What Does Customer Service Mean To You?

I’ve been workin’ customer service jobs since I was in high school.

Since 14, I believe.

I’ve done whole lot too.

Worked in public schools, retail, offices, parks, recreation centers, bars/ restaurants, theaters.

Cleaned up facilities. Sold stuff (B2C). Cold called folks.

Promotional stuff (handin’ out flyers). Posted signage. Emailed over 500 clients a day.

Worked gruelin’ 15 hour shifts. Grindin’ it out for tips.

I work.

Super hard too.

Through all this, I’ve gained a ton of street smarts and an understandin’ of customers. And people, in general.

Besides workin’ a whole lotta jobs – I’ve also been on a bunch of job interviews. Probably over 75 in the span of 4 years. Not kiddin’ at all either.

And interviewers always ask me the question – What Does Customer Service Mean To You?

And that question should be a question that should stump you, but it’s real easy.

Customer service is problem solvin’ by bein’ as calm as possible. And doin’ it quickly as possible.  Basically, conflict resolution.

Cause problems will always happen.

Stuff will break down.

People will act crazy (cause they’re irrational and emotional).

You just act calm. And patiently address the problem.

And here’s the surprisin’ thing I’ve noticed – some customers you just can’t help. At all.

For whatever reason.

Maybe they don’t like you.

Maybe they’re too far gone, emotionally.

Maybe they wanna steal your money.

If none of your persuasive abilities work on the customer – then, sadly, that’s not the customer for you.

You can’t help every customer.

Just be nice. And find some else can help them.

Another vender. Another employee. Another store.

And, yes, you’re losin’ business.

But if you’re tryin’ to help a customer.And you’ve set rules, prices, guidelines. And they can’t meet ’em.

And you’ve tried your best to work somethin’ out – then, that’s it.

Point ’em somewhere else. To someone that can help ’em.

Just be nice ’bout it.

Later,

Jamual