America’s Impression Engineer and Business Success Coach Dallas Teague Snider Says “Move Over Customer Service- Here Comes Customer Hospitality!”

Articles, Make Your Best Impression Blog, News & Testimonials, Uncategorized   ·   April 8, 2010

Today I was speaking with a business colleague about the lack of customer service in today’s business environment. We are both speakers and consultants that see time and time again, people are surprised when they receive great service. In fact, the word customer service does not mean what it implies in our current corporate climate.

There was a time when you called the customer service department and they actually answered the phone.  At least you could count on whoever was in that department to listen, respond and offer a possible solution.  Not so anyone.  In fact, during my seminars when I ask what company people think of that offers consistent customer service, the same few are mentioned every time. What makes them different is not rocket science- it’s common sense and general courtesy.

So how can you stand out in today’s economy? Think about what we are going through as a nation. People are hurting all around us- perhaps you have personal experience. With unemployment in some places over 11%, many have lost their sense of hope and spirit that has made this nation so great.

Think about what you can do today to add value to your customers. It doesn’t have to cost you anything but time, effort and a commitment to get back to the basics. Reset your business to focus on the things that are most important. It is much easier to maintain your current clients than to find new ones. What have you done lately to show your current customers you value their business?

Last week my husband and I were going out to a very low key bite to eat. I was not feeling well- I have low blood sugar and was beginning to get a little shaky.  We decided to stop at the IHOP on Highway 31 in Pelham, AL. I needed something quick as I was getting really foggy headed.

I finally made up on mind and when I asked our server Rose Harden about a particular item on the menu, she told me that they no longer had that item.  This was not the answer I wanted to hear, but I stumbled to try to find an alternative – in light of the devastating news.

 Finally, I resolved that there was no other choice- I would have to improvise.  When Rose returned, I asked her if we could just cut my original order in half in the back, so I did not have to see it on my plate.  She graciously agreed- problem solved.  I later asked to substitute one item for another- again she was accommodating.

Ok, you are thinking – so what?  You would have had to have been there to understand the ginger nature of the situation  Although it does not seem like too much to ask, often times you will hear in today’s world these words “Oh, we can’t do that.”  Of course, this is typically said without even asking if a request is possible. My response is, “Well, what can you do?”  Although not always expressed, it is what most people think as well.

Since Rose was kind to me in a dark time (I am typically fairly perky) and I am now blogging about this on my site. I will also be posting it on my site as the examiner business career couch.  I plan to also use this as a personal example for future programs. You never know who you are serving and how they can make or break your business or your career.

I remember saying to my husband; Rose has the right attitude and would be a great asset to any organization.

So here is my question to you? What can you do today that can impact your customer in a positive way tomorrow?   It is not that hard if you really focus on trying to make a customer experience, not a customer transaction.

Great news!  If you would like to have someone help you think of a creative strategy to bring some unique and fresh perspective of adding value to your customer experience, send me an e-mail at dallas@makeyourbestimpression.com .

As a former hospitality executive, I can help you bring that focus into your company so you can offer value to our current clients and begin to build a reputation that will allow you to easy attract new ones.

If you have ever been to the Cahaba Grand Conference Center, I was the consultant responsible for marketing the new name change and to rebuild and reset the business for the center.  We created the Grand Weddings Event and were able to secure SAKs Fifth Avenue to partner with us for a wonderful showcase to the bridal community. 

It’s called the Hospitality Makeover!   Call us for an appointment to discuss how you can reset your course for a brighter tomorrow. 205-264-1361 or visit us on the web at www.makeyourbestimpression.com

No business is too small… only a small mind will limit your potential.