First of all,
it’s important to make sure that your customer service team has the right
skills for your managing customers’ needs. Here we
have some:
Empathy,
patience and consistency. Some customers will be irate. Others will be full of questions.
And others will just be chatty. You must know how to handle all of them and
provide the same level of service every time.
Adaptability. Every customer is different,
and some may even seem to change week-to-week. You should be able to handle
surprises, sense the customer’s mood and adapt accordingly. This also includes
a willingness to learn– providing good customer service is a continuous
learning process.
Clear
communication. Ensure
you convey to customers exactly what you mean. You don’t want your customer to
think he’s getting 50% off when he’s actually getting 50% more product. Use
authentically positive language, stay cheerful no matter what and never end a
conversation without confirming the customer is satisfied.
Work ethic. Customers appreciate a rep who
will see their problem through to its resolution. At the same time, you must
have good time management skills and not spend too much time handling one
customer while others are waiting. Stay focused on your goals to achieve the
right balance.
Knowledge. Ultimately your customers rely on
you for their knowledge of your product. Stay informed enough to respond to
most inquiries and know where to turn if the questions become too detailed or
technical for you to answer. But don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know” either.
Customers will appreciate the honesty and your efforts to find the right
answer.
Thick skin. The customer’s always right…
right? The ability to swallow one’s pride and accept blame or negative feedback
is crucial. Whether your team works directly with customers or looking for feedback on
social media, they’ve got to keep the customer’s happiness in mind.
Internal Clients
Respect to such clients, I will share something I read in a magazine article:
"There's
a remarkably close and consistent link between how internal customers are
treated and how external customers perceive the quality of your organization's
services. A commitment to serve internal customers invariably shows itself to
external customers. It's almost impossible to provide good external service if
your organization is not providing good internal service." – Benjamin Schneider,
University of Maryland.
Now, focus your attention on these 9 tips that are key to perform a good job as managers of human talent:
1. SET CLEAR EXPECTATIONS.
As an internal provider of service, you are responsible for setting
clear guidelines about what internal customers can reasonably expect. Last
minute requests are typically due to poor planning on the part of the internal
customer. However, if someone reaches out to you with a request while you’re
working on something time sensitive, talk with them and identify how important
his or her task is relative to yours. If they have unrealistic
expectations, explain your workflow, priorities, processes, and timelines.
Then, reinforce your goal is to provide top-notch service for them.
2. ALWAYS KEEP CUSTOMERS INFORMED ON PROJECT
PROGRESS.
Nobody likes to be blindsided by delays or last minute requests for
additional information. I like to err on the side of over-communication. If you’ve finished a portion of the
request, let them know the status, and when you plan to complete the rest of
the project.
3. GET TO KNOW YOUR TEAMMATES.
Go to lunch with co-workers in other departments or schedule quick calls
just to check in and see what’s happening in their department. At Media current
most of our team works remotely, so it takes a little more effort to get to know everyone, but it’s worth it.
4. GET THE “BIG PICTURE.”
Develop an understanding of how the whole organization works. How does
what you contribute fit into the big picture? What do other departments need
from you to meet their goals? Think outside of your function and department.
5. PUBLICIZE YOUR SCHEDULE.
Keep your calendar updated with your schedule for the current week.
6. ALWAYS CLOSE THE LOOP.
When you receive an email that requires additional work or research, let
the person know that you received it and you’ll work on it. Do not let it sit
in your inbox for days until you get around to working on it.
7. MAKE YOUR CO-WORKERS FEEL VALUED.
Recognize them with a smile and call them by name. When someone
approaches your desk stop what you’re doing, make eye contact, and be attentive
to what they have to say.
8. DEVELOP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE.
Your attitude is reflected in everything you do. It not only
determines how you approach your job and your co-workers, but it also determines
how they respond to you. Avoid complaining. Do whatever it takes to get the job
done—and done right.
9. SOLVE PROBLEMS.
Great customer service professionals are quick on their feet. Don’t
procrastinate, develop a plan of attack, and handle the situation as quickly
and efficiently as possible.
I hope you like this info....