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Disclaimer: The
content of these articles is to be used as a general guide only.
Professional advice should be sought before taking any action relating to
the points discussed in these articles.
TREAT YOUR STAFF
LIKE YOUR CUSTOMERS
At Christmas time did you send Christmas cards or gifts
to your favourite customers? Did you do the same for your staff?
Many companies today will do whatever they can to please
their customers. But only a few companies will do whatever they can
to please their staff. More and more today, customers are nurtured
so they will become repeat customers and then do business with you
for a long time to come. Staff need to be treated in the same way.
They need to be nurtured too so they will become long term staff
members.
One of the keys to customer service is to exceed your
customers' expectations. There are endless things you can do to
impress your customers. You can deliver more promptly than promised,
package your product in a nice way, do additional services for free,
send helpful information, or send a free gift with the order.
Similarly, there are unlimited things you can do for your
staff. They need not be very expensive, after all it is the thought
that counts. You can provided complimentary movie tickets, free
lunches, massage vouchers, gym memberships, or even manicures. You
will think of more yourself.
One thing not to be forgotten is staff birthdays. A birthday
card maybe, or birthday cake or something else. You will know what
to do.
Another thing you can do for your staff is train them not
just for the company's benefit but for the staff's benefit so they
increase their knowledge and skills and will have the satisfaction
of becoming more valuable.
The aim is for your staff to be happy and feel appreciated so
they will want to work with your company for a long time to come.
One of the benefits of having long term staff members is they
can develop a rapport with your customers. Customers certainly
appreciate being able to deal with the same person. If your
customers like your staff better than they like those of your
competitors or your customers' other suppliers, then this will not
only present a positive image of your company but it is also likely
to boost sales through more repeat sales and referrals.
This article is reprinted from
Rentons' Business Tips No. 1
© Copyright February 1998 ACS
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