We are all familiar with the concept of customer service and that, according to consumers; it usually comes in just two categories; good service or bad service. Many customers have come to accept a mere glance or curt directions as acceptable customer service as that is often the standard we receive. The common thread between good and bad customer service is that whichever the customer comes across, they will tell friends, family and even competitors about their experience.

When was the last time you had good customer service? Good and bad customer service creates memorable experiences and spread to families, friends and other businesses.

What kind of message is being sent out about you and your business? As a business, we strive to exemplify good customer service to our employees so they can take what they learn and use it to assist customer. Customer service is more than a quick hello: it is customer acknowledgement. It is more than a wink; it is making eye contact and keeping it. It is much more than pointing a customer to the correct end of the store or to the office down the hall. It is taking the customer to where they need to be and what they have asked to do.

Your business or office appearance is also customer service. Take a moment to really look at the place you work. From a customer’s eyes, is it appealing and friendly? Is it attractive and professional? Or are they greeted with a messy or dirty area? Who is the first person the customer comes in contact? Is that person smiling and looking productive? Or are they frowning and just sitting around with their arms crossed waiting for something to do.

Your reputation is established by your customer service. You don’t want just happy customers; you want customers who become emissaries for your business. Customers who will sing your praise and convince their neighbor or coworker that it is most certainly worth driving an extra five minutes to your place of business instead of the nearest business offering the same services.

To learn more about excellent customer service, talk to your customers and find out what they want! Read up on what works and what doesn’t. Train yourself and your staff that excellent customer service goes way beyond the “Hello, how can I help you”?

The One-Stop Employment Center of Flagler and Volusia Counties is holding an informational seminar August 17th, at the Daytona Beach One-Stop Employment Center, from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. on “Excellent Customer Service.”

For more information or to make a reservation, please contact (386) 323-7008