Aug22

An Exercise in Customer Service

by Heather Whaling

On an index card (or in Evernote … or whatever your preferred note-taking tool is), write about a time when you received above-and-beyond, top-notch, memorable customer service. Spend two or three minutes jotting down notes, using the following questions as a guide:

  • When was it?
  • What happened?
  • What was the benefit/value of the experience for you?
  • What did you feel during and after the experience?
  • Think about your senses. What do you recall seeing? Touching? Tasting (especially relevant if your experience involves a restaurant or coffee shop!)? Hearing?
  • What sets this experience apart from other interactions with customer service departments?

Now, re-read your experience and store it somewhere easily accessible.

In some form or fashion, we’re all involved in customer service. (If you think your not, think again.) When you get frustrated, or aren’t sure how to deliver that Zappos-esque, high-level customer service, come back to this story. Use it as motivation — an inspiration to help you create a similar, memorable customer service experience for someone else.

I’d love to hear your most memorable customer service experience. What made it so great? How can PR play a role in improving customer service? The comments are all yours …

Special thanks to Strategic Links for inspiring this blog post.

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Really hope to hear some interesting stories/comments. My own experience with truly "knock your socks off' service occurred in the midst of a heat wave this summer. It was actually 4th of July weekend and we came home from a day at the pool to find our air conditioning broke. 100+ degrees plus 2 children under four and friends scheduled to arrive... well, lets just say I was a little bit cranky. We called Weltman Home services and a repairman (nicest guy ever) arrived in an hour. Oh, and just before he arrived, I received the following email on my blackberry (yes, I saved it and I intend to share at any/every chance I get!)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi, I'm Kevin Smith, and I'm part of the professional team of installers and technicians at Weltman Home Services.
Before I arrive in your home, I want you to know a little bit about me, and what to expect.
I'll treat you and your home with complete respect.
I have the entire Weltman team to back me up should I require any support during my visit to your home.
Once I arrive, I'll look things over and explain what's needed to do the job correctly.
I'll answer all your questions.
If you like, I can have a look around to see if any other repair issues might be brewing.
I'll give you a guaranteed upfront price and, even if the job is more complicated than expected, you won't pay one dime more.
I'll leave the work area as clean (or cleaner!) than I found it.
Oh, and in case you're interested, my favorite movie of all time is Ironman, my favorite sports team is the New York Giants, and I'm passionate about my home and family!

On behalf of all of us at Weltman Home Services, thank you for allowing us to serve you today. I know you had other choices, which means my goal is to make you glad you chose us!

------------------------------------------------------------------

Pretty awesome, huh? And if you can imagine, Kevin was even nicer, more professional and helpful than the email!

Great post. I love the idea of creating a file with great customer service experiences. I'll have to start one!

My most recent one came while shopping for a cocktail dress to wear to a black tie wedding. I visited a high-end store that I've never set foot in before. The service was phenomenal. On my way to the fitting room, they asked for my shoe size. I was puzzled. They came back with some high platform pumps to try on with the dress. It really made a difference when trying on the dresses. The staff helped me in to dresses, showed me how to tie bows and sashes different ways and brought different sizes without me asking. Essentially, they anticipated my every need before I even asked. It was simple stuff, but it still blew me away. This is proof the little stuff goes a long way.

Great post. I love the idea of creating a file with great customer service experiences. I'll have to start one!

My most recent one came while shopping for a cocktail dress to wear to a black tie wedding. I visited a high-end store that I've never set foot in before. The service was phenomenal. On my way to the fitting room, they asked for my shoe size. I was puzzled. They came back with some high platform pumps to try on with the dress. It really made a difference when trying on the dresses. The staff helped me in to dresses, showed me how to tie bows and sashes different ways and brought different sizes without me asking. Essentially, they anticipated my every need before I even asked. It was simple stuff, but it still blew me away. This is proof the little stuff goes a long way.

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