In today’s modern age of instantaneous gratitude, we expect the same when we deal with a business. I want the rep I’m dealing with to know how to quickly resolve my issue, I want the website to be helpful and focused on self-service, and I want options for getting the help that I need. I think about this a lot in my real job (software solutions engineer) and also for this site. As a reader I want to make sure you have a good experience while on the site!

Good customer service provides the customer (whether you on this site or you interacting with another company in your day to day life) with the ample amount of security and trust that will allow them to continue working with you and handing over their money. However, are there ways in which you can improve your customer service to create a bigger success? As a business owner, there are plenty of ways to enhance your customer service, which don’t have to be costly or time consuming and you can easily see a return on your investments. Giving your customers a little bit of power back, allows them to feel that they are entering into a relationship, one that will greatly benefit them, no matter the service that is on offer. Saving money may seem important but so is investing. I know a number of readers work in small business or own one, so I hope these ideas help!

Easy ways to improve customer service

Make it part of your ethos – first and foremost, build good customer service into your ethos. Make it part of your mission, vision or goals and make sure everyone – whether customer facing or not knows how important it is to deliver excellent customer service. Have training, share success stories, reward those that deliver and encourage those that don’t! Having customer service ingrained into your organization means that all employees will keep it top of mind!

Good Staff – pay close attention to your customer facing staff and any issues with them. They are the first area of engagement for customers and a good telephone manner and good communication is key if you wish to keep customers happy. If someone is not adhering to the rules and they are falling short of goals, then it may be time to let them go. Ensuring you have the best possible team behind you is going to drive the business forward; if you fail to do this, you will have lost a certain amount of trust and time, wasting on staff who are of no benefit to you. You can’t teach passion!

Find little ways to go above and beyond – whatever business you’re in, try to find little ways to ‘delight your customer’. For example, if you business involves needing some sort of insurance or guarantee, consider a surety bond – with Ameripro Surety Bonds, you can give the customers a lot more security and this can be a positive business solution for all companies. Or perhaps sending a “I’m sorry” Starbucks gift card, or a handwritten thank you note when a new customer signs up. Little surprises will go a long way!

Good Technology – if your technology services are good, then this will instil confidence into buyers. A proven track record is vital also, and any awards, statistics and information should be neatly and easily found on your website. This is the first real time that customers can get an insight into who you are and what you have done in the past that will allow them to make the decision to work with you this time around. These better services may include better computer systems, to make work much more attainable and to attain the goals that you have set for the year. Stellar communication is key so paying attention to all your technologies and updating them if necessary will also be a good element for succeeding further. 

Set and achieve goals – short term goals are just as important as long term goals and these must be at the core of your customer service. Aim to have a set number of new customers within six months, or to improve your communication with your customers; whether this is via email marketing or keeping more up to date with new trends and changes within the industry which will help benefit your customers. Set goals around customer retention, customer satisfaction and resolution time. Make these goals visible to all, and provide updates to keep staff motivated!

Delivering good customer service doesn’t have to be expensive, and once achieved, really goes a long way in building your business!

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