Customer Service Week October 3-7

Customer Service Week is an international event devoted to recognizing the importance of customer service and honoring the people who work on the frontlines serving and supporting customers. The International Customer Service Association began Customer Service Week in 1988. In 1992 the U.S. Congress proclaimed Customer Service Week a nationally recognized event. It is celebrated annually during the first full week in October. 

Each year, thousands of companies across the United States and around the world celebrate Customer Service Week. They represent leading financial, healthcare, insurance, manufacturing, retailing, hospitality, communications, not-for-profit and educational organizations, plus government agencies and others. Thousands of customer service, call center and help desk professionals celebrate Customer Service Week, and in 2010 – all 50 of the United States and 54 countries celebrated – and not only by the service department, but by the entire organization.

CLICK HERE to see a list of organizations celebrating Customer Service Week.

Customer service is the lifeblood of every organization. When customers are more than satisfied — thrilled —  they become brand ambassadors for your products and services.

As a professional trainer on Customer Service with Heart, true customer service is exemplified by EVERY member of the organization – at every level, in every department. You have internal (colleagues, co-workers, supervisors) and external (vendors, clients, potential clients, donors, members, etc.) customers. Every “touch-point” – every phone call – returning messages – face-to-face greeting – thank you card – leaves a lasting impression. Unfortunately in many organizations, the least paid person (and often least trained) is the first (and lasting) greeting the customer receives.

TIPS:
Have high-interpersonal people on the phones and front desks.
Hire for attitude; skills can be trained.
Have integrity. Do want you say you’re going to do.
Exceed their expectations. Over-deliver.
Invite the customer back.