If you work in customer service, you’re going to use people skills. This hard to define skill set is one that will take you far not only on the job but in your personal life as well.  The ability to identify and understand different personality types, as well as to be able to communicate with them in their own style, is only one of the essential people skills used by many in marriage, parenting, retail, sales, call centers and pretty much anywhere else you encounter another human being.

In the customer service field few things are truly more important than getting and keeping customers. But, sometimes we downplay the importance of treating our customers as if we truly deserve their business.

Here are some of my favorite customer service tips that will let everyone you encounter know  that they matter in your eyes.

Stand or sit up straight and SMILE! Whether you’re face to face or on the phone with a customer good posture and a sincere smile will change your outlook and that’s a change people will notice. Good posture not only looks good, but it will keep you from experiencing back and neck pain.

Make a good first impression. You only get 1 shot at this so make sure your efforts are consistent.  Firstly, make sure you are dressed appropriately. That means adorning yourself in a way that makes your customers feel comfortable and fit in with the top preforming employees. This does NOT mean that you can’t show your personality, quite the opposite in fact. Just make sure the way you express yourself makes you stand out in a good way.

Use active listening. One of the best experiences a person can have is to know they are understood.  Be sure to listen and remain present. Nothing’s worse than trying to hold a conversation with someone who’s multi-tasking or worse…on their cell phone. For more on this subject see http://www.customerskills.com/blog/become-better-listener/2013/08

Dump the script. No matter how practiced, scripts sound phony. You know the essence of what you need to say; now customize and make it your own.

Speak in pleasant tone of voice. Sound like you are lovin’ what you’re doing. Keep your voice crisp, clean and full of excitement. Speak at a moderate rate, not too fast or too slow.

Mind your manners. Good manners will take you far in life. And there’s nothing wrong with being a delightful and effective person.  

Remember names. All people want to feel like they matter and recalling someone’s name is a great way to let them know they count in your book.  Nothing is a sweeter sound to someone than their own name.

Make complainers into cheerleaders. So called negative customer experiences are a perfect opportunity to turn gripes into praises. Always go above and beyond the call of duty to remedy bad customer experiences. Exceeding people’s expectations in this tricky area and turn your accusers into supporters. This works exceedingly well in your personal life too if you can keep a cool head in the middle of an emotional storm.

Be a real person. It’s uncomfortable dealing with someone who is all business all the time! Take care of business, but relax and be a bit too. That’s the only way to truly connect with another human. Tension and stress stand in the way of your good vibes. So take a deep breath, and live in this moment.