Growing up in Wilmington, Delaware we had a lilac bush in our garden on Monticello Road. I imagine that’s why the site and smell of a blooming Lilac bush while training in Dubuque, Iowa this month compelled me tell my client to “ stop the car and pull over ”. Okay, so as I dove my nose into the lilac bush, and my clients did wonder, for just a minute, if their consultant had way too much tropical sun in Costa Rica and was woo—hoo really an expert in motivation? I explained that we don’t have 4 seasons in Costa Rica and that Lilacs were not only a rarity but a multi-sensory trigger to the warmth of my childhood home.
Then I beefed up my credibility briefly lost in the bushes, by explaining Eric Horvitz’s academic research on Memory Markers. Horvitz and his team are using their research on how and what we remember to improve technology.
Memory Markers —can be stimulated by powerful emotion, positive or negative--(John F. Kennedy, 9/11, yes, Lilacs) and often are anchored by a strong emotional word picture, that the brain stores in digital pictures—Memorable links to our past.
So imagine my delight the next morning upon entering my training room, seeing this incredible bouquet of Lilacs at the podium, a gift to me from my client! Now, that’s what I call a Kodak Moment or what MasterCard would label “Priceless”. Unfortunately Customer Service today is all too often less than memorable. News Bulletin: Please and Thank You might not earn you a complaint but it also won’t have customers storing an emotional memory that you’re service was exceptional either.
Here are a few tips for creating Memory Markers that are well “Priceless”
Make it Sensory:
I’ll be delivering a keynote presentation to over 300 dentists in June. Move over Free Toothbrush and make room for the Dental Spa! Music and Aromatherapy, Soothing eye masks, paraffin treatments, eyeglass movies. Easy to see why customer’s don’t have to be reminded about regular checkups! Talk about “Word of Mouth”. Scan your environment and your service. How can you improve the total environment and experience for customers? Look at every detail of your service interactions from the critical entry point—the first seven seconds of contact, that often guides the customer’s overall impression of your service and check the details all the way to your exit strategy—how you leave customers on a positive/energized note, not talking about the problem you just fixed.
Make it Personal and Fun:
My very favorite boutique hotel chain is the Kimpton! As an animal lover who misses her pets, I can request Goldfish from the staff to keep me company in my hotel room; I can notate in advance via my on-line profile my pillow choice and floor preference. Do you have technology or a system in place to capture your customer’s preferences? What fun and personal touches tell us you’re different from your competitor? Remember if you compare yourself to your competitor, you’re not memorable, you’re standard.
Leave them a Memento of your Brand!
Leave clients with a small memento of your service. Do you have a welcome package for new customers? A visual reminder of your brand that says thank you and provides some value to the client. Customers just love Free Stuff--maybe a memory marker from our own childhood, when we got the toy surprise inside the Cracker Jack.
PS: Think beyond the Free Coffee Mug! You’ll be on the shelf with a hundred others. Rather, Create Visual Memories of your brand that speak to your unique message.
As the Author of Go Wild, Survival Skills for Business and Life, I carry an arsenal of Safari Bracelets, Frogs, Hats, etc….to thank my participants at the end of the day and leave a small memento linked to the learning principles I teach.
It’s a Visual Postcard and reminder of our Go Wild journey
So think about your Toy Surprise inside the box -- Will it help us remember our journey? Remember your brand? Remember you?
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Find That Cell Phone Fast
Most lookup services do a great job of providing information if you're looking for a landline number that isn't unlisted. But a growing number of the phone numbers aren't from landlines. Free services can't help you if you're researching a cell phone or unlisted number.
You are probably already familiar with the countless sites on the Internet that offer free lookup services. These services serve a purpose, but usually are limited as to the amount of information they have on file. To do a cell phone lookup, you'll need to go to a site that specializes in that type of service.
Sometimes you'll need to turn to a paid service. This is because you'll end up with more accurate, up-to-date information and learn more about the individual who owns the number than you probably imagined possible, like family members, relatives, and background information. This will never be found on the many free services advertised.
To sign up for a paid service is an easy task. They aren't very expensive and offer an unlimited number of searches for a low membership fee. Once you join you only need to log in to find what you need. The problem is finding the right phone lookup service. One that offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. One that has a database larger than any others. One that has held up a reputation above all others on the internet. This won't be easy, but I can help a little if you need it.
Take a look at a service I think offers all the requirements we have been talking about.
Find a service that fills all your needs. Don't just accept any service. Choose one with a long history and a 100% guarantee.
You are probably already familiar with the countless sites on the Internet that offer free lookup services. These services serve a purpose, but usually are limited as to the amount of information they have on file. To do a cell phone lookup, you'll need to go to a site that specializes in that type of service.
Sometimes you'll need to turn to a paid service. This is because you'll end up with more accurate, up-to-date information and learn more about the individual who owns the number than you probably imagined possible, like family members, relatives, and background information. This will never be found on the many free services advertised.
To sign up for a paid service is an easy task. They aren't very expensive and offer an unlimited number of searches for a low membership fee. Once you join you only need to log in to find what you need. The problem is finding the right phone lookup service. One that offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. One that has a database larger than any others. One that has held up a reputation above all others on the internet. This won't be easy, but I can help a little if you need it.
Take a look at a service I think offers all the requirements we have been talking about.
Find a service that fills all your needs. Don't just accept any service. Choose one with a long history and a 100% guarantee.
6 Tips To Help You Provide Good Customer Service
Small businesses have one thing in common: they provide superior customer service. If they don't, they won't be around for long - their larger competitors will drive them out. Customer service and the ability to personalize are what mark a small business and attract many customers to them. Small businesses online can set themselves apart from their competition if they provide superior customer service.
The six steps found below will help you improve your small business:
1 - Stop everything to answer email or phone
No matter what you are doing, if you receive a phone, email, or other communication from a customer or potential customer, drop whatever you're doing to answer that communication. Even if it's just to say "OK, I'll get on it," you'll convey to the customer that you are there for them and quick to respond. Especially true with prospects who may be asking a question or requesting a quote.
2 - Do a little extra
This "go the extra mile" bit has been repeated time and time again. It's repeated often because it's one of the simplest and most tried-and-true methods of making contacts into customers and making customers into repeat customers. Toss in a little extra - you don't need to give away the farm, just do the little things that make people know you provided them with personal attention. Include a thank you note in your shipping box, do some extra "bonus" work on their website design - do something extra and they'll appreciate you for it.
3- Keep promises made
If you promised to do something at a specific time, or in a specific way, do everything in your power to make sure that happens. Pull an all-nighter, rush to the post office first thing in the morning, do whatever is necessary to keep that promise.
4- Fix problems immediately
Sometimes this one falls in with step number one. When customers come to you with a complaint, change, etc., dive in and fix it as quickly as you can. The faster you get it fixed, the better off you'll be. Customers like knowing that you are on top of things and will take care of their issues quickly and fairly. Do this and you'll always be considered the best to them.
5- Follow up with customers
Any time you answer a question or fix a problem, it's important to follow up later by sending an email, calling on the phone, or sending a thank you note to let your customer know you appreciate their concerns and hope their problem was fixed well. This customer service tip is also a great technique to use after you have quoted a project or answered a question about a product, as it can mean a sale or contract.
6- Make communications personalized
Many business owners who use mass marketing techniques (particularly auto-responders) don't do this. When reading an email beginning with "Dear Sir," right away I get defensive and think of it as SPAM. I might not even remember that I asked for it in the first place. On the other hand, if the email starts out with my name, I am interested since I know that there's a good chance I asked for this or know the person who sent it to me.
These six steps are great ways to boost your customer service from average to great. Implement them and see the results!
The six steps found below will help you improve your small business:
1 - Stop everything to answer email or phone
No matter what you are doing, if you receive a phone, email, or other communication from a customer or potential customer, drop whatever you're doing to answer that communication. Even if it's just to say "OK, I'll get on it," you'll convey to the customer that you are there for them and quick to respond. Especially true with prospects who may be asking a question or requesting a quote.
2 - Do a little extra
This "go the extra mile" bit has been repeated time and time again. It's repeated often because it's one of the simplest and most tried-and-true methods of making contacts into customers and making customers into repeat customers. Toss in a little extra - you don't need to give away the farm, just do the little things that make people know you provided them with personal attention. Include a thank you note in your shipping box, do some extra "bonus" work on their website design - do something extra and they'll appreciate you for it.
3- Keep promises made
If you promised to do something at a specific time, or in a specific way, do everything in your power to make sure that happens. Pull an all-nighter, rush to the post office first thing in the morning, do whatever is necessary to keep that promise.
4- Fix problems immediately
Sometimes this one falls in with step number one. When customers come to you with a complaint, change, etc., dive in and fix it as quickly as you can. The faster you get it fixed, the better off you'll be. Customers like knowing that you are on top of things and will take care of their issues quickly and fairly. Do this and you'll always be considered the best to them.
5- Follow up with customers
Any time you answer a question or fix a problem, it's important to follow up later by sending an email, calling on the phone, or sending a thank you note to let your customer know you appreciate their concerns and hope their problem was fixed well. This customer service tip is also a great technique to use after you have quoted a project or answered a question about a product, as it can mean a sale or contract.
6- Make communications personalized
Many business owners who use mass marketing techniques (particularly auto-responders) don't do this. When reading an email beginning with "Dear Sir," right away I get defensive and think of it as SPAM. I might not even remember that I asked for it in the first place. On the other hand, if the email starts out with my name, I am interested since I know that there's a good chance I asked for this or know the person who sent it to me.
These six steps are great ways to boost your customer service from average to great. Implement them and see the results!
Find That Cell Phone Fast
Most lookup services do a great job of providing information if you're looking for a landline number that isn't unlisted. But a growing number of the phone numbers aren't from landlines. Free services can't help you if you're researching a cell phone or unlisted number.
You are probably already familiar with the countless sites on the Internet that offer free lookup services. These services serve a purpose, but usually are limited as to the amount of information they have on file. To do a cell phone lookup, you'll need to go to a site that specializes in that type of service.
Sometimes you'll need to turn to a paid service. This is because you'll end up with more accurate, up-to-date information and learn more about the individual who owns the number than you probably imagined possible, like family members, relatives, and background information. This will never be found on the many free services advertised.
To sign up for a paid service is an easy task. They aren't very expensive and offer an unlimited number of searches for a low membership fee. Once you join you only need to log in to find what you need. The problem is finding the right phone lookup service. One that offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. One that has a database larger than any others. One that has held up a reputation above all others on the internet. This won't be easy, but I can help a little if you need it.
Take a look at a service I think offers all the requirements we have been talking about.
Find a service that fills all your needs. Don't just accept any service. Choose one with a long history and a 100% guarantee.
You are probably already familiar with the countless sites on the Internet that offer free lookup services. These services serve a purpose, but usually are limited as to the amount of information they have on file. To do a cell phone lookup, you'll need to go to a site that specializes in that type of service.
Sometimes you'll need to turn to a paid service. This is because you'll end up with more accurate, up-to-date information and learn more about the individual who owns the number than you probably imagined possible, like family members, relatives, and background information. This will never be found on the many free services advertised.
To sign up for a paid service is an easy task. They aren't very expensive and offer an unlimited number of searches for a low membership fee. Once you join you only need to log in to find what you need. The problem is finding the right phone lookup service. One that offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. One that has a database larger than any others. One that has held up a reputation above all others on the internet. This won't be easy, but I can help a little if you need it.
Take a look at a service I think offers all the requirements we have been talking about.
Find a service that fills all your needs. Don't just accept any service. Choose one with a long history and a 100% guarantee.
A Guide For Customer Service Training Tools
Let’s face it, good customer service can make or break a company. Even if the product is top-notch, if the sales representatives don’t have great customer service skills, it doesn’t matter. Customer service should be a number one priority to any business.
But how do you train sales staff to be good at customer service? Customer service involves many things. It requires a great attitude, a knowledge of the business, and a real desire to help the customer get what they want, and provide it in a manner that is positive so that they come back and refer their friends and family to the business, as well.
There are a wide variety of customer service training tools available. The key is to find out which type of training best fits your needs. One type of training tool that is good for many kinds of businesses is using video training. Video training is very cost effective. Video training involves a one time cost for the training videos and other materials. Video training is available in a variety of medias, including VHS, DVD and CD-ROM. This makes it user friendly and will work with whatever system you currently have.
Video training can be done with a group or sent home with an employee for some self-study at home. The videos give concrete learning skills and display scenarios to help employees identify what type of customer service skills are needed in any situation. These types of training videos often include simple tips for improving customer service, activities for team building and confidence, and role-playing ideas so that employees can practice the skills they just viewed. It can also provide motivational tips to keep employees enthusiastic about customer service.
Another advantage of video training is that you can train employees now, and other employees in the future. If you feel like your employees need a refresher course on some aspect of good customer service, you can show it immediately, without waiting to book a trainer. These are the kind of tools that work anytime, anywhere, which saves time and money for the business owner.
Finding a company that sells these kinds of customer service training tools is as easy as connecting to the Internet. There are a ton of companies that offer video training. Many will allow you to view the videos before purchase so that you can decide which format would be best suited for your business and employees. The videos are reasonably priced to fit within any budget, and often you can purchase just one or two videos or an entire training course. It’s up to you. Now, teaching your employees how to provide excellent customer service has just gotten a lot easier.
But how do you train sales staff to be good at customer service? Customer service involves many things. It requires a great attitude, a knowledge of the business, and a real desire to help the customer get what they want, and provide it in a manner that is positive so that they come back and refer their friends and family to the business, as well.
There are a wide variety of customer service training tools available. The key is to find out which type of training best fits your needs. One type of training tool that is good for many kinds of businesses is using video training. Video training is very cost effective. Video training involves a one time cost for the training videos and other materials. Video training is available in a variety of medias, including VHS, DVD and CD-ROM. This makes it user friendly and will work with whatever system you currently have.
Video training can be done with a group or sent home with an employee for some self-study at home. The videos give concrete learning skills and display scenarios to help employees identify what type of customer service skills are needed in any situation. These types of training videos often include simple tips for improving customer service, activities for team building and confidence, and role-playing ideas so that employees can practice the skills they just viewed. It can also provide motivational tips to keep employees enthusiastic about customer service.
Another advantage of video training is that you can train employees now, and other employees in the future. If you feel like your employees need a refresher course on some aspect of good customer service, you can show it immediately, without waiting to book a trainer. These are the kind of tools that work anytime, anywhere, which saves time and money for the business owner.
Finding a company that sells these kinds of customer service training tools is as easy as connecting to the Internet. There are a ton of companies that offer video training. Many will allow you to view the videos before purchase so that you can decide which format would be best suited for your business and employees. The videos are reasonably priced to fit within any budget, and often you can purchase just one or two videos or an entire training course. It’s up to you. Now, teaching your employees how to provide excellent customer service has just gotten a lot easier.
Important Customer Service Tips
In the world of business providing the best customer service to your customers is essential in order to expand your business. The type of service they get will determine the reputation of your company. So, it is very necessary that you master the skill of excellent customer service to master your business. You will get a brief idea about the Customer Service Tips in the following article.
This article provides you all the necessary and the important Customer Service Tips that you will require while handling your business. You will have to make sure to the customer that he is attended carefully and his needs are taken into consideration. Always talk about what you can do to the customer rather than speaking about what you can't do for them. Greet them within 20-30 seconds when they enter your office.
While on telephonic conversation, use the name of your customer at different points in the call. Always remember to ends all of your calls by saying "Thank you" or a verbally pointing out towards the appreciation of their business. Be sure that your voice and tone synchronizes with what you are saying because many times can contradict the message completely. It is always good to take extra efforts and time to make your calls meaningful as well as service oriented. Make them feel that they are very special.
Some customers might be irate. Let them vent and do not interrupt till they complete their talk. You can diffuse their anger by saying that "I apologize" or "I'm sorry". Then you also take a step forward by taking a proper follow-up for the customer. You may re-contact the customer that everything is going on well and that the outcome ois satisfactory. Don't forget to ask them if you can do anything else for them.
Customer Service Tips also includes you going to the extra mile. You can attract your customers by including a thank-you note in the customer package, writing a congratulatory note if they get a promotion, sending a birthday card on their birthdays, clipping the article when you see their name, etc. these are some of the different ways through which you can be in touch with the customers and bring them close to you.
Remember money is not the only matter that will invite customers to your office. If you want to win your customers, you have to master all the necessary skills mentioned in the article above regarding Customer Service Tips.
This article provides you all the necessary and the important Customer Service Tips that you will require while handling your business. You will have to make sure to the customer that he is attended carefully and his needs are taken into consideration. Always talk about what you can do to the customer rather than speaking about what you can't do for them. Greet them within 20-30 seconds when they enter your office.
While on telephonic conversation, use the name of your customer at different points in the call. Always remember to ends all of your calls by saying "Thank you" or a verbally pointing out towards the appreciation of their business. Be sure that your voice and tone synchronizes with what you are saying because many times can contradict the message completely. It is always good to take extra efforts and time to make your calls meaningful as well as service oriented. Make them feel that they are very special.
Some customers might be irate. Let them vent and do not interrupt till they complete their talk. You can diffuse their anger by saying that "I apologize" or "I'm sorry". Then you also take a step forward by taking a proper follow-up for the customer. You may re-contact the customer that everything is going on well and that the outcome ois satisfactory. Don't forget to ask them if you can do anything else for them.
Customer Service Tips also includes you going to the extra mile. You can attract your customers by including a thank-you note in the customer package, writing a congratulatory note if they get a promotion, sending a birthday card on their birthdays, clipping the article when you see their name, etc. these are some of the different ways through which you can be in touch with the customers and bring them close to you.
Remember money is not the only matter that will invite customers to your office. If you want to win your customers, you have to master all the necessary skills mentioned in the article above regarding Customer Service Tips.
Top 10 Expert Selling Strategies - Create Explosive Sales Today!
Do you remember the first time you saved your money to buy that something special that you couldn’t live without? Do you remember the feeling of anticipation, and the joy to finally receive?
Now you are going to learn how to create that same feeling for your future customers. As far as I can tell, learning is about the ability to open your mind completely. To me, as I see it, that’s what it’s all about.
1. The golden rule is quality customer service
Never lie or deceive your customers. You want them and everyone they know to come back for more.
2. Believe in your product
If you honestly believe that your product is great then your sales will be great.
3. Create no risk for your customer
Offer your customer a full money back guarantee. If your product is great then you won’t get many people asking for their money back.
4. Make you product seem irresistible
Create hope by letting the customer live their dream by purchasing your product.
Letting your customer know what they have to lose by not buying your product is more successful than only mentioning the benefits. Include both. People are more motivated by the idea of losing something than of gaining that very same thing. This fear factor is highly effective to encourage people to buy.
Scarcity is another irresistible tool. People want more of what they can’t have, or what they can have less of. Explain what it is that your product will give them that they can’t get anywhere else.
Present your product as new and exclusive; this will make your product appear even more valuable and irresistible.
5. Appear as an Expert
“If an expert says it, it must be true”
The most powerful expert is one that is both credible and trustworthy. Let the buyer know you’re an expert before trying to sell them the product.
Before you present the strongest benefits to buy the product, first show a weakness or a draw back in what you are suggesting and you will appear more trustworthy.
For example, “Here is the weakness; however these strengths overwhelm this particular weakness.”
6. Comparing your product with other alternatives
Show how other products are inferior to yours. Your product must be either cheaper, more effective, better quality, better for the environment, or more stylish than other similar items. The more factors that rein true the better your sales become.
7. The power of reciprocation
Offer the potential buyer a gift or favour, and then ask the buyer to repay the favour. People say yes to those they owe. We feel obligated to give back to those who have given to us.
If you have a compelling argument, you are more likely to receive a yes after a no. If someone says no and you retreat after the situation you lose, if someone says no and you retreat in the situation then you win.
Remember - always start with the largest request.
Ask the buyer if they wish to buy the large package first, then offer the medium package second, finally the smaller package third.
8. Make sure you ask the buyer to buy
It’s amazing how many ads I read or retail shops I visit and then don’t get asked to buy the product. You must give your pitch, and then ask if they want to buy.
Customer interaction with your advertisement is vital. Ask questions that require a yes answer, and ask if they want to buy.
Example #1
Do you want to buy the highest quality ?
Do you want to pay lower than retail prices?
Then you want to buy this product.
Click here to receive
Example #2
Tell the buyer if they spot the spelling mistake that you placed on purpose then they win a mystery prize.
Try to be original and/or interesting in your approach to asking the “big question”
– would you like to buy this now?
9. Never lose the customers attention
Don’t use long confusing words and keep it short and simple. Depending on your target audience, use the appropriate jargon and presentation.
Use headings and bulleted points because many people will just skim over the information. Remember most people will decide whether they like something within the first few seconds.
People prefer to say yes to those they know and like. People like others who are similar, give compliments, and are co-operative.
Mention you know what it's like to have the problem that your product solves, and that you can help them achieve their much sort after solution. Say that you are sure they will make the right decision, and congratulate them on finding your product and getting so close to success.
10. Create a sense of urgency
Show how popular the product is, and let the customer know that time is running out.
For example, Customer demand for this product has been tremendous. If we rapidly sell out, then don’t worry, we have fortunately secured the last available shipment and it’s on the way.
Now you are going to learn how to create that same feeling for your future customers. As far as I can tell, learning is about the ability to open your mind completely. To me, as I see it, that’s what it’s all about.
1. The golden rule is quality customer service
Never lie or deceive your customers. You want them and everyone they know to come back for more.
2. Believe in your product
If you honestly believe that your product is great then your sales will be great.
3. Create no risk for your customer
Offer your customer a full money back guarantee. If your product is great then you won’t get many people asking for their money back.
4. Make you product seem irresistible
Create hope by letting the customer live their dream by purchasing your product.
Letting your customer know what they have to lose by not buying your product is more successful than only mentioning the benefits. Include both. People are more motivated by the idea of losing something than of gaining that very same thing. This fear factor is highly effective to encourage people to buy.
Scarcity is another irresistible tool. People want more of what they can’t have, or what they can have less of. Explain what it is that your product will give them that they can’t get anywhere else.
Present your product as new and exclusive; this will make your product appear even more valuable and irresistible.
5. Appear as an Expert
“If an expert says it, it must be true”
The most powerful expert is one that is both credible and trustworthy. Let the buyer know you’re an expert before trying to sell them the product.
Before you present the strongest benefits to buy the product, first show a weakness or a draw back in what you are suggesting and you will appear more trustworthy.
For example, “Here is the weakness; however these strengths overwhelm this particular weakness.”
6. Comparing your product with other alternatives
Show how other products are inferior to yours. Your product must be either cheaper, more effective, better quality, better for the environment, or more stylish than other similar items. The more factors that rein true the better your sales become.
7. The power of reciprocation
Offer the potential buyer a gift or favour, and then ask the buyer to repay the favour. People say yes to those they owe. We feel obligated to give back to those who have given to us.
If you have a compelling argument, you are more likely to receive a yes after a no. If someone says no and you retreat after the situation you lose, if someone says no and you retreat in the situation then you win.
Remember - always start with the largest request.
Ask the buyer if they wish to buy the large package first, then offer the medium package second, finally the smaller package third.
8. Make sure you ask the buyer to buy
It’s amazing how many ads I read or retail shops I visit and then don’t get asked to buy the product. You must give your pitch, and then ask if they want to buy.
Customer interaction with your advertisement is vital. Ask questions that require a yes answer, and ask if they want to buy.
Example #1
Do you want to buy the highest quality ?
Do you want to pay lower than retail prices?
Then you want to buy this product.
Click here to receive
Example #2
Tell the buyer if they spot the spelling mistake that you placed on purpose then they win a mystery prize.
Try to be original and/or interesting in your approach to asking the “big question”
– would you like to buy this now?
9. Never lose the customers attention
Don’t use long confusing words and keep it short and simple. Depending on your target audience, use the appropriate jargon and presentation.
Use headings and bulleted points because many people will just skim over the information. Remember most people will decide whether they like something within the first few seconds.
People prefer to say yes to those they know and like. People like others who are similar, give compliments, and are co-operative.
Mention you know what it's like to have the problem that your product solves, and that you can help them achieve their much sort after solution. Say that you are sure they will make the right decision, and congratulate them on finding your product and getting so close to success.
10. Create a sense of urgency
Show how popular the product is, and let the customer know that time is running out.
For example, Customer demand for this product has been tremendous. If we rapidly sell out, then don’t worry, we have fortunately secured the last available shipment and it’s on the way.
Attitude and Skill Set: It's All You Got!
Suppose one day, someone you know decides to come to work naked. They perform all of the other tasks associated with getting ready for their day. They take a shower, brush their teeth and read the morning paper. They get in their car and drive to work. When they show up at work they put their briefcase down, leave their lunch in the fridge, check the phone mail and get their first cup of coffee. And they have brought with them the exact same two things that are necessary to perform their daily tasks, clothed or not.
Their ATTITUDE and their SKILL SET!
That’s right. And it’s the most important two items they need.
A strong ATTITUDE will get them through the day even though they may feel exposed to the world. It allows them to see other people as they want to be seen, helps them get through the ups and downs of a normal day and allows them to complete their tasks in a friendly helpful manner. Their attitude makes the day, clothed or not.
Yet, attitude can be fickle without proper maintenance. It requires adjustment, much as a car requires a tune up and oil change. It needs to be nourished with good material, much as a good meal nourishes the body. Reading and listening to positive examples is the way to do it. You can build a good attitude with proper material. Start with the classics like Earl Nightengale, Drucker, and the like. Then you can plug in the more recent authors like Covey, Gitomer, Rackham, Ziglar. The point is, once you start listening and reading you will be growing your attitude. If you have developed your attitude you will not feel exposed.
The second is the SKILL SET needed to get through the performance of your tasks during the day. These should include assertive communication skills, dynamic listening skills, anger management skills, organization skills and creative thinking skills. All of these are necessary to complete everyday tasks in Customer Service.
You can start by reading or listening to cds. Practically every vehicle made today has a cd player or cassette player. Turn your vehicle into a rolling university. It’s the best quiet time we have during the day normally, unless you live with monks. (No offense to monks) You can purchase cd sets on all of the above mentioned topics and a lot more at several websites or your local book store.
Start with an area you feel a little weak in. You can gain a whole new view and way of looking at things just by gaining confidence in a new skill or refreshing an old one. Then work your way through communication and listening. Soon, you’ll find the confidence and skills needed to walk in naked and get on with your day.
It’s because you have the two most important items you need.
Your Attitude and Skill Set.
Their ATTITUDE and their SKILL SET!
That’s right. And it’s the most important two items they need.
A strong ATTITUDE will get them through the day even though they may feel exposed to the world. It allows them to see other people as they want to be seen, helps them get through the ups and downs of a normal day and allows them to complete their tasks in a friendly helpful manner. Their attitude makes the day, clothed or not.
Yet, attitude can be fickle without proper maintenance. It requires adjustment, much as a car requires a tune up and oil change. It needs to be nourished with good material, much as a good meal nourishes the body. Reading and listening to positive examples is the way to do it. You can build a good attitude with proper material. Start with the classics like Earl Nightengale, Drucker, and the like. Then you can plug in the more recent authors like Covey, Gitomer, Rackham, Ziglar. The point is, once you start listening and reading you will be growing your attitude. If you have developed your attitude you will not feel exposed.
The second is the SKILL SET needed to get through the performance of your tasks during the day. These should include assertive communication skills, dynamic listening skills, anger management skills, organization skills and creative thinking skills. All of these are necessary to complete everyday tasks in Customer Service.
You can start by reading or listening to cds. Practically every vehicle made today has a cd player or cassette player. Turn your vehicle into a rolling university. It’s the best quiet time we have during the day normally, unless you live with monks. (No offense to monks) You can purchase cd sets on all of the above mentioned topics and a lot more at several websites or your local book store.
Start with an area you feel a little weak in. You can gain a whole new view and way of looking at things just by gaining confidence in a new skill or refreshing an old one. Then work your way through communication and listening. Soon, you’ll find the confidence and skills needed to walk in naked and get on with your day.
It’s because you have the two most important items you need.
Your Attitude and Skill Set.
Multimedia Job Descriptions
Given that Hollywood hosts the most vibrant motion picture industry in the world, it can be expected that there is a high demand for television, video and film camera operators. There are bright career prospects for people in this field. However, there is also fierce competition among professionals in Hollywood, that can make the process of landing a job a bit challenging. Having a clear picture of what to expect can help aspirants land a job in Hollywood because such information can help a person prepare and gain more skills, making him stand out among other candidates.
General job description
Camera operators are the ones who are responsible for producing images that tell the story of the film, the TV show or the documentary. In addition to this, camera operators are also the ones who are responsible for recording important events, particularly those involved in broadcasting. In some instances, camera operators do their own editing, making them responsible for editing soundtracks, films, TV shows, and other videos. Camera operators need the appropriate technical skills and creativity to be able to handle all the responsibilities that have been mentioned.
Specific job descriptions
Camera operators who use the video format to record events and stories are called videographers. Usually they are the ones who are hired by independent television stations, local affiliate stations and other smaller media outlets. They are also the ones who usually record special events such as weddings, which many of them do on the side. On the other hand, studio camera operators are those who work in a broadcast studio. They usually videotape their subjects from a fixed position. News camera operators are usually the ones we see that go with reporters on location to catch and record live events.
In an industry where camera operators play an important role, Hollywood continues to be the best source of employment for aspiring camera operators. However, given the fierce competition among aspirants, people would do well to know what kind of work and working conditions they can expect in Hollywood. Doing so would allow them to prepare themselves and to gain the appropriate skills they need to land a job in Hollywood.
General job description
Camera operators are the ones who are responsible for producing images that tell the story of the film, the TV show or the documentary. In addition to this, camera operators are also the ones who are responsible for recording important events, particularly those involved in broadcasting. In some instances, camera operators do their own editing, making them responsible for editing soundtracks, films, TV shows, and other videos. Camera operators need the appropriate technical skills and creativity to be able to handle all the responsibilities that have been mentioned.
Specific job descriptions
Camera operators who use the video format to record events and stories are called videographers. Usually they are the ones who are hired by independent television stations, local affiliate stations and other smaller media outlets. They are also the ones who usually record special events such as weddings, which many of them do on the side. On the other hand, studio camera operators are those who work in a broadcast studio. They usually videotape their subjects from a fixed position. News camera operators are usually the ones we see that go with reporters on location to catch and record live events.
In an industry where camera operators play an important role, Hollywood continues to be the best source of employment for aspiring camera operators. However, given the fierce competition among aspirants, people would do well to know what kind of work and working conditions they can expect in Hollywood. Doing so would allow them to prepare themselves and to gain the appropriate skills they need to land a job in Hollywood.
Offer Excellent Customer Service
Excellent customer service is imperative in the marketplace today. As a home based business owner you should know the importance of getting and keeping a happy customer. It is the life blood of every business. Many business owners work so hard to get the customer and then blow it by not offering first class service.
Small businesses can quite often offer better customer service then most big companies for many reasons. Usually it is easier to add personal touches, keep overhead low, have quicker response time and enhance the customer's experience from start to finish. Each customer's purchase can be seen almost immediately on the books. Small business owners can take advantage of the close (sometimes one on one) relationship they have with their customers.
Many of us can share our stories of a bad customer service experience. In fact a bad customer experience is told to more people then a good customer service story. In order to stop the bad mouthing and get the good word out you need an excellent customer service system in place for your home business.
An excellent customer service system should be easily implemented in your home business. It is as simple as treating people the way you want to be treated and then surprising them with the extra effort. Keep it consist! Everyone loves consistency. Look at the burger chains as an example. Each one is run exactly the same. There should be no surprises for the customer. Everything from how you are greeted, product preparation and service is down to an exact science.
In your home based business think of some of the ways you can keep giving excellent customer service.
Here just few examples of Good Customer Service
* personalized attention
* clear vision and goals
* going the distance - making an extra effort
* thorough follow up if you can not give an answer immediately
* good humored
* relating personally
* putting people at ease
* positive attitude
* friendliness
* smiling
* being courteous
* being respectful
* being humane
* accommodating special needs
* organized
* affordable
* cleanliness of the work area
* attractive work space
* clean bathroom with supplies
* compensate user for slow or unsatisfactory service
* quick response to request or complaint
* damage control: trying to make the best out of a situation that is mostly out of the hands of those providing the service
* describing technical or complicated processes in layman's terms
* lots of information and frequently providing updates on issues or situations
* good signage
* good directions
* good instructions
* giving advance notice
* proper planning
* anticipating customer needs
* putting customer needs before yours
* timely and convenient service
* really listening and tuning in to customer
* being intuitive
* giving specialized knowledge
* familiarity with your business procedures- being able to explain and enforce rules without alienating the customer
* staff supportive of each other
* offering refreshments
* accuracy about services offered
* patience - patience -patience
* getting the customer involved
* have customer evaluate service
* avoid assumptions
* flexibility and sometimes making exceptions
* share written information
* concerned for safety
* delivery options
* internet access to your business and service such as emails
Add all the above together and you have Excellent Customer Service!
Some quick tips:
Always answer your phone. Today it is so easy to send people to voice mail. Implement a system that can have the customer hold (for a very short time) or one that will get their phone number and call back immediately when you are off the line. You will lose numerous customers if they can not speak to someone live. I personally won't leave a message on the first phone call. There are numerous call centers that can handle your call with a live person while you are busy. Many times a live person can convert a looker into a customer. If you have an internet business you may want to have live chat and an 800 number. Excellent customer service begins with the first contact.
Do not promise more than you can deliver. Nothing hurts a customer more then when they do not get what was promised when it was promised. If you can not do something say so. The customer will respect you for an honest answer.
Offer as much help as possible. There may not be any immediate money in it but the satisfaction of helping shines through. That customer may be testing you to see if they can trust you and your company. Offering as much help as possible also will strengthen your bond with that potential customer. They may not purchase from you but chances are they will recommend someone to your business that will.
Handle complaints immediately. Many home business owners forget this basic rule. As soon as a customer has a complaint some business owners try to avoid the customer and hope they will go away. That will not happen. The customer will be more angry and harder to handle when the problem is addressed. Customers appreciate a sincere immediate response to a problem and if handled well, you will have a happy repeat customer and free word of mouth advertising.
Go the extra mile. If a customer asks for something special that you do not have maybe you could try finding it for them. How about meeting the customer at their house? Whatever the situation is, if you always offer excellent customer service you will continue to see your home based business grow.
Be consistent. Customers like being treated the same way each time. When there is consistency in customer service you establish a "norm" for your business. Do not surprise your customers with inconsistent customer service. That is the quickest way to lose them and whoever they talk to.
Excellent customer service is a simple process and once you put your system in place, it will reap you many repeat happy customers. Their word of mouth is free advertising and they will be more willing to buy your products or services.
Small businesses can quite often offer better customer service then most big companies for many reasons. Usually it is easier to add personal touches, keep overhead low, have quicker response time and enhance the customer's experience from start to finish. Each customer's purchase can be seen almost immediately on the books. Small business owners can take advantage of the close (sometimes one on one) relationship they have with their customers.
Many of us can share our stories of a bad customer service experience. In fact a bad customer experience is told to more people then a good customer service story. In order to stop the bad mouthing and get the good word out you need an excellent customer service system in place for your home business.
An excellent customer service system should be easily implemented in your home business. It is as simple as treating people the way you want to be treated and then surprising them with the extra effort. Keep it consist! Everyone loves consistency. Look at the burger chains as an example. Each one is run exactly the same. There should be no surprises for the customer. Everything from how you are greeted, product preparation and service is down to an exact science.
In your home based business think of some of the ways you can keep giving excellent customer service.
Here just few examples of Good Customer Service
* personalized attention
* clear vision and goals
* going the distance - making an extra effort
* thorough follow up if you can not give an answer immediately
* good humored
* relating personally
* putting people at ease
* positive attitude
* friendliness
* smiling
* being courteous
* being respectful
* being humane
* accommodating special needs
* organized
* affordable
* cleanliness of the work area
* attractive work space
* clean bathroom with supplies
* compensate user for slow or unsatisfactory service
* quick response to request or complaint
* damage control: trying to make the best out of a situation that is mostly out of the hands of those providing the service
* describing technical or complicated processes in layman's terms
* lots of information and frequently providing updates on issues or situations
* good signage
* good directions
* good instructions
* giving advance notice
* proper planning
* anticipating customer needs
* putting customer needs before yours
* timely and convenient service
* really listening and tuning in to customer
* being intuitive
* giving specialized knowledge
* familiarity with your business procedures- being able to explain and enforce rules without alienating the customer
* staff supportive of each other
* offering refreshments
* accuracy about services offered
* patience - patience -patience
* getting the customer involved
* have customer evaluate service
* avoid assumptions
* flexibility and sometimes making exceptions
* share written information
* concerned for safety
* delivery options
* internet access to your business and service such as emails
Add all the above together and you have Excellent Customer Service!
Some quick tips:
Always answer your phone. Today it is so easy to send people to voice mail. Implement a system that can have the customer hold (for a very short time) or one that will get their phone number and call back immediately when you are off the line. You will lose numerous customers if they can not speak to someone live. I personally won't leave a message on the first phone call. There are numerous call centers that can handle your call with a live person while you are busy. Many times a live person can convert a looker into a customer. If you have an internet business you may want to have live chat and an 800 number. Excellent customer service begins with the first contact.
Do not promise more than you can deliver. Nothing hurts a customer more then when they do not get what was promised when it was promised. If you can not do something say so. The customer will respect you for an honest answer.
Offer as much help as possible. There may not be any immediate money in it but the satisfaction of helping shines through. That customer may be testing you to see if they can trust you and your company. Offering as much help as possible also will strengthen your bond with that potential customer. They may not purchase from you but chances are they will recommend someone to your business that will.
Handle complaints immediately. Many home business owners forget this basic rule. As soon as a customer has a complaint some business owners try to avoid the customer and hope they will go away. That will not happen. The customer will be more angry and harder to handle when the problem is addressed. Customers appreciate a sincere immediate response to a problem and if handled well, you will have a happy repeat customer and free word of mouth advertising.
Go the extra mile. If a customer asks for something special that you do not have maybe you could try finding it for them. How about meeting the customer at their house? Whatever the situation is, if you always offer excellent customer service you will continue to see your home based business grow.
Be consistent. Customers like being treated the same way each time. When there is consistency in customer service you establish a "norm" for your business. Do not surprise your customers with inconsistent customer service. That is the quickest way to lose them and whoever they talk to.
Excellent customer service is a simple process and once you put your system in place, it will reap you many repeat happy customers. Their word of mouth is free advertising and they will be more willing to buy your products or services.
Improve on Your Customer Service - The 5 Outstanding Qualities of a Service Superstar
Every once in a while we will cross paths with what I refer to as a customer service superstar. They are like diamonds in the rough. We never know when we will be served by one of these superstars. They are dispersed throughout the marketplace and look normal on the outside. But take a closer look and we will soon discover that these people are a breed apart from your average everyday customer service representative.
What is the secret that makes these customer service superstars win us over? What is their key in consistently giving each customer an outstanding service experience? One of the first and foremost secrets in their winning ways is that these superstars make their customers feel valued. These people simply treat each customer as if he or she was the most important person on the planet. Customers walk away feeling as if they were the owner of the organization.
Customers soon recognize that these special people are living a life focused on others. This in turn makes each customer walk away feeling that the service was more than simply following a job description in order to receive a paycheck. If customer service superstars were to wear a tee shirt, the caption on the front would simply read, "It's not about me."
These customer service superstars are the best because they also understand the mindset of the customer. They are sensitive to the needs and feelings of what customers think as they walk through the door. These superstars have a way of understanding the customer and making their experience as enjoyable as possible. By understanding the customer's point of view, they also begin to capture new ways to make the service experience more pleasant. Let's now look at the five qualities that define these customer service superstars:
1. Superstars maintain a positive personality
The secret in offering great service is to stay away from an uninviting attitude. Having a positive attitude is a major key in providing each customer with a great service experience. These will always go together. Customers will want to return simply because of the attraction that a positive attitude creates. These customers will also want to return and tell others because of the positive memory of the service being offered. By being positive, these superstars make their customers feel welcomed and accepted.
Remember that the perception in the customer's mind is what really matters. If a customer feels that their service experience was below average, then it was below average. In reality we are in the customer perception business. This is why it is paramount that we periodically take an attitude check and maintain a positive atmosphere for our customers.
2. The superstars are enthused about serving
The poor service experiences that we remember are typically the result of being served by a person who lacked enthusiasm. This perception that the person was not excited to assist us made the overall experience below average. But our perception takes a complete turn when we feel that the person serving us was enthused during the whole process. It is important to remember that the secret is to show our customers that we want to assist them. One easy way to achieve this is to be enthusiastic about giving them our best service. This important key will instantly make customers walk away feeling that the service was outstanding.
3. The superstars know how to respond quickly
Because we live in a fast-paced society, our customers expect to be given quick and efficient service. Without this efficiency, the customer will more than likely walk away and remember the service as average. The goal should be to show that we respect our customers by simply respecting their time. The perception of the service will then automatically improve as a result of being quick and efficient during each transaction. Customers will then walk away not only feeling respected, but will more than likely rate us higher because of the efficiency of the service provided.
We will always appreciate service where we feel that the person serving us respected our time. The best memories of five-star service will consistently convey efficiency during the transaction. The service representative gave the impression that our time was valuable and swiftly took great care to quickly meet our needs. Remember this little gem and your customers will walk away and remember the service as being outstanding!
4. The superstars strive to be their best
Another feature of customer service superstars is their ability to excel in their chosen profession. They desire to be their best on the job by giving their customers outstanding service. Their work ethic stands out because of the motivation to perform at a higher level. These superstars do not need to be motivated from the outside. Their inspiration is driven from within.
It is a pleasure when I get the rare opportunity of being served by one of these customer service superstars. They always give the impression that they genuinely enjoy serving me. I leave with the impression that they truly enjoy their position. These experiences are a result of a person who simply gave 100% on the job.
5. The superstars are attentive
Comparable to being efficient with our customers, giving them attention also expresses that we care. By simply being attentive, we are telling our customers that they are important and deserve to be treated with respect. The power of giving attention is that it also conveys a certain level of respect. We must also remember that most customers enjoy playing this role because of the anticipated attention that they are hoping to receive.
Teach these five excellent traits into your training and begin to see your service improve instantly. Your team will begin to outshine the competition and your customers will also become your best advertisers simply because of the exceptional service received.
What is the secret that makes these customer service superstars win us over? What is their key in consistently giving each customer an outstanding service experience? One of the first and foremost secrets in their winning ways is that these superstars make their customers feel valued. These people simply treat each customer as if he or she was the most important person on the planet. Customers walk away feeling as if they were the owner of the organization.
Customers soon recognize that these special people are living a life focused on others. This in turn makes each customer walk away feeling that the service was more than simply following a job description in order to receive a paycheck. If customer service superstars were to wear a tee shirt, the caption on the front would simply read, "It's not about me."
These customer service superstars are the best because they also understand the mindset of the customer. They are sensitive to the needs and feelings of what customers think as they walk through the door. These superstars have a way of understanding the customer and making their experience as enjoyable as possible. By understanding the customer's point of view, they also begin to capture new ways to make the service experience more pleasant. Let's now look at the five qualities that define these customer service superstars:
1. Superstars maintain a positive personality
The secret in offering great service is to stay away from an uninviting attitude. Having a positive attitude is a major key in providing each customer with a great service experience. These will always go together. Customers will want to return simply because of the attraction that a positive attitude creates. These customers will also want to return and tell others because of the positive memory of the service being offered. By being positive, these superstars make their customers feel welcomed and accepted.
Remember that the perception in the customer's mind is what really matters. If a customer feels that their service experience was below average, then it was below average. In reality we are in the customer perception business. This is why it is paramount that we periodically take an attitude check and maintain a positive atmosphere for our customers.
2. The superstars are enthused about serving
The poor service experiences that we remember are typically the result of being served by a person who lacked enthusiasm. This perception that the person was not excited to assist us made the overall experience below average. But our perception takes a complete turn when we feel that the person serving us was enthused during the whole process. It is important to remember that the secret is to show our customers that we want to assist them. One easy way to achieve this is to be enthusiastic about giving them our best service. This important key will instantly make customers walk away feeling that the service was outstanding.
3. The superstars know how to respond quickly
Because we live in a fast-paced society, our customers expect to be given quick and efficient service. Without this efficiency, the customer will more than likely walk away and remember the service as average. The goal should be to show that we respect our customers by simply respecting their time. The perception of the service will then automatically improve as a result of being quick and efficient during each transaction. Customers will then walk away not only feeling respected, but will more than likely rate us higher because of the efficiency of the service provided.
We will always appreciate service where we feel that the person serving us respected our time. The best memories of five-star service will consistently convey efficiency during the transaction. The service representative gave the impression that our time was valuable and swiftly took great care to quickly meet our needs. Remember this little gem and your customers will walk away and remember the service as being outstanding!
4. The superstars strive to be their best
Another feature of customer service superstars is their ability to excel in their chosen profession. They desire to be their best on the job by giving their customers outstanding service. Their work ethic stands out because of the motivation to perform at a higher level. These superstars do not need to be motivated from the outside. Their inspiration is driven from within.
It is a pleasure when I get the rare opportunity of being served by one of these customer service superstars. They always give the impression that they genuinely enjoy serving me. I leave with the impression that they truly enjoy their position. These experiences are a result of a person who simply gave 100% on the job.
5. The superstars are attentive
Comparable to being efficient with our customers, giving them attention also expresses that we care. By simply being attentive, we are telling our customers that they are important and deserve to be treated with respect. The power of giving attention is that it also conveys a certain level of respect. We must also remember that most customers enjoy playing this role because of the anticipated attention that they are hoping to receive.
Teach these five excellent traits into your training and begin to see your service improve instantly. Your team will begin to outshine the competition and your customers will also become your best advertisers simply because of the exceptional service received.
Customer Service Cover Letter
One of the biggest complaints in the customer service industry, is the lack of real people. When a person calls into a company for customer service, they are generally met with pre-recorded text asking them to press number key prompts or say keywords in order to navigate through the menu. While this system is easy, sometimes all one wants to do is talk to a person. With that in mind, why would one used a standard sample customer service cover letter when applying for a job? The correlation between people’s frustration with automated systems and the traditional, boring cover letter are one in the same. The personality of the applicant is no more displayed than that of the computer voice on the other end of the phone.
Being in customer service is all about figuring out a customer’s needs and meeting those needs in the best possible way. Applying for a customer service job has the exact same process. An applicant has to assess what a company is looking for, and then write a cover letter which expresses why they are the person to help fill the void or provide benefits to the company. A customer service cover letter has to clearly state to the customer, or hiring manager in this instance, why one is perfect for the job at hand. The point is to demonstrate the skills an employer is looking for instead of just restating the same facts which are laid out in a resume. If one is a charming people person who loves to engage customers and have them walk away smiling, make sure that characteristic is shown in the cover letter. If one has the skills of mediation and problem solving, ensure to include details of that ability.
The key factor is to do the work, and make the commitment, to make the customer service cover letter jump out at the hiring manager. One’s personality should be as clear in the cover letter as their skills in their resume. It can even be a good idea to include personal information in a cover letter. For example, discussing how one became interested in customer service or how they handled one of the more difficult customer service related instances in their career. These types of questions are always asked in a customer service interview, so why not use the anecdotes in the cover letter and kill two birds with one stone?
A cover letter is used to help a hiring manager weed out any candidates which may not take their job seriously. If a hiring manager sees the same old cover letter day in and day out, without any effort put into it all, what is that saying about the people behind the job? The most surefire way to land an interview is to create a cover letter which expressed personality, sense of humor, enthusiasm, and clear communication. Once all those elements are added, don’t forget to come straight our and ask for an interview. Yes, that is correct, ask for an interview.
Asking for an interview shows confidence and determination. It is no longer a thing of consequence. Also, be sure the cover letter includes a follow-up statement. Let the hiring manager know to expect a call later on in the week to ensure one’s application was received. It also demonstrates a positive quality to the employer, that one is a self-starter and is enthused to begin a career in customer service!
Another good tip is to do some research on the company before applying. Find out the name of the hiring manager so that one can address their cover letter directly to this person. A generic “Dear Sir/Madam” is just as boring as any standard cover letter. By taking this extra step, the cover letter is going to stand out even more from the rest and ensure the one is remembered when it comes time for interviews. It will also create a sense of connection with the employer that will make it easier for them to feel comfortable and open up during the hiring process. Everyone wants an enjoyable working environment, and if a cover letter conveys the personality type of a warm, friendly person then that personal already has a rooting team.
Being in customer service is all about figuring out a customer’s needs and meeting those needs in the best possible way. Applying for a customer service job has the exact same process. An applicant has to assess what a company is looking for, and then write a cover letter which expresses why they are the person to help fill the void or provide benefits to the company. A customer service cover letter has to clearly state to the customer, or hiring manager in this instance, why one is perfect for the job at hand. The point is to demonstrate the skills an employer is looking for instead of just restating the same facts which are laid out in a resume. If one is a charming people person who loves to engage customers and have them walk away smiling, make sure that characteristic is shown in the cover letter. If one has the skills of mediation and problem solving, ensure to include details of that ability.
The key factor is to do the work, and make the commitment, to make the customer service cover letter jump out at the hiring manager. One’s personality should be as clear in the cover letter as their skills in their resume. It can even be a good idea to include personal information in a cover letter. For example, discussing how one became interested in customer service or how they handled one of the more difficult customer service related instances in their career. These types of questions are always asked in a customer service interview, so why not use the anecdotes in the cover letter and kill two birds with one stone?
A cover letter is used to help a hiring manager weed out any candidates which may not take their job seriously. If a hiring manager sees the same old cover letter day in and day out, without any effort put into it all, what is that saying about the people behind the job? The most surefire way to land an interview is to create a cover letter which expressed personality, sense of humor, enthusiasm, and clear communication. Once all those elements are added, don’t forget to come straight our and ask for an interview. Yes, that is correct, ask for an interview.
Asking for an interview shows confidence and determination. It is no longer a thing of consequence. Also, be sure the cover letter includes a follow-up statement. Let the hiring manager know to expect a call later on in the week to ensure one’s application was received. It also demonstrates a positive quality to the employer, that one is a self-starter and is enthused to begin a career in customer service!
Another good tip is to do some research on the company before applying. Find out the name of the hiring manager so that one can address their cover letter directly to this person. A generic “Dear Sir/Madam” is just as boring as any standard cover letter. By taking this extra step, the cover letter is going to stand out even more from the rest and ensure the one is remembered when it comes time for interviews. It will also create a sense of connection with the employer that will make it easier for them to feel comfortable and open up during the hiring process. Everyone wants an enjoyable working environment, and if a cover letter conveys the personality type of a warm, friendly person then that personal already has a rooting team.
Customer Service for Customer Service Consultants
Many customer service consultants do not give good customer service themselves to the corporations who hire them for advice and training. This is rather interesting, as it shows a total disregard for the customer, while purporting to be an expert on customer service.
Too many people who are semi retired will go into the customer service consulting industry and set up a web site and pretend to be someone of extreme importance and knowledge in the field. They will write articles in trade journals and over-embellish their résumés on their web sites.
The fact is that there are hundreds and hundreds of pretenders out there; who would have you believe they are customer service specialist. Yet, even when you try to contact them by e-mail they will not e-mail you back; instead they want you to buy something on their web site.
Many times there is no place on their web site to send them an e-mail and no contact information at all. What they really want is for you to buy something online. Unfortunately this completely shows us they have no customer service capabilities at all and they're just trying to sell us more junk.
If you want someone who is really good at customer service then perhaps you should make sure that they have easy contact information on their web site and plenty of references of top-notch companies that they have done business with. Please consider all this in 2006.
Too many people who are semi retired will go into the customer service consulting industry and set up a web site and pretend to be someone of extreme importance and knowledge in the field. They will write articles in trade journals and over-embellish their résumés on their web sites.
The fact is that there are hundreds and hundreds of pretenders out there; who would have you believe they are customer service specialist. Yet, even when you try to contact them by e-mail they will not e-mail you back; instead they want you to buy something on their web site.
Many times there is no place on their web site to send them an e-mail and no contact information at all. What they really want is for you to buy something online. Unfortunately this completely shows us they have no customer service capabilities at all and they're just trying to sell us more junk.
If you want someone who is really good at customer service then perhaps you should make sure that they have easy contact information on their web site and plenty of references of top-notch companies that they have done business with. Please consider all this in 2006.
Keeping It Friendly - Good Customer Service for Businesses of Every Size
Being a small business owner has its own set of challenges when dealing with customers. You are now on your own. You have no supervisor to seek advice from, there is no standard procedure to follow and you cannot ask any co-workers. This can actually work toward your advantage! Small businesses have proven time and time again that when it comes to customer service, they completely beat big businesses. Being a small company, you are able to provide a higher degree of customer support. This is far superior to what is being offered. When you take advantage of this, you will find that you will be able to make a real name for yourself in the field of customer service.
1. Take a no... after a while
If a customer has no interest in what you are or what you do, then yes, you should let them go. If however, they came looking for something close to what you offer but can't find it, offer them some alternatives. How can you customize what it is you do to fit their needs? While you should of course be fair, remember that they came to you for a reason, and if you find that you can give them what they want, even if they didn't know they wanted in the first place, you'll be providing excellent customer service.
2. Follow-up
Despite having a smaller staff that a larger company does, you'll find that you have a smaller customer base as well. While this is not immediately a good thing, it allows you to get more involved with your customers. If someone has recently placed an order with you, you'll find that a quick call or e-mail to follow up and to ask how you are enjoying the product or service is a great way to make your business stick out in their minds.
3. Going above and beyond
Be careful to treat your customers well. Even if they make mistakes, let your generosity and good will help them out of their problem. You will find that people who experience problems expect to encounter more problems when trying to fix things. They will remember you if you are able to take care of their problem for them.
4. Admit fault
If you messed up, say so and find a way to fix it. Many people that by admitting fault you are opening yourself to being sued, but honestly, the best way to avoid being sued is to make sure that no one is angry at you. You'll find that if you make a mistake and then make sure that you make amends, you'll be able to keep a customer who might otherwise have walked out and told plenty of people about what bad service you provide.
5. Refund where necessary
Having a liberal refund policy is a great way to keep your customers happy. You'll find that when customers are not stressed out about getting their money back, they are much more agreeable. Remember that if they really want their money and they paid with a credit card, chances are, they will get it. Simply institute a policy that states that if they're not happy, you don't want their money. This is a great way to get your customer on your side.
1. Take a no... after a while
If a customer has no interest in what you are or what you do, then yes, you should let them go. If however, they came looking for something close to what you offer but can't find it, offer them some alternatives. How can you customize what it is you do to fit their needs? While you should of course be fair, remember that they came to you for a reason, and if you find that you can give them what they want, even if they didn't know they wanted in the first place, you'll be providing excellent customer service.
2. Follow-up
Despite having a smaller staff that a larger company does, you'll find that you have a smaller customer base as well. While this is not immediately a good thing, it allows you to get more involved with your customers. If someone has recently placed an order with you, you'll find that a quick call or e-mail to follow up and to ask how you are enjoying the product or service is a great way to make your business stick out in their minds.
3. Going above and beyond
Be careful to treat your customers well. Even if they make mistakes, let your generosity and good will help them out of their problem. You will find that people who experience problems expect to encounter more problems when trying to fix things. They will remember you if you are able to take care of their problem for them.
4. Admit fault
If you messed up, say so and find a way to fix it. Many people that by admitting fault you are opening yourself to being sued, but honestly, the best way to avoid being sued is to make sure that no one is angry at you. You'll find that if you make a mistake and then make sure that you make amends, you'll be able to keep a customer who might otherwise have walked out and told plenty of people about what bad service you provide.
5. Refund where necessary
Having a liberal refund policy is a great way to keep your customers happy. You'll find that when customers are not stressed out about getting their money back, they are much more agreeable. Remember that if they really want their money and they paid with a credit card, chances are, they will get it. Simply institute a policy that states that if they're not happy, you don't want their money. This is a great way to get your customer on your side.
G.A.S. Up Your Customer Service
A recent customer service survey suggested that bad attitudes are the reason 68% of your customer does not come back. And existing customer service research indicates that dissatisfied customers tell a lot more people about their poor experiences than satisfied customers.
With more and more competitors entering the market place all vying for a piece of that customer loyalty pie, what can you do to improve customer service and create loyal customers. Possibly, by integrating the following three critical elements into your customer service training may just be the answer.
• Goals
• Attitudes
• Self leadership skills
GOALS Do all of your employees truly know what the goals for your company are? Do they know how to consistently set and achieve goals? Stop presuming that your employees are great goal setters. Take the time to develop them in how to use a proven goal setting process that is reinforced with a proven goal setting tool.
ATTITUDES Who wants to be around crabby people? Develop your people to truly provide extraordinary service by having incredible attitudes. Do not make the mistake on trying to change behaviors. It will not work unless you first change the attitudes that are being demonstrated through the behaviors.
SELF LEADERSHIP SKILLS Do your employees go out of the way to help customers? Do they take the initiative to deliver exceptional customer service? How are their:
• Listening skills?
• Problem solving skills?
• Decision making skills?
• Overall people skills?
Until individuals lead themselves they truly cannot lead anyone else. Traditionally, businesses spend their resources of time, energy and money in training for job specific skills. However, the reason for poor performance is usually about the inability to consistently demonstrate self leadership skills.
When companies use the right G.A.S. with their customers both internal and external, they will realize far greater profitability and business success. Of course, companies could continue to do what they have always done. The real question that needs to be answered is: How is that working for you?
With more and more competitors entering the market place all vying for a piece of that customer loyalty pie, what can you do to improve customer service and create loyal customers. Possibly, by integrating the following three critical elements into your customer service training may just be the answer.
• Goals
• Attitudes
• Self leadership skills
GOALS Do all of your employees truly know what the goals for your company are? Do they know how to consistently set and achieve goals? Stop presuming that your employees are great goal setters. Take the time to develop them in how to use a proven goal setting process that is reinforced with a proven goal setting tool.
ATTITUDES Who wants to be around crabby people? Develop your people to truly provide extraordinary service by having incredible attitudes. Do not make the mistake on trying to change behaviors. It will not work unless you first change the attitudes that are being demonstrated through the behaviors.
SELF LEADERSHIP SKILLS Do your employees go out of the way to help customers? Do they take the initiative to deliver exceptional customer service? How are their:
• Listening skills?
• Problem solving skills?
• Decision making skills?
• Overall people skills?
Until individuals lead themselves they truly cannot lead anyone else. Traditionally, businesses spend their resources of time, energy and money in training for job specific skills. However, the reason for poor performance is usually about the inability to consistently demonstrate self leadership skills.
When companies use the right G.A.S. with their customers both internal and external, they will realize far greater profitability and business success. Of course, companies could continue to do what they have always done. The real question that needs to be answered is: How is that working for you?
Choosing Your Cell Phone Service Plan
You've spent many hours researching mobile phones and finally found one that meets all of your needs. Now the tough part begins. With the many facets and features of cell phones service plans, which one is right for you and your family? A good way to begin is by first determining whether you need a plan just for you, or whether a plan encompassing more than one phone may benefit you more. Here are a few pointers to get you started.
Individual Plans
Individual plans vary from carrier to carrier, but there are a couple of issues that are generally core to cell phones service: coverage and value. If you plan to travel with your, you will benefit from looking into what sort of wireless services your carrier offers.
No matter how great the plan seems, it is of absolute no value if you get stranded in an area where your carrier has no service. Roaming charges can be quite substantial. Get an idea of the number minutes you anticipate using during a billing period.
Make sure you choose service that includes enough minutes plus breathing room. Extra charges or "overages" apply once you've talked past your allotted minutes. Many carriers now let you roll over certain minutes from month to month. Find a cell phone carrier with a competitive plan that fits how often and how long you talk.
Family Plans
As with individual plans, family plans can vary by carrier. The two main factors in picking a family's wireless services are shared minutes and network calling. It's pretty essential to find a plan that allows family members to call each other without using up minutes.
This is a great way to use mobile phones as a means of communicating between family members without using up shared minutes. And did you know that plan members don't have to live in the same household. You can set up your aging parents who live nearby or your oldest child who just moved out on her own.
Don't be intimidated by doing some research to help you make your decision regarding cell phones service. Also know that mobile phone carriers are very competitive and want your business. Inquire about what they can do for you. Give them a chance to earn your business.
Take advantage of trial usage periods some providers offer. It is a good way to determine if they can provide the coverage you need and give you flexibility in when and how your minutes are used, along with satisfactory customer service.
Individual Plans
Individual plans vary from carrier to carrier, but there are a couple of issues that are generally core to cell phones service: coverage and value. If you plan to travel with your, you will benefit from looking into what sort of wireless services your carrier offers.
No matter how great the plan seems, it is of absolute no value if you get stranded in an area where your carrier has no service. Roaming charges can be quite substantial. Get an idea of the number minutes you anticipate using during a billing period.
Make sure you choose service that includes enough minutes plus breathing room. Extra charges or "overages" apply once you've talked past your allotted minutes. Many carriers now let you roll over certain minutes from month to month. Find a cell phone carrier with a competitive plan that fits how often and how long you talk.
Family Plans
As with individual plans, family plans can vary by carrier. The two main factors in picking a family's wireless services are shared minutes and network calling. It's pretty essential to find a plan that allows family members to call each other without using up minutes.
This is a great way to use mobile phones as a means of communicating between family members without using up shared minutes. And did you know that plan members don't have to live in the same household. You can set up your aging parents who live nearby or your oldest child who just moved out on her own.
Don't be intimidated by doing some research to help you make your decision regarding cell phones service. Also know that mobile phone carriers are very competitive and want your business. Inquire about what they can do for you. Give them a chance to earn your business.
Take advantage of trial usage periods some providers offer. It is a good way to determine if they can provide the coverage you need and give you flexibility in when and how your minutes are used, along with satisfactory customer service.
Bellsouth Secrets Revealed
Formed after the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) was forced to break up its regional companies, Bellsouth is based in Atlanta. Strangely enough, it is also the only one of those companies left that uses an actual bell symbol in its company logo. Bellsouth is a combination of Southern Bell and South Central Bell and provides services to 9 southern states in the eastern United States
In the 1990’s, when mergers were the name of the game, this company took a pass. Still serving the same states they did when they were first peeled out from under the AT& T umbrella, they have gone from the largest of the bells to one of the smallest. In 2004, in fact, their revenue was only about $28 billion.
In order to provide many of the services this company does to its customers, they operate a number of other smaller companies. For instance Bellsouth Telecommunications provides local phone, while Bellsouth.net is a provider of internet service. Long distance comes to the region via Bellsouth Long Distance and Bellsouth international provides international operations. Cell phone services are provided by Cingular Wireless, which also provides other wireless services to customers. Bellsouth also operates a number of other companies to bring all of their advertised services to the customers. It is important to note, though, that all of this is held under the corporate name of The BellSouth Corporation.
BellSouth does not own all of the companies alone. For instance, Cingular Wireless is jointly owned by this company and AT&T. In addition, the same two companies together co-own yellowpages.com, which used to be RealPages.com and SmartPages.com. These partnerships and individual company ownership allows this company to be the important company that it is today.
BellSouth was founded in 1984. They are a publicly traded company chaired by F. Duane Akcerman, who also operates as the company’s Chief Operating Officer (CEO). As of recent years, This company has begun to concentrate on the areas of wireless and broadband service. The joint, 40% venture with AT&T to put together Cingular provides a big part of the revenue of the company. The company’s strategy keys on the increase of broadband use among the general public. Their main competition comes from companies such as Spring, MCI, Qwest, and Vorizen wireless.
All of the move toward wireless is a move to save the future of the This company, like many phone companies, continues to lose home phone customers on a regular basis. With internet voice protocol and cell phone use up, home phone use is down and many of the old bell companies are feeling the heat. Bellsouth remains committed to the wireless and broadband industries so that in the coming communications wars they don’t get left out in the cold.
In the 1990’s, when mergers were the name of the game, this company took a pass. Still serving the same states they did when they were first peeled out from under the AT& T umbrella, they have gone from the largest of the bells to one of the smallest. In 2004, in fact, their revenue was only about $28 billion.
In order to provide many of the services this company does to its customers, they operate a number of other smaller companies. For instance Bellsouth Telecommunications provides local phone, while Bellsouth.net is a provider of internet service. Long distance comes to the region via Bellsouth Long Distance and Bellsouth international provides international operations. Cell phone services are provided by Cingular Wireless, which also provides other wireless services to customers. Bellsouth also operates a number of other companies to bring all of their advertised services to the customers. It is important to note, though, that all of this is held under the corporate name of The BellSouth Corporation.
BellSouth does not own all of the companies alone. For instance, Cingular Wireless is jointly owned by this company and AT&T. In addition, the same two companies together co-own yellowpages.com, which used to be RealPages.com and SmartPages.com. These partnerships and individual company ownership allows this company to be the important company that it is today.
BellSouth was founded in 1984. They are a publicly traded company chaired by F. Duane Akcerman, who also operates as the company’s Chief Operating Officer (CEO). As of recent years, This company has begun to concentrate on the areas of wireless and broadband service. The joint, 40% venture with AT&T to put together Cingular provides a big part of the revenue of the company. The company’s strategy keys on the increase of broadband use among the general public. Their main competition comes from companies such as Spring, MCI, Qwest, and Vorizen wireless.
All of the move toward wireless is a move to save the future of the This company, like many phone companies, continues to lose home phone customers on a regular basis. With internet voice protocol and cell phone use up, home phone use is down and many of the old bell companies are feeling the heat. Bellsouth remains committed to the wireless and broadband industries so that in the coming communications wars they don’t get left out in the cold.
No Cellular Phone Customer Service
Last month I helped somebody with an almost identical problem - no customer service, no reception on the line, etc., and it worked out ok. What we did was to contact the consumer division of the state's attorney general's office and made a complaint. Within a month, not only did the company (I think it was T-Cell or something like that, T - something, anyway) call to state that they were going to cancelling the debt, but they (the company) got in touch with the credit reporting bureaus and removed any negatives.
I don't blame you for being frustrated over this. I fought a battle with the idiots at Nextel for the first four months of this year over something that was very basic. Eventually I got somebody, at least this guy had some common sense, but it took a heck of a lot more patience than I had at the time. I was right on the verge of suing them when they finally gave it up.
Unfortunately, this virtual "explosion" of cell phone technology in recent years has outpaced the support services that should go along with it.
I think if I were you I would immediately send them a written letter and keep a copy stating that you want them to cancel the contract because it is they who have breached the contact both by failing to provide the service promised, and by failing to provide reasonable customer support measures. Tell them directly that if they do not refund the money you have spent so far and remove any negative entries from your credit report that you fully intend to take whatever legal action is necessary against both the company and whatever other specific persons you can identify that are responsible individually.
Tell them that you are intend to hold them liable for a violation of your state's deceptive trade practices law. Concurrent with that letter, send a letter to the attorney general's office where both you and their parent company is located, and send them a copy of that complaint letter as well.
You might also make a complaint to the consumer division of the Federal Trade Commission in Washington, D.C., but don't count on a whole lot of help from them, especially with a Republican administration presently in power.Their heart is with business, not you.
And get your service from somebody else - don't use their phones anymore so you won't give them any excuse to bill you further.
The thing with most of the cell phone companies is that when you need help and you call the number on the phone or the number that they told you to call, you spend more time on the phone waiting to talk to someone then you do talking with that person about your problem.
This is one of the ways that they get you to pay more on your phone because of all that time you spend listening to music or whatever they have while you're on hold. You might want to try going down to one of the stores that your cell phone is from and talk with one of the sales people in there and see what can be done. At least that why you will have talked to someone face to face, then talking to someone that you have no idea what they could be doing to help you with your problem.
I don't blame you for being frustrated over this. I fought a battle with the idiots at Nextel for the first four months of this year over something that was very basic. Eventually I got somebody, at least this guy had some common sense, but it took a heck of a lot more patience than I had at the time. I was right on the verge of suing them when they finally gave it up.
Unfortunately, this virtual "explosion" of cell phone technology in recent years has outpaced the support services that should go along with it.
I think if I were you I would immediately send them a written letter and keep a copy stating that you want them to cancel the contract because it is they who have breached the contact both by failing to provide the service promised, and by failing to provide reasonable customer support measures. Tell them directly that if they do not refund the money you have spent so far and remove any negative entries from your credit report that you fully intend to take whatever legal action is necessary against both the company and whatever other specific persons you can identify that are responsible individually.
Tell them that you are intend to hold them liable for a violation of your state's deceptive trade practices law. Concurrent with that letter, send a letter to the attorney general's office where both you and their parent company is located, and send them a copy of that complaint letter as well.
You might also make a complaint to the consumer division of the Federal Trade Commission in Washington, D.C., but don't count on a whole lot of help from them, especially with a Republican administration presently in power.Their heart is with business, not you.
And get your service from somebody else - don't use their phones anymore so you won't give them any excuse to bill you further.
The thing with most of the cell phone companies is that when you need help and you call the number on the phone or the number that they told you to call, you spend more time on the phone waiting to talk to someone then you do talking with that person about your problem.
This is one of the ways that they get you to pay more on your phone because of all that time you spend listening to music or whatever they have while you're on hold. You might want to try going down to one of the stores that your cell phone is from and talk with one of the sales people in there and see what can be done. At least that why you will have talked to someone face to face, then talking to someone that you have no idea what they could be doing to help you with your problem.
AOL Gives Up The Ghost
The company that dominated dial-up Internet use is coming to grip with the future. As broadband use increases dramatically, AOL has watched subscriptions decline and advertising dollars move to Google, Yahoo, and MSN. Facing approaching irrelevance, AOL has decided to act.
AOL Reinvents
In an effort to compete, AOL is reinventing itself as an open use portal. To date, AOL has always restricted use of its portal to subscribers. No longer. AOL is beta testing a portal that makes services and content available to everyone. If all goes well, the company will launch the service this month.
AOL’s Motivation
The growth of broadband use has correlated to the decline of AOL. It is estimated that as many as 20 percent of subscribers have left the service in the last three years. This loss, of course, correlates to a loss of revenues. As a publicly traded company, AOL must act or face a shareholder revolt.
Catch 22?
AOL is playing a dangerous game with the free portal. The company is risking losing more subscribers that have stuck with the company simply because they like the AOL portal. If “You’ve Got Mail” is now free, why would anyone pay for it? AOL is soon going to provide an answer.
Further complicating matters, AOL faces an extremely difficult transformation. There is a cliché – If it walk like a duck, quacks like a duck and smells like a duck, it’s a duck.” At its heart, AOL is a dial-up connection company. How likely is it that AOL will smoothly convert into Yahoo, MSN or Google? Time will tell, but one can expect AOL to learn some hard lessons in the transformation.
What It Means For E-Commerce
The AOL development has little direct impact on e-commerce. As time passes, however, the new strategy could significantly impact Google. Google currently supplies search results to AOL and places Google Adwords on the system. As subscribers decrease, you can expect AOL to develop solutions to replace Google. Much like Yahoo did, Google will eventually be booted from the AOL platform. The loss of 20 million AOL users must be causing Google some consternation.
The Internet is a dynamic, evolving platform. The AOL transformation is just another step in the process. Only time will tell if AOL can adapt in the evolutionary process.
AOL Reinvents
In an effort to compete, AOL is reinventing itself as an open use portal. To date, AOL has always restricted use of its portal to subscribers. No longer. AOL is beta testing a portal that makes services and content available to everyone. If all goes well, the company will launch the service this month.
AOL’s Motivation
The growth of broadband use has correlated to the decline of AOL. It is estimated that as many as 20 percent of subscribers have left the service in the last three years. This loss, of course, correlates to a loss of revenues. As a publicly traded company, AOL must act or face a shareholder revolt.
Catch 22?
AOL is playing a dangerous game with the free portal. The company is risking losing more subscribers that have stuck with the company simply because they like the AOL portal. If “You’ve Got Mail” is now free, why would anyone pay for it? AOL is soon going to provide an answer.
Further complicating matters, AOL faces an extremely difficult transformation. There is a cliché – If it walk like a duck, quacks like a duck and smells like a duck, it’s a duck.” At its heart, AOL is a dial-up connection company. How likely is it that AOL will smoothly convert into Yahoo, MSN or Google? Time will tell, but one can expect AOL to learn some hard lessons in the transformation.
What It Means For E-Commerce
The AOL development has little direct impact on e-commerce. As time passes, however, the new strategy could significantly impact Google. Google currently supplies search results to AOL and places Google Adwords on the system. As subscribers decrease, you can expect AOL to develop solutions to replace Google. Much like Yahoo did, Google will eventually be booted from the AOL platform. The loss of 20 million AOL users must be causing Google some consternation.
The Internet is a dynamic, evolving platform. The AOL transformation is just another step in the process. Only time will tell if AOL can adapt in the evolutionary process.
The Lowdown on American Express Gold Card
Spending with an American Express card has never been more convenient. With an American Express Gold Card however, the company seeks to provide even greater standards of convenience to their customers.
First of all, the American Express Gold Card does not have a pre-determined spending limit. This means that customers can spend to their heart’s delight as long as they do not leave outstanding balances at the end of the month.
Apart from that, the card also comes with two reward programs, one of which requires membership to enjoy redeemable rewards from collected points. Points can be collected by purchasing gas, shopping at supermarkets and pharmacies, sending mail or even paying phone bills. The points can then be used to redeem rewards in travel, shopping or entertainment. Some of the participating partners of American Express include Dell Computers, GAP and The Sharper Image. Furthermore, shopping online with the American Express Gold Card also entitles customers to free shipping for purchases, in addition to the benefit that customers are not accountable for unauthorized online purchases.
The second reward program is the frequent traveler program that allows customers to earn free flights from 6 participating airlines. There are no limitations as to the number of points that can be redeemed for any period of time as these points never expire. Apart from that, when customers purchase tickets with the American Express Gold Card, they are entitled to travel accident insurance as well as the option of using travelers’ checks overseas.
Additionally, the Global Assist Plus Hotline included provide travelers with help of any kind including roadside assistance, cash access, legal and medical referrals as well as help with their visas or passports even when they are in other countries. In the event of baggage loss in airports, American Express provides a coverage value of up to $1250 for hand-carried baggage and $500 for checked-in baggage. This card covers any possible travel-related services currently available, which is why frequent travelers should start charging anything and everything to their very own American Express Gold Card.
First of all, the American Express Gold Card does not have a pre-determined spending limit. This means that customers can spend to their heart’s delight as long as they do not leave outstanding balances at the end of the month.
Apart from that, the card also comes with two reward programs, one of which requires membership to enjoy redeemable rewards from collected points. Points can be collected by purchasing gas, shopping at supermarkets and pharmacies, sending mail or even paying phone bills. The points can then be used to redeem rewards in travel, shopping or entertainment. Some of the participating partners of American Express include Dell Computers, GAP and The Sharper Image. Furthermore, shopping online with the American Express Gold Card also entitles customers to free shipping for purchases, in addition to the benefit that customers are not accountable for unauthorized online purchases.
The second reward program is the frequent traveler program that allows customers to earn free flights from 6 participating airlines. There are no limitations as to the number of points that can be redeemed for any period of time as these points never expire. Apart from that, when customers purchase tickets with the American Express Gold Card, they are entitled to travel accident insurance as well as the option of using travelers’ checks overseas.
Additionally, the Global Assist Plus Hotline included provide travelers with help of any kind including roadside assistance, cash access, legal and medical referrals as well as help with their visas or passports even when they are in other countries. In the event of baggage loss in airports, American Express provides a coverage value of up to $1250 for hand-carried baggage and $500 for checked-in baggage. This card covers any possible travel-related services currently available, which is why frequent travelers should start charging anything and everything to their very own American Express Gold Card.
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