It's the customer stupid!

I typically don't use negative remarks but today I had another less than good customer service experience and it is time to remind everyone about the importance of customer service at every size organization. Customer service makes or breaks a sale-I've been shopping for two big ticket items, central air conditioning and a water holding tank. The service experiences have been disappointing. Either the person answering the call doesn't display quality service skills or the person making the sales call doesn't. Individuals must realize that service impacts sales and you cannot have a successful business without both quality service and sales. It is the single most important aspect of the customer's experience and if it's the first experience it potentially can be the last. The beauty of correcting this is that it's not rocket science. It really doesn't have to be hard-be polite and respectful, don't interrupt, be knowledgeable in what you or your company sells, talk less and listen more, and remember it's about the customer-not you. Do these simple things and you will experience more success in selling and retaining customers.