What sets us apart!
I speak with my entrepreneurs and one question I ask them is “What makes you different?”
The answers vary. Words like “new” technique, “improved” materials, and “specialized”
equipment come into the conversation.
Then I ask them again, “What makes YOU different?” This is when I see the furrowed brow
and confused looks. In a time with prices are competitive, margin is tight and the market is
extremely competitive, YOU become the selling feature.
There are diverse types of consumers. Some base their decision solely on price, others
on easy accessibility to the product or service, many on quality of the product or service.
However, all areas being equal the selling feature will be your customer service skills. I
have included some simple and effective customer service reminders.
1. The quality of customer service starts with you and with your employees. We need to treat
our internal customers (employees) well. It will show. Companies don’t help customers… people do.
2. Who your customers are? Do you recognize your clientele? Could you call them by name? We all
like to feel important; calling someone by name lets them know you value them as customers.
3. Do you go the extra mile? Include a thank-you note; send a birthday card; write a
congratulatory note when they get a promotion. These are all simple ways to keep in touch with your
customers.
4. Always listen to the customer complaint. You will never win an argument with a customer, and
you should never, ever put a customer in that position.
5. If a customer makes a request for something special, do you do all you can? If the
customer cared enough to ask, then do your best to accommodate them.
Such very simple steps that as businesses we need to remember to enhance our reputation.
People do business with those they like and respect. So I will ask you once more….
“What makes you unique?”
Anna Ottaviani is a Board Certified NLP Master Practitioner & Master Coach, Board Certified Master Hypnotherapist,Creating Your Future® , Time Line® Therapist Practitioner and Reiki Master. Her methods are unique and tailored to each individual client. She can be reached at www.sucessfullyyou.ca or by phone at 289-221-5772. You can follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/successfullyyou?ref=ts&fref=ts