5 Ways to Improve Your Customer Service Now

I hereby declare this "Guest Post Week" as I'll be off the 'net for most of that time.  I've lined up five guest posts by some of my fellow customer service bloggers. They'll be published Monday through Friday of this week. Be sure and follow the link back to their own blogs and check them out if they're new to you. Today's guest post is by Maria Palma, who authors the blog, Customers Are Always.

Take it away, Maria....

Customer service is something that is an everyday challenge for any business.  Everyone wants to make money, but nobody wants to make the effort - or so it seems.  With so many things to do, we often lose focus of who we're servicing and why we're servicing them in the first place.  Well, now is the time to get back on track.  No more procrastinating!  It's time to improve your customer service now and here are 5 ways to do it:

Don't worry, be happy.  Ok, I know that was a cheesy song from the 80's, but it's a great mantra to live by.  I've always believed that if you want to improve anything in your life or business, you have to start with yourself first.  If you truly want to improve your customer service, it's going to have to start with you.  Besides, who wants to work for someone who isn't happy? 

Get out and get to know people.  Get out from behind your desk and find out more about your employees and your customers.  Find out what motivates them.  When people are motivated and inspired, the more productive and service-oriented they are. 

Give people what they want.  Do you know what your employees and customers want and/or expect from your business?  If you don't, ask them.  Then give it to them. 

Find out what people are saying about your business.  You don't have to spend any money to know how people feel about your business.  All you have to do is do a search on the internet and you're bound to come across a few reviews. 

Become a firefighter.  When you do come across a bad review about your company, it's time to put on the firefighter hat and get rid of the fire before it spreads.  Find a way to contact the customer who was unhappy with your service and be proactive about resolving the situation. 

These are just a few of the many, many things you can do, but it's a good place to start!