Customer Differentiator: The Key to a Successful Customer-Focused Culture

Customers want a consistent service experience. It seems like that would be easy to deliver yet it is not the norm. Since it is not the norm, consistency becomes a customer differentiator. Check how well you deliver consistency with these strategies.

1. Be reliable. Get it right the first time. Whatever the customer needs, they want you to be reliable and accurate. Customers don't want to deal with an organization multiple times due to your shortcomings. Deliver what you promise.

2. No surprises - unless they are positive ones. Most surprises are ones where the company does not deliver as promised. Surprises can include interactions with challenging employees, lack of follow-up, and slow responses to social media communication. Surprises often create angry and vocal customers. Look at your consistency in service standards and processes.

3. Team members "on board" with customer focus. Customers want to deal with competent and caring employees. Your employees are a reflection of your culture. They are the voice of your company and your best ambassadors. Don't script them but make certain they are armed with great information and empowered to personalize their responses. Allow them to anticipate and act in ways that drive customer loyalty. The consistency must be in hiring, training, and coaching effectively.

Consistency is a selling point and a source of repeat business. Customers want simplicity, ease, and no hassles. Make consistency a strategy and a foundation of your customer- focused culture.

Lisa Ford is a speaker with over 20 years of experience presenting to businesses, associations, and government. She speaks throughout the United States and internationally on topics of customer service, leadership, team issues, and change. Her recent book is Exceptional Customer Service - Exceed Customer Expectations to Build Loyalty and Boost Profits.