7 basic beginner tips on Customer Service
by Startacus Admin
Helen Murphy is a Consultant with extensive experience in Customer Service Training.
15 years in the hospitality industry has given Helen the insight and experience into what is expected by customers. Giving practical and useful advice on the importance of great, ongoing customer service skills, particularly 
to start-ups, is one of her specialities. Helen also works with entrepreneurs in Start Your Own Business Programmes for many Local Development Companies in Ireland. With this in mind, Helen shared 7 basic beginner tips on Customer Service that any first time business owner or startup would need to know. Check out the 7 beginner one line tips below and keep them in mind if your understanding of Customer Service needs an initial kickstart.
"So, you are a start-up, an entrepreneur with a great idea and you are on the road to bringing your business to fruition, well done.
You are busy with plans, designs, research, product testing, accountants, bank managers, etc BUT don’t forget your end user – your customer!
It is so easy, however unintentional, to forget about the importance of customer service and what your customer service policy is going to be. You may be a one-person operation at the moment and therefore totally responsible for how you look after your customers. Here are some tips to ensure great, ongoing customer service.
No.1
At the beginning of every workshop I present, I ask one question – How many people here have a voicemail on their mobile phone? You would be surprised to learn that, on average, 70-80% will say they won’t. If you are unable to answer a call then how can your customer feel secure that they have reached the right person or leave a query with you, if you have no voice mail. Record a simple message (with no background noise or James Bond impression) stating who you are and that you will get back to them as soon as possible.
No. 2
Always return those missed calls as soon as you can....
No. 3
You are not working Monday – Friday, 9-5, so you can write emails, newsletters, blogs at any time and return calls after 5pm (within reason!).
No. 4
Always use positive language such as Thank You and I Appreciate Your Business/Call, etc.
No. 5
Keep engaging with your customers without bombarding them with ‘sales’ pitches.
No. 6
Listen to your customers – yes, you have come up with a fantastic new product/service but maybe they are telling you about something that’s not quite working. Be open to change – flexibility and adaptability are two of your many new skills!
No. 7 There is nothing wrong in saying ‘I don’t know’ to a customer as long as you follow it up with ‘but I will find out’ or ‘I know someone who does know’.
Remember that repeat business is 5 times more effective than new business, great customer service will ensure customers will return at a fraction of the cost.
You can find Helen via Helen Murphy Creative Solutions and on Tiwtter via @helendmurphy
If you are a first time business owner and need other beginner tips then perhaps you should take some time to read:
- Small Business Marketing, Who is your customer?
-
How to deal with self doubt in business
-
Writing a Business Plan, Step by Step Guide
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
Artificial intelligence platform Ricochet is on an AI mission to find new business leads that fit the needs of your company.
From understanding more about how a business can invoice effectively to avoid late payments, to what debt recovery means, to how to take legal action against overdue debt.
The challenges of working with a business partner or another co-founder, as told by 12 of the UK’s top startup co-founders
This February 12th & 13th, global pre-accelerator program Startup Boost, will host a virtual demo day from their 'Fall programs' in Detroit, Dublin, Los Angeles, and New York.
Minute is an app that allows you to watch quality short films, tailored to the time that you have available. We took a look at this early-stage startup with a big vision.
Migrants are gonna surround us, With ideas! We take a look at Startup Weekend Dublin immigration...
Five reasons why every business could consider investing in coaching for their sales team.
The FinTech and PropTech startup which rewards tenants with improved credit for on-time rent payments...
.png)
SportTech Belfast startup Pitchbooking, secures £250k investment to help become the market leader in sports facility management.
From understanding more about supplier and business customer negotiations, to contracts, understanding heads of terms, to what should be included in a terms of contract.
Published on: 28th July 2015
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- Startup Weekend Dublin immigration aims to builds ideas not borders 7th Feb 2019 Migrants are gonna surround us, With ideas! We take a look at Startup Weekend Dublin immigration...
- Sports facility management platform Pitchbooking nets £250k investment 6th Feb 2019 SportTech Belfast startup Pitchbooking, secures £250k investment to help become the market leader in sports facility management.
- Too Good To Go raises further €6m to keep fighting food waste everywhere 6th Feb 2019 Fast growing tech for good app Too Good To Go raises a further €6 million to accelerate its mission to eliminate food waste globally, taking its total investment to €16m.
- Google+ for consumers shuts down 2nd April 1st Feb 2019 Goodbye Google+. The end date for Google+ for consumers (personal) has been announced as the 2nd April 2019. So what....now?
