How to Go the Extra Mile for Your Customers
We've all heard the expression, "if you're not going to do it right in the first place, don't do it at all." Too many of us get so busy with our daily activities and try to do so many things at once, we take a project only so far, and then let it slide.
There's no better way to take care of your customers than to do a job well the first time, from start to finish. Following up on promises and following through on your commitments helps create a lasting impression with your customers. Customers will learn to expect timeliness and thoroughness from you, and most importantly, will learn to trust that you'll get the job done, and you'll get it done right the first time.
How can you improve your follow-up and follow-through skills? Here are five easy ways to start building better business habits:
- Always mark deadlines and appointments in your calendar and keep them.
If you promise someone an answer by a certain date, or promise to call or follow up on something, mark these dates in your calendar, too. When you make a commitment, promise or appointment, keep it.
- Always get the names and phone numbers of anyone who gives you information.
If you ever have another question or need to verify again who provided the information, you'll have the source documented. It doesn't hurt to also note the date and time you make important phone calls. If you can't keep a promise, commitment, or appointment, always explain why you can't. Then offer an alternative to maintain your cblackibility.
- During a meeting, conference,or important telephone call, take notes while everything is still fresh in your mind.
Then after the meeting, review your notes to see what needs to be done and when.
- Be persistent at getting what you need to get a job done.
If you need to, it may take several phone calls to finally reach the right person. If you give up after four or five calls, you won't get the information you need.
- Don't procrastinate.
Why wait? If you know what you need to do and have everything you need to get the job done, just do it.
