Check Yourself for Outstanding Customer Service
How many times have you heard something similar to this in a
customer service situation?
Customer: “Why don’t you just do it this way, and it will take
care of the situation.”
Customer Service Person: “I understand what you are saying, but
we can to do it this way.”
Then the situation magically goes downhill from there and it is
difficult to win back the customer.
What Happened?
The customer service person used the one word that has a
powerful negative effect when dealing with customers. The one
word, if you can imagine, brings out the horns on the customer’s
forehead, turns his face red, tightens his teeth, and clinches
his hands…the word is but.
This is because but is an exclusive word. The use of but
negates everything that was said previously by the customer.
The customer then feels alienated and disrespected. It says to
the customer, “You discounted or ignored everything I just said
and you are going on with your agenda. Well, you don’t respect
me, so I won’t respect your solution.”
The Solution
Replace the use of but with this powerful, positive word that
will make the customer feel like he is are a part of the
solution, put a smile on his face, and change the mood to the
positive…the word is and. And is an inclusive word. If you
think about it, and in math equals the function of addition.
The use of and says to your customer, “I value what you just
said, and we will take that into consideration as I share my
solution with you.”
Remember, 90% of satisfying the customer is making
the customer
feel like you are listening to them. The use of and says to the
customer I am listening to your input.
Lets apply this to the above scenario:
Customer: “Why don’t you just do it this way, and it will take
care of the situation.”
Customer Service Person: “I understand what you are saying, and
we can to do it this way.”
As you can see it is a more positive response to the customer’s
feedback. Instead of the customer being on the opposite side of
your solution by using the word and you create a bridge for the
customer to cross to consider your solutions. Bottom line, your
customer is more likely to quickly accept your solutions.
So, if possible, record yourself in a conversation so that you
can see where you are using but. Then work at substituting and
in place of but. It may feel a little awkward at first.
However, the more you use and the smoother it will sound and you
will see immediate results. The benefits are less stress for
you, positive customer service situations, and happier
customers. Remember, leave your buts behind and you, too, will
provide great customer service.
About the Author
Ed Sykes is a professional speaker, author, and success coach in the areas of leadership, motivation, stress management, customer service, and team building. You can e-mail him at
mailto:esykes@thesykesgrp.com, or call him at (757) 427-7032. Go to his web site, http://www.thesykesgrp.com, and signup for the newsletter, OnPoint, and receive the free ebook, "Secrets, Stories, and Tips for Marvelous Customer Service."
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