I looked up the word “service” in Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary, and I found that one of the definitions listed for service is: contribution to the welfare of others. Keep this in mind while I share a story with you.
The Bible in I Kings, Chapter 12 tells an interesting story. Many of you have heard of King Solomon who was designated as the wisest man who ever lived. After Solomon’s death, his son, Rehoboam took over as King.
The people in his kingdom were asking Rehoboam for change in the land. So Rehoboam asked the older advisers who had been with his father what he should do. Here was their answer:
“And they said to him, If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them and answer them with good words, they will be your servants forever” I Kings 12:7 (Amplified Version).
Rehoboam didn’t like this answer, so he asked the young men who grew up with him what to do. They told him to increase the people’s burdens, add taxes, and rule with an iron fist. Unfortunately, Rehoboam went with this suggestion. He figured he was King, so he could do whatever he wanted. The people rebelled, and he ran for his life.
You may be thinking about now what all this has to do with you. This story teaches a great lesson about customer service.
You own your own business. You publish your own ezine. You manage your own website. You are king of your domain. How you treat the people of your “kingdom” will have a lot to do with whether you are successful or whether you run for your life.
Does your business, your ezine, your website serve your customers? Do you as a business owner contribute to the welfare of others? Or do you feel that you can treat people anyway you like because you are “king”?
If you want to provide great customer “service”:
1. Treat every customer with dignity and respect. Even if someone asks what you consider a “stupid” question, answer kindly.
2. Give a little bit more than what is expected. Do what you say you’re going to do and a little more.
3. Strive to make each person feel a little bit better about him/herself after having been in contact with you. Pay attention to the details you glean from the customer and personalize your service.
4. Focus your attention on what you can do for your customer, rather than expecting your customer to meet your needs. Make the customer feel as though he/she is your top priority.
As the older advisers told King Rehoboam, if you serve your customers and give them good words, they will be loyal to you forever.
Sharon Dalton Williams is the author of “How to Succeed and Live a Full
Life.” Learn how to reach the goals you have set for your life and
business. Surf to http://www.sdwassociates.com to order your copy.
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