Devoted to customer service and the principles of exceptional customer services

I don't like to use the word "sell".  For me, it denotes the idea of just wanting to make money.  When I was a real estate agent, I used to say that I didn't like selling homes. A very successful real estate agent advised me that I shouldn't think of it as "selling", but helping people find homes.  It was then that I had that "Aha" moment.  

As a salesperson, you can't look at your job as just selling a product or service.  It must be your passion to help the customer with their needs.  Focusing on the customer instead of "making a sale" will turn you into a rainmaker in no time.

I worked with a rainmaker at Nordstrom who was consistently a top seller.  She listened to all her customers, sent thank you cards, followed up with customers, and was big on giving hugs to everybody.  Her focus was service - not  selling - and she made alot of money.

Focus on service first.  The money will come.

Well, it's been a couple weeks since I've started boycotting the gasoline companies and I'm learning more and more about public transportation in San Diego.  For one thing, the people who are supposed to be helping you find the easiest way to get to your destination can sometimes give you the wrong directions.  I overheard a conversation on the bus today in which one person was complaining about being late for an interview because she was given incorrect directions by transit information personnel.

Being knowledgeable about your product or service is one of the aspects of customer service that is important to many customers, especially in a situation where inaccurate information can make a difference their lives - as in the case with the lady who was late for her interview because a public transit rep gave her wrong directions.  Perhaps that could have affected whether or not she got the job. 

Gaining knowledge about your business is a matter of studying any literature or information about your service or products.  Moreover, time spent on the job and practice will also help you become more knowledgeable.  If you're new to the company, it's important to ask your supervisor if you're unsure about something.  Giving out wrong information to your customers or clients can be detrimental to the business.  It's simply bad customer service.  

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