Take ownership of your customer's problem even if you are not the cause of it. Follow up with every customer who was upset or had a difficult problem. Fax articles or other materials to your customers if you think they can benefit from the information. Remember personal details about your customers such as birthdays, children's names and accomplishments. Look for ways to bend the rules and remove service obstacles.
Time is a person's most precious commodity.
Respect your customer's time and schedule. You have permission to reprint this article in your newspaper, magazine, trade publication, at your Web site or in your e-zine. Debra Schmidt is also the author of SpectrumSuccessTips, a FREE on-line monthly newsletter loaded with tips and information to help you boost profits through greater customer retention and dynamic teamwork. SpectrumSuccessTips is a FREE monthly email-delivered newsletter designed to provide you with insights, tips and tools to enhance your business and personal growth.