It’s the holiday season, and whatever holiday you choose to celebrate – or choose not to celebrate – gifting is the norm. So, I have a gift for you: the five easiest customer service tactics that anyone and everyone can do – and they won’t cost a thing!
I was recently asked in an interview, What are the easiest and least expensive customer service or experience tactics a company can implement?
Great question, and I want to take it a step further and include employees in my answers. So, keep in mind my answers can apply to employees as well. Not just customers.
Sometimes, the best strategies or tactics don’t have to be hard or expensive to be effective. I call these customer service basics, and they are 100% common sense, but as you’ve heard me write and say in the past, common sense is often not so common. So, don’t expect anything new here, but realize these five ideas are powerful. Anyone can do them. And they don’t cost a thing.
- Just be nice! The number one reason customers will leave you is the opposite of nice: rudeness and/or apathy. Whether they know it or not, customers want to feel like you’re engaged and care about them. A smile and a positive attitude go a long way.
- Show Respect! Part of being respectful is being nice. Also, honor your customers’ time, value their opinions, use their names appropriately, actively listen to them, show sincere interest in them, be courteous, and be professional. I could go on with a few more, but you get the idea.
- Be helpful! Even if you can’t help, have a helpful attitude. It shows you care. And if you add to that a smile – as in being nice – it’s a wonderful combination that will make customers appreciate you.
- Do what you say you’ll do! The fastest way to lose your customer’s confidence and trust is to not follow through on a promise. That promise can be as simple as,
I’ll call you back in an hour.
Don’t make promises you can’t keep. - Say thank you! Don’t forget to show appreciation to your customers. You can say it in person, on the phone, via email, or write an old-fashioned handwritten note. Maybe even send a holiday card. Never miss the opportunity to say,
Thank you!
The holiday season is a time of giving and gratitude. I share these simple ideas to remind us that sometimes the best gifts aren’t always expensive. Sometimes, they are even free. These simple customer service tactics are my gift to you, designed to enhance every interaction and spread joy. Okay, maybe I’m going a little over the top with the holiday theme. Still, I hope you, your customers, and your employees enjoy these “gifts,” and may you have a wonderful holiday!
Shep Hyken is a customer service/CX expert, award-winning keynote speaker, and New York Times bestselling author. Learn more about Shep’s customer service and customer experience keynote speeches and his customer service training workshops at www.Hyken.com. Connect with Shep on LinkedIn.
Shep Hyken
Shepard Presentations, LLC.
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