4 Tips for Improving Your Customer Service Skills

4 Tips for Improving Your Customer Service Skills Image via: www.pexels.com Grow thick skin Developing thick skin can sometimes be one of the most difficult things to accomplish and if it is not difficult congratulations! That means that the rest of the journey towards improved customer service skills will be painless and easier after this. Once you’re working in customer service, you must prepare yourself for the wide range of individuals you will find yourself working with on a daily basis. Without a doubt, it is absolutely frustrating to deal with a difficult or rude customer, especially when that customer decides to vent their frustrations through some “below the belt” blows against you personally. It is difficult, to say the least, to remain professional while the little volcano of irritation within you is itching for a chance to explode. Instead, develop thick skin. Remember that a customer’s behavior is a reflection of who they are, not who you are. Also, try to keep in mind that you don’t know this person’s story. They might have just had a death in the family, or maybe they’re ill. Whatever the case, do not let the behavior of your customers affect your headspace, mood, or actions. Count to 10 and keep the good vibes running. Image via: www.pexels.com Be attentive After the first hour or two of a long shift, it is completely normal to find yourself becoming pretty sluggish. The adrenaline rush of the first rounds of customers has worn off and now you’re drifting away into slumber mode while the remaining customers amble through the store. To improve your customer service skills, make sure that this slumber mode never sees the light of day. Always keep your eye on the customers in the store. This doesn’t mean that you need to constantly be on their tail all throughout the building; this just means that you shouldn’t neglect them of your attention even though they aren’t demanding yours at the present moment. Customers don’t always communicate their needs by coming right up to you and expressing them. Sometimes, you need to be on the lookout for subtle indicators, like body language. If you notice a customer looking around the store or appearing as if they are lost, go and assist them right away. They might not be familiar with your store and could be in need of your assistance. Showing your customers more attention and love means that in the end, they’ll show the same love and attention right back by leaving positive reviews on your store’s social media or submitting positive feedback online. What could be more rewarding than helping someone find what they need? Image via: www.pexels.com Use positive language   One of the most important components to any relationship is effective communication. The relationship between a staff member and a customer is no different. Think of what made the difference between a positive shopping experience and a meh shopping experience. More than likely, one of the first things that came to mind had something to do with the employees who provided their service to you. The best customer service workers are the ones who can use “positive language” with their customers. What is “positive language,” you might ask? Let’s say that a customer comes into your store looking for a certain product, but that product is out of stock. Without the use of positive language, you would just be dampening your customer’s spirits. That product is unavailable at this time.  With positive language, your customer hears a completely different message. That product will be available next week so I can set up an order for you now and have it delivered as soon as it is back in stock. See the difference? By taking attention away from the dilemma and placing it on the solution, you can completely change a customer’s in-store experience. Image via:www.pexels.com Take initiative Go the extra mile! It’s easy to just clock in, ring up a few items, and then clock out, but that’s not where the adventure lies. More importantly, that’s not where the self-improvement lies. If your customer is looking for a pair of pants in their size that isn’t in the main store room, offer to check the back room! If your customer is wondering when a certain line of clothing will be hitting the shelves again, don’t brush them off with an “I dunno.” Smile, tell them you’ll find out for them, and go find the answers. Take initiative by going above and beyond your job description. It’s little things like this that help change every customer’s shopping experience from meh to great! Not to mention those customer service skills … feel free to add that to your LinkedIn profile!