Have you ever done everything a customer asked, yet they don’t seem satisfied? That’s not uncommon says Customer Communicator, the training and motivation newsletter for frontline reps. The problem according to service consultants, Karen Leland and Keith Bailey, is that customers don’t tell you everything they need. "Customers do ask for what they want, but they…Continue reading
Across much of the United States we are ready for spring. It was a tough winter, with record-setting temperatures and snowfall in many areas. In the March issue of Customer Communicator, the training and motivation newsletter for frontline reps, the team at Brown University Health suggests the following practices to inspire and reenergize. Clean up. It…Continue reading
There are many ways to write to be understood. The simplest way is to use few words, standard words, and short sentences. In the March issue of Customer Communicator, the training and motivation newsletter for frontline reps, authors and service experts Jeff and Val Gee explain how to keep written language simple. Choose the most familiar…Continue reading
Some words and phrases are likely to spark negative reactions in customers — "our policy is," "that’s not my job," "calm down," etc. — while others ensure a smooth, positive, and productive interaction. In the March issue of Customer Communicator, the training and motivation newsletter for frontline reps, the editors share six things that customers love…Continue reading
When working with customers over the phone, a reps voice reflects how willing — or unwilling they are to help. Speak too quickly and it may sound like you are rushing the customer or that you are not really focused on their needs. Speak unclearly and you may not sound confident or knowledgable. Speak in…Continue reading
When a customer is angry or upset, they may need a few moments to release that anger, or to vent, before getting down to business. In the February issue of Customer Communicator, the editors remind frontline reps that venting is not a personal attack and that they must remain non-emotional. They also suggest several important do’s…Continue reading
It’s common for customers to bristle when they are told to do something. It can sound like a command, and it can feel like criticism. In the February issue of Customer Communicator, the training and motivation newsletter for frontline reps, author Dru Scott recommends an alternative approach which he calls the "Will you..." technique. Instead of…Continue reading
When a caller is angry, upset, or aggressive, it’s time to turn down the heat. This may involve active listening, empathy, and questioning techniques. But there’s also a less familiar technique called “Fogging.” In the February issue of Customer Communicator, the training and motivation newsletter for frontline reps, the editors explain how to use fogging to…Continue reading
In stores and restaurants of all kinds the transaction ends with a receipt. It’s like a summary of what went before — you selected 2 percent milk, Greek yogurt, and a bunch of bananas. You paid $6.95. In the January issue of Customer Communicator, the training and motivation newsletter for frontline reps, author Richard Gallagher, says…Continue reading
Written language is always changing and evolving. One of the biggest factors driving change today is the use of texting and messaging. So called "text-speak" has evolved to be quick and informal and is often marked by abbreviations and acronyms (lol, BTW, IDK, etc.), limited use of punctuation and capitalization, informal greetings, and the use…Continue reading
