them down a customer's throat. If you are too pushy, your customer will probably walk away and take their business elsewhere.

4) PHONE ETTIQUETTE - Whether you are answering or initiating a call, always remember who the customer is. Be polite. Try "Yes sir/ma'am" instead of "yeah" and "nope". If you don't have an answer for your customer - offer to do some research to find what they are inquiring about.

5) THANK YOU - ALWAYS thank your customers. Even if you could not help them or they decided not to purchase from you. Leave them with a positive impression of your business before they leave.

6) TRAINING - Train your employees. Don't let an untrained employee ruin your track record of excellent customer service. Train your employees on-the-job for as long as necessary to teach them good customer service.

"And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise"

Luke 6:31

In conclusion: Customer service may be THE most important aspect of your business plan. I know of many people who are willing to pay a little more for a product or service in order receive excellent customer care. Price, advertising, and location are all vital to a business---- but whatever you do, don't overlook the all-important "Good Customer Service".

2004 © Born-Again Bargains
http://www.bornagainbargains.com

And here is another random article you might be interested in...

Concerned You Will Not Retire In Comfort?

Traditionally people have considered their retirement 401Ks and IRAs to be like safety nets rather than wealth builders. However, with the self directed IRA, you need not be satisfied with growth rates in the single digits. It is possible to realize phenomenal growth potential outside of the traditional IRA markets, tripling and quadrupling your IRA's value is not uncommon, within relatively short period of time. It will not just happen, however. You have to take the reins of your retirement portfolio, put in the time and effort, and do your research. The possibilities are endless to those who are prepared to make the investment paradigm shift.

Most savvy investors, due to the ups and downs of the stock market, are frankly not as confident as they once were in the old financial planner adage that the stock market is going to go up forever. If your memory is a little foggy, then reflect back just a few short years.

Concerned that you will not retire in comfort? Put your IRA money to work and truly diversify your IRA portfolio with alternative investment vehicles. Your banker and broker will not allow you to invest in alternative investments because they want complete visibility and control over your IRA. In the meantime, they are earning fantastic returns on your money. Isn't it time you take the driver's seat.

Fundamentally, what do you need?

· Sufficient funds in your self-directed IRA.

· Intimate knowledge of a permissible alternative investing strategy for the IRA (such as real estate investing, purchasing discounted paper, private money lending, or gold investing)

· A Self-Directed IRA Advisor that can share valuable information and advice.

· A low fixed annual fee to pay your custodian, while you maintain full checkbook control at all times. You â€" not they â€" issue the checks for managing your investment.

Provided you satisfy IRA regulations on the type of investments allowed for your self-directed IRA funds (real estate is only one of several possibilities), you can take charge of your financial future by turning that IRA into a high-earning instrument.

The IRS's position is clear, as defined in their publication # 590: your IRA should be a separate and distinct entity from yourself. Whatever investments you make should benefit your IRA, and not you directly. Your self directed ira advisor will be able to explain the subtleties and refinements of this IRS publication.

It's your money. If we told you that there are about $7 trillion dollars sitting in IRAs but of that amount, only 3% are self-directed, wouldn't you be curious about how you can be part of that 3% that unknown to most, are enjoying unheard of returns?