Do you take the time to celebrate your customers?  To show them that you really, truly appreciate them?  I am not talking about a generic closing in your emails or invoices that says, "Thank you for your business!"  What I do mean is, are you thanking your customers in such a substantial way that it is memorable and so that they feel the value of their business oozing out of your message?  It's well worth the little effort it takes to embrace this last skill in our "Top 10 Customer Service Skills List" series by showing your customers that you appreciate them. 

In business, is honesty always the best policy?  Even if being honest results in you turning a customer away from your business?  Being honest with your customers, no matter what the situation, is a customer service skill that we should all embrace and practice.  Here's why...

What does it mean to show consideration?  According to Merriam-Webster, consideration is "thoughtfulness and sensitivity toward others."  It's concern, care, kindness, understanding, respect, sensitivity, and much more.  Consideration is synonymous with respect, so when we are showing consideration for our customers, we are also treating them with respect.  It's taking a genuine interest in your customers.  Do you regularly show your customers that you are considerate?  Do you do your best to take great care of them, their needs, and their unexpressed wishes? 

A key ingredient to creating a "wow" customer service experience is your ability to be attentive and to actively engage through the use of strong listening skills.  We have to be attentive during EVERY interaction with the customer, otherwise there will be a disconnect between what the customer is saying, both verbally and nonverbally, and what you are doing.  We must give our customers our complete attention so we can truly understand what is being said; simply listening to and hearing what customers say is not enough.  The words being spoken are just the beginning.  You must pay attention to all of the extra, little things.  What about our customers':  

Trust builds rapport.  Rapports builds relationships.  Relationships = long-term customers.  Let's walk through how we can maximize trust and rapport so we can create memorable customer interactions and lasting partnerships...

Trust is like an icicle- once it melts, it’s gone. Simple ways to gain your customer's trust:

• Ensure that your voice tone and body language is consistent with your words. Otherwise, your words will be of little significance.
• Actively engage with, and pay attention to, him/her when he/she is speaking.
• Do not interrupt.
• Allow him/herto speak.
• Give good eye contact.
• Give feedback to his/her statements, needs, and questions.
• Know your facts and figures, and speak to them honestly.
• Show that you are interested in his/her's well being.
• Do what you say that you are going to do.