Basic Customer Service Skills
Basic Customer Service Skills
by
Pamela S Thibodeaux
(c) 2015
by
Pamela S Thibodeaux
(c) 2015
Friendly, personable service is a rarity these days, even in service-related businesses. This is sad when you consider how important customer service is in the overall scheme of failure or success for businesses. In this article, we’ll look at a few ways to improve people skills and increase your level of customer service.
#1: SMILE! Your expression is the first thing a client will notice even on the telephone so turn that frown upside down and put a cheerful note in your voice. Act like you’re happy to be where you are and you want to help them.
#2: NO GUM OR CANDY. Nothing is more irritating than to speak to someone with a mouthful of gunk. Now, granted there are times you might be caught unaware by a customer, but do your best to remove the object from your mouth as quickly and politely as possible (use a tissue!) If you happen to have a scratchy throat or something non-contagious, at least apologize to the client and ask for their tolerance. You’ll be amazed at how understanding people can be when you’re honest.
#3: LOOK UP! Even if you are in the midst of something important, look up when a customer walks into your establishment or office and acknowledge them with a smile or nod. If you’re in the middle of a conversation with another customer excuse yourself long enough to greet the newcomer.
#4: UNDERSTAND WHO YOUR CUSTOMER IS. Many think only those who walk in off the street are customers but that assumption is incorrect. Co-workers, bosses, and other employees are also your clients.
#5: NO CELL PHONES! Nothing is more irritating than to drive up to a service window or walk up to a clerk who is talking or texting while trying to wait on you. On the other hand, as a consumer, it is equally rude to be on your cell phone while negotiating business. Granted, there are occasions when a call is necessary…emergencies, accidents and illness of loved ones are the only exceptions to this rule.
#6 CHECK YOUR BAGGAGE AT THE DOOR. Everyone has personal issues they deal with on a daily basis, but those should not interfere with your ability to relate in a friendly, personable manner with your customers. Make a habit of visualizing yourself shaking off or dropping those issues at the door when you walk into your place of employment. Same applies to returning home – your family deserves your best, not what’s left after an extremely stressful day!
Always being conscious of your attitude and demeanor on the job can make a huge difference in your level of success in whatever career you choose.
Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She has over twenty years experience in bookkeeping, insurance and tax preparation. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.”
*One-Time Digital Reprint Rights Available for $5.00 through PayPal. Byline must stay intact. Link back to Article and Bio greatly appreciated!
#1: SMILE! Your expression is the first thing a client will notice even on the telephone so turn that frown upside down and put a cheerful note in your voice. Act like you’re happy to be where you are and you want to help them.
#2: NO GUM OR CANDY. Nothing is more irritating than to speak to someone with a mouthful of gunk. Now, granted there are times you might be caught unaware by a customer, but do your best to remove the object from your mouth as quickly and politely as possible (use a tissue!) If you happen to have a scratchy throat or something non-contagious, at least apologize to the client and ask for their tolerance. You’ll be amazed at how understanding people can be when you’re honest.
#3: LOOK UP! Even if you are in the midst of something important, look up when a customer walks into your establishment or office and acknowledge them with a smile or nod. If you’re in the middle of a conversation with another customer excuse yourself long enough to greet the newcomer.
#4: UNDERSTAND WHO YOUR CUSTOMER IS. Many think only those who walk in off the street are customers but that assumption is incorrect. Co-workers, bosses, and other employees are also your clients.
#5: NO CELL PHONES! Nothing is more irritating than to drive up to a service window or walk up to a clerk who is talking or texting while trying to wait on you. On the other hand, as a consumer, it is equally rude to be on your cell phone while negotiating business. Granted, there are occasions when a call is necessary…emergencies, accidents and illness of loved ones are the only exceptions to this rule.
#6 CHECK YOUR BAGGAGE AT THE DOOR. Everyone has personal issues they deal with on a daily basis, but those should not interfere with your ability to relate in a friendly, personable manner with your customers. Make a habit of visualizing yourself shaking off or dropping those issues at the door when you walk into your place of employment. Same applies to returning home – your family deserves your best, not what’s left after an extremely stressful day!
Always being conscious of your attitude and demeanor on the job can make a huge difference in your level of success in whatever career you choose.
Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She has over twenty years experience in bookkeeping, insurance and tax preparation. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.”
*One-Time Digital Reprint Rights Available for $5.00 through PayPal. Byline must stay intact. Link back to Article and Bio greatly appreciated!