My Personal Experience With Customer Service

I started working at age 16. My first couple of jobs were in fast food. Since then I have not only worked in fast food, but I have also worked in call centers, retail, cafeterias in nursing centers, and retail. I have been a swing shift manager at McDonald's and a pharmacy Technician. Through all of these experiences, I have learned a lot about customer service. I have been able to earn Employee of the Month on three different occasions.

I have noticed just about any job you can have involves some kind of customer service. You have to have self control and good people skills. It hasn't always been fun to deal with people, but I can do it well. I have learned how to deal with that irate customer as well as the little old lonely lady that has nothing but time on her hands and lots of conversation.

I would say the best asset you can have when it comes to customer service is a genuine smile. People can tell when you are being fake. When you smile, you appear more friendly and approachable. You give the impression you are happy to help your customer. It can also make the customer feel like they are genuinely cared about.

Combine that smile with good eye contact, and you are sure to make your customer feel special. Good eye contact makes them feel like you are interested in them and what they have to say. It lets them know you are focused on them and not something else.

Also check your own attitude towards the customer. Do you care if you please them? Do you care if you can help them? Do you want to help them? Do you think they are a little weird and hope they hurry up and go away? Do you dislike their attitude or body language? Sometimes our preconceived ideas about a person will affect our attitude toward them. Our attitude toward them can affect how we act toward them and the impression we give to them.

Always do your best toward your customer. Be friendly. Develop a relationship with repeat customers. Be personal with them. A lot of times, it isn't what you can do for them or say to them, but how you make them feel.

Think about your own experiences as a customer. What did you like or not like about your experiences? Take note. Try to imitate what you like about your own experiences. Be real and genuine.

Don't take anything personally. Realize the customer may be having a bad day. They may not feel well. In fact, they may not even be a nice person to begin with. So just because someone gets upset doesn't mean you did anything wrong.

Whatever you do, don't loose your temper. Stay calm. I know it is sometimes easier said than done, but most of the time it will turn out for the best if you are able to stay in control. Take a deep breath or a moment in the back if you have to, but don't loose control of your own emotions. Besides, you can have the satisfaction knowing you did the right thing. You don't win customers by being rude back to them.

In conclusion, Customer Service is about caring for customers. It isn't about making you happy. Although, if you can successfully make your customer happy, it will bring you satisfaction too. It is hard to make others happy without making yourself happy in the process. It is about finding out what their needs are and doing the best you can to meet and exceed those needs. Care for your customers like you want others to care for you. Listen to what they have to say. Repeat it back to them if necessary.

Show your customers some love. Go the extra mile when you can. Does that mother with 3 children need a hand with the door? Does that elderly man need help reaching something off the top shelf? Does that child need help making a choice? Pay attention. There is always something you can do to make your customers feel special.