Let's stop faking it. Deliver the customer service that you want to receive, and sell honestly in such a way that you would want to buy from you. Consumers today seek and crave authenticity since there's too much garbage always getting in the way of the truth and what's genuine. No more acting or saying what you think will give you the best end result. Instead, speak the truth and make yourself proud. Yes, this is your Oprah moment, and you too could become rich (if you aren't already).

This will be our 4th year in a row providing you with some darling holiday enjoyment during this wonderful time of the year. Is there anything sweeter than the innocence of a child's view on how the world runs? Their perspective and beliefs on subjects like customer service are so straightforward and simple. Children's thoughts are pure and non-complicated, and this is where the lesson comes in for the adults. 

So for your entertainment, we asked a group of kindergartners (5 and 6 years old) questions about customer service, and each year, we receive some very insightful answers. Their understanding on what good and bad customer service looks like to them is simple and basic and comes from a place of if it "feels good" or it doesn't. And, at the core of all that we strive for in providing good customer service, isn't that a great jumping off point to focus on? Simplifying the customer experience through these basic, yet insightful understandings are perhaps the real lesson. 

All too often we witness employees that do just enough in their customer service efforts, but this is not enough when you're trying to win loyal customers. For example, there are popular rules of "delivering good customer service" that nearly every company attempts to implement, but their employees do the minimum in their execution and upholding of these rules. Which rules am I referring to? Just keep reading to learn them, and let's make a pact that we don't let ourselves or our employees/coworkers fall into the category of doing "just enough."  Instead, let's follow these rules correctly (as they are intended).

You are in business, which means you have customers that have absolutely made you feel this way.  We have all been put in that tough position of dealing with a very unhappy, angry, and/or irrational customer, and at times, we have a hard time keeping our cool.  Here are some simple quotes (that we are revisiting from before), along with my take on them, which will give you advice and tips for handling these tough customers and situations...

 
From the very first second that you meet a prospective customer, you must have your A-game turned on. Then, every single interaction thereafter should reflect that same level of attention to the service you are giving with the impression that you are making. So how do you get there? It certainly starts with your employees; those who are on your front line and are the faces of your business. Are they happy employees? Well, they need to be. We have effective tips to help get them there if they are not. The quality that your business delivers is what will keep customers knocking on your door and telling others about you. Make your goal to be iconic, like Gucci has been, in your service, delivery, and quality. Read on for some great, quick articles to help you get there.

In the last two months we had two very different hotel experiences in two different beach towns. The impressions that were left with us are so contrasting. I have now truly realized how my overall happiness, like many of today's travelers, is driven by the experience rather than the money I spend or save. There is much for every business to learn from this, which I will summarize after you first read the snapshots of our two hotel stays...