![\"Customer](\"https:\/\/www.customerservicemanager.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/csw2019c.jpg\")
\nIn recognition of National Customer Service Week, Shep Hyken provides some ways to deliver even better customer service.<\/strong><\/p>\n In customer service, there are so many ways to do things right. The right way to manage first impressions, demonstrate knowledge, build rapport, ask the right questions and much, much more. I thought it would be fun to create a list of a few things that everyone should do right.<\/p>\n Since National Customer Service Week is five days long, here is a list of five simple ways to create a better experience for your customers and your colleagues at work.<\/p>\n The Greeting:<\/strong> In-person, look someone in the eye. Shake their hand firmly and with confidence. Dress for success, which means dressing appropriately. When answering the phone, don\u2019t be gruff or short with your greeting. Warmly welcome the customer into the conversation.<\/p>\n Leaving a Voicemail:<\/strong> If you call someone and get their voicemail, you might as well leave a message. Thanks to caller ID, most of the time they will know you called, so take advantage and leave a good message. Start with your name, then immediately state your phone number. That\u2019s the important part\u2014giving the customer your contact info at the beginning of the message. Then leave the message and end by repeating your phone number and email, if appropriate.<\/p>\n Responding to Messages:<\/strong> This includes phone, email, social media, and any other messaging app. It\u2019s simple\u2014do it fast! There are different expectations for different modalities, but if you really want to be impressive, respond to your customers\u2014especially their phone messages and emails\u2014\u201cfreaky fast.\u201d<\/p>\n An Apology:<\/strong> When a customer has a complaint, the first thing you want to do is apologize\u2014in the right way. It should be sincere, but beyond that, there must be some acknowledgment of the problem. An empathy statement like, \u201cI\u2019m so sorry. I can understand why you\u2019re upset. I\u2019d be upset if that happened to me,\u201d is a good way to apologize and acknowledge the customer\u2019s problem quickly\u2014in short, a perfect start to resolving the issue.<\/p>\n Building Rapport:<\/strong> What do customers like to talk about? Themselves! Take a moment to talk about them and their lives, not just business. It can be a five or ten-second interaction, but it helps break the ice. For example, say, \u201cWhere are you calling from today?\u201d Or, \u201cI hear a dog barking in the background. What kind of dog do you have?\u201d If you\u2019re talking to a colleague at work, ask about their weekend or their kids. You get the idea. There are many ways to add a little personalization to a conversation.<\/p>\n Now, here\u2019s an idea to make these ideas come to life. Every day throughout the week, focus on just one of these tactics. Have each employee write down one example\u2014just two or three sentences at most\u2014that describes how they used this common-sense customer service tactic with an outside customer or one of their team members. Then, share these with the team.<\/p>\n As I like to say every year, National Customer Service Week is only a week-long, but that doesn\u2019t mean you shouldn\u2019t practice these tactics\u2014and everything else customer-focused\u2014for the entire year!<\/p>\n