Manage Customer Experience through Small Details
It was just a small thing that most people wouldn’t notice, but it was a detail worth noting in the quest for outstanding service. I’ll try and paint you a verbal picture of the situation. I was staying at one of the Disney hotels in Orlando. There was a line at the check in counter. I guess they were getting us ready for the lines at the theme park.
There were at least eight front desk personnel checking in guests, so the line was moving. When it was my turn to check in, the open spot was at the other end of the front desk. Rather than the front desk looking over at me and yelling, “Next,” she walked over from behind the desk to where the line was, smiled at me, greeted me, and asked me to come over to her area to check in. All of the front desk personnel did the same thing when their areas opened up for the next guest to check in.
Contrast that with the very expensive hotel I just stayed at in New York City. It was my turn to check in and the guy at the front desk yelled, “Next.” He didn’t welcome me when I approached him. He just said, “Name.” I guess that was his way of saying, “Welcome to our very expensive and well known hotel. I’m here to check you in. May I have your name please?”
This was just a little thing, and by itself is nothing significant. But if enough of these little things are good, they add up and eventually get noticed. Conversely, so do the bad ones. And once you have even a small, seemingly insignificant bad experience take place, it becomes magnified when another one happens.
Anybody and any company can manage the big and obvious things. It’s the little things that can make you stand out. Details can make the difference.
Shep Hyken, CSP, CPAE is a professional speaker and Wall Street Journal best-selling author who works with companies who want to develop loyal relationships with their customers and employees. For more information on Shep's speaking programs, books, tapes and learning programs please contact (314)692-2200. Email: shep@hyken.com – Web:http://www.hyken.com – Click here for information on The Customer Focus™ customer service training programs (http://www.TheCustomerFocus.com).
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Customer Service Lesson: How to Apologize
Groupon CEO Andrew Mason Shows How a CEO and Company Take Responsibility for a Customer Service Snafu
Groupon is a fantastic app that features a daily discount to various businesses around the world. Some of the deals are really quite extraordinary. Recently Groupon featured a major discount to a restaurant delivery service in Tokyo for the New Year. The promotion was wildly successful as more than 500 “Groupons” were sold. Unfortunately, a customer service “nightmare” took place. The restaurant was not prepared for the success and couldn’t accommodate all of the orders. Deliveries were late, and many of them were in “terrible condition.”
Who do you blame for this? The restaurant or Groupon? My first thought is that the restaurant should have been prepared. Yet Andrew Mason, the CEO of Groupon took responsibility as well. He acknowledged that he sold to an organization that was not prepared to deal with the success of the Groupon promotion. While the restaurant failed the service to their customers, Groupon refunded money back to the consumers who bought the coupons and gave away vouchers for future business.
To avoid customer service issues like this in the future, Groupon has started educating its customers on ‘capacity planning.’ It appears that Groupon is going to make sure their customers are able to deliver to their customers (the consumer). This is good for everyone involved.
Mason took this further and created a video that featured a public apology about the incident. It was sincere and informative. It explained exactly what happened and held nothing back. It is a wonderful example of how an individual or company should respond in customer service situations like this. Here is a link to the original article and video. http://www.youtube.com/user/gruponpon2010
Thank you to Andrew Mason and Groupon for teaching us a great customer service lesson.
Shep Hyken, CSP, CPAE is a professional speaker and Wall Street Journal best-selling author who works with companies who want to develop loyal relationships with their customers and employees. For more information on Shep's speaking programs, books, tapes and learning programs please contact (314)692-2200. Email: shep@hyken.com – Web:http://www.hyken.com – Click here for information on The Customer Focus™ customer service training programs (http://www.TheCustomerFocus.com).
Groupon CEO Andrew Mason Shows How a CEO and Company Take Responsibility for a Customer Service Snafu
Groupon is a fantastic app that features a daily discount to various businesses around the world. Some of the deals are really quite extraordinary. Recently Groupon featured a major discount to a restaurant delivery service in Tokyo for the New Year. The promotion was wildly successful as more than 500 “Groupons” were sold. Unfortunately, a customer service “nightmare” took place. The restaurant was not prepared for the success and couldn’t accommodate all of the orders. Deliveries were late, and many of them were in “terrible condition.”
Who do you blame for this? The restaurant or Groupon? My first thought is that the restaurant should have been prepared. Yet Andrew Mason, the CEO of Groupon took responsibility as well. He acknowledged that he sold to an organization that was not prepared to deal with the success of the Groupon promotion. While the restaurant failed the service to their customers, Groupon refunded money back to the consumers who bought the coupons and gave away vouchers for future business.
To avoid customer service issues like this in the future, Groupon has started educating its customers on ‘capacity planning.’ It appears that Groupon is going to make sure their customers are able to deliver to their customers (the consumer). This is good for everyone involved.
Mason took this further and created a video that featured a public apology about the incident. It was sincere and informative. It explained exactly what happened and held nothing back. It is a wonderful example of how an individual or company should respond in customer service situations like this. Here is a link to the original article and video. http://www.youtube.com/user/gruponpon2010
Thank you to Andrew Mason and Groupon for teaching us a great customer service lesson.
Shep Hyken, CSP, CPAE is a professional speaker and Wall Street Journal best-selling author who works with companies who want to develop loyal relationships with their customers and employees. For more information on Shep's speaking programs, books, tapes and learning programs please contact (314)692-2200. Email: shep@hyken.com – Web:http://www.hyken.com – Click here for information on The Customer Focus™ customer service training programs (http://www.TheCustomerFocus.com).
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
The Best Leaders Leave a Legacy
The headlines yesterday were about Steve Jobs, Apple’s leader and visionary, stepping down to take a medical leave. People are worried about what will happen to the company.
The same thing happened with Southwest Airlines CEO Herb Kelleher. Everyone worried what would happen to the company when the co-founder and chairman stepped down. Looking back we can see that the answer was simple: nothing. Proof of that came recently when the US experienced the worst economy in years, which negatively affected the airline industry. Yet, Southwest fared well – and Kelleher wasn’t there. The reason was also simple: The new people in charge kept doing what they have always been doing – what Kelleher started and what everyone continued to do after he left.
Basically, Kelleher promised two things. First, he promised a simple value proposition to his customers in the form of inexpensive flights and a bag of peanuts. What the customers (passengers) received was that plus great service. It was fun to fly on Southwest. Second, he took pride in taking great care of his employees, believing that if you take care of the employees, they will take care of the customers. This worked and continues to do so.
There is no doubt that Steve Jobs is an amazing man who has led Apple to develop products that have changed the world. His departure will hopefully be temporary. Yet, if it is permanent, he has a great team supporting him and the company. They know what to do. His legacy will live on.
On a personal note, Mr. Jobs, I wish you health and a speedy recovery. Take care of yourself and your family. The company will take of itself. You made sure of that.
Shep Hyken, CSP, CPAE is a professional speaker and Wall Street Journal best-selling author who works with companies who want to develop loyal relationships with their customers and employees. For more information on Shep's speaking programs, books, tapes and learning programs please contact (314) 692-2200. Email: shep@hyken.com – Web: http://www.hyken.com – Click here for information on The Customer Focus™ customer service training programs (http://www.TheCustomerFocus.com).
Copyright © 2010, Shep Hyken -- http://www.hyken.com-- (314)692-2200
The headlines yesterday were about Steve Jobs, Apple’s leader and visionary, stepping down to take a medical leave. People are worried about what will happen to the company.
The same thing happened with Southwest Airlines CEO Herb Kelleher. Everyone worried what would happen to the company when the co-founder and chairman stepped down. Looking back we can see that the answer was simple: nothing. Proof of that came recently when the US experienced the worst economy in years, which negatively affected the airline industry. Yet, Southwest fared well – and Kelleher wasn’t there. The reason was also simple: The new people in charge kept doing what they have always been doing – what Kelleher started and what everyone continued to do after he left.
Basically, Kelleher promised two things. First, he promised a simple value proposition to his customers in the form of inexpensive flights and a bag of peanuts. What the customers (passengers) received was that plus great service. It was fun to fly on Southwest. Second, he took pride in taking great care of his employees, believing that if you take care of the employees, they will take care of the customers. This worked and continues to do so.
There is no doubt that Steve Jobs is an amazing man who has led Apple to develop products that have changed the world. His departure will hopefully be temporary. Yet, if it is permanent, he has a great team supporting him and the company. They know what to do. His legacy will live on.
On a personal note, Mr. Jobs, I wish you health and a speedy recovery. Take care of yourself and your family. The company will take of itself. You made sure of that.
Shep Hyken, CSP, CPAE is a professional speaker and Wall Street Journal best-selling author who works with companies who want to develop loyal relationships with their customers and employees. For more information on Shep's speaking programs, books, tapes and learning programs please contact (314) 692-2200. Email: shep@hyken.com – Web: http://www.hyken.com – Click here for information on The Customer Focus™ customer service training programs (http://www.TheCustomerFocus.com).
Copyright © 2010, Shep Hyken -- http://www.hyken.com-- (314)692-2200
Treat Employees Like They Are the Customer
“Treat your employees the way you want your customers treated – maybe even better!” Shep Hyken
The above quote is simply a line taken from one of my speeches. It is my customer service slant to the familiar Golden Rule – “Do unto others as you would do unto yourself.” Telling people how to treat customers is one thing. Showing how you want them treated is completely different – especially if you are modeling the behavior.
I received a case study written by Andrew Thomas, a freelance writer from Ohio. He wrote about global leadership and the Ritz-Carlton Hotel chain. There was something in the case study that jumped out at me, and it applies to the concept in the above quotation.
The Ritz-Carlton was hired to manage an existing hotel in Shanghai. They brought in many of their experts and determined that major renovations were needed. Their first phase of the renovation was the Employee Entrance. This may seem strange to most, but is the norm for the Ritz-Carlton. While the renovation was relatively inexpensive, it sent an important message to the employees (who were employed by the previous management company). It demonstrated that a new standard (higher) of quality and service was expected and that the employees were incredibly important to the process.
The Ritz-Carlton is recognized worldwide for being a quality organization. They understand the importance of outstanding customer service. Just as important, if not more so, is that they also understand the value of their employees, the internal customers.
Shep Hyken, CSP, CPAE is a professional speaker and Wall Street Journal best-selling author who works with companies who want to develop loyal relationships with their customers and employees. For more information on Shep's speaking programs, books, tapes and learning programs please contact (314) 692-2200. Email: shep@hyken.com – Web: http://www.hyken.com – Click here for information on The Customer Focus™ customer service training programs (http://www.TheCustomerFocus.com).
Copyright © 2010, Shep Hyken -- http://www.hyken.com-- (314)692-2200
“Treat your employees the way you want your customers treated – maybe even better!” Shep Hyken
The above quote is simply a line taken from one of my speeches. It is my customer service slant to the familiar Golden Rule – “Do unto others as you would do unto yourself.” Telling people how to treat customers is one thing. Showing how you want them treated is completely different – especially if you are modeling the behavior.
I received a case study written by Andrew Thomas, a freelance writer from Ohio. He wrote about global leadership and the Ritz-Carlton Hotel chain. There was something in the case study that jumped out at me, and it applies to the concept in the above quotation.
The Ritz-Carlton was hired to manage an existing hotel in Shanghai. They brought in many of their experts and determined that major renovations were needed. Their first phase of the renovation was the Employee Entrance. This may seem strange to most, but is the norm for the Ritz-Carlton. While the renovation was relatively inexpensive, it sent an important message to the employees (who were employed by the previous management company). It demonstrated that a new standard (higher) of quality and service was expected and that the employees were incredibly important to the process.
The Ritz-Carlton is recognized worldwide for being a quality organization. They understand the importance of outstanding customer service. Just as important, if not more so, is that they also understand the value of their employees, the internal customers.
Shep Hyken, CSP, CPAE is a professional speaker and Wall Street Journal best-selling author who works with companies who want to develop loyal relationships with their customers and employees. For more information on Shep's speaking programs, books, tapes and learning programs please contact (314) 692-2200. Email: shep@hyken.com – Web: http://www.hyken.com – Click here for information on The Customer Focus™ customer service training programs (http://www.TheCustomerFocus.com).
Copyright © 2010, Shep Hyken -- http://www.hyken.com-- (314)692-2200
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Four Valuable Customer Service Lessons We Can Learn From the Airlines
When discussing customer service, I don’t like to pick on the airlines. Their shortcomings are obvious. Yet while I may encounter that curmudgeon at the ticket counter or that crusty flight attendant, when it comes to the people side, the airlines usually deliver acceptable levels of service. It is usually the operational side that has created problems for the airlines; flight delays, cancellations, lost luggage, etc.
To support the airlines, many times these delays or cancellations are necessary due to weather or mechanical issues. Still, they are not always handled very well. Sometimes the bad service comes down to what appears to be complete ineptness. The service in the airline industry has become so inconsistent that many of their customers have adapted to the model that says, “Treat me like crap. I don’t care. Just get me there on time and I’ll fly with you again.”
That said, we can learn a lot from the airlines. Here are four simple lessons that the airlines teach us.
Manage my expectations. I hate delayed flights – or delayed anything! If we have to wait for our reservation at a restaurant or in the waiting room at the doctor’s office, let us know how long it will be. And don’t tell us 20 minutes, when it is really 45 minutes. In other words, don’t let me down – again.
Give me information. Is there bad weather? Is it a mechanical problem? Tell me and maybe I’ll understand. In any business, if something goes wrong, be honest about it. Let us know quickly and what you plan to do about it. The more we know, the better we feel.
Have a backup plan. So the flight is canceled, what are you going to do about it? I’ve gone to stores that advertise sale items that are out of stock. Do I walk away disappointed? No. The good stores give me options that will make me happy.
Create confidence. As mentioned above, just get me there on time and I’ll fly with you again. In any business, customers expect what they buy (products or services) to do what they are supposed to do. Throw in consistently great service and you have a winning combination.
Shep Hyken, CSP CPAE is a professional speaker and Wall Street Journal best-selling author who works with companies who want to develop loyal relationships with their customers and employees. For more information on Shep's speaking programs, books, tapes and learning programs please contact (314) 692-2200. Email: shep@hyken.com – Web: www.hyken.com – Click here for information on The Customer Focus™ customer service training programs (www.TheCustomerFocus.com).
Copyright © 2010, Shep Hyken -- http://www.hyken.com-- (314)692-2200
When discussing customer service, I don’t like to pick on the airlines. Their shortcomings are obvious. Yet while I may encounter that curmudgeon at the ticket counter or that crusty flight attendant, when it comes to the people side, the airlines usually deliver acceptable levels of service. It is usually the operational side that has created problems for the airlines; flight delays, cancellations, lost luggage, etc.
To support the airlines, many times these delays or cancellations are necessary due to weather or mechanical issues. Still, they are not always handled very well. Sometimes the bad service comes down to what appears to be complete ineptness. The service in the airline industry has become so inconsistent that many of their customers have adapted to the model that says, “Treat me like crap. I don’t care. Just get me there on time and I’ll fly with you again.”
That said, we can learn a lot from the airlines. Here are four simple lessons that the airlines teach us.
Manage my expectations. I hate delayed flights – or delayed anything! If we have to wait for our reservation at a restaurant or in the waiting room at the doctor’s office, let us know how long it will be. And don’t tell us 20 minutes, when it is really 45 minutes. In other words, don’t let me down – again.
Give me information. Is there bad weather? Is it a mechanical problem? Tell me and maybe I’ll understand. In any business, if something goes wrong, be honest about it. Let us know quickly and what you plan to do about it. The more we know, the better we feel.
Have a backup plan. So the flight is canceled, what are you going to do about it? I’ve gone to stores that advertise sale items that are out of stock. Do I walk away disappointed? No. The good stores give me options that will make me happy.
Create confidence. As mentioned above, just get me there on time and I’ll fly with you again. In any business, customers expect what they buy (products or services) to do what they are supposed to do. Throw in consistently great service and you have a winning combination.
Shep Hyken, CSP CPAE is a professional speaker and Wall Street Journal best-selling author who works with companies who want to develop loyal relationships with their customers and employees. For more information on Shep's speaking programs, books, tapes and learning programs please contact (314) 692-2200. Email: shep@hyken.com – Web: www.hyken.com – Click here for information on The Customer Focus™ customer service training programs (www.TheCustomerFocus.com).
Copyright © 2010, Shep Hyken -- http://www.hyken.com-- (314)692-2200
Saturday, January 08, 2011
Highly Recommended Book By Dan Burrus:
“Flash Foresight: How to See the Invisible and Do the Impossible.”
My friend Dan Burrus can predict the future. No, he’s not psychic. He observes and learns. Based on his research and observations, he can predict trends, new technologies and more.
I first met Dan 20 years ago when I saw him deliver an amazing presentation on what the future was going to look like. Then he wrote a best-selling book titled “Techno Trends.” I recommended to book to everyone. And, I'm going to do the same with his new book. No, it's not about customer service or experience. It is about success - your success.
What if you could predict —and be RIGHT? How valuable would it be to see invisible opportunities BEFORE anyone else including your competition? Are you ready for your business to thrive regardless of the changing economy?
Then you are ready for Dan’s new book, “Flash Foresight: How to See the Invisible and Do the Impossible.” Its publisher HarperCollins has positioned “Flash Foresight” to be the lead business book in 2011. With change accelerating as never before, anticipating the future has become essential for beating your competitors...and even for survival. All it takes is looking in the right places by developing your sense of "flash foresight."
Daniel Burrus has an exclusive never done before limited time opportunity for anyone who purchases a book between now and January 13, 2011.. With each book purchased, you will have access to a premium package of bonus gift offerings from top business, sales and marketing gurus which are valued at over $20,000.00 These offerings have been developed exclusively for the Flash Foresight book launch.
The above number is not a typo! Dan asked many of his friends – other best-selling authors and thought leaders – to contribute some of their products to help promote the book.
More information about the book can be found at www.FlashForesight.com.
Shep Hyken, CSP CPAE is a professional speaker and Wall Street Journal best-selling author who works with companies who want to develop loyal relationships with their customers and employees. For more information on Shep's speaking programs, books, tapes and learning programs please contact (314) 692-2200. Email: shep@hyken.com – Web: www.hyken.com – Click here for information on The Customer Focus™ customer service training programs (www.TheCustomerFocus.com).
Copyright © 2010, Shep Hyken -- http://www.hyken.com-- (314)692-2200
“Flash Foresight: How to See the Invisible and Do the Impossible.”
My friend Dan Burrus can predict the future. No, he’s not psychic. He observes and learns. Based on his research and observations, he can predict trends, new technologies and more.
I first met Dan 20 years ago when I saw him deliver an amazing presentation on what the future was going to look like. Then he wrote a best-selling book titled “Techno Trends.” I recommended to book to everyone. And, I'm going to do the same with his new book. No, it's not about customer service or experience. It is about success - your success.
What if you could predict —and be RIGHT? How valuable would it be to see invisible opportunities BEFORE anyone else including your competition? Are you ready for your business to thrive regardless of the changing economy?
Then you are ready for Dan’s new book, “Flash Foresight: How to See the Invisible and Do the Impossible.” Its publisher HarperCollins has positioned “Flash Foresight” to be the lead business book in 2011. With change accelerating as never before, anticipating the future has become essential for beating your competitors...and even for survival. All it takes is looking in the right places by developing your sense of "flash foresight."
Daniel Burrus has an exclusive never done before limited time opportunity for anyone who purchases a book between now and January 13, 2011.. With each book purchased, you will have access to a premium package of bonus gift offerings from top business, sales and marketing gurus which are valued at over $20,000.00 These offerings have been developed exclusively for the Flash Foresight book launch.
The above number is not a typo! Dan asked many of his friends – other best-selling authors and thought leaders – to contribute some of their products to help promote the book.
More information about the book can be found at www.FlashForesight.com.
Shep Hyken, CSP CPAE is a professional speaker and Wall Street Journal best-selling author who works with companies who want to develop loyal relationships with their customers and employees. For more information on Shep's speaking programs, books, tapes and learning programs please contact (314) 692-2200. Email: shep@hyken.com – Web: www.hyken.com – Click here for information on The Customer Focus™ customer service training programs (www.TheCustomerFocus.com).
Copyright © 2010, Shep Hyken -- http://www.hyken.com-- (314)692-2200
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Ten Compelling Reasons to Deliver an
Amazing Customer Service Experience
I love lists, especially when it comes to learning. The list below was the result of a quick brainstorming session about the advantages of delivering a great customer service experience. I came up with many more, but wanted to create the “Top Ten List” for you.
As you look at the list below, what other ideas and strategies do you think about? I would love for you to send me what you would add to the list. And now, here are ten compelling reasons to deliver an amazing customer service experience:
1. Amazing customer service builds credibility, trust and confidence, which can lead to customer loyalty.
2. It can help the marketing and sales budget. It costs less to keep existing customers than it does to create new ones.
3. Delivering amazing service creates a buzz, word-of-mouth marketing and referrals, again helping the marketing budget.
4. Delivering amazing customer service can lead to existing customers buying more.
5. Customer service saves money. When you do it right the first time, you don’t have to fix it the next time.
6. Customer service can give your company an advantage over competitors.
7. Amazing customer service can make price less relevant.
8. Customer service focused companies are usually employee focused companies, thereby creating a better place to work. That means lower turnover, which could mean savings in hiring, training and more.
9. Customer service superstar companies are usually more profitable than the ones that aren’t.
10. Customer service helps get and keep customers… because without customers, you don’t have a business.
Thanks for reading and I can’t wait to get your feedback and ideas!
Shep Hyken, CSP, CPAE is a professional speaker and author who works with companies who want to develop loyal relationships with their customers and employees. For more information on Shep's speaking programs, books, tapes and learning programs please contact (314) 692-2200. Email: shep@hyken.com Web: www.hyken.com Click here for information on The Customer Focus™ customer service training programs (http://www.TheCustomerFocus.com).
Amazing Customer Service Experience
I love lists, especially when it comes to learning. The list below was the result of a quick brainstorming session about the advantages of delivering a great customer service experience. I came up with many more, but wanted to create the “Top Ten List” for you.
As you look at the list below, what other ideas and strategies do you think about? I would love for you to send me what you would add to the list. And now, here are ten compelling reasons to deliver an amazing customer service experience:
1. Amazing customer service builds credibility, trust and confidence, which can lead to customer loyalty.
2. It can help the marketing and sales budget. It costs less to keep existing customers than it does to create new ones.
3. Delivering amazing service creates a buzz, word-of-mouth marketing and referrals, again helping the marketing budget.
4. Delivering amazing customer service can lead to existing customers buying more.
5. Customer service saves money. When you do it right the first time, you don’t have to fix it the next time.
6. Customer service can give your company an advantage over competitors.
7. Amazing customer service can make price less relevant.
8. Customer service focused companies are usually employee focused companies, thereby creating a better place to work. That means lower turnover, which could mean savings in hiring, training and more.
9. Customer service superstar companies are usually more profitable than the ones that aren’t.
10. Customer service helps get and keep customers… because without customers, you don’t have a business.
Thanks for reading and I can’t wait to get your feedback and ideas!
Shep Hyken, CSP, CPAE is a professional speaker and author who works with companies who want to develop loyal relationships with their customers and employees. For more information on Shep's speaking programs, books, tapes and learning programs please contact (314) 692-2200. Email: shep@hyken.com Web: www.hyken.com Click here for information on The Customer Focus™ customer service training programs (http://www.TheCustomerFocus.com).
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