Spotlight

When trying to provide timely and efficient customer service, Abbott and Costello may have stated it better than anyone else: “Who’s on first?” How do you determine when and who gets your attention first when there are numerous customers that need your assistance, and the cast of characters varies? Your decision of who is on first should be based on the priorities of your organization and of you as an effective manager. However, the decision is not always simple. Let’s take a look at some of these characters and how they may affect your customer service decision, and ultimately, your decision of who is on first.

Customer service is important. Arguably, not many will disagree with that statement. There is an adage that states, “If you don’t take care of your customers, someone else will.” If you are not doing what it takes to ensure customer loyalty, sooner or later the “greener pastures” of a competitor will catch their eye. Now, within the ebb and flow of any business cycle, some customers will always be looking or leaving. No matter how great the product or company, there will be some percentage of customers looking for a better fit, more features, better service, etc. Sometimes, customers just get bored and want a change for change sake alone.

Knowing there will always be a certain amount of fluidity within your customers is helpful to reduce panic over these defectors. However, many of these customers in potential transition can and should be saved from leaving. Customer service is the glue that can keep many of them from looking for those “greener pastures”. If it is true that customer service is important then why do so many companies miss on this concept? Answer: there are many myths that get in the way and hinder customer service. Let’s examine a few of these.

WARNING: Following the practices in this article may be hazardous to your printer’s health, your ink cartridge budget, and the life expectancy of trees. Please continue at your own risk.

Even though digital documents began in the 1950’s, they became available to most offices in the 1980’s with the development of the personal computer. Users could finally create and share digital information without the use of any print material of any type. At the same time, however, the rise in the use of digital printers grew at an amazing rate side by side personal computers. After almost thirty years of designing and developing student registration systems, I am always amazed at how often digital data is printed and distributed. The process seems counterproductive to me. During a recent meeting with a customer, however, the front office staff finally helped me understand the error in my thought process and why it is important to print everything. Here is a summary of what I learned.