Tip: Remember to value your customer.
Recently I was with a friend of mine in a store that sold building materials. The place reminded me of an ant bed! The employees were all hurrying to pull orders, talking on the phone, using the copier to make copies of paperwork, and speaking loudly to each other. It was a hot bed of activity!
I mentioned to our salesperson that it seemed as though everyone was very busy, trying to take care of their customers. He said, “Yeah, our boss has taught us the best way to grow a successful company as well as ensure job security is to always treat the customer well. Good service and a good attitude is the name of the game here. By the way, did you see the sign on the wall?”
I went to look at a plaque that was displayed next to several company awards. I noticed that the local Chamber of Commerce had ranked this small business as one of the best places to work in the whole county. Being a small business owner myself, I was impressed with this entire operation. The environment felt friendly and efficient. Then I saw the sign I had been directed to see. It was entitled, “Our Valued Customer.” After reading the plaque, I quickly took out a pen and paper and began to write down what I saw. It was too good to pass up! I knew I was reading the secret to this company’s success and, possibly my own company’s success, if I would simply implement what I read. Here is what the plaque said:
Our Valued Customer
• A customer is the most important person in this business – in person, by telephone or email.
• A customer is not dependent on us; we are dependent on our customer.
• A customer is not an interruption of our work; he or she is the purpose of it.
• A customer is doing us a favor by offering us the opportunity to be of service.
• A customer is not someone to argue or match wits with. No one has ever won an argument with a customer.
I could not help but think to myself, “It is no wonder this company is thriving. With an attitude like that, who would not want to do business with these people?!” I came back to my office and asked my assistant to type up and print a copy for everyone! Anyone who ever deals with customers and practices these principles will profit greatly from the wisdom found in these words.
This week, why not do everything in your power to treat your customers with this approach? Even if you do not currently have a position where you deal with customers, you can still practice these principles with your co-workers, friends and family members. Treat them as though they were your valued customers. Watch what happens. It will make a huge difference in the environment and in the response you receive.
If you do have customers, why not “raise the bar” in the way you treat them? You will always get back what you give out and there is no better place to practice this truth than with your customers!
Tip: Remember to value your customer.
Have a great week! God bless you!
