20 Essential
Customer Service Skills
by Ian Miller
The essential skill set for
anyone aspiring to succeed in customer service.
At the heart of great customer service is the way we interact with our
customers. It will come as no surprise to hear that we don’t always get those
interactions right. In my opinion, what we need is a distinct skill set that
can be applied consistently throughout the service industry.
Based on my experience serving clients, as well as managing
customer-facing teams, I have compiled a list of essential skills that can be
used by anyone who wants to succeed in the world of customer service.
Remember, even for veterans in this industry, brushing up on skills is a
smart idea.
1. The Ability to Listen Closely to
Customers
This is the number one skill because, in essence, this is what the job
itself is all about. All other customer service skills pale in comparison to
this particular one because if a customer service rep is not listening to the
customer they are never going to be able to provide good service. Not only do
you need to be able to hear what they are telling you in terms of sheer data,
you need to be able to try to understand what they mean by what they are
saying. This is one of those customer service skills that is most often
polished over an entire career, but it begins with a willingness to listen and
listen closely.
2. Clear Verbal Communication
Aside from being able to listen, you also need to be able to communicate
verbally with the customer. While written communication is another of the
customer service skills you’ll want to master, it is verbal communication that
is most often used in today’s call centers. The purpose of this kind of
communication is to not just repeat a spiel or information to the customer, but
to make sure that they understood what you said. You will need proper speaking
skills, good grammar and the ability to choose the right mode of speaking for
the person on the other end of the line or across the counter from you.
3. Ability to Empathize
This is an ability that will most likely be honed over time and it is
one of the customer service skills that can actually erode for some who have
been in this industry for a while. You need to be able to listen and actually
involve yourself in what the customer is telling you about their situation. If
you are only following policy and not listening, you may miss important special
considerations that need to be taken into account in order for customer service
to be kept at a high quality level. Empathy is sensing and understanding the
emotions of others and of all the customer service skills, some will argue that
this is most important. Those who are good at empathy can often win the trust
of even the most dissatisfied customers because those customers will feel they
have someone on their side at last.
4. Data Entry and Basic Computer
Skills
Most of your other skills are about dealing with people, but some
customer service skills are about things you need to do for the company. In
nearly all cases, you will be working with some sort of computer program that
needs you to record data about your call. It is important that you can type
quickly so that customers do not have to wait and that you understand the
basics of using a computer and software so that you can properly perform your
job.
5. Understanding of Human Psychology
While everyone is certainly different, there are commonalities among us
as human beings. For those who take the time to study at least some basic
psychology, the job of helping people over the phone is much easier to do. This
can often help you defuse tense situations and anticipate what a customer wants
before he or she verbalizes it. This is one skill that can impress customers
and your superiors alike.
6. Basic Performance Skills
The fact is, sometimes in order to maintain professionalism you are
going to have to put on a mask of friendliness and concern. This does not mean
you are attempting to deceive anyone for a nefarious purpose, but it is
important to know how to do. Even if a customer is irritating you, it is not
appropriate to act irritated. Basic acting can help you present certain
information in a more cheerful and upbeat tone, make sure your body language
and facial expressions convey what you mean to say and generally help you get
into the mindset you must be in so that you can do your job well.
7. Ability to Memorize Protocol and
Guidelines
Most customer service positions are within companies that have official
ways of handling calls. You will need to be able to not just look over the
rules, but actually internalize them. You need to understand the guidelines and
then use them the way they are intended. Those who follow the rules best
usually end up working at a company the longest.
8. Time Management Skills
No one appreciates those that waste time. This is a skill you need for
nearly any job, but in customer service those who waste time keep customers
waiting. That’s not very good service.
9. Management of Personal Emotions
While you can certainly act the opposite of how you feel, it is
important to deal with your own emotions. If you can learn to manage your
emotions in healthy, productive ways, the stress of customer service positions
will be water off a duck’s back to you.
10. Situation Evaluation and Analysis
Many times, in customer service work, you will encounter a problem that
is not covered in the company’s guidelines. When this happens, you are going to
need to evaluate the situation and decide whether or not you need a supervisor
present. One of the most important customer service skills to have is being
able to decide whether or not a person is being honest or trying to deceive
you. To do this, you have to be able to analyze data and, preferably, do this
quickly.
11. Professionalism
It is important for employees to remain professional at all times, even
if the customer reacts angrily if they are not happy with an aspect of the
service they have received. Employees should remain level headed in these
situations and continue to address the customer calmly. A friendly manner is
important in every type of situation and can go a long way to reassuring
customers of the professionalism of the business as a whole.
12. Organizational skills
An important aspect of good customer service is good organization
skills. If the customer is operating to a time schedule then the ability of the
person dealing with that customer to organize themselves and respond quickly is
crucial. This may involve gathering information from a number of sources so the
employee needs to know exactly where to get each piece of information from.
13. Respect
Being respectful to customers is another key skill. It should go without
saying that simple manners should be used at all times but other factors that
can make the customer feel respected include addressing them by their title and
only using their first name if they have indicated that this is what they prefer.
Customers should not be interrupted when they are speaking and the employee
should wait until they have finished before responding.
14. Ability to Identify and
Anticipate needs
If a good relationship is built up with a customer then this will enable
the employee to offer the customer relevant products or services that will be
of benefit to them. These recommendations should be based on their past
purchases and knowledge of customer needs.
15. Flexibility
A slight bending of the rules to meet the needs of the customer is not
necessarily something that should be discouraged. Customers will appreciate the
extra effort that the employee has gone to and any affect on the business
should be minimal.
16. Problem solving
If a customer has a problem then this should be resolved as soon as
possible. The customer should be made to feel that any concerns that they have
are valid and that everything is being done by the employee in order to solve
the problem quickly.
17. Product knowledge
Good product knowledge is important because it will give the customer
confidence in the product and in the company as a whole. If the customer is
experiencing a problem with a particular product then a good working knowledge
of the product can resolve the problem quickly. Employees will be better placed
to make recommendations to customers about which product will best suit their
needs if they are aware of the different benefits of a range of products.
18. Teamwork Skills
Teamwork skills are an essential part of giving awesome service. Like a
football team working together to set up the perfect goal, every one on the
team has a specific role to play in accomplishing tasks on the job. Too often,
we only recognize the one player who makes it to the end zone, but we must
remember that it was made possible by the team’s planning, coordination, and
cooperation.
19. Creativity
Sometimes, a creative solution to a customer’s problem is needed. A
degree of creativity (within company guidelines, of course!) can be of benefit
in these circumstances.
20. Dependability
One of the most important aspects of the job is being there when the
customer needs you most. This means turning up for the job on time, being
present during difficult times ad following up on what you’ve promised to do.
Utilizing these skills can make the difference between giving mediocre
service or providing truly awesome service. It can also mean the difference
between simply getting hired or securing the position that you really want.
Take time today to put these skills into practice and watch your
customer service levels soar – and watch your career take off too!
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