5 Top Customer Service Articles for the Week of March 23, 2015

Top Customer Service and Business Articles

Each week I read a number of customer service articles from various online resources. Here are my top five picks from last week. I have added my comment about each article and would like to hear what you think too.

One Hack That Turns a Loyal Customer Into a Lifelong Loyal Customer by Peter Shankman

(Huffington Post) This is a post that focuses on the super-loyal customers or clients you already have. These tips aren’t for all of your customers, rather, they’re specifically reserved for your best ones – the ones who already generate the most revenue for your business.

My Comment: There’s a big difference between a satisfied customer and a loyal customer. And, there’s an even bigger difference between a loyal customer and a “lifetime” loyal customer. This simple example is a great lesson on how to create that level of loyalty.

5 Secrets That Encourage Return Customers by Rohan Ayyar

(Zopim) Having users queue up outside one’s store is a pipe dream that every entrepreneur has had at some point in their journey. Whether it’s having worshippers queue up outside Apple’s retail church, getting fan mail raving about how much they think your product is like Starbucks, or having your brand define your users’ status as a successful go-getter like a Ferrari, there’s no better feeling than when your customers keep coming back.

My Comment: I encourage my clients to ask the following question: What am I doing today to make sure my customers come back the next time they need what we sell? These five tips can help promote that coveted return customer. My favorite is # 2: Don’t Let Them Forget You

21 Quotes to Inspire a More Customer-centric Culture by Tricia Morriss

(Parature)  Compiled here are 21 quotes, many from well-known customer-centric CEOs and business leaders, to inspire first the talk, and then the walk toward a more customer-centric culture.

My Comment: Check out this list of “customer-centricity quotes.” They will make you think and hopefully take action on creating a more customer-focused culture. Great conversation starters for your next leadership meeting!

50 Things You Need to Know About Customer Loyalty by Warren Miller

(The Customer Edge) Here are 50 statistics and statements on customer loyalty. Check these out and discover the multitude of benefits that your company can experience by securing absolute devotion from your consumers.

My Comment: Great stats, facts, quotes and ideas about creating customer loyalty that you don’t want to miss reading. There’s something here for virtually every business.

Are Your Selling Actions Truly Customer Focused? by Jim Pancero

(LinkedIn) There are four questions or tests you can take to evaluate how customer focused you really are in your daily selling efforts. Mastering all four of these questions can help increase your customer’s perceptions of your professionalism and interest in their business. However, the majority of otherwise experienced reps still wind up flunking all four of these questions. How will you do?

My Comment: There is always a tight bond between selling and customer service. Part of the sales process is customer service. Research, listen, take notes, and follow up – all great sales and customer service techniques!

Shep Hyken is a customer service expert, professional speaker and New York Times bestselling business author. For information contact (314)692-2200 or www.hyken.com. For information on The Customer Focus™ customer service training programs go to www.thecustomerfocus.com. Follow on Twitter: @Hyken