Rise Above Customer Expectations

I'm back in the country and will get back onto a regular schedule of articles. My time spent in Italy and Israel was very productive but I was unable to keep up with my writing. It comes with the territory when one is involved in customer service.

There are things one can do that transcend language or even culture. It is accomplished by simply going beyond what others expectations are. It is easy to have an attitude that you must do only the job required of you. That can work and many people do it on a daily basis. Things get done, issues are corrected and lives go on. Yet doing so, we remain the same. There is no advancing of our lives, no betterment of those around us.

Doing things beyond expectations should be your calling in all that you do. Much like having a positive attitude and spreading it on, we must also do the extra things. If I only provide the minimum required when working with a customer, they may be satisfied. Going beyond the expected sends a message. It says I'm willing to do more for them. Willing to keep and earn additional business from them.

Have you ever been to the mechanics shop with some car affliction that will test your pocket book and nerves? It is a trip that most of us dread and simply wish to avoid if at all possible. There are some mechanics that would simply correct the problem, charge you a price and you are on your way. Satisfied that it was fixed and potentially money left for a cup of coffee, you head for home.

What of those mechanics that step out in a manner that exceeds your expectation. The same problem is fixed, the same price is paid, but you notice more. A seat cover and floor mat was used to keep grease and dirt from the interior. Maybe they washed the vehicle once completed and a spritz of air freshener inside. Could be they topped off the fluids for you and did it all with a smile and great attitude.

Once again, satisfied that it was fixed and maybe enough money for a cup of coffee you head for home. But something is different this time, a bigger smile on your face, a better feeling inside that it was not such a bad experience. Chances are much greater you will return to that same mechanic. Next time it won't be quite as bad when you have to take your car in.

The mechanic knew what many successful business people and successful people know, going beyond wins long term customers. The cost of going that extra step is heavily out weighed by what you will earn. Be bold, go beyond and see the success that can be yours.