Your greatest resource for top-notch customer service could be just a cubicle away. We’ve all been there — we’re doing our best to help our customer, we’re doing all the right things, but we know that, to truly shine, we’d need to know the product line better than we do.

Even the veterans among us can still enhance our ability by learning more. Follow these three tips to excel in every interaction with a customer.

1. Talk with your fellow employees. If you work in the same place as your production staff or service personnel, take the time to talk with them about what they do and what makes your organization’s products and services better than the competition. Try this: Inviting your co-worker for a cup of coffee or for lunch will not only give you the opportunity to learn more, it will also build cross-departmental understanding and help both of you do your jobs better. It could even offer you the opportunity to make a new friend!
2. Browse the company catalog between interactions with customers. Your company’s marketing department has most likely worked hard to highlight the benefits your products offer customers. Study your company’s catalog during down times — the knowledge you build will make you a better customer service professional. Tip: Ask your marketing department for any other promotional materials they may have. This will not only help you learn; you’ll also stand out for taking the initiative.
3. Ask repeat customers what they like best about your products. After all, the customer knows best!

Filed under: Customer Service Corner