Earlier this week I was conducting some complaint handling training for one of my clients. It’s not an unusual reaction when faced with a complaint – particularly when you believe it’s unjustified, or it’s not your fault – to listen politely, but then respond with “yes, but…” Of course, as soon as the customer hears […]
Last week at the HTA Catering Conference panel discussion I was asked if I could pick just one thing for business owners and managers to focus on to improve employee engagement and staff retention what would that be. My response: “Give people pride in what they do, by recognising and acknowledging their contribution to the […]
Earlier this week I spoke at The Horticultural Trades Association Catering Conference on attracting and retaining superstars. Of the 7 key ingredients I discussed one focused on giving new team members the red carpet treatment and creating a positive first impression, so they feel valued and engaged from day one. In last week’s blog I […]
Nearly every business owner I know lists recruiting and retaining good staff high on their list of priorities. Having gone to the effort and expense of finding a good fit, don’t waste this by poor induction. The first few days and weeks in any job will determine how that person feels about your business and […]
“Talking it through in our group I’ve now got some brilliant ideas.” “It was great talking to others and realising they have the same challenges” “I now have a better understanding of xx department, and know what I can do to make both our lives easier” “It was great to get someone else’s perspective, as […]
Earlier this week I attended a customer experience seminar. We had some excellent presentations on how to improve customer service, including one on what went on behind-the-scenes for the London Olympics in creating such a memorable visitor experience through the Games’ Makers (in which – I am proud to say – I played a small […]
If you’re anything like me, you love having an excuse to celebrate. Today happens to be my wedding anniversary, and at 33 years I think that’s cause to celebrate. Marking special occasions is a great way to engage both customers and team members. Recognising a personal milestone, proud moment or a significant event shows you […]
When you ask someone to do something and they tell you they can’t, what do they really mean? Let’s imagine it’s a member of your team. You ask them to do something and they respond “I can’t do that”. It may not be quite as direct as that “Erm, I don’t think I can do […]
One of the key areas of focus for many of my clients is how to increase the retention of their key people. They are worried about not tapping into their potential and ultimately losing them, which inevitably has a knock-on effect on customer service, productively and profit. Sadly, some business owners stick their head in […]
Do you feel you spend too long in meetings? I think most business owners and managers feel that at times. Over the past few weeks I have written about the importance of giving feedback and a structure for conduction 1:1 meetings with your team members. But when you feel it’s yet another meeting adding pressure […]
Why Customer Service Training Fails … and How to Ensure Yours Doesn’t!
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“The 7 Costly Mistakes Businesses Unwittingly Make So Their Customer Service Training Fails... and How to Avoid Them”