As an entrepreneur, the term “customer service” must have been heard one too many times. It is loosely tossed around and has been exaggerated and understated to the point that I believe has made it lose some of its initial hype.
Exaggerated and understated as it may have been, adequate customer service cannot be underestimated. It is the backbone and supporting framework of every business, company or organization notwithstanding its size. That goes without saying Customer is king and to truly capture the heart of the king, one must be loyal and ready to serve.
The primary argument for treating customers right is the idea that they hold the money you need, seeing that your main objective as a business owner is to sell. On the contrary, if you are hoping to scale your business or startup, financial gains should be the least of your worries at the start of your business. These worries can come later on after you gain a strong foothold in your industry. Your worries and burdens should be centred around gaining reliable, sustainable and loyal customers who would choose your products over competitors and many other choices in the market. This is no small feat, but with a dedicated application of the under-listed tips, be sure to have your customers wrapped around your fingers.
Offer Incredible Value
No one is wasting money on garbage services or products. If they are spending money on something, it has to be highly valuable. They don’t even mind spending a ton of money as long as they are sure they’d be getting their money’s worth. To retain customers and give them A1 services, ensure you are upgrading your products and reviewing them to find loopholes, low standards and fluctuations that can be corrected. If you are the top honcho of your organization and you have employees, don’t leave the affairs of the quality of your products to them but ensure that you have full autonomy as to the value your product gives.
Consciously improve your skills by taking courses, seminars, forums and mentorship programs that will ensure that you are constantly evolving and up to date with the current trends in your industry.
Be of Great Service
To win the hearts of your customers and endear yourself in their minds, completely render hands of service to them. Great service is not hazed by any ulterior motives but is simply being ready to help and assist. Lend listening ears to their plights, complaints and suggestions. Whatever policies may hinder 100% services to your customers, ensure to state it beforehand otherwise, be ready to bend backwards to accommodate their whims.
This can be a challenging exploit to embark on, but it is one with great reward. Setting up policies as to the extent you can reach to cater to customers’ protestations can be a soft bed for you to rest on.
Offer Added Incentives
These incentives can be in the form of promos, discount codes, referral bonuses, freebies and draws that reward customers for buying your products. Everyone likes free things and in this context, it doesn’t often matter the price of what you are offering. A 15% discount will cause as much buzz as a 50% discount. A buy one get one free will be accepted as much as a gift on each order. As long as you are not at a loss, find ways, days, events and opportunities to offer up added incentives for patronage. This ensures that customers are always looking out for what you have to offer and checking to see if they can cut costs by buying from you.
Planet Zaiy 