Archive for the ‘Customer Service’ Category

Customer service can make or break a business. If you have a small business, it can be difficult to compete with the “big boys”. After all, they can usually offer a greater selection than you can, or they can offer a better price, more locations, more manpower and they usually have more money to spend on advertising. But for any small business owner, there is one thing that the big companies can never hope to match up in and this is quality, personal customer service. Try as the “big boys” might, they can never ensure that every one of their employees will be the face of the business the company wants them to be. But with a smaller operation, you can turn your customers into repeat customers by providing them with a personal touch.

Great Customer Service Grows your Business

For any business, roughly 80% of their business comes from 20% of their customers; this, of course, means that your repeat customers are your most valuable asset. Many small businesses fail because they think that the most important asset is the product, or the storefront, or the advertising, but this is all wrong. After all, you do not need a ton of “ad money” in order to turn your customers into advertisements themselves when your customer service is excellent.

Quality Customer Service Generates Free Advertising

One of the most effective forms of advertising is word of mouth, and the great part is, this is absolutely free! After all, every one of your customers has a voice. As a small business owner, you have to remember that these voices can be used to help you or to hurt you. If you are treating your customers with an unusual amount of attention, respect, and care, these customers are likely to come back to you If you provide quality customer service, they are likely to tell their friends to come to you. But on the other hand, people are not likely to return to you – and are likely to warn their friends away from you – if you treat them like they are nothing but a means to money.

Customer Service is Your Biggest Asset

All you have to do is treat customers well, giving them your full attention and respect. This is the easiest way to provide great customer service and as a small business owner, this is your biggest advantage over the big businesses. Quality customer service is the one area in which they cannot compete with you!