The BEST Customer Service Advice Ever!

In my direct selling business, the customer is of the upmost importance to me (and the company I work with). So, it would make sense that I would provide these people with the best possible customer service, right? Unfortunately, I found myself faltering in this area of my business. Why? I shamefully admit that it was mainly because of my mindset. I had a mindset that was solely based on the sales and not the customer. The WORST mindset ever! Once the sale was final and delivered, I just filed the customer away in my 3-drawer filing cabinet and moved on to the next buyer. Curiously enough, I never had any complaints from anyone about poor customer service. Well, they never told ME, anyway. These customers, however, were telling each other about their feelings on my poor customer service! OUCH! My business relies on word-of-mouth advertising! Still, no one was telling ME how they felt! Why should they? Then, I received the BEST customer service advice EVER! When I followed through with incorporating this simple tasks into my business, THEN I found out how my customers truly felt and boy was there egg on my face! Here is the advice that was shared with me by a great lady in direct sales.

Hold a customer service week! Depending on how many customers you have accumulated, you may hold a customer service month! It is really easy to do and the results are phenomenal! It also puts you in the mindset of what REALLY matters in direct sales, which is IT"S ALL ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIPS!!! This works! You will feel more comfortable making these calls and the other person will feel comfortable also! I will give a "script" you can use if you would like. Don't read directly from this "script" please! Throw in your own personality and questions that relate to the customer's response and circumstances. Everybody is different and each will have different situations and opinions on your business and on you! Don't ask the questions in numerological order either. Mix things up! Ask them questions in between the ones I have used. This will help you in reaching your main priority, which is to build a relationship with that person. Ask questions that will develop the conversation. Here is my "script." Please remember to make up your own "script" that shows your own personality!

"Hi,____! This is Helen with (your company name)! How are you? (Wait for response and respond appropriately!) The reason I am calling, is because this is Customer Service Week at (your company name) and I'd like to ask you a couple of quick questions, if I may? (Wait for response. If they are too busy, set a date AND time to call back when more convient for THEM!)"
Questions:
1. How are you enjoying your (your company's name) products?
2. How often do you use the product?
3. Which product is your favorite?
4. Is there anything that you purchased from (your company name) that you do not like or that you are disappointed in?
5. What products would you like to see (your company name) carry in the future?

"Thank you, ____. Please keep in mind that I am always interested in your input and ideas. If you ever think of anything else or if I can be of service to you in any way, please give me a call! My direct number is (your phone number). I appreciate your taking the time to help me to provide you with better customer satisfaction and care. As a token of my appreciation for your time, I would like to offer you a free _____. Where would you like me to send it?"

The first time I did this, I made 14 calls. 12 of them were waiting for me to call them because they needed more of my product! 6 of them had specific questions that they needed answers to about my business! 3 of them were interested in having a party! 2 of them needed replacements! And ALL of them were happy to hear from me! Shocked? I sure was!

This also works great for making calls to those who haven't purchased your products, but attended a party or you gave a sample to while out and about. Just ask them questions such as, "Did you enjoy the sample I gave you?" "Did you have fun at the party?" "What did you like or dislike about the sample/party?" Then, offer them the company's current catalog as a free gift!

This simple task has saved me from self-destructing my own business! It simply is the BEST advice for customer service that I have ever received! Don't forget to take plenty of notes, too, when you are speaking to your customers. The information that just 14 people gave me, helped me to be a better business consultant as well as a better person. Warmest wishes and much success to all!