What does it mean to be at the top of your class in business? Does it mean making a lot of money or outselling the competition at all costs? Do you need to win annual business awards and book your spot in the ‘Business Hall of Fame?
Unfortunately, that is not even close to what it means to be at the top. Being at the top of the class means that you’ve honed your customer service skills to the point where you no longer need to actively promote your business.
It also means your customers trust you and won’t even consider buying from your competition. So, how do you get there?
Here are some proven tips to help you sharpen your customer service skills and elevate your business to new heights.
Don’t Forget the Human Touch
The business world is entering an unprecedented era of artificial intelligence. The technology is everywhere, not only physical robots but refined AI that seeks to take communication away from human hands.
Yet, this creates a gap for your business to keep that all-valuable human touch. For example, instead of using ChatGPT-4 to create email newsletters, write them yourself. Or, at the very least, use a dedicated writer to add a human touch to emails and other materials you send to customers.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t use AI to streamline your online customer experience. E-commerce platforms can benefit from some AI interventions. But don’t rely on it when you should be communicating with your customers face-to-face.
Be Empathetic
Customers are people, not sources of revenue. Empathize with their struggles, listen to their problems, and provide solutions. People are trying to find a solution to their problems, and to rise above the competition, you must give them the solutions they need.
Listening and offering solutions will elevate your business status from good to great. After all, solving a problem is the main motivator for those 5-star reviews on Yelp.
Don’t Take Your Time
If you don’t like waiting in line at the supermarket, hardware store, or restaurant, chances are your customers don’t like it either. And that is yet another gap in the market that your business can fill: excellent turnaround times and online sales avenues.
Answer queries on social media within a few hours. Install a live chat function on your website. Ensure that you have dedicated staff to attend to complaints. Use delivery companies that deliver on time.
Be Consistent
Once you’ve mastered the art of applying the human touch to your business operations and solving your customers’ problems on time, don’t slack off. Your customers need to know that they can rely on you to provide a specific product or service. Work ethic also plays into consistency.
Establishing your company as a brand that delivers will make the perception of your work ethic more positive.
The Bottom Line
Your business can stake a claim among the best in the market. You can take your place at the top of the class. But you don’t have to do it all on your own. For more information, contact Action Coach Lincoln at 402-587-6329.