With this month being National Customer Loyalty Month, I wanted to continue the conversation about customer service and how to make it better in your business. If you missed my last post you can read it at What does your customer service look like?

One way to review your customer service is to simple ask your customers what they think of your customer service. You can do this by creating a survey (you can use free programs such as Survey Monkeyor you can ask them via phone while talking with them after they have utilized your services. Most of the time, people will be honest and give you examples of what they really like.

And to really be able to create better customer service, it is best to ask this question, “Is there something that I can do to improve my customer service?” And again, most of the time people will be honest and this is helpful even if they tell you things that aren’t positive. Because this is the perfect opportunity to build process improvements in your business to push your customer service forward.

For example, have you ever been at a restaurant and they leave those comment cards? I have and I have filled them out as well. I will let them know what I have enjoyed and what I may not have liked at all. Sometimes, if I have had really exceptional good service, I will ask for the manager and tell them about my particular waiter or waitress. You know, the manager won’t know unless the CUSTOMER tells them.

And it is just as important to ask your customers what they like about your service and what they don’t like.

In fact, for me, I had a lady, Michelle Waters, who had purchased my Coaching Form Kitsgive me some advice that I am going to implement very shortly. She told me that she would recommend that I place in a feedback form for coaches to use for this very purpose; to ask their clients what they thought of their coaching. GREAT idea! and I am going to be adding it to the kit among a few others forms and sheets.

So, by reviewing your customer service by asking your customers, you will gain a great deal of useful information to increase your customer service in a positive light thus most likely increase your customers!

An added bonus: While asking your clients about your customer service…it is an ideal time to receive some testimonials as well.

With it being International Customer Loyalty Month, I wanted to talk about the topic of customer service for internet businesses.

Where is customer service in your priority list? Is it where it should be? If not, how are you going to make it better?

Here are a few suggestions I would like to offer:

• One way to know how your customer service is…ask your customers. You can do this by conducting a survey to your newsletter subscribers or email them a feedback form after each session.
• Once you get these responses, be sure to take a good look at them. Clearly and thoroughly review what your customer have said and/or written to you.
• Develop a plan in order to see how you are able to give your customers what they are asking for.
• Remember your tone of voice when communicating with your customers.
• Watch your writing etiquette when utilizing written communication such as email.

Teresa’s Tip: Also be sure to note how you wish to be treated when you are the customer and use that to form your outline for your customer service plan.

This month, I will be posting more in depth resources, tips and ideas of how to properly review, improve and manage your customer service.