Careful of customers and technology
Technology can be helpful in getting your business organized. But it's important to not let it replace your customer service skills.
GROWING A BUSINESS
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Delivering consistently good customer service is one of the great challenges of a growing business. Get practical advice on understanding the needs of Australian customers, designing your customer service strategy, and delivering legendary customer service time after time.
The opinions expressed in these articles are those of the author and not those of Optus. The articles on this website contain general information only and are not intended to be relied on as legal, financial or professional advice. Readers should seek their own advice based on their specific business [or personal] needs.
Non-stop service
Providing great customer service to people who use your services should not just be a one-off action. It needs to be ongoing. Your clients need to feel like they're welcome anytime.
The power of CRM
Australian companies spend the majority of their time trying to find the best way to convert occasional customers into loyal devotees. And while it sounds like a tall order, changing customer behaviour isn't as difficult as you might think.
Listen to customers
Customers are the key to growing your business - it's important to have strategies in place to make sure you listen to them! Bob Ansett is well-known for both his business and his successes and some high profile challenges along the way
Customer service - the perfect tender
Customer service might not be top of mind when it comes to the construction industry, but it can spell the difference between a good business and a great business. It's important to also do the hard yards when it comes to your customers.
Good old-fashioned customer service
Few regional business owners would disagree that customer service should be number one when it comes to running a business. But do you actually know what your customers want?
Represent your region with great customer service
Many would have heard the line "Taxi drivers in [insert big city] are terrible". But what if this became "customer service in [insert region] is terrible"? Of course not all taxi drivers in major cities are bad, but some certainly have gained a reput
The power of CRM
Australian companies spend the majority of their time trying to find the best way to convert occasional customers into loyal devotees. And while it sounds like a tall order, changing customer behaviour isn't as difficult as you might think.
Cooking during a storm
It's important to learn as much as you can during a downturn so your business is prepared for the future.
Research is key
When marketing your business, it's important to ensure you stand out from the crowd. Now that most businesses have decided they have to be on the worldwide web, the big question is how do you get noticed?
Are you being served?
Yes, despite what you might've heard, or received at the hands of second-rate waiters and shop assistants, Australia has come out on top of a 12-country study of customer service standards.
A tale of legendary service
The best customer service story that I ever heard involved the US store, Nordstrom. As a shop, this outfit is famous for great customer care.
Systems kill listening skills?
Let me tell you about my worst shopping experience ever. I think small business owners may have me as a marked man. Enough of the tease; let's get to the story which I am happy to report has a very happy ending.
Systems kill listening skills?
Let me tell you about my worst shopping experience ever. I think small business owners may have me as a marked man. Enough of the tease; let's get to the story which I am happy to report has a very happy ending.
Customer service 101
What is customer service? Or better still, what is good customer service?
Customer service 101
What is customer service? Or better still, what is good customer service? Customer service is all customer correspondence - it's how you and your staff answer telephone calls, emails and letters...
Coming up roses
Online business is booming and for developing a brand, the Internet has much to offer small businesses. A strong online presence with a convenient website helps to ensure customers think only of your business when they are searching for services
Customer service strategy
Your business must work out and then understand its value to customers - why they want to deal with you - or as you say, what's so special about me?
Service with a smile
Customers want to be treated in the manner to which they are accustomed. The old adage, 'the customer is always right' is crucial to strengthening the trades/customer relationship. It's also damn useful for making bucks.
It's all about customers
When introducing a new innovation into a business, it's important to understand whether it will be beneficial to your customer.
Customer feedback
Communicating with customers is important, not only so you can form good business relationships with them, but also to learn how your business can improve and provide the best service possible.
Make a good business great
Think about a business you love and ask yourself this question -- how important is that business's customer service?
Measuring good customers
The customer may always be right, but assessing which customers are good and bad for your business may save you money.
Good judgement
All business owners should keep the following in mind when dealing with customers.
The customer is always right - sure!
Customer Service is about building a professional relationship with your client.
Your business and customer service
Without great customer service, a business can suffer severely. Here are some tips on this all-important topic.
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