At some point in time we have all experienced it. Customer service that leaves much to be desired, sometimes bordering on abuse. You know, the service which some under-paid, over-worked, uncaring, irresponsible employee dish out to an unsuspecting client or customer. You would have thought that living in a highly competitive climate like what we are experiencing right now, that kind of behavior would be less prevalent.

On the contrary, unfortunate customers and clients regularly continue to experience these abuse by inconsiderate employees. This could range from the shortness over the phone; the rolling eyes, the deep sigh before the problem is addressed, the lame excuses about the problem does not fall under their job description, to even be told “if you don’t like it then do your next best” and so much more.

You would think that this kind of behavior would stop at the lower levels of employment, but guess what, it goes right up to management level. Some of these cold and callous individuals get a sick sense of satisfaction by verbally abusing not only clients and customers, but their own staff as well.

Now think about this for a moment: Look at some of the most successful businesses around and try to find out the major underlying factor that keeps them growing from strength to strength. Visit some of those boardrooms on a Monday morning and check out the hot topic for the day.

Then on the other hand look at the failing businesses, the ones fighting to keep their doors open. The ones who sometimes have continued indoor friction and bickering between management and staff, their family life is sometimes a mess, if they have one. The common thread that makes the difference between them is Customer service relations.

Some of the larger companies will painstakingly go through the agonizing task of finding the right personnel managers and customer relations representatives, because they know the importance of this part of the business. It will make or break your business.

Consumers continue to look for the easiest and less stressful ways of doing business. Some will rather pay more for a product or service if they are satisfied that their needs will be met, not just initially but during the follow-up process.

As business owners we need to get this right, if we don’t serve our customers properly we won’t have a business for very long.

These are just a few of the simple things that we can put in place to build a better relationship with our clients.

Have someone with good phone etiquette to answer your phones…

Make sure your product or service is easily accessible to the consumer…

Ensure that all calls are returned in a timely manner…

Strive for the best quality at the best prices…

Give adequate warning before a price increase…

Be sensitive to the rare customer who messes with a member of your staff…

Never ever talk down to your staff or customers in front of others – if you have to do it, do it behind closed doors…

If working by appointments try not to have your clients waiting too long…

Always project a sense of urgency when dealing with a customers problem…

Become a server to all. Remember this, “Serve the many, for service to many leads to greatness.”

There are lots of things that you can do to improve your customer relations. This should be attended to on a continuous basis. Giving the best service to your customers will result in creating a conducive environment for long term growth, and will eventually create steady and increased income for a long time to come.

Thanks for reading.