Timely Customer Service Tips for the New Year

As we begin a new business year, it’s always a good idea to evaluate your current approach to building deep and lasting relationships with your customers. Here are the top five timely tips on providing excellent customer service according to Tricia Onesian, an inside sales representative at the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC).

1) Smile: Customer service should always start with a smile. When you’re in a face-to-face situation, a warm greeting should be the first thing your customers see. Make a point to smile over the phone, too, because it comes through in your voice.

2) Know Your Products/Services: To provide the best service possible, you need to thoroughly understand the value of your company’s products and/or services and be able to clearly articulate that value to your customers.

3) Build Relationships: Your customers want a trusted advisor who is looking out for their best interests. Remember, it takes time to build, cultivate and maintain successful relationships.

4) Put Your Customers’ Needs First: How can you help your customers? Ask. Start a conversation because you care about helping, not because of a sales quota.

5) Recommend: If you’ve taken the time to get to know your customers, you can effectively gauge the type of products and/or services they need the most. Use your customer service expertise to the best of your ability by recommending a training class or a new service offering. Your customers will appreciate the suggestions.

The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center has assisted Michigan’s small- and medium-size businesses to successfully compete and grow since 1991. Watch this video to learn more, and read Ms. Onesian’s full blog post, with more customer service tips. Also visit PM's Parts Cleaning Zone.