http://articles.getacoder.com/business/customer_service.htm Free Content For Your Website http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/ According to a recent survey of 10963 retail customers by uk consumer group Which? Customers are " willing to pay extra for quality service and an enjoyable shopping experience " and our favourite aspect is " friendly , knowledgeable staff " In 1960 Theodore Levitt famously said "the purpose of a business is to create and keep customers "and in 1984 W. Edwards Deming said "Profit in business comes from repeat customers, customers that boast about your product and service, and that bring friends with them" The surveys highest scoring companies ( judged on ... Sat, 02 Aug 2008 04:55:42 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Service_-_The_Way_To_Our_Heart_1384781x1217667342.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Service_-_The_Way_To_Our_Heart_1384781x1217667342.htm The implementation of CRM KPI should be done properly so that customer relations as well as customer satisfaction can be measured accurately. The tool promotes a company's success and growth. Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:04:38 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Importance_of_Proper_CRM_KPI_Implementation_1384818x1217563478.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Importance_of_Proper_CRM_KPI_Implementation_1384818x1217563478.htm I've been speaking and writing about how important creating relationship is with your customers--current, potential, or future. The 2008 CSO Insight's Sales Performance Optimization Survey (14th edition) found the #1 reason companies win deals is because of their relationships with prospects. Thu, 31 Jul 2008 20:31:37 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/We,_The_People,_Make_A_Difference_1384766x1217550697.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/We,_The_People,_Make_A_Difference_1384766x1217550697.htm There are numerous business arguments for spending time and money on customer service, all of which have their own merits outweighing much of the downsides. Running a business without adequate customer service is one sure fire way to lose out in the long run, in terms of both customers and cost to your business. Thu, 31 Jul 2008 03:40:42 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Business_Arguments_For_Investing_In_Customer_Service_1384787x1217490042.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Business_Arguments_For_Investing_In_Customer_Service_1384787x1217490042.htm Become indispensable to your customers and they'll stay with you forever. This article offers a real-life example of how one company does that very well. Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:46:23 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/A_Customer_Experience_Lesson_From_Microsoft_1384739x1217425583.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/A_Customer_Experience_Lesson_From_Microsoft_1384739x1217425583.htm A fast and easy way to build loyalty is by going the extra mile for your customers. Here are two effective strategies to do so quickly and easily. Tue, 29 Jul 2008 08:43:35 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Service_Speakers_Offer_Tips_For_Going_the_Extra_Mile_1557347x1217335415.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Service_Speakers_Offer_Tips_For_Going_the_Extra_Mile_1557347x1217335415.htm There are many ways to keep track of the customers that your business has, and CRM is one of them. In the past, however, it was not as popular, and people had to make do with what they could. They remembered names and faces if they only had a few customers and a small, mom-and-pop operation. Tue, 29 Jul 2008 08:36:07 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Keeping_Track_of_Your_Customers_1384735x1217334967.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Keeping_Track_of_Your_Customers_1384735x1217334967.htm In tough economic times, you can make yourself a more valuable employee by sharpening your customer service skills. Here's an easy way to get started. Mon, 28 Jul 2008 22:02:16 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Service_Expert_Offers_5_Steps_to_More_Job_Security_1537901x1217296936.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Service_Expert_Offers_5_Steps_to_More_Job_Security_1537901x1217296936.htm Many people talk about customer loyalty. Here's a simple six step system to help you do something about it. Sun, 27 Jul 2008 01:46:33 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Six_Steps_to_More_Loyal_Customers_1542060x1217137593.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Six_Steps_to_More_Loyal_Customers_1542060x1217137593.htm Just like those personal relationships gone bad, where you weren't committed enough or sensitive enough, companies are coming up short in their flirtations with Web 2.0. A recent Forrester Research study found that business-to-business companies appear disenchanted with their blogs, as I wrote earlier this month. Sat, 26 Jul 2008 22:30:19 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Online_Communities_-_Customers_Just_Not_That_Into_Them_1537902x1217125819.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Online_Communities_-_Customers_Just_Not_That_Into_Them_1537902x1217125819.htm If you want employees to deliver better service, try explaining to employees how better service can lead to lower stress, irritation, and frustration. Begin implementing this process by using the example and employee benefits in this article. Sat, 26 Jul 2008 12:26:55 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Improving_Customer_Service_-_Explain_the_Benefit_For_Employees,_Not_Customers_1542061x1217089615.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Improving_Customer_Service_-_Explain_the_Benefit_For_Employees,_Not_Customers_1542061x1217089615.htm It's Monday morning and you hate your job. Your weekend was average. You tried to disconnect from your "prison" as much as you could, but the thoughts of your job still crept into your brain at every turn. Sat, 26 Jul 2008 09:55:08 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Your_Physiology_Affects_The_Service_You_Give_1384756x1217080508.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Your_Physiology_Affects_The_Service_You_Give_1384756x1217080508.htm Where do your customers eyes go? Take a moment to look around your business through the eyes of your customer. Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:57:54 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Eyes_Have_It_1384738x1216947474.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Eyes_Have_It_1384738x1216947474.htm Do you see yourself - or your organization - the same way your Customers do? Measuring successes and setbacks is critical for real learning and for truly informed decision making. Kevin reminds us that using both yardsticks - your's and your Customers' - is important when measuring results. Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:19:34 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/What_Yardstick_Do_You_Choose_1384762x1216927174.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/What_Yardstick_Do_You_Choose_1384762x1216927174.htm Although online merchants will frequently not do business with customers who cannot receive a UPS or FedEx trackable delivery, purchases by military personnel are a valid exception. Although these shipments must go through the US Postal Service at a higher shipping rate, and are not trackable or signature-verified, supporting our service men and women is not at all a risky business. Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:34:15 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Helping_Those_Who_Serve_-_The_Military_1537904x1216884855.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Helping_Those_Who_Serve_-_The_Military_1537904x1216884855.htm CRM is a tool of the millennium. What it is used for is something that will dictate how the business will go on. Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:05:31 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Gist_Of_CRM_BSC_1384760x1216879531.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Gist_Of_CRM_BSC_1384760x1216879531.htm Christmas cards were invented in England in the 1800s and have a long standing tradition now in America. Here is a brief history on the creation of the Christmas card and some interesting facts on how they have evolved through the ages. Today corporate Christmas cards are quite popular and can increase business loyalty and build business relationships. Thu, 24 Jul 2008 01:03:12 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_History_of_Corporate_Christmas_Cards_1411698x1216875792.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_History_of_Corporate_Christmas_Cards_1411698x1216875792.htm Delivering the best customer experience must be your top priority if you want to succeed in online businesses. Find out where to start! Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:05:35 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Are_You_Delivering_the_Best_Customer_Experience_1533574x1216847135.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Are_You_Delivering_the_Best_Customer_Experience_1533574x1216847135.htm Excellence in customer service is not a destination, it's a journey, a rite of passage during which the scenery changes. So, use best practice to set minimum standards for delivering on excellence in customer service. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:33:46 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Everyones_a_Customer_-_7_Tips_to_Help_Your_Journey_to_Excellent_Customer_Care_1533577x1216845226.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Everyones_a_Customer_-_7_Tips_to_Help_Your_Journey_to_Excellent_Customer_Care_1533577x1216845226.htm If your business has unhappy customers, or you are looking for ways to make your customer service even better, there are some simple things you can do to improve. In this article we look at easy ways that you can make your customers connect with your brand, become loyal customers, and spread the message to their friends. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:29:58 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Keeping_Your_Business_Customers_Happy_1533581x1216837798.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Keeping_Your_Business_Customers_Happy_1533581x1216837798.htm Lots of companies are outsourcing their customer services and inbound calls to third party call centers. Its a terrible idea, and totally counteracts your marketing efforts. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:32:32 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Mistaking_a_Call_Center_For_Customer_Service_Kills_Your_Marketing_Efforts_1537903x1216834352.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Mistaking_a_Call_Center_For_Customer_Service_Kills_Your_Marketing_Efforts_1537903x1216834352.htm What does your lobby say about your store? Has your product packaging lost you a lot of sales? Your customers are people that you want to want to purchase your products, but never forget: at their core, they are still very human. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 04:16:42 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Reaching_Your_Customers_1533578x1216801002.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Reaching_Your_Customers_1533578x1216801002.htm To be able to deliver amazing customer service you need to know what your customers really want. Take the time to discover this and you'll be positioned to deliver the best service your customers have ever had. Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:22:12 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Forget_Who_Your_Customers_Are_-_Focus_on_What_They_Want_1384740x1216740132.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Forget_Who_Your_Customers_Are_-_Focus_on_What_They_Want_1384740x1216740132.htm "What's your name?" If you run a company, this is a question your customers should never have to ask an employee. Since it is not practical in many types of businesses to expect your employees to introduce themselves to each customer that walks in, name badges are a great alternative. Mon, 21 Jul 2008 04:00:28 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Where_is_Your_Name_Badge_1533573x1216627228.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Where_is_Your_Name_Badge_1533573x1216627228.htm The secret to making people sit up and take notice of you and your company is to identify and address the problems they are facing. Discover marketing tactics you can use to offer people a taste of your products and services in a way that addresses key concerns or issues your prospect is experiencing and gives a suggested solution - one that your service provides. Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:21:58 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Start_a_Conversation_With_Your_Customers_1437547x1216592518.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Start_a_Conversation_With_Your_Customers_1437547x1216592518.htm Customer service has become a valuable aspect in business as it allows a company to maintain its competitive advantage. With a wide range of choices available to the modern consumers, ensuring satisfaction in every shopping experience is crucial to success. This is an organizational need that mystery shopping addresses. As a marketing research tool, mystery shopping enables your company to test the effectiveness of your customer service initiatives and maximize your company's potential. Sun, 20 Jul 2008 14:12:37 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Mystery_Shopping_-_A_Proven_Way_Forward_in_Customer_Service_1516219x1216577557.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Mystery_Shopping_-_A_Proven_Way_Forward_in_Customer_Service_1516219x1216577557.htm The first step in getting customers to come back is giving them what they want. This article offers practical advice to learn exactly what your customers want from you so you can help them get what they want. Sun, 20 Jul 2008 05:13:22 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/For_Best_Service,_Know_What_Your_Customers_Want_1533582x1216545202.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/For_Best_Service,_Know_What_Your_Customers_Want_1533582x1216545202.htm Let's think about doing a training Flip Flop. Since we know that adults retain more information when they see, hear, and do all at the same time, lets go ahead and get the trainees totally involved in their training. Let's have the trainees train 70% of the material to... each other. Give it a try and see what you think of our Flip Flop Training. Sat, 19 Jul 2008 04:36:33 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Flip_Flop_Training_1384809x1216456593.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Flip_Flop_Training_1384809x1216456593.htm Remember that the best form of marketing is word-of-mouth referrals. Is the customer experience that you're providing good enough for someone to recommend to their best friend? Read about how a restaurant server threw away a $50,000 ice cream sundae because of his poor customer service practices. Fri, 18 Jul 2008 23:53:11 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_$50,000_Ice_Cream_Sundae_1411681x1216439591.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_$50,000_Ice_Cream_Sundae_1411681x1216439591.htm Many companies have already outsourced their customer support to countries where labor is relatively cheap. By offshoring, these companies have one thing in mind and that is the amount of savings they will have by bringing their business to a place where cheap labor exists. But recently, these offshoring attempts have been thoroughly criticized by the companies' very own customers because of language barriers that tend to frustrate them. Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:31:47 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Make_Money_Online_With_Customer_Service_1453959x1216398707.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Make_Money_Online_With_Customer_Service_1453959x1216398707.htm Customer service and efficiency can make or break your restaurant business. An effective restaurant staff training program can be easily implemented and have long term pay offs. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 02:53:24 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Restaurant_Staff_Training_Tips_1516214x1216277604.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Restaurant_Staff_Training_Tips_1516214x1216277604.htm Customer Service stinks! And, most businesses don't seem to care. How did we get in this mess, and how do we get out? This article provides some insights and recommendations. Wed, 16 Jul 2008 22:16:06 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Treat_the_Customer_Special_--_Because_He_is_Special!_1384747x1216260966.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Treat_the_Customer_Special_--_Because_He_is_Special!_1384747x1216260966.htm Nothing sets the standard for excellent customer service more than excellent employee service. It's critical to measure the level of customer service. It's also critical to measure the level of employee service. There is a direct correlation between the two. Take the six elements of excellent employee service from this article and see where your organization stands. If you want better customer service, start with better employee service. Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:54:23 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Excellent_Customer_Service_Starts_With_Excellent_Employee_Service_1516225x1216245263.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Excellent_Customer_Service_Starts_With_Excellent_Employee_Service_1516225x1216245263.htm Retail business owners and managers are always looking for the best possible means to promote items in their stores. Creating focal points in your store displays is a great way to improve their effectiveness. Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:04:20 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Creating_Focal_Points_In_Your_Retail_Display_1384755x1216242260.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Creating_Focal_Points_In_Your_Retail_Display_1384755x1216242260.htm Business success is built on satisfied customers who continue to do business with us and who are willing to share a goodwill message with others about us and the products and services we offer. Do you know how to play the game successfully? Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:52:50 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Game_of_Service_1453961x1216237970.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Game_of_Service_1453961x1216237970.htm Did you ever have customers who seemed happy but suddenly stopped doing business with you? Did you ever wonder why? Obviously, something displeased them - your customer service, your product or your attitude, perhaps? Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:31:21 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Feedback_-_Why_is_it_So_Important_1516235x1216225881.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Feedback_-_Why_is_it_So_Important_1516235x1216225881.htm Have you ever observed an elderly person? If you have not, you should; the elderly, past the point of caring what people think of them, tend to do what they want, when they want to and most importantly, speak their mind with little regard to whether you listen or care about what they have to say. Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:05:18 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Importance_of_Speaking_Frankly_With_Patients_1516222x1216134318.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Importance_of_Speaking_Frankly_With_Patients_1516222x1216134318.htm The success of any business depends on how well it treats its customers. Customer service refers to the ability of an organization to consistently give the customer what he or she wants and needs. Try the following 10 tips to improve the level of customer service in your company and boost its image. Tue, 15 Jul 2008 05:18:54 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Ten_Tips_For_Better_Customer_Service_1516234x1216113534.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Ten_Tips_For_Better_Customer_Service_1516234x1216113534.htm Establishing and maintaining good customer loyalty is vital to the longevity of your business. The benefits of this are huge. This one area, if handled well could define the difference between success and failure and could lead to a long and lasting business which will continue to grow exponentially over time. Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:39:51 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/How_Critical_Is_Customer_Loyalty_To_The_Longevity_Of_Your_Online_Business_1384803x1216060791.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/How_Critical_Is_Customer_Loyalty_To_The_Longevity_Of_Your_Online_Business_1384803x1216060791.htm You will have to decide what lengths you want to go to in order to keep your customers happy. It is important to know how your particular restaurant is going to handle such situations. Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:23:44 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Restaurant_Customers_And_Keeping_Them_Happy_1384793x1216052624.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Restaurant_Customers_And_Keeping_Them_Happy_1384793x1216052624.htm Starting a business is no easy task. Making it and keeping it successful can be even more difficult. Besides the everyday aspects of running a business, there are many small details associated with making a business successful. There is nothing more important to a business than keeping its employees and its customers happy. A business with unhappy employees does not run smoothly. Mon, 14 Jul 2008 07:36:53 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Custom_Business_Invitations_and_Printed_Business_Announcements_Cards_1516223x1216035413.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Custom_Business_Invitations_and_Printed_Business_Announcements_Cards_1516223x1216035413.htm An opportunity missed is an opportunity lost! Hence any business demands prompt customer service. What do you understand by customer service? Mon, 14 Jul 2008 07:18:22 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Service_-_The_Way_to_a_Clients_Heart_1516237x1216034302.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Service_-_The_Way_to_a_Clients_Heart_1516237x1216034302.htm To my customer, I may not have the answer, but I'll find it! I may not have the time, but I'll make it! Yes, this is the essence of managing customer complaints. Mon, 14 Jul 2008 05:28:50 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Complaints_-_How_to_Trump_the_Grump_1516236x1216027730.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Complaints_-_How_to_Trump_the_Grump_1516236x1216027730.htm We all agree with the adage that the customer is king. It is a well known fact that no business can survive without a customer base. Regardless of what business you are in, satisfying customers is really what it's all about. Sun, 13 Jul 2008 15:39:09 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Expand_Your_Business_Through_Customer_Satisfaction_1516232x1215977949.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Expand_Your_Business_Through_Customer_Satisfaction_1516232x1215977949.htm As small business owners, you have a lot riding on how good (or how poor) your customer service department is. Sometimes as a sole proprietor or solo employee, you are the customer service department in addition to all of the other hats you may wear! Sun, 13 Jul 2008 13:05:07 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Hows_Your_Customer_Service_Department_1384770x1215968707.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Hows_Your_Customer_Service_Department_1384770x1215968707.htm Do your employees have excellent real estate property management knowledge? Do they know what will fit into a 5x10 self storage unit or a three bedroom apartment? Do they have advice they can give a customer as to the best way to store their items so it will fit comfortably into the unit or moving advice? Sun, 13 Jul 2008 08:30:04 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Know_What_To_Give_Your_Customers_1384802x1215952204.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Know_What_To_Give_Your_Customers_1384802x1215952204.htm In this technique, you are doing exactly what is implied: trying to convince the customer to buy a different, more expensive product from you. Although successfully upselling a customer might add just a few dollars to the sale, over time (and many customers) it can really add up and significantly increase your revenue. Sun, 13 Jul 2008 03:29:42 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Getting_More_From_Your_Customers_1516239x1215934182.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Getting_More_From_Your_Customers_1516239x1215934182.htm As a business owner you've probably heard about three criteria people use when deciding to do business with you. Consciously, or subconsciously, people do business with people they know, like, and trust. Sat, 12 Jul 2008 13:24:12 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Truth_About_Why_Clients_Choose_Your_Business_1384731x1215883452.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Truth_About_Why_Clients_Choose_Your_Business_1384731x1215883452.htm Too often I hear people give bad advice to others about how to talk with new potential clients. Rather than focus on what the customer is trying to accomplish now, they try to get their foot in the door for a long-term relationship with the company. Sat, 12 Jul 2008 12:29:39 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Great_Customer_Service_Means_Giving_Your_Customers_What_They_Want_1506519x1215880179.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Great_Customer_Service_Means_Giving_Your_Customers_What_They_Want_1506519x1215880179.htm What's the most valuable asset of any business? No, it's not the product or service you provide... it's your customers or clients. And there's almost nothing as beneficial to your long term business success as finding effective ways to make your customers feel important, valued, and appreciated. And of course, in terms of developing new customers, finding ways to set yourself apart and offer a little bit extra will go far in bringing new business to your company as well. Sat, 12 Jul 2008 09:04:56 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Using_Entertainment_to_Create_Great_Customer_Appreciation_Events_1521583x1215867896.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Using_Entertainment_to_Create_Great_Customer_Appreciation_Events_1521583x1215867896.htm Balanced scorecard banking is quite different from the other scorecards that companies use to measure how they are performing in terms of CTQs or Critical to Quality standards. Any business needs to have a standard of reference of what is right and what is wrong. These standards are always based on the specifications of the end users or customers, as well as the financial impact a process will bring. Sat, 12 Jul 2008 06:03:24 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Key_To_Balanced_Scorecard_Banking_1525344x1215857004.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Key_To_Balanced_Scorecard_Banking_1525344x1215857004.htm When times are tough, everybody is in a bad mood, and it looks like making a sale is as rare as finding a diamond on the streets, slashing the sales and customer service force is not the right way to reduce cost. Find out what you should do instead. Fri, 11 Jul 2008 18:24:59 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Whats_the_Best_Customer_Service_During_a_Recession_1457219x1215815099.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Whats_the_Best_Customer_Service_During_a_Recession_1457219x1215815099.htm It is crucial for meeting the financial and productive goals of your business, that you make the right choice. But how do you know which CRM solution to choose? Read the article to find top 5 reasons to opt for web based crm solution for small business. Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:03:49 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/CRM_Solution_For_Small_Business_-_Top_5_Reasons_To_Opt_Web_Based_CRM_1384805x1215803029.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/CRM_Solution_For_Small_Business_-_Top_5_Reasons_To_Opt_Web_Based_CRM_1384805x1215803029.htm History has shown that many companies think of customer service as a reactionary response to a customer issue/problem. In the past and still in present day Customer Service focuses on how to deal with customer complaints/issues after the customer is already unhappy about an issue. This is like closing the barn door after the horses got out. Fri, 11 Jul 2008 04:58:13 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Proactive_Customer_Service_1516218x1215766693.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Proactive_Customer_Service_1516218x1215766693.htm One of the biggest obstacles we face in providing amazing customer service is spending time and energy changing things we cannot control. To be most effective we need to focus on where we can produce the results we want. Here are some tips to do that. Fri, 11 Jul 2008 04:17:28 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/To_Deliver_Amazing_Service_Remember_What_You_Control_1446225x1215764248.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/To_Deliver_Amazing_Service_Remember_What_You_Control_1446225x1215764248.htm When travelling to Japan is is hard not to notice the politeness of the people, especially so in the shops, malls and businesses. It is well worth a look at how and why they seem to have or at least present perfect customer service. Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:31:24 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Service_in_Japan_1500381x1215736284.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Service_in_Japan_1500381x1215736284.htm Improving customer service is an important objective that most businesses need to satisfy in order to remain competitive. Having a third-party observe the situation often reveals simple yet significant things that, when rectified, will lead to greater customer satisfaction. Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:54:36 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Undercover_Customers_on_the_Hunt_For_Great_Service_1533583x1215636876.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Undercover_Customers_on_the_Hunt_For_Great_Service_1533583x1215636876.htm Too often employees disregard what their customers think. This is a fast track to fewer customers. So here are some tips to help increase customer loyalty by improving customer service. Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:30:44 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Service_Means_Respecting_Your_Customers_Opinion_1500380x1215617444.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Service_Means_Respecting_Your_Customers_Opinion_1500380x1215617444.htm Every day things go wrong in the service world and we are faced with the challenge of turning service failures into service recoveries. But what does it really take to restore customer confidence and regain goodwill? I began to explore that question more than 10 years ago and since that time I have studied service failure and service recovery from every possible angle and I have benchmarked best-in-service companies throughout the world. Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:51:14 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/How_to_Completely_Restore_Customer_Confidence_After_Things_Go_Wrong_1493470x1215611474.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/How_to_Completely_Restore_Customer_Confidence_After_Things_Go_Wrong_1493470x1215611474.htm Organizations believe that they provide exactly what customers desire. Ask any firm and the Paretto Principle prevails. 80 percent of most organizations believe they deliver exemplary customer service. Ironically, less then 20 percent do. Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:28:19 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/How_to_Address_the_Customer_Service_Gap_1490277x1215592099.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/How_to_Address_the_Customer_Service_Gap_1490277x1215592099.htm Amazing customer service is not hard. But it does require consistency and attention to details. Here's how one company does it well. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:35:47 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Any_Business_Can_Deliver_a_Great_Customer_Experience_1384741x1215560147.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Any_Business_Can_Deliver_a_Great_Customer_Experience_1384741x1215560147.htm As a retail consultant I am constantly observing examples of stellar customer service. This isn't one of those examples and, in fact, this story is about service that is costing the business tons of money. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:41:15 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Service_Lessons_From_the_Road_-_Part_2_-_Killing_Snakes_1493473x1215542475.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Service_Lessons_From_the_Road_-_Part_2_-_Killing_Snakes_1493473x1215542475.htm Fire them! That seems to be a growing trend in business. Sometimes, keeping a customer happy is more expensive than losing their business, or they are more problematic than they are worth. Is that how you do business? You might have to consider it, so here are some things to think about. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:26:06 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Problem_Customers,_What_Can_You_Do_1506517x1215530766.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Problem_Customers,_What_Can_You_Do_1506517x1215530766.htm Customer service is false propaganda. Before you think I am nuts, let me explain. The product manufacturer gives customer service surveys and the business gives customer surveys. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:09:22 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Most_Important_Customer_1493471x1215529762.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Most_Important_Customer_1493471x1215529762.htm It seems obvious. Your customers are one of your company's biggest assets. Everyone knows that. And, by the same logic your customer success stories should be your biggest sales and marketing asset. Yet, so many companies do not have case studies to support their sales and marketing efforts. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 05:07:09 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Your_Biggest_Asset_-_Customer_Success_Stories!_1384743x1215508029.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Your_Biggest_Asset_-_Customer_Success_Stories!_1384743x1215508029.htm It has always been said that the call centre is a different breed of business. It is therefore also a given that the way a call centre KPI is measured is different from what is normally expected. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:45:19 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Different_Ways_To_Measure_Call_Centre_KPI_1446229x1215492319.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Different_Ways_To_Measure_Call_Centre_KPI_1446229x1215492319.htm Customer service over the phone requires close attention to the enthusiasm, warmth and confidence our voice tone conveys. Since only 38% of the impact of any communication is voice tone and quality, we have to provide our clients with a mental image that builds trust and confidence. Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:07:15 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Service_-_How_to_Project_a_Trustworthy_Image_Over_the_Phone_1493475x1215454035.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Service_-_How_to_Project_a_Trustworthy_Image_Over_the_Phone_1493475x1215454035.htm What's the point of customer satisfaction surveys for credit unions? If you are the customer these surveys can be annoying and seemingly a waste of time. However, the banking institutes that offer them are eagerly awaiting the return of those customer satisfaction surveys for credit unions. Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:24:13 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Satisfaction_Surveys_For_Credit_Unions_Are_So_Annoying_and_Oh_So_Powerful_1446228x1215451453.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Satisfaction_Surveys_For_Credit_Unions_Are_So_Annoying_and_Oh_So_Powerful_1446228x1215451453.htm Quality assurance has been defined as a process that allows a person to take meaningful and deliberate steps to attain a specific target or ambition. Many companies use quality assurance employees or companies in order that they know at all times that their company has the highest standards for products and employees. A big question that a lot of people might have is, if quality assurance helps so many companies and is so effective in creating successful businesses, why do individuals not take these same tactics and apply them in their everyday lives? Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:21:27 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Applying_Quality_Assurance_to_Our_Lives_1488047x1215447687.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Applying_Quality_Assurance_to_Our_Lives_1488047x1215447687.htm Even the best-run companies can and do commit errors regarding the customers they service and the accounts that they manage. Some companies, thinking that all their customers are equally important, commit the often fatal mistake of giving each and every account the same level of importance and try to serve these disparate accounts and customers equally. And even if this mistake does not lead to a meltdown, it can result in a drain in resources. Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:15:49 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Not_Every_Customer_is_a_Good_Customer;_Companies_Need_to_Learn_How_to_Prioritize_1500379x1215447349.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Not_Every_Customer_is_a_Good_Customer;_Companies_Need_to_Learn_How_to_Prioritize_1500379x1215447349.htm During a recent road trip I witnessed customer service that sabotaged the owner's efforts. Here are the stories. Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:48:10 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Service_Lessons_From_the_Road_-_Part_1_1490278x1215431290.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Service_Lessons_From_the_Road_-_Part_1_1490278x1215431290.htm Every website has a lot more shoppers than buyers. Online business owners have addressed this problem by studying consumer preferences. Here are some of the top reasons visitors don't always become customers, and suggestions for improving on any limitations that apply. Sun, 06 Jul 2008 16:35:47 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Top_Reasons_Why_Customers_Leave_Without_Buying_1384772x1215376547.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Top_Reasons_Why_Customers_Leave_Without_Buying_1384772x1215376547.htm More people choose to work from home in the customer service industry. This is because it is cost efficient and convenient. Recent studies show that those who work out of their home make an average of 5 USD more than those who receive calls from a centralized office. Sun, 06 Jul 2008 12:37:10 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Service_Training_1488046x1215362230.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Service_Training_1488046x1215362230.htm Every company is going to need them. You're going to have your best and most loyal customers. Recognizing who they are in order to get them to keep coming back is important, but it's also important to know why they're so loyal to begin with. Sun, 06 Jul 2008 07:00:43 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Building_Up_Your_Base_Through_Loyal_Customers_1443007x1215342043.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Building_Up_Your_Base_Through_Loyal_Customers_1443007x1215342043.htm The most important aspect of your business isn't your product or service; it's your people - your employees, co-workers and customers. That can be easy to forget. You get so wrapped up in producing your product just so and marketing your service to drive customers in the door, but then what? Sun, 06 Jul 2008 06:12:27 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/How_to_Treat_Your_Customers_So_Theyll_Keep_Coming_Back_1493476x1215339147.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/How_to_Treat_Your_Customers_So_Theyll_Keep_Coming_Back_1493476x1215339147.htm Web based CRM allows a company to reap all the benefits of a CRM system, and is ideal for large as well as small to medium sized companies. Read the article to find more information on benefits of web based CRM. Sat, 05 Jul 2008 18:56:30 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Web_Based_CRM_-_Benefits_1490279x1215298590.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Web_Based_CRM_-_Benefits_1490279x1215298590.htm Diversity comes in all shapes and sizes. Not just with regard to ethnicity, but diversity in size, age, health, education, disability, sexual orientation, body size, family, gender, class and skill. If you added all kinds of diversity together, a myriad of biases, communication problems, stereotypes and prejudices can come into play. Sat, 05 Jul 2008 11:44:49 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Service_and_Diversity_1493474x1215272689.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Service_and_Diversity_1493474x1215272689.htm Here it is! The Top Ten Signs of Poor Customer Service, and what to do about them! Sat, 05 Jul 2008 01:47:57 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Top_Ten_Signs_of_Poor_Customer_Service_1488049x1215236877.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Top_Ten_Signs_of_Poor_Customer_Service_1488049x1215236877.htm It can be said that everyone has had a great customer service experience at some point in their life. Whether it was when you went out for pizza or took your family out to one of the local restaurants, you have come across someone that has wowed you with their customer service. When you think about what customer service means to you, what do you think about? Sat, 05 Jul 2008 01:36:46 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Providing_Excellent_Customer_Service_1488048x1215236206.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Providing_Excellent_Customer_Service_1488048x1215236206.htm Every store owner believes his customer service is good, but is it really? What constitutes superior customer service? How can you improve yours? Fri, 04 Jul 2008 13:13:27 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Superior_Customer_Service_-_5_Great_Ideas_1437550x1215191607.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Superior_Customer_Service_-_5_Great_Ideas_1437550x1215191607.htm It was once said that you can succeed in any business or industry if you learn how to do one thing well: treat your customers like kings and queens. Have you ever had a customer complain about your business? How do you handle negative online reviews? The Internet is rapidly changing the interaction between your business and your customers. It is also opening up new opportunities. Fri, 04 Jul 2008 09:54:19 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Using_the_Web_to_Provide_Excellent_Customer_Service_-_Four_Things_You_Can_Do_Today_1485973x1215179659.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Using_the_Web_to_Provide_Excellent_Customer_Service_-_Four_Things_You_Can_Do_Today_1485973x1215179659.htm Customer Service Representatives and telemarketers require great skills, attitude and energy to carry on tasks at night. Call it a tough job because it demands having strong sales skills. Of course, we all know that right mind-set and liveliness are the key essentials while taking calls but indisputably so does sales skills. Fri, 04 Jul 2008 06:38:12 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Turn_That_NO_Into_a_YES_Sale_1437552x1215167892.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Turn_That_NO_Into_a_YES_Sale_1437552x1215167892.htm Today, you must show what you've produced. What have you done today that has impacted the growth or profitability of the company? What would you do differently if it were your business? Would you get up an hour earlier so you can get started without interruption? Would you constantly search for ways to improve the service to your customers? Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:46:31 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Exceptional_Employees_Operate_Like_Owners_1488051x1215146791.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Exceptional_Employees_Operate_Like_Owners_1488051x1215146791.htm "For changes to be of any true value, they've got to be lasting and consistent." By: Anthony Robbins: Authority on leadership psychology. For many of you out there, running a business can be a daunting task. For you small business owners, you are not only the president and CEO but you are also, the accountant, the marketing guru, human resources and everything else under the sun. Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:20:29 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Extra_Revenue_For_Your_Website_Could_Be_a_Discount_Away_1484485x1215116429.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Extra_Revenue_For_Your_Website_Could_Be_a_Discount_Away_1484485x1215116429.htm Customer Service is an experience best enjoyed without the use of a cattle prod. Read on and see if your organization is being prodded. Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:46:48 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Service_and_the_Cattle_Prod_1488050x1215110808.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Service_and_the_Cattle_Prod_1488050x1215110808.htm Keeping in touch with your customers is one of the most important skills you can learn. Find out how to do it effectively. Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:32:13 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Why_Communicating_With_Clients_is_an_Essential_Business_Skill_1488053x1215099133.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Why_Communicating_With_Clients_is_an_Essential_Business_Skill_1488053x1215099133.htm Business success is dependent of many factors; namely a realistic business idea, an outstanding business plan, a superior marketing strategy and great customer service. Although you may tend to put customer service in the same category as marketing, it has its own purpose in making a business successful. Find out the difference and how that difference can impact your business. Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:49:35 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Role_of_Customer_Service_in_Business_Success_1474269x1215096575.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Role_of_Customer_Service_in_Business_Success_1474269x1215096575.htm CRM (Customer Relationship Management) is a series of IT related processes employed by most major organisations in order to effectively manage their customer relations and communications. They allow businesses to gain in-depth knowledge of their customers, allowing them to respond to the needs of their clients and market their products more effectively. The concept behind CRM solutions is they allow businesses to integrate all aspects of their activities seamlessly, in order to create a united, professional image. Thu, 03 Jul 2008 04:34:42 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_History_of_CRM_1485975x1215074082.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_History_of_CRM_1485975x1215074082.htm Attraction, whether we are talking about it in terms of attracting a mate or attracting a prospect, the same theories and rules apply. Have you ever wondered why some people fall in love with your product or service or even YOU with such intensity, after just one or two touches? They hear you or see you and know they have to have more of you. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 23:44:48 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Love_at_First_Sight_-_How_to_Make_Your_Prospects_Fall_in_Love_With_You_and_Your_Business_Instantly_1474266x1215056688.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Love_at_First_Sight_-_How_to_Make_Your_Prospects_Fall_in_Love_With_You_and_Your_Business_Instantly_1474266x1215056688.htm The 2008 Republican National Convention is a huge event for its host city. Here are 10 customer service tips to make it a great event that helps the host city shine. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 23:35:45 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Top_Ten_Customer_Service_Tips_For_the_2008_Republican_National_Convention_1484486x1215056145.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Top_Ten_Customer_Service_Tips_For_the_2008_Republican_National_Convention_1484486x1215056145.htm It's always 10% of this and 10% of that. Read about the 10% factor and how it relates to Customer Service. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 22:46:33 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_10%_Factor_in_Customer_Service_1446222x1215053193.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_10%_Factor_in_Customer_Service_1446222x1215053193.htm Are you losing customers to the competition? Discover why customers leave you for your competitors and what you can do to keep them for life! Never lose a customer again!! Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:11:20 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Loyalty_-_How_to_Make_Sure_You_Dont_Lose_Your_Customers_to_the_Competition_1485978x1215018680.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Loyalty_-_How_to_Make_Sure_You_Dont_Lose_Your_Customers_to_the_Competition_1485978x1215018680.htm Clients are always important for every business entities. No matter what kind of business you are operating, you need to be in touch with your clients at every point of time for their important feedback, queries and complaints regarding your services and product offerings. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:48:02 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Importance_of_Clients_Interaction_1485977x1215013682.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Importance_of_Clients_Interaction_1485977x1215013682.htm Customers can be hard to handle from time to time and for those who are in customer service industry, you can come across different kind of people who are difficult customers themselves. In the service line, you will always endeavor to make your customers happy and satisfied but there are the odd ones who will make known their dissatisfaction explicitly through yelling and cursing. Irrespective of the situations, you need to be levelheaded when dealing and coping with difficult customers... Wed, 02 Jul 2008 09:14:16 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Coping_With_Difficult_Customers_1488052x1215004456.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Coping_With_Difficult_Customers_1488052x1215004456.htm It takes two seconds to make sure you give your patients the care they deserve. Are you taking this necessary step to ensure their continued happiness? Wed, 02 Jul 2008 07:24:23 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Practice_Management_For_Dentists_-_Why_Your_Patients_Leave_1411700x1214997863.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Practice_Management_For_Dentists_-_Why_Your_Patients_Leave_1411700x1214997863.htm It is extremely important to have a customer retention plan. A strong retention plan will improve your relationships with existing customers as well as provide a strong base for retaining your future clients or customers. Their are 7 main benefits of a retention program that are guaranteed to build strong, long lasting relationships with your customers. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:28:08 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/7_Benefits_To_Having_A_Customer_Retention_Plan_1384771x1214994488.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/7_Benefits_To_Having_A_Customer_Retention_Plan_1384771x1214994488.htm In the rush to draw in as many customers as possible, companies fail to remember those who have already given them business. The idea of expanding your customer base is so ingrained in the minds of most business owners they don't think about who they already have in their rush to get more. Getting new people to shop with you is always going to be harder than bringing back those who already have. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:10:24 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Dont_Forget_Your_Loyal_Customers_1384811x1214993424.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Dont_Forget_Your_Loyal_Customers_1384811x1214993424.htm As a business owner, and as a customer myself, I've seen my fair share of do's and don'ts in the realm of customer service, and I know what makes for a bad, average, and stellar customer experience. So, as a business owner who cares about repeat business and establishing a reputation to enable your business to grow, there are some tips to live and breathe by when it comes to customer service. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 02:16:30 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/How_to_Not_Lose_Customers_-_Tips_Every_Business_Owner_Needs_to_Know_1446227x1214979390.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/How_to_Not_Lose_Customers_-_Tips_Every_Business_Owner_Needs_to_Know_1446227x1214979390.htm Communication. This is not a word thought about frequently yet we do it all the time. Songs, stories and poems are written and movies made about the communication people have not only with each other, but deities, animals and even our machines. Why is this so important? Well, for starters it allows each person to learn about others. Communication opens doors and sometimes closes them on new and old relationships; it vocalizes mood and feeling and helps with expression of needs and wants. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:56:52 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Customers_and_Communication_1485974x1214974612.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Customers_and_Communication_1485974x1214974612.htm 1. People keep them - I've seen plenty of handwritten cards lovingly saved on the fridge, desk or a mantle. I'm yet to see too many emails, faxes or text messages souvenired like this. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:42:54 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Why_Send_a_Handwritten_Card_1500378x1214970174.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Why_Send_a_Handwritten_Card_1500378x1214970174.htm It can seem so technical. Only large companies are going to have extensive databases about all of their sales along with any other information they feel like keeping track of. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:28:56 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Importance_of_Databases_1384744x1214954936.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Importance_of_Databases_1384744x1214954936.htm Employees in many cases know more about customers than owners or managers. When an employee leaves a company their specific customer knowledge can be lost forever or worse end up with a competitor. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:20:48 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Great_Customer_Service_Begins_With_Great_Employees_1411687x1214954448.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Great_Customer_Service_Begins_With_Great_Employees_1411687x1214954448.htm For customers to feel like their opinions matter to a company is very important to many of them. Most people want to feel as if they are needed and valued in some way, and this is true not just in their personal interactions, but in their professional interactions as well. Because of this, more and more businesses are using CRM software in their dealings with customers. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:19:56 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/CRM_Software_-_How_To_Make_Customers_Feel_At_Home_1384822x1214954396.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/CRM_Software_-_How_To_Make_Customers_Feel_At_Home_1384822x1214954396.htm Are you working to make money, or are you working to serve? It may seem like a silly question, since we all like to be compensated for our time and talent. What I'm really referring to is your mindset - your primary motivation while at work. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 03:11:23 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/What_Are_You_Working_For_1474267x1214896283.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/What_Are_You_Working_For_1474267x1214896283.htm Improving customer service does not always require massive changes. More often small, incremental changes will produce the outcomes we want. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:26:33 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Improve_Customer_Service_by_Focusing_on_Small_Changes_1484487x1214889993.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Improve_Customer_Service_by_Focusing_on_Small_Changes_1484487x1214889993.htm Has customer service gone out the window? Has the Virtual Age, changed our concept and understanding of what is good customer service? Seems to me that there is still a lot to learn, virtual or not! Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:09:45 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Service_in_the_Virtual_Age_1485979x1214849385.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Service_in_the_Virtual_Age_1485979x1214849385.htm Courier services are a great way to save time and money for your business, especially in a busy district like DC. So what does a courier service do for you? A courier service will provide you with door to door shipping and delivery of all your packages, letters, and other important shipments that your company needs to send or receive. Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:08:10 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Top_5_Benefits_of_Courier_Services_in_DC_1453964x1214842090.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Top_5_Benefits_of_Courier_Services_in_DC_1453964x1214842090.htm Waitress tips are left by customers who have had a meal there. It isn't mandatory part of the meal but one that is customary. You will find that some people don't leave a tip if they are very unhappy with the food or the service. Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:02:21 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Depending_on_Waitress_Tips_1474272x1214830941.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Depending_on_Waitress_Tips_1474272x1214830941.htm High employee engagement delivers greater call centre productivity. The solution is simpler than you would think. Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:07:48 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Employee_Engagement_-_Call_Centre_Solution_1384748x1214827668.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Employee_Engagement_-_Call_Centre_Solution_1384748x1214827668.htm This trip was a combination of work and research. I had been invited to speak at the SOCAP Symposium which was being held in the Disney World Swan Hotel, Orlando. And what a fantastic experience this was. his was my very first opportunity to speak to an American audience. And, given my mission statement for The WOW! Awards, this was a real peak in my career. Mon, 30 Jun 2008 06:31:07 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Forget_Satisfaction_and_Loyalty!_What_I_Really_Learnt_on_a_Trip_to_Disney_World_1471309x1214821867.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Forget_Satisfaction_and_Loyalty!_What_I_Really_Learnt_on_a_Trip_to_Disney_World_1471309x1214821867.htm Every retailer talks about good customer service, but what is good customer service. For that matter what does customer service mean. Here are my thoughts. Mon, 30 Jun 2008 05:41:13 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Service_Defined_1443005x1214818873.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Service_Defined_1443005x1214818873.htm For many UK businesses experiments in off shoring their customer contact operations have been a bad experience; with many seeing a rise in complaints from customers relating to a lack of quality customer care. For companies who want to return their customer care to the UK yet still reduce their overheads, the answer could lie in 'home shoring'. Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:52:16 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/How_Can_UK_Business_Improve_Customer_Service_Yet_Remain_Cost_Efficient_1474271x1214815936.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/How_Can_UK_Business_Improve_Customer_Service_Yet_Remain_Cost_Efficient_1474271x1214815936.htm When you are asked to define good customer service what are the first thoughts that come to mind? The ability to supply your customers' wants and needs, whether they are new or existing customers. Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:32:11 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Define_Good_Customer_Service_1471313x1214814731.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Define_Good_Customer_Service_1471313x1214814731.htm Many organizations are looking for the quick fix when it comes to attracting and retaining both customers and talent. While I usually say, "there is no quick fix to anything," today I'm going to share a story that will show you how to do it right. Is it a quick fix? You bet -- as long as you make firm commitment upon completing this newsletter. Sun, 29 Jun 2008 20:38:23 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Seriously!_Just_Tell_Me_the_Truth_1411692x1214786303.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Seriously!_Just_Tell_Me_the_Truth_1411692x1214786303.htm Let 2008 be the year where exceptional service is not just a buzzword or flavor of the month. Commit to not settling for "good" or acceptable service delivery from your team (and yourself). Only exceptional service will do. Fully engaging your customers requires dedication, commitment, and action. Follow the 7 principles, and your customers will always follow you. Sun, 29 Jun 2008 14:41:24 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Engagement_-_7_Principles_To_Fully_Engage_Your_Customers_-_Part_2_1384785x1214764884.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Engagement_-_7_Principles_To_Fully_Engage_Your_Customers_-_Part_2_1384785x1214764884.htm You would think that with a sluggish economy that consumers would not put such emphasis on high standards of excellence. Today, consumers are concerned about value and getting the most for their money. Consumers are expecting those spa types of experiences where they feel they are getting pampered even with tele-service organizations. Sun, 29 Jun 2008 13:40:56 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Unforgettable_Service_is_a_Touch_of_Class_1474268x1214761256.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Unforgettable_Service_is_a_Touch_of_Class_1474268x1214761256.htm Selling to customers who have already bought from you is much easier than constantly looking for new ones. Find out how to make lifetime customers out of your buyers. Sun, 29 Jun 2008 07:54:13 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/How_to_Sell_to_Your_Customers_Over_and_Over_Again_1471319x1214740453.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/How_to_Sell_to_Your_Customers_Over_and_Over_Again_1471319x1214740453.htm Whether your store is beautiful, or not quite, whether it is large or small, and regardless of what you sell, customer service is king. Make sure yours measures up. Sun, 29 Jun 2008 05:32:43 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Retail_Customer_Service_and_a_Hot_Dog_Stand_1474270x1214731963.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Retail_Customer_Service_and_a_Hot_Dog_Stand_1474270x1214731963.htm Market segmentation is one of the primary behavior that a marketing firm takes up to categorize and choose the consumer segment to target. In the process of segmentation, the market is split into groups of customers with similar needs and behavioral or motivational characteristics which constitute distinct market opportunities. India is the second largest consumer market in the world. With over 1 Million potential customers, it comes as no surprise why consumer goods companies see India as fertile ground for expansion and growth. Sun, 29 Jun 2008 03:12:17 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Rural_Marketing_-Indian_Experience_1411693x1214723537.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Rural_Marketing_-Indian_Experience_1411693x1214723537.htm Short article on effective client servicing. The author attempts to share his experience of good client servicing with his supplier (ad agency). Sat, 28 Jun 2008 23:44:13 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Multiple_Rounds_-_Its_All_About_Satisfying_Your_Clients!_1411689x1214711053.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Multiple_Rounds_-_Its_All_About_Satisfying_Your_Clients!_1411689x1214711053.htm This article deals with the different types of clients we come across on a day-to-day basis. Please note that the definitions mentioned below are not based on any recency, frequency and monetary (RFM) value of the clients; they are solely based on my experiences with each of these clients. They do not apply to any specific client segment or nationality - the definitions mentioned below are very general in nature. Sat, 28 Jun 2008 18:46:12 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Categories_of_Clients_1471315x1214693172.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Categories_of_Clients_1471315x1214693172.htm The days of "the customer is always right," are declining, and this is a good thing because equal relationships provide lasting service. Article gives three exercises, developed by gurus in the 7th and 9th centuries, for shifting toward more equal ways of relating. Article places "service" within a historic overview from ancient principles to modern trends. Sat, 28 Jun 2008 10:11:16 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Third_Millennium_Customer_Service_-_Ancients_Advise_Role_Reversal_1471314x1214662276.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Third_Millennium_Customer_Service_-_Ancients_Advise_Role_Reversal_1471314x1214662276.htm Twenty minutes, that is all it takes to become "a knight in shining armor" in your client's eyes, adding stickiness in all of your business relationships. What do I mean by the twenty minute miracle? The twenty minute miracle is something that all successful IT Professionals perform automatically by habit and often without even thinking about it becoming key differentiator between the really successful IT firms and those that struggle to find success in our market. Sat, 28 Jun 2008 09:31:42 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_20_Minute_Miracle_to_Improve_Your_Client_Service_1471316x1214659902.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_20_Minute_Miracle_to_Improve_Your_Client_Service_1471316x1214659902.htm Customer service is the root of customer retention, but just how important is it to retain existing customers if there are many more on the horizon waiting to knock on your door? Why do so many supermarkets issue loyalty cards to their customers? These cards are only for customers, and are not generally used to attract new customers, so why do it? Sat, 28 Jun 2008 05:29:49 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Ideas_For_Improving_Customer_Service_to_Retain_Your_Customer_Base_1453960x1214645389.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Ideas_For_Improving_Customer_Service_to_Retain_Your_Customer_Base_1453960x1214645389.htm Researching your customers is one of the most important things you can do for your bottom line. You won't be able to get people in your door or on your Web site if you don't know who you are marketing to. Sat, 28 Jun 2008 05:10:34 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/How_to_Research_Customers_1411694x1214644234.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/How_to_Research_Customers_1411694x1214644234.htm ased on over 26 years of research and thousands of client issues, we have found four factors clients require. These four factors drive success, control profits and assist to retain clients. Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:47:50 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Four_Success_Factors_For_Customer_Service_1411682x1214614070.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Four_Success_Factors_For_Customer_Service_1411682x1214614070.htm Research shows that 68% of customers leave a business because of indifferent customer service. What do your customers really want? Unless you have a crystal ball, you need to conduct research to find out if you are providing the service that they want. But, you don't have to spend a lot of money to get this vital information. In most cases, you simply need to ask your customers what they think about your service and what you can do to make their experience of dealing with you better. Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:47:28 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Small_Business_Owners_-_How_To_Conduct_Champagne_Customer_Research_On_A_Beer_Budget_1384801x1214614048.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Small_Business_Owners_-_How_To_Conduct_Champagne_Customer_Research_On_A_Beer_Budget_1384801x1214614048.htm Losing site of the big picture can happen to even the best of businesses. When short-term business challenges inevitably arise, decisions can be made in haste to address them. Without a master plan, those seemingly innocent decisions can begin to create a burden for the company in the long run. Most importantly, they can ultimately cripple the customer experience. Fri, 27 Jun 2008 07:03:35 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Experience_-_Fine_Architecture_Or_House_of_Horrors_1471312x1214564615.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Experience_-_Fine_Architecture_Or_House_of_Horrors_1471312x1214564615.htm Successful organizations make the customer the center of their business world. All employees must constantly focus on the customer to insure that service is extraordinary enough to earn customer loyalty. Fri, 27 Jun 2008 02:03:27 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Make_the_Customer_the_Center_of_Your_Universe_1463868x1214546607.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Make_the_Customer_the_Center_of_Your_Universe_1463868x1214546607.htm Stay in touch with customers without spending a fortune. Small efforts can yield big returns in customer loyalty. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 22:53:20 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Using_Newsletters,_Brochures,_Notes_and_Other_Products_to_Keep_in_Touch_With_Customers_1463869x1214535200.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Using_Newsletters,_Brochures,_Notes_and_Other_Products_to_Keep_in_Touch_With_Customers_1463869x1214535200.htm I am a huge fan of good customer service and will reward good customer service providers with repeat business and will highly recommend the business to friends and co-workers. These days it seems that many businesses do not seem to focus much on providing a good overall customer service experience. What they may not realize is that for a good experience, I (as an average consumer) might go to their store instead of another for good customer service, even if they are farther away or even more expensive than competitors. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 22:04:13 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Best_Customer_Service_Ever_1463866x1214532253.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Best_Customer_Service_Ever_1463866x1214532253.htm Do customer surveys pay off with increased profits? Social scientists all over the world have conducted much research across a broad range of industries (including e-businesses) in order to answer this question. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:33:52 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Wise_Investing_-_Customer_Surveys_and_ROI_1471320x1214512432.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Wise_Investing_-_Customer_Surveys_and_ROI_1471320x1214512432.htm Want to jump-start your business relationships in a most effective and efficient way? Step inside to discover a strategy that may plant the seeds of good fortune in the years ahead. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:07:21 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/How_to_Show_Customer_Appreciation_in_10_Minutes_1471323x1214496441.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/How_to_Show_Customer_Appreciation_in_10_Minutes_1471323x1214496441.htm Let's Fire Up the Teams to Drive Quality! No doubt about it, maintaining high standards of quality in the call center world can be a challenge. Call Center information changes are more frequent than the weather changes in Texas and I'm sure that you have heard the old saying about Texas weather. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:12:09 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Weekly_Quality_Flag_1384810x1214482329.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Weekly_Quality_Flag_1384810x1214482329.htm By the way, have you ever walked into one of the national video store franchises? You walk through the familiar doors in search of the newest "Rambo" movie on the way you plan to drop off your last rental - "P.S. - I love You" (My wife's idea). As you walk in the door, you are hit with "hello" from two or three employees. Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:30:51 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/You_Are_a_Leader_-_Customer_Excellence_Begins_With_You_1384742x1214451051.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/You_Are_a_Leader_-_Customer_Excellence_Begins_With_You_1384742x1214451051.htm Find out if your online business is making common online customer service mistakes and what you can do to improve your customer support. Keeping customers happy and building customer relationships leads to word-of-mouth marketing, so your business can't afford to get it wrong. Wed, 25 Jun 2008 17:56:38 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Guide_to_Online_Customer_Service_1471322x1214430998.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Guide_to_Online_Customer_Service_1471322x1214430998.htm This article describes a method for contacting the CEOs of major corporations. It provides consumers with a vehicle to demand appropriate customer service. Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:56:22 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/CEO_Lifestyles_-_Angry_Customers_Fight_Back_by_Calling_CEOs_Direct!_1471310x1214427382.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/CEO_Lifestyles_-_Angry_Customers_Fight_Back_by_Calling_CEOs_Direct!_1471310x1214427382.htm I have to get a gripe off my chest. If you are providing a service or supplying a product and wish to stay in business you must provide support to that product or service. Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:29:22 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Your_Business_Needs_Customer_Service_1463865x1214407762.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Your_Business_Needs_Customer_Service_1463865x1214407762.htm Today, the companies are betting and beating each other not just on product quality, pricing and locational advantages but also on the quality of service being offered to their valuable customers. So important are the services that if undelivered may render the business totally farcical and obsolete. It is apt just not for the service-oriented organizations but also the product-oriented enterprises. Wed, 25 Jun 2008 05:59:41 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Best_Service_Practices_in_Business_1463870x1214387981.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Best_Service_Practices_in_Business_1463870x1214387981.htm How is store doing with customer service? There's only way to find out. Tue, 24 Jun 2008 05:39:46 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Service_Surveys-_Your_Performance_Grade_Card_1463871x1214300386.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Service_Surveys-_Your_Performance_Grade_Card_1463871x1214300386.htm The service industry is one where competition is high and fierce. Start-ups are fairly low in part because the majority of work is dependent upon the entrepreneur selling his or her skills. One major problem is that companies offering very similar or the exact same services often times are weakly differentiated when it comes to what they offer. They may state that their service is superior over their competition. What does this really mean? Having that as the separation between you and your competition will only make it harder to win the contract. Sun, 22 Jun 2008 23:46:09 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Break_the_Mold_in_the_Service_Industry_-_Create_a_Sense_of_Mission_Which_Drives_the_Company_1457328x1214192769.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Break_the_Mold_in_the_Service_Industry_-_Create_a_Sense_of_Mission_Which_Drives_the_Company_1457328x1214192769.htm Choosing the best CRM software can be a daunting task for any business owner. Its important to know what CRM software actually is and what functions you need to make your business a success. Fri, 20 Jun 2008 07:43:09 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/CRM_Software_-_Which_CRM_Will_You_Choose_1463872x1213962189.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/CRM_Software_-_Which_CRM_Will_You_Choose_1463872x1213962189.htm I've noticed a recent trend--everyone is sprinting to prove they're making changes in their business's productivity. They are often going down an unfocused track that will not yield them the results they are looking for. You may be caught in the same sense of urgency. Let's look at some steps that will get you focused at the right pace so that you get the full results you're hoping for to grow your business. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 18:51:22 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Why_Your_Customer_Service_is_Going_Off_Track_1485976x1213915882.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Why_Your_Customer_Service_is_Going_Off_Track_1485976x1213915882.htm It is a very well known fact that online sales will grow in the coming years and hence the importance of selling your products and service over internet. As we all know, a good customer service is a mantra for retaining your customers and it applies to the online business as well. Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:12:54 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Future_of_Online_Business_and_Importance_of_Live_Customer_Support_1533585x1209111174.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Future_of_Online_Business_and_Importance_of_Live_Customer_Support_1533585x1209111174.htm The New York Times has recently released a survey that shows customer service work at home job opportunities have increased by a large amount in United States. Customer service jobs also called call center jobs require employing agents who work at home as customer service agents. The advantage of this type of work is that it provides a steady income to single or stay-at-home parents and the physically challenged. Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:49:57 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Working_At_Home_-_5_Tips_To_Be_A_Customer_Service_Agent_1525254x1207889397.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Working_At_Home_-_5_Tips_To_Be_A_Customer_Service_Agent_1525254x1207889397.htm Every day employees are irritating customers without even realizing it. This article shows you how to keep your customers coming back by not annoying them. Mon, 07 Apr 2008 06:59:37 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Remarkable_Customer_Service_Means_Leaving_the_Spam_in_the_Can_1371199x1207565977.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Remarkable_Customer_Service_Means_Leaving_the_Spam_in_the_Can_1371199x1207565977.htm Everyone is falling all over themselves to give senior citizen discounts, but the problem is that in some cases 30% of your customers are senior citizens. This is due to the changing demographics, and you need to hedge against this expanding customer base that demands and assumes they are entitled to this special discounted price. The baby boomers are retiring and there is going to be 100s of millions of them. So, you need to change your policies and the sooner the better, before you go broke. Mon, 31 Mar 2008 07:59:06 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Learn_How_to_Retroactively_Raise_and_Enforce_the_Senior_Sur-Charge_Specials_on_Your_Customers_1521702x1206964746.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Learn_How_to_Retroactively_Raise_and_Enforce_the_Senior_Sur-Charge_Specials_on_Your_Customers_1521702x1206964746.htm In order to maintain a successful business, organizations need to cultivate their most profitable component. For companies who sell equipment, most profit is gained from the service(s) offered to each client both outside of and within a contract. By focusing on your post-sale service and acquiring new contracts from non-clients, you can take advantage of the most lucrative aspect of your business. Sat, 29 Mar 2008 00:28:12 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Selling_Services_for_Profit_1492794x1206764892.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Selling_Services_for_Profit_1492794x1206764892.htm Jack is a tour bus driver in Key West, Florida. His job is to take cruise ship passengers back and forth from the port of Key West to the popular shopping and dining areas of the island town in his trolley-like open-air vehicle. Jack has another job. Fri, 28 Mar 2008 09:36:16 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Give_Value_First_-_A_(Customer_Service)_Tale_of_Two_Cities_1379741x1206711376.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Give_Value_First_-_A_(Customer_Service)_Tale_of_Two_Cities_1379741x1206711376.htm Remember that you are the first contact for a visitor entering the premises, and therefore you are the face of "Enterprise" that has employed you. The manner in which you greet visitors is a representation of the enterprise's standard for excellence. Your appearance and hygiene must be of the highest standard. No matter how busy the front office becomes you must project a competent, confident, calm, and organized, in control demeanor. When a visitor arrives you should look up from your work immediately and greet the visitor. Here are some tips to be followed while at the front office, so as to ensure that every visitor experiences "Delight", whenever they visit your company. Thu, 27 Mar 2008 04:04:49 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Front_Office_Manners_1344228x1206605089.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Front_Office_Manners_1344228x1206605089.htm You need to define your customer set to as narrow a focus as you can get. I have so many companies, of all sizes, tell me they know their customer set. "It is anyone who will do business with me." Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:54:42 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Your_Customer_Set_1310674x1206539682.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Your_Customer_Set_1310674x1206539682.htm Stephen Covey said it to great applause. That you're most effective when you properly prioritize your time. And the way I remember it, his proposition seemed intellectual and complex...that big box divided into four sections with all those pages of explanation for each! Wed, 26 Mar 2008 03:49:17 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/2_Secrets_To_Making_Your_Customers_Happy_1344231x1206517757.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/2_Secrets_To_Making_Your_Customers_Happy_1344231x1206517757.htm There is a memorable moment in a Woody Allen movie when a guy pompously tries impressing his date by quoting Marshall McLuhan, the media guru. Out of nowhere, McLuhan himself springs forth and says: "Young man, I'm Marshall McLuhan and you don't know the first thing about my ideas!" Devilishly, Woody Allen looks into the camera and asks: "Wouldn't it be great if real life worked like this?" Sometimes it does, especially in unmasking silly and ostentatious policies that diminish the positive perception people have of the customer service they're receiving. Wed, 26 Mar 2008 02:44:34 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Improve_Customer_Retention_by_Abolishing_90%_of_Your_Service_Policies_1374074x1206513874.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Improve_Customer_Retention_by_Abolishing_90%_of_Your_Service_Policies_1374074x1206513874.htm Do you advertise your products and services? Have you ever considered that those actions to attract customers may just be costing you loyal customers? Think not? Then read on. Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:24:07 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Is_Your_Advertising_Costing_You_Loyal_Customers_1364831x1206386647.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Is_Your_Advertising_Costing_You_Loyal_Customers_1364831x1206386647.htm Online customer service has become an essential factor in the growth of any business. Global competition is fierce and service providers are trying their best to improve customer loyalty. It is extremely important to keep customers happy and satisfied... Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:34:19 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Importance_Of_Online_Customer_Service_(Chat_&_Email_Support)_1518309x1206365659.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Importance_Of_Online_Customer_Service_(Chat_&_Email_Support)_1518309x1206365659.htm Which do you think is better, naughty or nice? If you're like me, I'd say that you'll still choose a more personal customer service that exudes niceness any day. Mon, 24 Mar 2008 02:08:14 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Naughty_Or_Nice_1492156x1206338894.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Naughty_Or_Nice_1492156x1206338894.htm You need to be sure that everyone in your business understands your Make-You-Happy Customer Service Expectations, and when you implement the 55 Secrets to Make-You-Happy Customer service everyone will know your expectations. There is absolutely no excuse for anyone at at company to not know your customer service expectations. Why is this vitally important? Read on to find out. Sun, 23 Mar 2008 10:42:42 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Everyone_In_Your_Company_Needs_To_Know_Your_Customer_Service_Expectations_1374067x1206283362.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Everyone_In_Your_Company_Needs_To_Know_Your_Customer_Service_Expectations_1374067x1206283362.htm Imagine the money you can save from providing all key CRM personnel in different divisions the needed software by using the centric approach to CRM - using the web. The web based CRM is easier to manage than most CRM versions out there. Sun, 23 Mar 2008 02:07:52 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Web_Based_CRM_-_The_Centric_Approach_to_CRM_1492791x1206252472.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Web_Based_CRM_-_The_Centric_Approach_to_CRM_1492791x1206252472.htm Have you said something positive and nice to everyone you have come into contact today? Do you smile at everyone you pass by? If not you should start making it a practice. Sat, 22 Mar 2008 07:54:50 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Treat_Customers_Right_to_Succeed_in_Business_1351591x1206186890.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Treat_Customers_Right_to_Succeed_in_Business_1351591x1206186890.htm One of the biggest challenges facing companies is how to adequately thank their valued customers. Most businesses promise great customer service but few actually deliver on that promise. Some of the best practices companies use that demonstrate they appreciate their customers are: handwritten notes, professional communication etiquette, and quick response to problems and concerns. Mon, 17 Mar 2008 08:22:22 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Appreciate_Your_Customer_1252300x1205756542.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Appreciate_Your_Customer_1252300x1205756542.htm This program gives immediate customer feedback on their experiences. Employees are encouraged to get customer feedback from comment cards. Employees are recognized in front of their peers for their customer achievements. Mon, 17 Mar 2008 02:37:22 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Growing_Customer_Wow_Through_Motivated_Employees!_1356252x1205735842.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Growing_Customer_Wow_Through_Motivated_Employees!_1356252x1205735842.htm Every customer is different, so why treat them all the same? To start treating customers as individuals, look at how and when they buy. This will help to start putting them into groups and understanding the needs of each group. Sun, 16 Mar 2008 02:06:59 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Why_Segmenting_Your_Customers_Will_Help_in_The_Long_Run_1509999x1205647619.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Why_Segmenting_Your_Customers_Will_Help_in_The_Long_Run_1509999x1205647619.htm Customer Relations Management (CRM) technology, is no longer a privilege reserved for the multi-national company or the I.T literate sectors; no matter what size your company may be, there is a CRM system suitable for you. Many small companies have shied away from CRM due to misconceptions on costs, relevance and simply failing to embrace new technologies. Sat, 15 Mar 2008 06:50:01 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/How_to_Choose_CRM_-_Considerations_for_Small_Businesses_1310682x1205578201.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/How_to_Choose_CRM_-_Considerations_for_Small_Businesses_1310682x1205578201.htm In relating this to Consumer or Customer Needs in the marketing environment; understanding Consumer Needs is a very important and sensitive bedrock for success in marketing of any product or service. Aside the fact that Consumer or Customer needs a particular product or service, scientific evidence has shown and proven that understanding of Consumer needs start with realization that when people buy something, they buy or purchase 'Satisfaction' with the product or service as well. Fri, 14 Mar 2008 19:26:56 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Understanding_Customer_&_Consumer_Needs_1485030x1205537216.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Understanding_Customer_&_Consumer_Needs_1485030x1205537216.htm Just think if you could go out and purchase 20 loyal customers who would buy from you each month no matter what happens? What would your bottom line look like? Would you be having more sleep filled night than all those other nights when you tossed and turned wondering how you were going to pay your bills because your piggy bank was empty? Thu, 13 Mar 2008 05:31:37 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/You_Just_Cant_Buy_Loyal_Customers_No_Matter_How_Hard_You_Try_to_Stuff_Your_Piggy_Bank_1255306x1205400697.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/You_Just_Cant_Buy_Loyal_Customers_No_Matter_How_Hard_You_Try_to_Stuff_Your_Piggy_Bank_1255306x1205400697.htm Can you answer this question - What is your client acquisition cost? If not, you may find this article of interest. Wed, 12 Mar 2008 12:41:10 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Are_You_Serious_About_The_Purpose_of_Business_Attracting_&_Maintaining_Customers_1310680x1205340070.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Are_You_Serious_About_The_Purpose_of_Business_Attracting_&_Maintaining_Customers_1310680x1205340070.htm One of the reason businesses lose customers is the lack of a customer contact strategy. When customers buy your product or use your service, they are being loyal to you. Tue, 11 Mar 2008 17:48:58 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Fortune_Is_In_the_Follow-Up_1270364x1205272138.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Fortune_Is_In_the_Follow-Up_1270364x1205272138.htm We've all heard the expression that the customer is always right, but how many of us really take the time with our home businesses to implement things that our customers really want? No business can be successful if it is not catering to its customer's needs and providing the products and services that they really want or need. Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:42:45 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Getting_to_Know_Your_Customers_-_Happy_Customers_Make_for_Happy_Profits_1230725x1205210565.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Getting_to_Know_Your_Customers_-_Happy_Customers_Make_for_Happy_Profits_1230725x1205210565.htm Often we think we know what customers want but we never ask them. This article tells us what many customers actually do want, in their own words. Mon, 10 Mar 2008 23:57:29 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/What_Do_Customers_Really_Want_New_Survey_Reveals_the_Truth_1374072x1205207849.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/What_Do_Customers_Really_Want_New_Survey_Reveals_the_Truth_1374072x1205207849.htm Potential customers are lost as soon as they enter your business. It is a fact of life. People enter your business and look around to judge you and your organization. It is an instinct. After all, they are coming to spend money, their money, and they want to feel comfortable first and foremost. Mon, 10 Mar 2008 13:22:33 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Make_Your_Customer_Happy_To_Improve_Profits_1310676x1205169753.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Make_Your_Customer_Happy_To_Improve_Profits_1310676x1205169753.htm Customers keep you in business. It's important to keep them satisfied. Whether or not customers are satisfied is something that can be managed. Mon, 10 Mar 2008 09:09:17 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Keeping_Your_Customers_Happy_1330474x1205154557.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Keeping_Your_Customers_Happy_1330474x1205154557.htm One of the toughest things to do is overcome buyer objections. This article will show you 3 great ways to do just that. Mon, 10 Mar 2008 07:52:03 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/3_Great_Ways_To_Overcome_Buyer_Objections_1230722x1205149923.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/3_Great_Ways_To_Overcome_Buyer_Objections_1230722x1205149923.htm If you are a regular customer of online services, you will have noticed that many businesses do not really place customer service as a top priority. Many business owners believe that to get more business, more advertising and marketing must be done. While this is true to a certain extent, there are other factors that will garner more business; one of them is customer service. Sun, 09 Mar 2008 19:31:44 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/Important_or_Not_-_Customer_Service_1361854x1205105504.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Important_or_Not_-_Customer_Service_1361854x1205105504.htm What do people think when they see something disgusting in the parking lot of the business they're about to go into? And what can employees do to avoid this kind of negative image? Here's an example of what could -- and should -- be done to keep a company's image spotless in the minds of consumers. Sun, 09 Mar 2008 03:25:22 -0400 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Bloated_Dirty_Diaper_-_How_Far_Would_You_Go_For_Your_Company_1351590x1205047522.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Bloated_Dirty_Diaper_-_How_Far_Would_You_Go_For_Your_Company_1351590x1205047522.htm The other day, pollsters were shocked over the fact that candidate Clinton defeated candidate Barack Obama in the New Hampshire Primary Election. I wasn't surprised that the polls got it so wrong. PEOPLE LIE. This is one sorry fact of life that polls will never reveal in its perversity, until they encounter an apparent anomaly as they did in the New Hampshire election, says the President of Customersatisfaction, a top speaker, and best-selling author of MONITORING, MEASURING & MANAGING CUSTOMER SERVICE. Fri, 07 Mar 2008 21:43:58 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/You_Want_My_Opinion_1379738x1204944238.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/You_Want_My_Opinion_1379738x1204944238.htm When it comes to the CRM applications, there is a considerable difference in Small business CRM solutions and enterprise class CRM. Read the article to find more information on small business CRM applications. Thu, 06 Mar 2008 23:08:36 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Small_Business_CRM_-_Fueling_Large_Scale_CRM_Growth_1310684x1204862916.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Small_Business_CRM_-_Fueling_Large_Scale_CRM_Growth_1310684x1204862916.htm Everyone has at some point in life experienced customer service. My Mama always said You can get a whole lot more with honey, than you can get with vinegar. The most excellent and least expensive exercise available is a smile. Customer relations is not the job for just anyone. A know it all can cause unnecessary dessention or ill feelings. Thu, 06 Mar 2008 10:05:03 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Courtesy_Builds_Customer_Service_and_Repeat_Business_1330471x1204815903.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Courtesy_Builds_Customer_Service_and_Repeat_Business_1330471x1204815903.htm Creating loyal customers begins with understanding the customer's experience with your company or business from the beginning to when they hand over to you their money. Creating loyal customers ends with you perfecting every step in that process so that the customer has a positive experience and wants to come back for more. Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:15:32 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Loyalty_Requires_Customer_Relationship_Management_1515194x1204758932.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Loyalty_Requires_Customer_Relationship_Management_1515194x1204758932.htm Good customer service is where the star (vision) burns brightly and everyone is focused on realizing that vision. The recent 3-hour retraining for Starbucks' employees demonstrates what happens when people within an organization collectively lose the vision. Read some good customer service tips in how to keep your vision in front of your employees. Wed, 05 Mar 2008 16:23:57 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Good_Customer_Service_Tips_-_How_to__Keep_Your_Star_(Vision)_Burning_Brightly_1497343x1204752237.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Good_Customer_Service_Tips_-_How_to__Keep_Your_Star_(Vision)_Burning_Brightly_1497343x1204752237.htm Did you ever think that your new and young employees may be lacking the necessary self leadership skills necessary in today's global marketplace? And where or who are these poor skills affecting? Wed, 05 Mar 2008 05:12:12 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Inability_to_Solve_Problems_as_Youth_Extends_Into_the_Marketplace_With_Drastic_Results_1302348x1204711932.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Inability_to_Solve_Problems_as_Youth_Extends_Into_the_Marketplace_With_Drastic_Results_1302348x1204711932.htm We all have personal stories we are inclined to share with those who will really listen. As a business owner a personal approach to customer service could provide a story that will make your product cherished and your company trusted. Tue, 04 Mar 2008 16:56:34 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Service_and_the_Heirloom_Factor_1330473x1204667794.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Customer_Service_and_the_Heirloom_Factor_1330473x1204667794.htm To serve others well we need to take care of ourselves. Here are some tips to do just that. Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:21:18 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Gas_Tank_Theory_of_Serving_Others_1374071x1204662078.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Gas_Tank_Theory_of_Serving_Others_1374071x1204662078.htm Customer loyalty is the key to successful business. Think about it. A loyal customer would rather buy from you than from someone else offering the same product at a cheaper price. Wouldn't you like customers like that? Mon, 03 Mar 2008 23:18:02 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Three_More_Tips_To_Achieve_Customer_Loyalty_1515821x1204604282.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Three_More_Tips_To_Achieve_Customer_Loyalty_1515821x1204604282.htm Running a successful business is all about successful relationships. There are certain habits and mindsets that can make business relationships run more smoothly and help you fast track your business to success. Mon, 03 Mar 2008 10:35:40 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Becoming_a_Million_Dollar_Master_of_Business_Relationships_1167729x1204558540.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Becoming_a_Million_Dollar_Master_of_Business_Relationships_1167729x1204558540.htm When you stop to think about all the conveniences we have lost over the years, it's pretty astounding. Doesn't it seem like we're doing more with all the automation that was supposed to make our lives easier? Here's 3 ideas to increase profits with customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. Mon, 03 Mar 2008 10:11:07 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/3_Customer_Service_Ideas_to_Earn_Customer_Satisfaction_and_Customer_Loyalty_1506323x1204557067.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/3_Customer_Service_Ideas_to_Earn_Customer_Satisfaction_and_Customer_Loyalty_1506323x1204557067.htm All business efforts and top-notch CRM solutions go to waste when sales clerks get their "I can't see you" act up. If you're wondering why customers are going somewhere else to dump their money despite management and CRM efforts, try snooping on your sales clerks. The problem might be right there. Mon, 03 Mar 2008 01:52:33 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Salesclerks_Can_Defeat_the_Best_CRM_Solutions_1492768x1204527153.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Salesclerks_Can_Defeat_the_Best_CRM_Solutions_1492768x1204527153.htm As a business owner, you already know that customers are not free. Sure, THEY are the ones who are giving money to YOU. But by the time they set foot in your store or place of business, you have already spent a good deal of money on them. The keys to huge profits are to maximize each transaction, get your customers to return for additional purchases and refer others to you. Sun, 02 Mar 2008 13:59:04 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Making_The_Most_From_Your_Existing_Customers_1356253x1204484344.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Making_The_Most_From_Your_Existing_Customers_1356253x1204484344.htm Your customers are responsible for everything you own or will own. They are the life blood of your business. How you treat them; how you make them feel wanted, needed, respected and loved will determine the kind of lifestyle you live, how you educate your children and the way you will live in retirement. Focusing on and fulfilling their needs will skyrocket your profits faster than just about anything else you can do. Sun, 02 Mar 2008 03:41:08 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Pleasing_Your_Customers_-_A_Sure_Path_To_Business_Success_1356251x1204447268.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Pleasing_Your_Customers_-_A_Sure_Path_To_Business_Success_1356251x1204447268.htm Customer relationship is very important to your business. Here are three important guidelines that you must master for your effective customer service and postcard printing. Sun, 02 Mar 2008 00:14:13 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Three_Musts_For_Effective_Customer_Service_And_Postcard_Printing_1536298x1204434853.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Three_Musts_For_Effective_Customer_Service_And_Postcard_Printing_1536298x1204434853.htm Here's an example of a good idea executed so poorly it annoys customers rather then helping them. Avoid this huge mistake by reading this article. Sat, 01 Mar 2008 18:15:04 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Foolish_Consistency_is_the_Hobgoblin_of_Poor_Service_1374073x1204413304.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Foolish_Consistency_is_the_Hobgoblin_of_Poor_Service_1374073x1204413304.htm Thirty-five years ago, comedian George Carlin wrote seven words that changed the American media. Today, the standards of customer service are in need of improvement, and these Seven (New) Words are destined to change how people think about the way they treat others. Sat, 01 Mar 2008 17:23:39 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Seven_Dirty_Words_You_Cant_Say_to_A_Customer_1379742x1204410219.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/The_Seven_Dirty_Words_You_Cant_Say_to_A_Customer_1379742x1204410219.htm "Large or Small, We Have Created Them All." Knowing the difference between large and small Customer Service Organizations can make a real impact on personnel and how you service your Customer. Read about the differences. Sat, 01 Mar 2008 15:42:37 -0500 http://articles.getacoder.com/Large_Or_Small,_Customer_Service_And_How_It_Relates_To_Size_1521022x1204404157.htm http://articles.getacoder.com/Large_Or_Small,_Customer_Service_And_How_It_Relates_To_Size_1521022x1204404157.htm