Setting Your Business Apart with Exceptional Customer Service
The business landscape is more competitive than ever, and customers are savvy, with near-infinite choices at their fingertips. How can a company distinguish itself in this crowded market? While price and product quality are important, the key to standing out is often exceptional customer service.
Why Does Customer Service Matter?
In today's world, where more businesses compete for customer attention, your level of service often determines whether you retain your customers or lose them to competitors. A Microsoft report found that 96% of consumers say that customer service is a crucial factor in their choice of loyalty to a company.
Make a Great First Impression
You only have one chance to make a first impression, and in business, this is vital. According to a study by SuperOffice, 88% of customers questioned in a survey said they would abandon a company after a poor service experience. Remember, a contented customer might tell three people about their experience, but an unhappy one is likely to tell ten!
Customer Service Is Your Competitive Advantage
So, how can exceptional customer service set your business apart? It's your secret weapon! It's what separates you from your competition. As a small business owner, you might not be able to compete with larger businesses on price alone, but you can certainly outdo them in customer service. In a survey by American Express, 68% of customers reported they were willing to spend more with companies offering excellent customer service.
Ways to Provide Exceptional Customer Service
(1) Knowledgeable and Helpful Employees: Well-informed employees not only improve customer satisfaction but also increase customer loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing. Train your staff to be knowledgeable about your products and services to provide accurate information and savvy problem-solving.
(2) Easy Access and Open Communication: Customers appreciate when they can easily reach a company. Make it simple for your customers to get in touch with you by having multiple channels of communication open - phone, email, chat, and social media.
(3) Going the Extra Mile: Happy customers are the best advertisement for your company. • Going beyond the basic level of service not only leaves your customers feeling valued but also encourages their loyalty to your brand.
In a world where good is just not good enough, make it your mission to deliver exceptional customer service. It's the key to gaining an edge over your competitors and boosting your bottom line. Plus, it's a heck of a lot of fun to see the smile or hear the joy in a customer's voice when you positively surprise them. Believe that!
References: 1. SuperOffice, Customer Service Statistics (https://www.superoffice.com/blog/customer-service-statistics/) 2. American Express, Customer Service Barometer (https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/business/trends-and-insights/articles/2017-american-express-customer-service-barometer/) 3. Microsoft, Global State of Customer Service (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2017/05/23/new-research-highlights-state-customer-service/)