Be On Time

Customers don't like to wait beyond the scheduled timeframe.  If you tell a customer you will deliver something to their home between a timefram - then make sure you can DO IT!  70% of adults surveyed by TOA Technologies regarding time spent waiting for in-home services and appointments said they would recommend a company simply because the representative was on time.  That dropped to 43% who would recommend a company if they have to wait an extra 15 minutes for someone to show up. 

Reason given for the huge drop in percentage for recommendations:  customers think compannies who aren't showing up on time is because they "don't care about my time."  Customer referrals are as good as it gets.  You are losing a huge opportunity for not showing up when promised. 

 Teri Yanovitch is a leading speaker, trainer and consultant on creating a culture of customer service within  an organization.  Her firm T.A.Yanovitch, Inc. provides a clear and proven process on how to create this culture of service and helps guide organizations to ensure their success.  Through her presentations, workshops  and training, Teri has assisted organizations from all industries to differentiate their business through the competitive edge of the customer experience.

Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com

Her highly acclaimed book Unleashing Excellence – The Complete Guide to “ Ultimate Customer Service” has sold over 32,000 books and is recognized as a practical, hands-on approach to providing a seamless extraordinary service experience to retain customers and employees.  Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com for your next speaking engagement or for a copy of her book. 

www.retainloyalcustomers.com

VIP Acronym Change - Teri's Tip #60

We've all heard the acronym VIP before.  He's a VIP, she's a VIP.  It has traditionally stood for Very Important Person. 

My suggestion is that you change it to stand for Very Individual Person.  In today's world so many customers are made to feel like just another transaction or "next" in line.  Make them feel special.  Learn their name, look them in the eye.  You will make them feel important if you make them feel like an individual.

www.retainloyalcustomers.com

 Teri Yanovitch is a leading speaker, trainer and consultant on creating a culture of customer service within  an organization.  Her firm T.A.Yanovitch, Inc. provides a clear and proven process on how to create this culture of service and helps guide organizations to ensure their success.  Through her presentations, workshops  and training, Teri has assisted organizations from all industries to differentiate their business through the competitive edge of the customer experience.

Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com

Her highly acclaimed book Unleashing Excellence – The Complete Guide to “ Ultimate Customer Service” has sold over 32,000 books and is recognized as a practical, hands-on approach to providing a seamless extraordinary service experience to retain customers and employees.  Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com for your next speaking engagement or for a copy of her book. 

Resolving Internal Team Conflict - Teri's Tip #59

Your customers don't care if there is internal strife and conflict among departments and teams.  All they care about is:  "did you give me what you promised and on-time?"  Therefore, it only hurts the people inside the organization when there is conflict and negative dynamics among each other.

Here are five steps the team/department leader can take to resolve those issues:
1.  Define the situation (be objective, don't place blame on anyone)
2.  State the impact of the conflict (poor image, late on meeting deadlines, miscommunications, etc.)
3.  Open the discussion for reactions (don't offer solutions at this point, just let team members vent, and share their thoughts/feelings on the issue)
4.  Ask for them to come up with a solution (this will get their buy-in and ownership)
5.  Get agreement on solution and set follow-up date (ask for confirmation by all members and determine date and time to meet again for status)

Excellent customer service starts with excellent internal customer service. 

www.retainloyalcustomers.com

 Teri Yanovitch is a leading speaker, trainer and consultant on creating a culture of customer service within  an organization.  Her firm T.A.Yanovitch, Inc. provides a clear and proven process on how to create this culture of service and helps guide organizations to ensure their success.  Through her presentations, workshops  and training, Teri has assisted organizations from all industries to differentiate their business through the competitive edge of the customer experience.

Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com

Her highly acclaimed book Unleashing Excellence – The Complete Guide to “ Ultimate Customer Service” has sold over 32,000 books and is recognized as a practical, hands-on approach to providing a seamless extraordinary service experience to retain customers and employees.  Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com for your next speaking engagement or for a copy of her book. 

Rude Internal Service - Teri's Tip #58

It's not fair for actively engaged employees to come into a work environment where rudeness exists between co-workers, supervisors, and other departments.  It is the leader's role to create an environment that allows an employee to come in everyday and fulfill their highest potential in a supportive way.  The leader determines what behaviors are tolerated and what is expected. 

Culture starts at the top. 

Honesty Matters - Teri's Tip # 57

Everyone wants to make a buck these days, but by being dishonest about your product and services will never make you rich.  You might get the sale today, but the customers will never come back.

Trust comes from being consistently honest and delivering on the promises you make.  When a customer can trust you, they are more willing to recommend you to their friends and families.  The old adage "Honesty Pays" is true.

www.retainloyalcustomers.com

Don't Tolerate Low Performance

"Intolerable service exists, when intolerable service is tolerated".  You can't tolerate low performance.  Everyone must be held accountable for adhering to the same service standards.  By letting one person slide, you send the message that its okay to not live up to the performance guidelines and one-by-one, others will start to slip too.  Take swift action when a service standard is not met.  Keep the focus on the standard and why it is important to be met each and everytime, not the person.

Those that always are striving to adhere to the standards will respect and appreciate that you are seriously meaning what you say. 

It's "No Problem" - Teri's Tip #55

Responding to a customer's request with the phrase "no problem", while you are saying it isn't a problem, still implies the customer really is causing a problem. The customer is giving their business to you, so your business should be ready and prepared to deal with all kinds of requests and none should be considered a "problem".

The better response would be a simple "yes" or "its my pleasure".

www.retainloyalcustomers.com

 Teri Yanovitch is a leading speaker, trainer and consultant on creating a culture of customer service within  an organization.  Her firm T.A.Yanovitch, Inc. provides a clear and proven process on how to create this culture of service and helps guide organizations to ensure their success.  Through her presentations, workshops  and training, Teri has assisted organizations from all industries to differentiate their business through the competitive edge of the customer experience.

Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com

Her highly acclaimed book Unleashing Excellence – The Complete Guide to “ Ultimate Customer Service” has sold over 32,000 books and is recognized as a practical, hands-on approach to providing a seamless extraordinary service experience to retain customers and employees.  Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com for your next speaking engagement or for a copy of her book. 

 

3 Tips from Nordstroms's - Teri's Tip #54

Based on a recent experience with Nordstrom's, here are 3 tips that made me, the customer, feel special:

1.  The clerk asked for my name, shared her name, and then used my name throughout the shopping experience even though she helped others while I was trying on things.  She remembered it.

2.  The clerk walked around the counter to hand me my purchased items vs. handing them over the counter.  It was much more personal, plus she shook my hand and thanked me.

3.  I wasn't badgered by other clerks wanting to help, but felt I was sincerely approached by them and when told I wasn't interested at the moment, didn't feel like they sulked off. 

Remember, its the little things people will remember.  And I will go back!

www.retainloyalcustomes.com

 Teri Yanovitch is a leading speaker, trainer and consultant on creating a culture of customer service within  an organization.  Her firm T.A.Yanovitch, Inc. provides a clear and proven process on how to create this culture of service and helps guide organizations to ensure their success.  Through her presentations, workshops  and training, Teri has assisted organizations from all industries to differentiate their business through the competitive edge of the customer experience.

Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com

Her highly acclaimed book Unleashing Excellence – The Complete Guide to “ Ultimate Customer Service” has sold over 32,000 books and is recognized as a practical, hands-on approach to providing a seamless extraordinary service experience to retain customers and employees.  Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com for your next speaking engagement or for a copy of her book

Positive Reinforcement - Teri's Tip #53

Imagine how much more positive and productive our workplaces would be if, every time a negative attitude or behavior was observed, someone would address that employee by saying, "I'm sorry, but we don't allow that sort of behavior in this organization."

This is not being mean or personal, it is simply identifying the negative behavior that is not part of the company culture.  The focus must stay on the behavior and not the person.

www.retainloyalcustomers.com

Teri Yanovitch is a leading speaker, trainer and consultant on creating a culture of customer service within  an organization.  Her firm T.A.Yanovitch, Inc. provides a clear and proven process on how to create this culture of service and helps guide organizations to ensure their success.  Through her presentations, workshops  and training, Teri has assisted organizations from all industries to differentiate their business through the competitive edge of the customer experience.

Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com

Her highly acclaimed book Unleashing Excellence – The Complete Guide to “ Ultimate Customer Service” has sold over 32,000 books and is recognized as a practical, hands-on approach to providing a seamless extraordinary service experience to retain customers and employees.  Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com for your next speaking engagement or for a copy of her book. 

Look in the Mirror - Teri's Tip #52

"Take a look at yourself - the man in the mirror", so goes the Michael Jackson lyrics.  How can that be a customer service tip?  Have you ever noticed how you look when you are just standing around?  Some people carry a scowl on their faces when they are relaxed, others look bored, and others look sad.  People watch you even when you think they aren't.

Be aware of your facial expressions.  Take a look in the mirror at your face when you aren't smiling or talking - do you like what you see?  What is the message you are sending? Everything Speaks!  Remember you can create an impression even when others are not actively engaged with you, so be aware and make sure the face they see, is the face of the person you want them to see.

www.retainloyalcustomers.com

 Teri Yanovitch is a leading speaker, trainer and consultant on creating a culture of customer service within  an organization.  Her firm T.A.Yanovitch, Inc. provides a clear and proven process on how to create this culture of service and helps guide organizations to ensure their success.  Through her presentations, workshops  and training, Teri has assisted organizations from all industries to differentiate their business through the competitive edge of the customer experience.

Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com

Her highly acclaimed book Unleashing Excellence – The Complete Guide to “ Ultimate Customer Service” has sold over 32,000 books and is recognized as a practical, hands-on approach to providing a seamless extraordinary service experience to retain customers and employees.  Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com for your next speaking engagement or for a copy of her book. 

Clear Service Standards - Teri's Tip #51

Having clear service standards makes everyone's job in an organization easier.  Employees know what is expected of them and managers can hold people accountable. 

Keep the number of service standards to a minimum so people can memorize them.  Train everyone on how to apply the service standards to his or her specific job tasks.  Give praise and recognition when the service standards are followed, counsel and redirect when the standards are not adhered to.

For more on Service Standards, see my article:  http://www.teriyanovitch.com/839/service-standards-are-essential-for-seamless-customer-experience

www.retainloyalcustomers.com

 Teri Yanovitch is a leading speaker, trainer and consultant on creating a culture of customer service within  an organization.  Her firm T.A.Yanovitch, Inc. provides a clear and proven process on how to create this culture of service and helps guide organizations to ensure their success.  Through her presentations, workshops  and training, Teri has assisted organizations from all industries to differentiate their business through the competitive edge of the customer experience.

Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com

Her highly acclaimed book Unleashing Excellence – The Complete Guide to “ Ultimate Customer Service” has sold over 32,000 books and is recognized as a practical, hands-on approach to providing a seamless extraordinary service experience to retain customers and employees.  Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com for your next speaking engagement or for a copy of her book. 

World-Class Courtesy - Teri's Tip #50

World-Class Courtesy: Using exceptional manners, as interpreted from the customer's perspective, to exceed the expectations of the customer.

Characteristics:

• a willingness to discover opportunities to exceed the customer's expectations
• sincerity
• a friendly smile (even over the phone)
• using the person's last name (unless customer indicates otherwise)
• a neat appearance
• proper use of the language
• exceptional listening skills (attentiveness)
• a relaxed and natural tone of voice
• appropriate eye contact
• clear communication at the customer's comprehension level
• knowledge about the product or service

www.retainloyalcustomers.com

 Teri Yanovitch is a leading speaker, trainer and consultant on creating a culture of customer service within  an organization.  Her firm T.A.Yanovitch, Inc. provides a clear and proven process on how to create this culture of service and helps guide organizations to ensure their success.  Through her presentations, workshops  and training, Teri has assisted organizations from all industries to differentiate their business through the competitive edge of the customer experience.

Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com

Her highly acclaimed book Unleashing Excellence – The Complete Guide to “ Ultimate Customer Service” has sold over 32,000 books and is recognized as a practical, hands-on approach to providing a seamless extraordinary service experience to retain customers and employees.  Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com for your next speaking engagement or for a copy of her book.  

Pillars for Success - Teri's Tip #49

Keep these points in mind and you will be successful:

• Deliver superior service
• Keep all promises
• Build strong relationships
• Work with passion
• Keep it fun
• Continuously improve

Share these points with all employees and talk about how each person in every job can bring them to life. 

Appraisal is Too Late - Teri's Tip #48

The system most businesses use to check their work is after-the-fact, after the output has been completed or delivered.  That's too late!  When the customer finds the error and complains, it costs you 10 times more than if you had caught the error at the beginning of your process.

Prevention means taking the time upfront to look at your process and test to see if it is capable of delivering the promised output every time.  This could be a meal, a tooth cleaning, an answered customer phone call, a paint job, etc.  Prevention on a new process means brainstorming what are all the opportunities for error that could occur in the process and how could they be avoided.

Appraisal is just a fix and requires rework that costs time and money.  Prevention pays in the long-term!

www.retainloyalcustomers.com
Teri Yanovitch is a leading speaker, trainer and consultant on creating a culture of customer service within an organization. Her firm T.A.Yanovitch, Inc. provides a clear and proven process on how to create this culture of service and helps guide organizations to ensure their success. Through her presentations, workshops and training, Teri has assisted organizations from all industries to differentiate their business through the competitive edge of the customer experience.

Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com
Her highly acclaimed book Unleashing Excellence – The Complete Guide to " Ultimate Customer Service" has sold over 32,000 books and is recognized as a practical, hands-on approach to providing a seamless extraordinary service experience to retain customers and employees. Contact Teri at
ty@retainloyalcustomers.com for your next speaking engagement or for a copy of her book.

Telephone/Cell Phone Top Service - Teri's Tip #47

1. Answer the phone with Good morning, or Good afternoon followed by your name. Always use your first and last name when answering.

2. Return calls by sundown. Even if you don’t have the answer or time to talk, let the caller know you received their call and will get back to them when you do.

3. When transferring a call, tell the caller whose voice that person can expect to hear on the other end. Introduce the caller to the person receiving the transferred call and explain the reason for the transfer.

4. If you must put a caller on hold, first ask the caller if they want to be placed on hold or leave a message on voicemail.

5. Act fresh all day long when answering your phone.

6. Always ask permission if you need to put a caller on speakerphone. Also, identify to the caller that there are others in the office who will hear the conversation.

7. When talking on your cell phone, be aware of another person’s space.

8. Don’t be condescending such as, “Oh, it’s you again.”

Put Your Best Hand Forward - Teri's Tip #46

Sometimes great customer service begins with a handshake. Here’s how to make the best impression:



1. Extend your right hand out and shake your customer’s hand firmly. Don’t entwine your fingers, shake their palm with fingers closed. Be careful not to squeeze too hard or too soft. Too hard and it looks like you are trying to be dominant, too weak and you appear wimpy.


2. Give eye contact and smile as you shake your customer’s hand.


3. After a couple of shakes, let their hand go as you begin your conversation.

At the end of your conversation, you may shake their hand again while telling them what a pleasure it was to meet them. If it has been a particularly engaging conversation and you believe they have thought so too, you may put your left hand on top of their hand briefly while shaking.  This expresses a warmer relationship and you look forward to meeting or talking with them again.

http://www.retainloyalcustomers.com/
Teri Yanovitch is a leading speaker, trainer and consultant on creating a culture of customer service within an organization. Her firm T.A.Yanovitch, Inc. provides a clear and proven process on how to create this culture of service and helps guide organizations to ensure their success. Through her presentations, workshops and training, Teri has assisted organizations from all industries to differentiate their business through the competitive edge of the customer experience.


Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com

Her highly acclaimed book Unleashing Excellence – The Complete Guide to “ Ultimate Customer Service” has sold over 32,000 books and is recognized as a practical, hands-on approach to providing a seamless extraordinary service experience to retain customers and employees. Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com for your next speaking engagement or for a copy of her book.

Price You Pay for Doing Things Wrong - Teri's Tip #45

Whenever something is not done right the first time, there is a price.  To calculate that price, add up the time that was spent to talk to the customer when they brought it to your attention, add up the time it takes someone to resolve it, add up any new material or product replacement costs and .... make sure you calculate the time using the burdened rate of the employee's pay. 

To take it one step further, calculate the number of times these things are done wrong in a week and multiply by 52 weeks for the annualized cost.  You'll be amazed at how much even little errors cost your business!  Don't stop there - now communicate this price to your employees so they are aware and then brainstorm together with them as to how to make sure things will always get done right the first time.

http://www.retainloyalcustomers.com/
Teri Yanovitch is a leading speaker, trainer and consultant on creating a culture of customer service within an organization. Her firm T.A.Yanovitch, Inc. provides a clear and proven process on how to create this culture of service and helps guide organizations to ensure their success. Through her presentations, workshops and training, Teri has assisted organizations from all industries to differentiate their business through the competitive edge of the customer experience.


Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com

Her highly acclaimed book Unleashing Excellence – The Complete Guide to “ Ultimate Customer Service” has sold over 32,000 books and is recognized as a practical, hands-on approach to providing a seamless extraordinary service experience to retain customers and employees. Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com for your next speaking engagement or for a copy of her book.

Tires Ain't Pretty - Teri's Tip #44

The commercial says "tires ain't pretty", but the service I received from Tire Kingdom in Altamonte Springs,Florida last week was "beautiful".  The acronym ACT sums it all up.

A - Accurate work (did what they said they would do)
C - Complete (identified my brake pads they were almost metal to metal that needed replacing)
T - Timely (completed the job when they said they would.)

Remember this phrase no matter what kind of service or product you provide your customer and sometimes its just the basics that end up WOWing the customer these days.

http://www.retainloyalcustomers.com/

Teri Yanovitch is a leading speaker, trainer and consultant on creating a culture of customer service within an organization. Her firm T.A.Yanovitch, Inc. provides a clear and proven process on how to create this culture of service and helps guide organizations to ensure their success. Through her presentations, workshops and training, Teri has assisted organizations from all industries to differentiate their business through the competitive edge of the customer experience.


Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com

Her highly acclaimed book Unleashing Excellence – The Complete Guide to “ Ultimate Customer Service” has sold over 32,000 books and is recognized as a practical, hands-on approach to providing a seamless extraordinary service experience to retain customers and employees. Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com for your next speaking engagement or for a copy of her book.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall.... - Teri's Tip #43

Remember the fairy tale line:  "Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, who's the fairest of them all?"  Try putting a mirror in your reception area somewhere or area where customers voice their complaints.  When they glance in the mirror and see their angy profile, they will more than likely soften, because no one wants to see themselves with a scowling, scrunched up, ugly face.

Giving excellent customer service is much easier when the person with a complaint is more relaxed and not so emotional. 

http://www.retainloyalcustomers.com/
Teri Yanovitch is a leading speaker, trainer and consultant on creating a culture of customer service within an organization. Her firm T.A.Yanovitch, Inc. provides a clear and proven process on how to create this culture of service and helps guide organizations to ensure their success. Through her presentations, workshops and training, Teri has assisted organizations from all industries to differentiate their business through the competitive edge of the customer experience.


Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com

Her highly acclaimed book Unleashing Excellence – The Complete Guide to “ Ultimate Customer Service” has sold over 32,000 books and is recognized as a practical, hands-on approach to providing a seamless extraordinary service experience to retain customers and employees. Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com for your next speaking engagement or for a copy of her book.

A Name is a Name - Teri's Tip #42

A name is just a name, unless its your name!  Over seventy years ago, Dale Carnegie wrote the best seller "How to Win Friends and Influence People".  It was translated into 28 different languages for countless thousands of readers.

One secret he shares is that the average man is more interested in his own name than he is in all the other names on earth put together.  Remember that name and call it easily and you have paid him a subtle and very effective compliment. 

Forget it or misspell it - and you have placed yourself at a sharp disadvantage.

This is great advice that has not changed over time.  In fact, in today's fast technological world, people who remember someone's name, are cherished.  Excellent customer service doesn't have to be complex. 

Resolving Team Conflicts- Teri's Tip #41

5 STEPS TO RESOLVING CONFLICTS WITHIN YOUR TEAM
1. Give description of the situation or issue
2. Explain the impact on results
3. Have an open discussion on team member's thoughts and reactions
4. Request suggestions on ways to proceed
5. Gain agreement on next steps

Conflict within a team, stunts productivity and creativity.  It also affect customer service to other departments and external customers.   It is best to nip it in the bud early.
http://www.retainloyalcustomers.com/
Teri Yanovitch is a leading speaker, trainer and consultant on creating a culture of customer service within an organization. Her firm T.A.Yanovitch, Inc. provides a clear and proven process on how to create this culture of service and helps guide organizations to ensure their success. Through her presentations, workshops and training, Teri has assisted organizations from all industries to differentiate their business through the competitive edge of the customer experience.


Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com

Her highly acclaimed book Unleashing Excellence – The Complete Guide to “ Ultimate Customer Service” has sold over 32,000 books and is recognized as a practical, hands-on approach to providing a seamless extraordinary service experience to retain customers and employees. Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com for your next speaking engagement or for a copy of her book.

Lens of the Customer - Teri's Tip #40

Looking through the lens of the customer makes the customer feel they are being watched out for and important.  Its very simple to do - two steps:
1.  Read the emotion
2.  Meet the need

Last week at a Magic basketball game, my husband and I entered the huge entry area with lights flashing, escalators going in all directions, music blaring and were immediately overwhemed by it all.  A staff member obviously read our faces and approached us first by saying:  "Are you looking for your seats?"  Obviously, she had been trained to read emotions and be the first to respond whether than waiting for us to have to walk up to her and ask "where are our seats?"

It's a small detail, but a big one if done consistently.

http://www.retainloyalcustomers.com/
Teri Yanovitch is a leading speaker, trainer and consultant on creating a culture of customer service within an organization. Her firm T.A.Yanovitch, Inc. provides a clear and proven process on how to create this culture of service and helps guide organizations to ensure their success. Through her presentations, workshops and training, Teri has assisted organizations from all industries to differentiate their business through the competitive edge of the customer experience.


Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com

Her highly acclaimed book Unleashing Excellence – The Complete Guide to “ Ultimate Customer Service” has sold over 32,000 books and is recognized as a practical, hands-on approach to providing a seamless extraordinary service experience to retain customers and employees. Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com for your next speaking engagement or for a copy of her book.

Deadline Dodgers - Teri's Tip #39

There are some people who consistently never complete their tasks on-time.  This holds everyone else up and creates discontent among those who are waiting for the work of this person in order to do their job.  Management's action must be to determine why the person is chronically missing the deadlines:  is it lack of urgency and giving it their all or are they overburdened and incapable of completing all their assigned work?

Quality is conformance to requirements and deadlines are a requirement.  Action:  Sit down with the deadline dodger, together set realistic requirements, get agreement to the requirements, make sure the process is capable of meeting the requirements, and then hold the individual accountable. 

Excellent customer service starts with Quality.

http://www.retainloyalcustomers.com/

Teri Yanovitch is a leading speaker, trainer and consultant on creating a culture of customer service within an organization. Her firm T.A.Yanovitch, Inc. provides a clear and proven process on how to create this culture of service and helps guide organizations to ensure their success. Through her presentations, workshops and training, Teri has assisted organizations from all industries to differentiate their business through the competitive edge of the customer experience.


Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com

Her highly acclaimed book Unleashing Excellence – The Complete Guide to “ Ultimate Customer Service” has sold over 32,000 books and is recognized as a practical, hands-on approach to providing a seamless extraordinary service experience to retain customers and employees. Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com for your next speaking engagement or for a copy of her book.

Complainers are Drainers - Teri's Tip #38

Complainers sap the energy out of everyone around them. And if the complaint resonates with those around them, the complainer becomes the center of attention.  This refocuses the work of the group and productivity suffers as others start to join in and the complaints keep growing.  The complaint train can spin out of control very quickly.  Customers don't like to hear employees complaining about their boss, co-workers, long hours, etc.  It ruins their experience.

How to stop the complainers:  ask them to come up with a solution to the issue.  Get them involved in the situation surrounding the issue so they have more complete knowledge and then turn them into problem solvers vs. problem announcers.

http://www.retainloyalcustomers.com/

Teri Yanovitch is a leading speaker, trainer and consultant on creating a culture of customer service within an organization. Her firm T.A.Yanovitch, Inc. provides a clear and proven process on how to create this culture of service and helps guide organizations to ensure their success. Through her presentations, workshops and training, Teri has assisted organizations from all industries to differentiate their business through the competitive edge of the customer experience.


Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com

Her highly acclaimed book Unleashing Excellence – The Complete Guide to “ Ultimate Customer Service” has sold over 32,000 books and is recognized as a practical, hands-on approach to providing a seamless extraordinary service experience to retain customers and employees. Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com for your next speaking engagement or for a copy of her book.

Keeping Fresh on Customer Service - Teri's Tip #37

Today's tip is to go check out Extraordinary Customer Service to see what's being offered in video's, webinars, articles that you can use to keep customer service on top of mind for everyone.

Training is an investment that will pay off.

http://www.retainloyalcustomers.com/

Teri Yanovitch is a leading speaker, trainer and consultant on creating a culture of customer service within an organization. Her firm T.A.Yanovitch, Inc. provides a clear and proven process on how to create this culture of service and helps guide organizations to ensure their success. Through her presentations, workshops and training, Teri has assisted organizations from all industries to differentiate their business through the competitive edge of the customer experience.

Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com

Her highly acclaimed book Unleashing Excellence – The Complete Guide to “ Ultimate Customer Service” has sold over 32,000 books and is recognized as a practical, hands-on approach to providing a seamless extraordinary service experience to retain customers and employees. Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com for your next speaking engagement or for a copy of her book.

What's Your Personality? - Teri's Tip #36

Hippocrates defined four basic personality styles of human behavior and these have not changed over time, even though the names for them have.  While no human is 100% one style, we tend to have a primary style and a backup style.  The four styles using the DiSC profile and their main focus are:

Dominant - get the job done
Influence - have fun while getting the job done
Steadiness - peace and harmony among the work group
Conscientiousness - get the job done right

If you know what you are and then learn to read those you interact with, you can build much better relationships by adapting your style to theirs while working with them.  We all tend to like people who are more like ourselves. 

http://www.retainloyalcustomers.com/
Teri Yanovitch is a leading speaker, trainer and consultant on creating a culture of customer service within an organization. Her firm T.A.Yanovitch, Inc. provides a clear and proven process on how to create this culture of service and helps guide organizations to ensure their success. Through her presentations, workshops and training, Teri has assisted organizations from all industries to differentiate their business through the competitive edge of the customer experience.


Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com

Her highly acclaimed book Unleashing Excellence – The Complete Guide to “ Ultimate Customer Service” has sold over 34,000 books and is recognized as a practical, hands-on approach to providing a seamless extraordinary service experience to retain customers and employees. Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com for your next speaking engagement or for a copy of her book.

6 Steps to Delivering Bad News - Teri's Tip #35

Delivering bad news is not pleasant or fun, but there are times when it must be done.  Here are six steps to follow when the situation requires you to be the bearer of bad news:


1.  Apologize for the situation and be sincere.
2.  Give a brief synopsis of the situation and then stop talking.
3.  Let the customer vent, while you actively listen.
4.  Ask the customer if they are ready to hear their options for the future.  (they may want others involved, they may want to process the bad news further, they may not be prepared to think of next actions and so you would be wasting their time and others at this point)
5. Explain options or alternatives, give advice if requested.
6. Apologize again and offer reassurances of the future if appropriate.

Applying good communication skills and being courteous will always pave the way for delivering bad news.

http://www.retainloyalcustomers.com/
Teri Yanovitch is a leading speaker, trainer and consultant on creating a culture of customer service within an organization. Her firm T.A.Yanovitch, Inc. provides a clear and proven process on how to create this culture of service and helps guide organizations to ensure their success. Through her presentations, workshops and training, Teri has assisted organizations from all industries to differentiate their business through the competitive edge of the customer experience.


Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com

Her highly acclaimed book Unleashing Excellence – The Complete Guide to “ Ultimate Customer Service” has sold over 32,000 books and is recognized as a practical, hands-on approach to providing a seamless extraordinary service experience to retain customers and employees. Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com for your next speaking engagement or for a copy of her book.

Communicate Care - Teri's Tip #34

PHRASES TO COMMUNICATE UNDERSTANDING AND EMPATHY

• Thank you for bringing this to our attention…

• I know we can help you…

• You were good to catch this problem…

• I can understand what you are saying about the situation..
• Yes, I see your position…

• I initially felt just as you do about it…

• I want to help you…

• Quite a few people feel that way…

• It does seem like it could be interpreted that way....

Letting people know you care and are willing to look through their lens, can make all the difference between delivering a poor customer experience and a great customer experience.


http://www.retainloyalcustomers.com/
Teri Yanovitch is a leading speaker, trainer and consultant on creating a culture of customer service within an organization. Her firm T.A.Yanovitch, Inc. provides a clear and proven process on how to create this culture of service and helps guide organizations to ensure their success. Through her presentations, workshops and training, Teri has assisted organizations from all industries to differentiate their business through the competitive edge of the customer experience.

Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com

Her highly acclaimed book Unleashing Excellence – The Complete Guide to “ Ultimate Customer Service” has sold over 32,000 books and is recognized as a practical, hands-on approach to providing a seamless extraordinary service experience to retain customers and employees. Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com for your next speaking engagement or for a copy of her book.

E-Mail Etiquette - Teri's Tip #33

1. Re-read each email message carefully before you send it.

2. Use receipts only for emergencies.

3. Avoid crying wolf with “Urgent” subject lines.
4. Avoid using all uppercase or lowercase.
5. Never double-space your entire message.
6. Be wary of humor or sarcasm
7. Allow cool-off time before sending a flame or any emotional message. (sleep on it)
8. Act on e-mail promptly or notify others that you’re unavailable.
9. Keep to one subject in each email.
10. Watch the tone in directives. (may come across too blunt)
11. Don’t diminish your position with inappropriate tone and style.

http://www.retainloyalcustomers.com/
Teri Yanovitch is a leading speaker, trainer and consultant on creating a culture of customer service within an organization. Her firm T.A.Yanovitch, Inc. provides a clear and proven process on how to create this culture of service and helps guide organizations to ensure their success. Through her presentations, workshops and training, Teri has assisted organizations from all industries to differentiate their business through the competitive edge of the customer experience.

Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com

Her highly acclaimed book Unleashing Excellence – The Complete Guide to “ Ultimate Customer Service” has sold over 32,000 books and is recognized as a practical, hands-on approach to providing a seamless extraordinary service experience to retain customers and employees. Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com for your next speaking engagement or for a copy of her book.

Blame Game - Teri's Tip #32

When things go wrong, what is the typical first question that is posed?  "Who screwed up?"  Pointing fingers is a big mistake.  It only causes people to become defensive, protect their territory and take you longer to get at the root cause of what is causing the problem.

Therefore, when things go wrong, ask the question "what went wrong in the process?"  80% of the time, the problem is within the process and only 20% of the time is it a person who is at fault.  What this creates is a culture of continuous improvement.

http://www.retainloyalcustomers.com/
Teri Yanovitch is a leading speaker, trainer and consultant on creating a culture of customer service within an organization. Her firm T.A.Yanovitch, Inc. provides a clear and proven process on how to create this culture of service and helps guide organizations to ensure their success. Through her presentations, workshops and training, Teri has assisted organizations from all industries to differentiate their business through the competitive edge of the customer experience.


Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com

Her highly acclaimed book Unleashing Excellence – The Complete Guide to “ Ultimate Customer Service” has sold over 32,000 books and is recognized as a practical, hands-on approach to providing a seamless extraordinary service experience to retain customers and employees. Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com for your next speaking engagement or for a copy of her book

Viscious Voicemail - Teri's Tip #31

Refrain from sending out the viscious email or leaving a scathing voicemail when you are angry.  These critiques seem even more biting when delivered in this manner.  And remember, these types of communication can last forever and be replayed over and over.

If you are angry with the person or have a conflict, then handle in person if at all possible.  By watching for facial expressions and body language or listening for inflections in the voice tone, you can make sure your words are not misinterpreted.  Hopefully, the purpose of your discussion is to be constructive and be able to progress to ways to improve the situation.  Great customer service starts internally. 

http://www.retainloyalcustomers.com/
Teri Yanovitch is a leading speaker, trainer and consultant on creating a culture of customer service within an organization. Her firm T.A.Yanovitch, Inc. provides a clear and proven process on how to create this culture of service and helps guide organizations to ensure their success. Through her presentations, workshops and training, Teri has assisted organizations from all industries to differentiate their business through the competitive edge of the customer experience.


Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com

Her highly acclaimed book Unleashing Excellence – The Complete Guide to “ Ultimate Customer Service” has sold over 32,000 books and is recognized as a practical, hands-on approach to providing a seamless extraordinary service experience to retain customers and employees. Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com for your next speaking engagement or for a copy of her book.

HOW to WOW - Teri's Tip #30

What does it take to Wow a customer?  In addition, of course, to giving them what you promised, it takes two things:
1.  Treat each customer as an individual
2.  Pay attention to the details 

By treating each customer individually, it shows you notice and care about them. Actively listening and looking through their lens helps you to deliver the WOW service your competition doesn't. They are not just another number or transaction to your business.  By paying attention to the details, you can find a way to exceed their expectations.  For example just this week, a Rollins College IT employee paid attention to the details of my laptop problem when I was instructing a workshop.  Not only did he tell me what was wrong with my laptop, but also took the time to find the phone number of the computer manufacturer so I wouldn't have to look it up.  Small detail, but much appreciated for the time it saved me in tracking that piece of information! 

http://www.retainloyalcustomers.com/
Teri Yanovitch is a leading speaker, trainer and consultant on creating a culture of customer service within an organization. Her firm T.A.Yanovitch, Inc. provides a clear and proven process on how to create this culture of service and helps guide organizations to ensure their success. Through her presentations, workshops and training, Teri has assisted organizations from all industries to differentiate their business through the competitive edge of the customer experience.


Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com

Her highly acclaimed book Unleashing Excellence – The Complete Guide to “ Ultimate Customer Service” has sold over 32,000 books and is recognized as a practical, hands-on approach to providing a seamless extraordinary service experience to retain customers and employees. Contact Teri at ty@retainloyalcustomers.com for your next speaking engagement or for a copy of her book.