(Two Week) Weekly Topic Inspiration: Customer Service and Satisfaction

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   Simone Smithposted 11 years ago

   Whether we’re working for a larger company, running our own businesses, or even just interfacing with parents (as a teacher) or readers (as a Hubber), we all provide some sort of customer service to people. How can we improve our skills? What mistakes should we avoid?
   
   Share what you’ve learned from good and bad customer service experiences as part of this special two week Weekly Topic Inspiration challenge.
   
   Don’t have a particular Hub in mind? Here are some search-friendly titles to consider using:
   What Makes Good Customer Service?
   How to Improve Customer Service
   Ten Tips on Improving Customer Service
   How to Improve Customer Service with Social Media
   Five Customer Service Training Tips
   Ten Customer Service Training Ideas
   Great Customer Service Training Activities
   Are Customer Service Courses Worth It?
   The Underlying Principles of Great Customer Service
   Lessons from the Best Customer Service Companies
   The Importance of Good Customer Communication
   What is Great Customer Service?
   Great Customer Service Quotes
   Customer Service: Best Practices
   Good Customer Service Practices
   What is Good Customer Service?
   Good Customer Service Skills
   Good Customer Service Examples
   
   To create search-friendly titles of your own, follow the steps outlined in this Learning Center guide.
   
   If you'd like to join in on this week's topic by writing a Hub, follow these steps:
   
   1)    Stop by this week's Weekly Topic Inspiration Question.
   2)    Click the green button "answer this question".
   3)    Click the gray button below the box (leave that empty) that says "make a Hub about it."
   4)    Give your Hub a very specific title, like Easy Summer Gardening Projects for Kids or Challenging Summer Activities for Teens
   5)    Create good quality original content that hasn't been covered before.
   6)    After you publish your Weekly Topic Inspiration Hub, come back to this forum thread and post a link to your Hub with a brief description of what you wrote about and why.
   
   For more information on the Weekly Topic Inspiration program, check out the Learning Center guide.
   
   Should you like your Hub to have a shot at becoming a Hub of the Day, make sure the images are legally used and properly attributed!

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      paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      What are you doing working Labor Day Weekend!?! Get out there and party!

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         Denise Handlonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         

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   2. 92

      MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      The customer is always right! Right? The title of my hub for this week is "The Customer is Always Right | Good Customer Service is Good Business" - http://marleneb.hubpages.com/t/333411

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         mjkearnposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Hi Marlene
         Excellent hub and advice.The chap in the video speaks very well with a lot of sense. No wonder he is the CEO, Great job,
         MJ.

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      2. 92

         Suzie HQposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Well done Marlene!!
         Excellent choice of title, well covered in this hub! Video is worth looking at for all interested in what makes a successful business!! Left comment on hub  - good job!

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      shadowchaserposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      http://incomepart.com/ref.php?page=act/ … cod=120721
      An Amazing and effective way to Earn.

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      cat on a soapboxposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      http://cat-on-a-soapbox.hubpages.com/t/334809
      Explore how customer service is a business owner's "golden goose." See how small business often has an advantage over giant chains in spite of marketing budgets. Learn the keys to building solid business relationships through great customer service.

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      drspanielposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      http://drspaniel.hubpages.com/hub/Custo … rvice?done
      
      Was initially going to be ten tips on customer satisfaction, however it became clear that the Hub would end up becoming too long. I hope that you enjoy what I've researched, and take part in the quiz and poll I've included as well! Thanks for this topic.

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      whowasposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Okay, I took the title 'The Importance of Good Customer Communication' because I really believe that communication is the key to success in all aspects of a professional life and especially in running a business. I also wanted to have the opportunity to give a fresh angle on all the 'tips and techniques' that are commonly promoted for 'faking' good communication skills and suggest that a more authentic approach is not only more ethical and satisfying but more effective, too.
      
      Here it is:  http://whowas.hubpages.com/_1j317b0d6wm … ation?done

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   paradigmsearchposted 11 years ago

   Oh, what the heck. Thread tweeted.

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      Denise Handlonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       

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   KDuBarry03posted 11 years ago

   Here's my input for this week's Topic: "Rules for Good Customer Service" http://kdubarry03.hubpages.com/hub/Rule … er-Service
   
   In this hub, I decided to write about customer satisfaction, dealing with customer issues, and good communication skills. I chose these sub-topics because, with my experience as a shift manager, I have noticed that these three traits are key to maintaining regular customers and thus regular business.

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      Denise Handlonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Good one

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      Suzie HQposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Great read, well writen!!!

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      nancynurseposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I thought you did an awesome job with this hub. Your bullet points are well highlighted and you even have maps and a question poll , Great job. I learned some more writing skills from you. Thanks for posting!!!!!!

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      mjkearnposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hi KDuBarry
      Awesome hub, what a job and truly well done. You will be the director of that company soon with your attention to customer service,
      MJ.

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4. 59

   w1z4rdposted 11 years ago

   http://w1z4rd.hubpages.com/hub/Customer-Service-and-You
   
   This is my hub to the Weekly Inspiration. My experience draws mostly from the retail corner as I've been in retail leadership up to Store Management and I have seen some horrendous customer service and some phenoms as well. It speaks mostly to handling a customer issue but applies to many facets.

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      mjkearnposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hi W
      Welcome to HP. It's a great community and you will enjoy it a lot.
      Good job on this hub and packed with good advice,
      MJ.

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5. 61

   JakeFrostposted 11 years ago

   Hi Simone, I am still fairly new to HubPages and thought I would input in the weekly inspiration.
   
   I thought this would be a good idea as I have recently applied for the Apprenticeship Programme and my main worry is the first month and having to write about a title I have been given.
   
   Hub of the Day is also a terrific achievement that I have always wanted to try and get, and I was told that the weekly inspiration helps to get your hub read by staff.
   
   Anyways, here is my hub "What is Great Customer Service?"
   
   I have mainly written about the basics of customer service and how to turn average service into great service.

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      Denise Handlonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Good job

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      Suzie HQposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Well written with good observations Jake!!

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      mjkearnposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Jake
      Great hub and well presented. You're on your way and I'm sure you'll make the AP,
      MJ.

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   zsobigposted 11 years ago

   This is a great and inspirational question, needless to say I was inspired and lots of stories came into my mind that I have heard/read during my lifetime about how hard and funny can the life of someone who works in customer service be!
   In the following article I have tried to collect the best ones - I hope you will like it!
   http://zsobig.hubpages.com/hub/Great-an … ice-quotes

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      Denise Handlonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Great job, Z--

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      KDuBarry03posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      excellent read!

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      mjkearnposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Z
      Hilarious hub. Well done,
      MJ.

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      MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I'm still laughing! A fun hub to read.

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   Lipnancyposted 11 years ago

   This week I wrote about customer satisfaction from the viewpoint of the affiliate marketer. Hope you enjoy. http://lipnancy.hubpages.com/hub/What-M … er-Service

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      Denise Handlonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Very interesting and useful info here.

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      Suzie HQposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      great article Lipnancy, useful and interesting!

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      Arlene V. Pomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Left you a comment!  Great viewpoint about customer satisfaction and the role of the affiliate marketer.

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      Arlene V. Pomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You are soooo right!  People online want it NOW!

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      mjkearnposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Nancy
      Great hub and very well presented. Good job,
      MJ.

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      MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Expert job on covering this subject.

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8. 92

   Suzie HQposted 11 years ago

   Hi Simone,
   I am here again to give mt two cents worth for the WTI! I have worked in different Retail stores over the years and the one thing I am PASSIONATE about is Providing Excellent Customer Service so Bravo on the topic this week!!
   Here is my offering - http://suziehq.hubpages.com/hub/Great-C … tes-Gandhi
   I have taken a great quote from Gandhi and interpreted it . Enjoy!!!
   
   Suzie HQ

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      Denise Handlonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Great job--you took my idea   

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      mjkearnposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Suzie HQ
      
      Awesome, stellar hub. Definitely HOTD material. Your passion for retail really shines through. Fabulous job and I can't wait for your next installment,
      MJ.

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      MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I really, really enjoyed the format you used to bring home the point of customer service; not just customer service, but GOOD customer service. Beautiful!

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9. 0

   Arlene V. Pomaposted 11 years ago

   At 15, I learned how important it is to have business telephone etiquette skills in the workplace.  Since telephone communication is part of any business environment, everyone needs to master these skills.
   
   http://arlenevpoma.hubpages.com/hub/Bus … -Etiquette

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      Denise Handlonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Good one, Arlene. 

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         Arlene V. Pomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Denise, thank you!

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      Suzie HQposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Great read, spot on and great tips!

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         Arlene V. Pomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Suzie HQ, thank you!  And I enjoyed your Hub, too!  Left you a message.

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      MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      The phone is the first point of contact, so how we answer the phone says a lot about the company. Great advice.

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         Arlene V. Pomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks, Marlene!  And looking forward to your Hub on this topic!

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      mjkearnposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Arlene
      Great hub, good job. Professional and polite phone manner is so important for business and poor use is a pet hate of mine,
      MJ.

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      KDuBarry03posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Great job on this one, Arlene!

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10. 68

    Anamika Sposted 11 years ago

    I did not notice that Customer Service is the Weekly topic Inspiration till I posted my latest Hub on the topic. What's more I have wrote a Hub on one of the search-friendly titles mentioned here.
    How to improve your Customer Service using Social Media? Online Relationship Management for Companies
    http://anamikas.hubpages.com/hub/improv … -Companies

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    Ruchiraposted 11 years ago

    My offering to this theme...
    http://ruchira.hubpages.com/hub/-Custom … right?done

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12. 69

    grinnin1posted 11 years ago

    I needed a push this week, thanks for the inspiration! After having owned my own business and working for a few small business owners, I've picked up some things I think could be worth passing along about customer service. So here's my hub- http://grinnin1.hubpages.com/t

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    mjkearnposted 11 years ago

    Hi Simone and fellow WTI-ers.
    
    Haven't been here for a while but have been checking the topics. Decided to make a bigger effort this week so  here is my offering.
    
    http://mjkearn.hubpages.com/hub/Excelle … f-Employed
    
    MJ.

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       MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       So nice. Your customer service tips will help any business go far in winning customers forever.

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          mjkearnposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Hi MarleneB
          Thank you for your lovely comments. I can't understand why some go into self employment, do and offer little and think others owe them a living. Most successful self employed work harder, deliver something of value and for the most part are a lot happier.
          Thanks again,
          MJ.

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    Rosyel Sawaliposted 11 years ago

    I finally found my topic to write about...
    
    http://rosyelsawali.hubpages.com/hub/To … hilippines

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       MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Excellent job on this topic. I enjoyed the visual accompaniments.

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          Rosyel Sawaliposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Thank you so much for your encouraging words Marlene! I highly appreciate it ^_^

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    beindustrialposted 11 years ago

    I love Suzie's hub:
    http://suziehq.hubpages.com/hub/Great-C … tes-Gandhi
    
    Very good insight!

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       Suzie HQposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks  beindustrial,
       Glad you enjoyed and took time to comment!! Appreciate it!

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       mjkearnposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Hi beindustrial
       Can't agree with you more. Fabulous job Suzie. Amazing hub,
       MJ.

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16. 82

    zsobigposted 11 years ago

    Thank you very much everyone, I tried my best!
    Your feedbacks mean the world to me!

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17. 71

    dahoglundposted 11 years ago

    http://dahoglund.hubpages.com/hub/What- … ean-to-you
    
    This is my hub on "Customer Service" which is about the attitude behind such service.

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       Denise Handlonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Important points here, dahoglund.  Enjoyed reading it. 

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    Arlene V. Pomaposted 11 years ago

    LOL!  MJ, as far as I've seen of your writing, you are a shining star!  I am sure you will be stellar Apprentice and pick everyone's brains.  I do not understand that there were actually some AP dropouts.  If given the chance to learn this way, why not take full advantage?  I am sure you will do just fine!

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       mjkearnposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Hi Arlene
       As you told me before you call it as it is, which is what I like, but I think you had to much fairy dust this morning. "Shinning star and stellar". You are far too kind and gracious to this little short ass and I thank you.
       
       The drop outs and the numbers have surprised me. You would expect some as the natural course of things but it seems more than that.
       
       As newbies, we should be very thankful and respectful to be allowed to try our hand at something that others have trained for, worked damn hard for and consider their profession. They may rightly think that their toes are being stepped on. As with everything new I've tried, I never forget to respect those who have gone before.
       
       I have found some of the attitudes to the AP quit strange. We are not only being offered free education but we are being paid to learn. Where else in today's world would you find such an offer. The whole AP is designed to help hubbers become better writers which helps them, the community and HP overall. I can't see how anyone can be negative about this.
       
       I for one, run to it with open arms.
       
       Thanks again Arlene for your lovely comments, praise and support. I'm also very happy if I can make someone laugh,
       MJ.

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          Arlene V. Pomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          MJ:
          
          At $6 per accepted Hub, this is why I cannot understand why anyone would drop out!  WooHoo!  Getting paid to learn?  That's what apprenticeships are for.  In the past, I went through two apprenticeships while working on the job.  It works!  I understand that life happens, but you have to be so sure when you accept this challenge.  I mean, the rest of us are going for the online pennies the hard way.  For 6 months x 8 Hubs, $6 per is a very nice jump!  WooHoo!

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             mjkearnposted 11 years agoin reply to this

             Hi Arlene and you are absolutely right. WooHoo! WooHoo! and more WooHoo!
             Some souls just don't appreciate a great deal when they hear it. I totally agree Apprenticeships work and whatever you are at, you have to earn your place.
             MJ.

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19. 93

    Sherry Hewinsposted 11 years ago

    Customer service seems to be a lost art, especially in government offices or utility companies where the customer has no choice but to deal with them. I'm basing this on my own experiences as being a customer.
    
    What is good customer service?
    http://sherryhewins.hubpages.com/hub/Wh … er-Service

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    1. 87

       Denise Handlonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Good points here. 

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    2. 92

       MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I just realized I read your excellent hub and neglected to come back here to let you know how awesome it was. Great tips, for sure.

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20. 89

    aDayInMyLife1posted 11 years ago

    Hello,
    This is my first time participating in the Weekly Topic Inspiration, but the topic of customer service was very enticing. I decided to write a Hub on the customer service role of nurses and how they impact customer satisfaction. Nursing is very important to me and I realize that my interactions with patients make a lasting impression. I hope to provide useful suggestions for other nurses.
    
    
    http://adayinmylife1.hubpages.com/hub/G … for-Nurses
    
    Shortened Hub link:
    http://adayinmylife1.hubpages.com/t/3342c4

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       Suzie HQposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Very interesting, like the angle on Nursing, :-)

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          aDayInMyLife1posted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Thank you and it seems my Hub has inspired additional customer service in healthcare Hubs

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21. 79

    LisaKoskiposted 11 years ago

    Here's my first hub participating in the Weekly Topic Inspiration. Hope you enjoy it!
    
    http://lisakoski.hubpages.com/hub/5cust … ainingtips

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22. 0

    writeronlineposted 11 years ago

    This one's been up a while, so not newly-minted for the weekly topic. But it's just been idled, and it deserves a better fate -  imho:) A few more reads might help bring it back from the brink..
    
    It's especially relevant to us Hubbers, too, the title being "Want better Customer Service? Write, Don't Call"
    
    http://writeronline.hubpages.com/hub/Gr … rJustLucky

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23. 0

    mts1098posted 11 years ago

    Computer Service, Solutions, Support

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24. 84

    sholland10posted 11 years ago

    I finally finished.  Customer service is so important for big or small businesses to succeed.  Without it, they will lose customers.  Business must keep customer service at the top of their list. I am always shock when I see employees and even managers and owners who are rude.  In today's economy, it is no time to take any business for granted. 
    
    http://sholland10.hubpages.com/hub/How- … rvice?done
    
    Thanks,
    Susan
    (Sholland10)

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    1. 87

       Denise Handlonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Wonderful points, Susan.

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       MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Great tips. The video is entertaining yet to the point.

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25. 89

    Brownie83posted 11 years ago

    Better late than never? Anyways, I wrote about how nurses (and any healthcare worker for that matter) can improve patient satisfaction scores. I hope this proves to be helpful to healthcare and non-healthcare workers alike.
    
    http://brownie83.hubpages.com/hub/10-Si … cores?done

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    1. 87

       Denise Handlonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Excellent topic-great minds think alike.  I wrote mine on health care as well. 

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       MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Wonderful and well-thought out tips for helping nurses understand the importance of good customer care.

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26. 87

    Denise Handlonposted 11 years ago

    Here is my topic:  Customer Service in the Health Care System:   
    http://denisehandlon.hubpages.com/hub/E … are-System

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       MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I really enjoyed your hub and believe health care providers should read it for all of the helpful pointers on delivering great customer service.

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          Denise Handlonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Thanks Marlene

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       Suzie HQposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Informative and makes excellent points!

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       Suzie HQposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Informative and makes excellent points!

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       Arlene V. Pomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Denise, you have written many reasons why I have remained with my healthcare system for years.  Also, when you are in need of something like surgery or any other treatment, it really helps to have faith and trust in medical personnel.

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          Denise Handlonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          I agree.  Marlene...you're right.   
          
          Thanks Suzie HQ   

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       2. 87

          Denise Handlonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

             I meant Arlene, you're right,      Forgive me...

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27. 85

    DzyMsLizzyposted 11 years ago

    "What if,"  I already started to write a hub about this very thing, a few weeks ago--and put it on hold.  As of now, it remains yet to be published.  How to I get it into this queue for the WTI??

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    1. 87

       Denise Handlonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I believe you just follow the 'link here' at the top of Simone's list of possible hub topics, click the green 'answer' button on that page, then click 'make a hub about it.  You may have to abort the title you already chose, if that is done already, and rewrite a new title for this category here.    Congrats on your '100' score, BTW   

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28. 83

    MomsTreasureChestposted 11 years ago

    This is the first time I'm participating in the Weekly Topic Inspiration.  I hope I have followed the steps correctly - I'm concerned because there doesn't appear to be a special capsule in my hub (when I clicked on "answer this question"  it indicated the completed hub would have a special link capsule in it).  Any advice or comment on this from a HubPages veteran would be appreciated.  Please advise if there is something I need to change.
    
    The link to my Customer Service and Satisfaction hub is:
    
    http://momstreasurechest.hubpages.com/h … tisfaction
    
    Thanks!

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       MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I enjoyed your hub with all the excellent tips. I wish I could help with information about the "special capsule". I didn't know there was one in the hub. I'll look for it. In the meantime, hopefully someone will let us know.

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    2. 87

       Denise Handlonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Great hub, MOMS...I'm not familiar with any 'special capsule' eiather...I think if you really need this answer, email Simone or oen of the other staff.   

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    dahoglundposted 11 years ago

    The link below is my current submission. It's theme is to understand what is really on a customers mind. In some cases it does not have a lot to do with the immediate problem.
    
    http://dahoglund.hubpages.com/hub/Ways- … rvice?done

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       MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Great hub about having respect for the customer.

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    2. 87

       Denise Handlonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I enjoyed this one, dahoglund.      Good points.

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30. 0

    Arlene V. Pomaposted 11 years ago

    MomsTreasureChest:  Sometimes I click on the "answer this question" to establish my WTI, but you have to make sure that those first few sentences are the ones that you want on your Hub.  I usually answer this question and start a Hub when I am sure about the topic.  But you'll notice that Hub writers will completely bypass this step of answering the question and go right into writing their Hub and announcing its title on the thread.  I don't know of any link capsule.  I only look forward to any WTI topic that I can write about.  Get your article written, get it published and announce your work on the thread so that everyone can get a chance to read and comment.  You may like hanging out here on a weekly basis since the Hub authors are so supportive.

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       MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       You are so right about the support of other authors, Arlene. Coming to this weekly forum is where I met you and other truly amazing writers. My first visit here was the start of a very enjoyable time on HubPages.

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    2. 87

       Denise Handlonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          One smile for each of you ladies.    and one for Momstreasurechest, too.

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31. 0

    Arlene V. Pomaposted 11 years ago

    Marlene, someone told me last month that anyone can write.  No so!  But let me tell you something.  Since I have been writing since I was five, I can truly pick the winners, and I can pick the ones who won't get past writing a Hub or two because the "big money" isn't coming in.  Writing has to fit you like your best pair of jeans.  Otherwise, if you find yourself struggling all the time--forget it!  It's just like anything else.  Some people have the talent and skills, and others don't.  I read so much crap from so-called writers who just want to make the buck, but I am always willing to encourage talent.  I only follow 13 people.  As far as I'm concerned, when a writer puts out excellent work on a regular basis, and always shows growth, this is what I want.  I also look for someone who is gracious with readers.  Someday, I may be in line to see this writer as they go on a junket to push their latest book or screenplay.  I will have the satisfaction of saying, "I knew this writer way back when . . ."

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       MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I commend you, Arlene for having the wisdom of limiting the number of people you follow. When I first came to HubPages, I thought it was cool to follow a lot of people. Now, I'm seeing that's not so cool after all. But, I haven't the heart to "unfollow" people. Logically, I know there is no way in the world to follow a lot of people. So, I know I need to make the effort to click the unfollow button to give justice to the people whose writing I really treasure. Maybe I'l ease into it and unfollow those writers who haven't written anything for the past six months. Then, when I feel comfortable with that, I'll ease into unfollowing those who have not written anything in the past three months. I want to get to the point where I'm following people I can actively go and read their work on a regular basis.
       
       Talking about the "big money". Now, that's a consideration all of its own. When I first started here, I was earning one cent a month for a few months, then, another month, five cents, then one day I earned ten cents. I was so tickled about that ten cents, because I sat back and realized... it's the internet! If I could earn ten cents, I could easily earn ten dollars, a hundred dollars, a thousand dollars, even a million dollars. Yeah, I know a million dollars is kind of "pie in the sky" thinking, but it's the internet and that makes it a posibility. Every month the earnings go up. I love seeing money deposited into my PayPal account. Every month is more than the last. I'm not wealthy... yet. But, I encourage anyone who is reading this comment to not get so bogged down with the amount of money they are making, but to take pride in their craft, knowing that as long as they produce good, quality hubs, the money will naturally follow.
       
       My husband and I are working on a screenplay that we vowed to polish and pitch at next year's showbiz expo. We think it's a winner, but you know how writers are. We always think our stuff is exceptional. But, my daughter, who works with celebrities knows somebody who knows somebody... lol... Well, we got a preliminary read of our first draft from someone in the industry and have been asked to finish and submit our manuscript for consideration - no promises, we understand. If that person doesn't bite, it's on to the expo to see who will. So, who knows, you might be able to say you knew us when...
       
       As always, it is good talking to you, Arlene. I'll let you know how I did with my hub housecleaning (unfollowing).

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    Sherry Hewinsposted 11 years ago

    Shouldn't there be a new topic up by now?

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       MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       That's what I was thinking. I keep checking to see what it is.

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       Denise Handlonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I wondered that too.  I sent Simone an email to inquire about this...nothing has changed though, so I am assuming it will be a continuation.

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       Simone Smithposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       My apologies, y'all! I meant to make this a clear two week topic, but forgot to mention that detail! There will be a new one this coming Monday.

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          Rosyel Sawaliposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          And I have been wondering about a new topic LOL ^_^ Thanks Simone!

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    Arlene V. Pomaposted 11 years ago

    I am always cleaning house when it comes to followers, Marlene.  You don't know what these authors are doing, but when too much time lapses in between articles, I usually feel they have moved on.  Hopefully, to bigger and better things. 
    
    I have decided that my role here on HubPages is to write and encourage others to write.  My retirement allows me to do this because the stress and the pressure of making the online money has been lifted from me.  Sure, the payouts are nice, but I lean towards the "applause."  I write because someone or something has inspired me, and I feel blessed to be able to do this. 
    
    How exciting that you and your husband are collaborating on a project, and your daughter is in on the marketing.  I hope I get the chance to view your work with a tub of buttered popcorn and a huge box of Jujubees.  Wouldn't that be wonderful???  Anyway, those are my plans as I watch your progress!

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       MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Arlene, you do an excellent job of writing, that's for sure. You are also great at encouraging other writers. I, for one, is encouraged by you and I thank you for your inspiration. You have done well. HubPages needs you... I need you. Thank you for all that you do here and for others who write, but also for those of us who want to read GOOD content. Arlene, there are times when I have the need to pick up a book written by a great author and relish in that moment of reading. I get the same feeling of comfort when I read anything written by you. I actually seek out your hubs just to read something I know is grammatically sound and guaranteed to enhance either my writing career or my internal soul. Thank you for being here and for genuinely caring for your readers, which includes me.

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          Arlene V. Pomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Thanks, Marlene!  As you suggested a long time ago, we need to establish our fan clubs.  LOL!

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       Denise Handlonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I think that's great that you are working together on a project.  I just finished writng my first play and sending it into a local contest held by the theatre arts council.  Top 5 that are selected will perform in Nov and the winner will get a small prize money.  My excitement was doing something that I have not done ever before.  The criteria was challenging, especially for a first time script writer: ten minutes or less.    I was very pleased with the end results and now can hardly wait until the end of the judging, early Oct.  I'm hoping I am one of the 5 selected, but it was fun no matter what!

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          Arlene V. Pomaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Denise, I hope you win the contest.  For years, my brother has had his plays performed in San Francisco and at at several universities.  For me, it was such a thrill to sit in the audience and watch the magic.  I've never written a play that involved a performance.  I can only imagine the pride I would feel to be able to entertain people with my work.  To have a real live audience, actors, a director, etc.  I still keep the posters and programs that advertised each of his plays.

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             Denise Handlonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

             Thanks Arlene, that is sooo cool.     I used to participate in the h.s. plays and then during the summer at the community summerstock theatre.  However, it has been a very, very long time that I've been involved in the theatre at any level.     To actually WRITE a play was an exciting challenge in itself.    The play is based on events that occurred while I lived in the East Bay area.   

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          MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Denise, I really do hope you win the contest. It will be the greatest uplift you could ever imagine. I got the script writing bug when my pastor's wife asked me to write a script for the Christmas play one year. When I lived in the SF bay area, I was a member of one of those mega churches. The budget for the Christmas play was on the up side toward a million (I won't say exact numbers because they might not appreciate that), so you can imagine how big of a deal this was to me. I was freaked out to have that kind of responsibility, but the pastor's wife just looked me in the eyes and said, "Marlene... I have all the faith in the world that you will write and direct a great script... trust me on this." Well, I trusted her and I'm shamelessly patting myself on the back, because the play was a huge success. I mention that not because I want to brag (well, maybe a little), but to say I now know that if I put my mind to it, I can write a successful script. My husband and I are collaborating because I wrote a script and let him read it. He liked it. He didn't love it; he just liked it. But, he didn't leave it at that. He went to his computer and typed up some suggestions for characters and scenes. When I looked at his ideas I saw how employing his ideas would truly enhance the script. We started attending scriptwriting events and enjoying that world so much that we vowed to set aside time to get the script sold by the end of next year. We are fortunate that my youngest daughter is a professional celebrity wardrobe stylist (bragging again), in contact with people who could "make things happen" for us. My husband and I really aren't so full of ourselves that we think our script is "all that". We are just writers who want a piece of the pie and hope to get a crumb or two if the universe so grants it.

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    paradigmsearchposted 11 years ago

    SHUTDOWN

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       paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Oops, that was supposed to be directed at a religion forum.
       
       Paradigmsearch slinks away...

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    Sherry Hewinsposted 11 years ago

    So, are we not getting a new topic this week?

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       Simone Smithposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I've extended it into a two week topic, so we'll be getting a new one on Monday!

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    Arlene V. Pomaposted 11 years ago

    Hope so, Sherry!  And I hope it's something I can write about!  Usually, if I don't get a WTI out by Thursday, the distractions take over.  And, away I go!  LOL!

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       MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Same here, Arlene. At this time of the week, I am usually tending to other things. I'm afraid I probably won't get involved with the WTI this week... unless it is something really juicy that I can't resist sinking my teeth into.

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    Arlene V. Pomaposted 11 years ago

    Absolutely, Marlene!  People think that because I'm retired, I'm spending my time growing old in front of the telly.  They are so wrong, wrong, wrong!  There are not enough hours in the day for me, and that's the way I like it.

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       MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Arlene, do you find that you are more busy now that you are retired? I do. Before I retired, I worked hard - day in and day out. When I retired, I thought I would have more "free" time. I was so wrong. Right now, I've got phone calls to make, errands to run, there is a Synergy technician here right now, so you know I had to clean up before he got here, right? But, it's unbelieveable to see all the stuff that needs attention around the house on a daily basis. Now that I'm retired it seems like the chores have increased but the hours in each day have decreased. If I don't pop the WTI out by Wednesday, it's highly likely it's just not going to get done.

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    Arlene V. Pomaposted 11 years ago

    I take a walk each morning with my dog.  We both could stand to lose some weight, so we walk for an hour before the valley heat takes over.  It has now become habit, and as soon as I wake up, I'm dressed for my walk, and away we go.  I am grateful that I am able to retire because many people won't see retirement.  They have to work, but there will come a time when your body can't take it.  Or you can't take being around people because you are a grouch!  LOL!  After the walk, the day is MINE.  But it took me years to figure out that one.  I also need to keep moving to get the blood to my brains.  And the sun (only 20 minutes each day) chases the blues away.  Not that I have any.  I am learning how to be Suzy Homemaker, but that's gonna take years.  It is tempting to say to yourself, "Manana!"

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    cat on a soapboxposted 11 years ago

    Wow! There are so many great hubs on customer service here. Thank you, everyone!

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    Kevin Peterposted 11 years ago

    Just made another hub for this weeks challenge . "An Easy Guide to Build a Strong Customer Relationship "
    
    Waiting for your feedback..
    
    http://kevin-peter.hubpages.com/hub/An- … lationship

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    melbelposted 11 years ago

    Good Customer Service Skills
    http://melbel.hubpages.com/hub/Good-Cus … ice-Skills

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    Brutis808posted 11 years ago

    Are Customer Service Courses Worth It?
    http://brutis808.hubpages.com/hub/Are-C … s-Worth-It

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    Simone Smithposted 11 years ago

    Looking at all these great Hubs makes me think we should run more two week Weekly Topic Inspiration sessions! These are awesome.
    
    This week's new theme is diseases, disorders, and conditions. Join in and share your expertise on whatever condition/disorder/disease you may have learned about from personal (or proximal) experience!

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