Communication

Customers, customers - what would we do without our customers?? Well, be out of business honestly!  But how can we effectively communicate with our customers so that we can KEEP them? 
Simple: be respectful
I'll say that again. BE RESPECTFUL

In all business communication, being respectful is the most important tool in the box.  But what does that look like exactly?  There are many ways we can be respectful in our business communications. 

We can be honest:  No exaggeration, no misleading information, no distortion of statistics or facts. 
We can be ethical:  Do the right thing, have the customer's best interest at heart, be fair.
We can appreciate their differences: Pay no attention to their clothes or appearance, learn their language, appreciate and understand their culture, be flexible and open
We can learn from them:  Listen to what they want, get them what they want, if you don't have it - send them to someone who does (and then get it for yourself and tell them to come back)

Sure, this sounds easy and really it is!  There is no secret formula for good customer service, no magic trick to keeping and attracting customers.  By following the basic tenets of respect, the interaction with a customer is already good!  Listen, learn, be honest, be fair, and RESPECT those who visit your business.  They will come back every time...............it really is just that easy.

Check out these resources for further information and tips!

http://www.mannersmith.com/resources/issue.cfm?id=39

http://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/improving-communication.html

http://newsonrelevantscience.blogspot.com/2012/08/10-ted-talks-that-will-change-way-you.html