Recently, I pondered this question.... For me a customer service experience starts on the day you first make the connection with a potential client or customer. That’s right, even before they have purchased from you. The whole interactive experience for a potential client or customer starts from the very first connection. This is the time that your first impression counts whether it is a face to face meeting, a phone conversation, email or over the internet. That first impression can be a lasting one. A month or so ago, I purchased a product from a major Telco player. My initial connection with the company went seamlessly and the service I received was impeccable. What happened preceding that initial interaction was where the whole customer service experience came unstuck. I had inadvertently purchased a faulty product. A few days after purchasing the product and about to use it I realised my product was faulty. Returning to the place of purchase (with receipt in hand) I was sent on what could only be described as a 7 day run around. After a humiliating and disturbing interaction with the store manager I then took it in my own hands to go farther up the ladder. Now, the outcome although long winded was a suitable outcome and the service from ‘up the ladder’ was exceptionally good. This example shows that customer interaction, relations and service are on-going from the point of enquiry through to the purchase of a product or service and the on-going relationships. Just because the purchase has been secured doesn’t mean the customer service interaction should be removed or forgotten. In my business even after a client has finished a particular service the interaction continues. The interaction can come in many different formats according to the particular client. Interaction can include a ‘thank you for your business’ card, a follow-up phone call, email or letter. It totally depends on the client and the service that has been provided for that particular client. Follow up and providing a great if not exceptional customer service experience can be a simple cost effective solution to on-going product or service purchases, receiving referrals and being kept top of mind. Do you have a great customer service solution for your business? Do you show gratitude to your clients, customers or consumers? If you would like to know more about a terrific referral/gratitude system, give me a call or email me. Why not share a customer service experience..... Add Comment What's been happening? 26/07/2010
Boy, can you believe we are already into the second half of the year? Just the other day a friend of mine called me who I hadn’t spoken to for a few months. Both of us had been busy with life in general so our regular coffee or phone catch up had been postponed. We both asked the other “so, what’s been happening?” After hearing how her little baby just turned one and is walking along with a variety of other fabulous updates it was my turn. I mentioned how hubby and I had headed off at Easter for a trip in our campervan, I had been to Cairns for work, a trip to Perth to spend time with the family and then what had been happening on the work front I realized the last few months had passed by very quickly. Once I got off the phone I sat down and started to make a list of all the fabulous things that I had done over the last 6 months. It was quite amazing when you start listing all the wonderful things you get to do in life, the opportunities that present themselves, the fabulous people you get to connect with. Sometimes we get so caught up in the rush it is hard to see the wood for the trees. You get so caught up that you forget to take the time to appreciate all the wonder that makes up your daily life. I have decided that every three months I am going to create a gratitude list. A list of all the wonderful experiences, opportunities and people I am grateful to have connected with. It is amazing how lucky and truly blessed we are to have all this experience. Do you have a gratitude list? Have you thought about creating a gratitude list? I would love to hear what you are grateful for in your life. | AuthorLee Cummis, Business Development Coach, Radio & Seminar Presenter ArchivesJanuary 2012 CategoriesAll |

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