Understanding Customer's Problem
As someone responsible for handling customers, you should know when to listen and when to speak. This will enable you to understand the problem, the first step in solving any problem.
Meeting Basic Needs
These are the basic steps in understanding a customer’s problems −
Listen patiently to what the customer has to say
Write down all that is being said
Don’t interrupt if you have a query; note it down
Once the customer has finished narrating his problem, summarize your understanding from your notes
Add to the notes you have taken if the customer has anything more or different to say
After understanding the problem, you should immediately decide whether you will be able to solve the problem or need to escalate. Whatever your conclusion, assure the customer politely and convincingly that his problem will be solved.
Thinking Out of the Box
Having a problem-solving attitude is essential for a customer service associate. As most customers are inarticulate, out-of-the-box thinking is crucial to solve the problems. Also, even after the problem has been defined, it is not necessary that it has a straightforward solution. You may have to approach the problem from a unique way that has not been tried earlier.
Here are some scenarios where you may need to be innovative to offer a solution −
Not covered specifically in company or department guideline
Information needs to be gathered from another department
Customer is pushy and wants you to solve immediately
Customer has already made complaints that were not resolved
Going the Extra Mile
Every customer service department has a set of laid down norms, usually written. These norms or rules are there to −
Define a team member’s responsibilities
Establish protocols for inter-departmental communication
Outline what a team member is not required to do
These guidelines are for safeguarding your professional interests. However, no one will stop you from going an extra mile to help a customer. In fact, as the face of your organization, you should do everything in your power to solve a customer’s problems. Even if it means doing something you are not strictly required to do.
A satisfied customer is the best publicity any organization can have. Plus, a satisfied customer will become loyal too, buying your products every time a need arises rather than look for other options.
