If you’re like most people, it’s been a long time since you called your bank and an actual person said hello and was ready to help you. With the virtual extinction of the local grocery store, chances are good you don’t know the butcher’s wife and kids who didn’t go to school with your kids. And it’s likely that you don’t really know the guy that works on your car, your pipes, or your air conditioner. In a world that’s becoming ever more impersonal, that rare moment when you make a real connection with a real person seems remarkable.
Want to make your business stand out? Provide exceptional service with a focus on personal attention. Everyone says it, but only a few take it seriously.
While ensuring a live person answers your phone can be really important, it’s just the beginning in providing exceptional personal service. The following are a few tips to making your business relationships personal.
- Take an active interest in customers needs. Know what they need now and anticipate what they may need in the future. They’ll know you expect to do business with them for the long term.
- Make communication a two-way street. Ask for input about your products and services. Trusted customers can help you make good decisions based on their own experiences with your products and services – and it makes them feel like a partner.
- Respond. On the phone, online, or in writing, your quick response to customer inquiries tells them how important they are to you.
- Be honest. When you have a personal relationship with customers based on trust, your candid answers to their questions and advice on their next move will be welcome. It also shows respect – even when they disagree.
- Do what you say you’re going to do. That’s how relationships stay on track.
- Say thank you. Often and sincerely.
