Lately, I've been in conversation with several people and finding myself giving the same advice time and time again. The odd thing is, the people I've been advising are in the same predicaments I'm not far removed from. I recognize me in their situations and it's easy for me to relate yet testify at the same time.
I'm beginning to see that when you are delivered from something, the true way to realize how you've grown is that you will begin to see your(past)self through the eyes of those still afflicted. And the test is all in how you respond to them.
An example is that I am often surrounded (not by choice) by those who like to gossip and backbite. I was never a fan of gossipping but I used to find myself speaking of people when they werent in my company. Now, when I'm around that spirit it bothers my Spirit and I don't participate AT ALL. I see the old me in those people and am always thankful for deliverance. In not responding to the gossipers, I find that others are uncomfortable in my presence and often stop their gossiping or "test" me and try to get me to join in.
The things is, once you've been delivered, DON'T LOOK BACK! And your testimony of deliverance is often used to testify to the afflicted. No better person to give advice than someone who has been through it!
Showing posts with label advice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label advice. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Monday, December 10, 2012
How To Become A Better Customer
What prompted this post is the thought that customer service lies solely in the hands of the business. As a business owner, the thought occurred to me to discuss how YOU can be a better customer to receive that stellar service that you so deserve. I enjoy rewarding customers, ESPECIALLY those who make my job easier. As a customer of many businesses, and a business owner, I've found ways to get great customer service or resolutions to problems.
1. Be Decisive.
The customers who know what they want and how they want it and are able to express that make it SO simple to accommodate their needs. It makes for a timely transaction and satisfaction for both parties. Much time is spent helping indecisive customers determine what they want/need and often it doesn't end up in a sale. Now, I enjoy the conversations I have with people and potential customers, but just be cognizant that time can be limited with business owners. If they have dedicated time for you, make the most of it! As the old saying goes, TIME IS MONEY. Respect the businesses time and try to express your needs and wants as efficiently as possible. Also, just because someone runs a home based business or operates on a flexible schedule does not mean they will be able to respond to your inquiry at 1am...Be mindful.
2. Do As You Say
If a business has lessened their general rules to accommodate your request, make sure to fulfill your end of the bargain. For example, if you ask for a clothing item to be held for you (and you know this is not general practice) purchase it on the terms you agreed, by the time you agreed. In my line of work, I sometimes send invoices as a courtesy to customers, and end up having to cancel them because I get no response and no payment from the customer. This is a waste of time for me, and insulting.
3. Discuss Resolutions in a Timely and Respectful Manner
Businesses are not fault and error free. Business owners are Human, and therefore mistakes WILL be made. And when it is, make sure to bring it to the business' attention so it can be rectified. Remember, that a company may not know if something was handled erroneously until it is brought to their attention. When you do bring it to their attention, make sure you are not hostile, belligerent, and making demands or threats. I suggest that you notify them of the problem, give them the opportunity to offer to compensate you in some fashion. And if you aren't satisfied with the offer, ask for what you feel is appropriate. Think about this before you approach the business so you will have some level of expectation.
4. Tell a Friend!
When you have a good experience with a business, pass along the info! I just read a comment on instagram where a customer purchased an item from me, someone complimented her and asked where it was from, and her reply was "Atlanta". The thing is, I don't sell multiples of an item, so I'm not sure if she didn't "plug" me because she didn't want to reveal her source for fear that her friend may buy something she eyes, OR that she didn't want people to know she supported me. Either way, lots of small businesses use word of mouth as their primary form of advertisement. Nothing can compare to a customers stellar testimonial. So think about sharing the next time you have a good experience, especially with a small business.
Feel free to comment with more tips on how to become a better customer!
Sincerely Yours, Fly
1. Be Decisive.
The customers who know what they want and how they want it and are able to express that make it SO simple to accommodate their needs. It makes for a timely transaction and satisfaction for both parties. Much time is spent helping indecisive customers determine what they want/need and often it doesn't end up in a sale. Now, I enjoy the conversations I have with people and potential customers, but just be cognizant that time can be limited with business owners. If they have dedicated time for you, make the most of it! As the old saying goes, TIME IS MONEY. Respect the businesses time and try to express your needs and wants as efficiently as possible. Also, just because someone runs a home based business or operates on a flexible schedule does not mean they will be able to respond to your inquiry at 1am...Be mindful.
2. Do As You Say
If a business has lessened their general rules to accommodate your request, make sure to fulfill your end of the bargain. For example, if you ask for a clothing item to be held for you (and you know this is not general practice) purchase it on the terms you agreed, by the time you agreed. In my line of work, I sometimes send invoices as a courtesy to customers, and end up having to cancel them because I get no response and no payment from the customer. This is a waste of time for me, and insulting.
3. Discuss Resolutions in a Timely and Respectful Manner
Businesses are not fault and error free. Business owners are Human, and therefore mistakes WILL be made. And when it is, make sure to bring it to the business' attention so it can be rectified. Remember, that a company may not know if something was handled erroneously until it is brought to their attention. When you do bring it to their attention, make sure you are not hostile, belligerent, and making demands or threats. I suggest that you notify them of the problem, give them the opportunity to offer to compensate you in some fashion. And if you aren't satisfied with the offer, ask for what you feel is appropriate. Think about this before you approach the business so you will have some level of expectation.
4. Tell a Friend!
When you have a good experience with a business, pass along the info! I just read a comment on instagram where a customer purchased an item from me, someone complimented her and asked where it was from, and her reply was "Atlanta". The thing is, I don't sell multiples of an item, so I'm not sure if she didn't "plug" me because she didn't want to reveal her source for fear that her friend may buy something she eyes, OR that she didn't want people to know she supported me. Either way, lots of small businesses use word of mouth as their primary form of advertisement. Nothing can compare to a customers stellar testimonial. So think about sharing the next time you have a good experience, especially with a small business.
Feel free to comment with more tips on how to become a better customer!
Sincerely Yours, Fly
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