It’s one thing to claim your company is customer-orientated, but talk can be cheap regarding what matters most to your business. The businesses that serve their customers effectively don’t proclaim it on bold billboards; they prove it through offering efficient advice, paying consistent attention to detail, and delivering long-term quality results. These tangible actions create returning customers, leading to a healthy growing business. Whether you’re in the retail, financial, service, or medical industry, you’ll want to make a memorable impression on each customer passing through your doors. By implementing the following practices, you’ll be able to take your business to the next level.

1. Communicate regularly

Quality customer service is nothing without proper communication. By keeping the lines of communication open, you’ll better understand a customer’s needs and expectations. This way, you establish credibility, trust, and long-term loyalty with your customers.

For example, reply to emails and return phone calls within 24 hours, indicate how long a particular project or product delivery will take, and send regular updates or progress reports. Yet remain realistic, nothing breaks customer confidence as quickly as when you over-promise and under-deliver.

2. Forge a personal relationship 

When customers are valued and feel that their needs are met, they’re more inclined to stay loyal to your company. A few foolproof ways to add a personal touch to your customer relationships are by referring to them by name during all communications, acknowledging their birthdays, and asking engaging questions when they share a personal anecdote. Any gesture, big or small, that show customers they’re more than just a number to your business will do wonders for building lasting relationships.

3. Spread positivity

It’s easy to fall into the trap of negativity, especially during the current economic climate. When employees are simply going through the motions, customers can sense a lack of commitment, leading to a negative perception of your business.

By being optimistic and confident in your customer dealings, you’re creating a positive experience ─ from offering a friendly greeting at the reception desk and a cup of coffee during a long meeting to conveying a professional eagerness to resolve their issue and packaging their products in a way that feels personal to them.

4. Exceed expectations

Whether you’re thinking outside the box to find solutions to complex issues or have the means to deliver a product with an expedited turnaround time, customers remember the companies that walked the extra mile.

You can prove your dedication to customers by anticipating their needs and preparing possible solutions. Strive to provide customers with more than they ask for, and stay confident and calm, even during stressful situations. When you exceed a customer’s expectations, it deepens their trust in your company, resulting in greater loyalty.

5. Become a problem solver

Customers will usually visit your business for a specific reason. As a problem solver, your business succeeds when customers trust you with resolving their issues, such as delivering quality food on time or replacing incorrect products. One of the best ways to become a leading problem solver in your industry is to stay updated on the latest developments, which will enable you to provide your customers with everything they need.

Because customers constantly experience unremarkable or even downright disappointing service and products, it’s no surprise that they’ll quickly jump ship in search of greener pastures where a company will meet their needs. It only takes one bad review by an unhappy customer to cause irreparable damage to your company’s image. But when you deliver solution-driven services and quality products with your customer’s best interest in mind, you won’t have to worry about your competitors ─ you’ll quickly turn your walk-ins into loyal advocates for your business.

This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied on as legal or other professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your legal adviser for specific and detailed advice.

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