Monday, October 3, 2016

Main Street News: October 3rd

It is inevitable. We have all had the experience of both good and bad service. Whether it’s checking out at a retail store or maybe sitting at a restaurant. A specific experience is probably replaying through your head right now, because it is something many don’t forget. It is hard for us to forget how people or businesses make us feel. Those feelings also get expressed to many others, like our family and friends. You also can’t forget about the internet these days! A simple post online can reach thousands of people, good or bad! A general rule of thumb in the business community is that when something bad happens, 10 people get told; when a good thing happens, 1 person gets told. Also, it never fails that some people like to complain or find fault.

Customers value good service. If a store sells their product for a few more dollars, but goes the extra mile to provide the buyer with the best customer experience they can. It is very likely that the customer will pay the extra few dollars instead of walking into the stores competitor to get a bargain. And when they are faced with choosing what store to go to next time, you can bet they will remember the great experience they had before.

Customers deserve good service. Without their support, a business certainly wouldn’t remain open for long. While I certainly have received bad service, I choose to focus on the good service.  It is so enjoyable to hear a sales clerk say “Thank You for Your Business” or “Have a Nice Day”.  But when they go further beyond politeness, it is really a treat.  I appreciate the extra help or advice or the follow through that I receive.  It is kind of like TLC not just from the employee, but the business itself.  Knowing that they think I’m more than a sale to them is important to me.

The first week of October marks National Customer Service Week.  It’s a week designated to celebrate Customer Service at its finest.  If you are an employer or an employee, think of ways that you can improve the service you give to your customers.  It could be as easy as a few words or as large as a change in your product line, service line or an arrangement of the physical space.  You have the power to improve the experience your customers have, and they will return again and again to do business with you.  If you are a customer, take a moment to let them know you appreciate a particular item or service that you received.   A regular customer means so much to the business owner. It strengthens not only their business, but the Barnesville business community here as a whole.

We have an advantage here in Barnesville. We know the people we are doing business with and know we are helping, not only them, but our local economy as well. Our businesses here in Barnesville are your neighbors and friends. They live here, work here, play here and do business here too.  We depend on each other to make our community thrive.

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