Recently I picked up a great line from one of our customers. At the resolution phase of a warranty repair, he told me, “Ben, ain’t no such thing as perfect parts or perfect people.” This stuck with me and I’ve even parroted it a few times since. I understand this phrase’s meaning to be: we […]
Read MoreMy trick to lure you in with the biggest words I know has worked! If you are in business, work in a business, or rely on anyone who does, you are being affected by a process you have likely little knowledge of: the perception, assumptions, and assertions of your potential customers. In minutes customers can […]
Read MoreIt’s not all right with me. Every now and then I’ll indulge myself and dip into the McDonald’s across from our office for a breakfast snack. I can’t be the only one out there jonesing for a hash brown patty! A funny thing happens each time I order: the sausage biscuit with egg is my jam and, of course, […]
Read MoreBecause we probably aren’t experts on everything, in many customer service scenarios we are put in the position of the layman, needing some specialized information explained… to understand the medical procedure, the amount of labor required, the exact specifications. It is on the part of the professional to simplify – without dumbing down – the […]
Read MoreHave you ever had a big project that felt like no matter how long or hard you worked you couldn’t seem to get it done as quickly as you expected to? Every time you think you see some light at the end of the tunnel there is a dip or turn or obstruction and the […]
Read MoreI’ve come to think that the old adage, “The customer is always right!” is only useful for someone just learning service. It’s a safe way for a new or entry-level employee to operate. In my role handling escalations, responding to complaints and maintaining a company’s reputation, I have come to a deeper understanding, and you […]
Read MoreIf you are selling paperclips or pizza, this article may not be very relevant, but an increasing majority of US workers sell a service or a product plus the service to support it. When service is a significant part of the customer or company relationship, not all customers are created equally. Not all customers are […]
Read MoreMost of us have jobs that involve customers and customer service, even if that is not in your actual job title. My question to you today is when is it appropriate to do something extra-ordinary? Chances are, “Do something special for customer,” is not on any forms at your organization, unless you work at Zappos […]
Read MoreThe holiday season brings family together, rewards some of us for enduring cold weather, and carries on traditions. It’s the most wonderful time of the year… especially if you are a football fan like me. Football is a tradition and a passion among many in my family, with my coworkers, and with our customers (right, […]
Read MoreA decade ago, I was a very fast man on the banked oval tracks known as velodromes. At one time, velodrome and track bicycle racing were the most popular spectator sports in America and the top racers held the land speed records of the day. Now, there are only a couple dozen velodromes in operation […]
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