Business success can be determined by the ability to nurture a strong relationship with  your customers. Having those strong relationships can result in customer loyalty.  Without them, we would not and could not exist in business. When you satisfy your customers, they will help your business grow as well as recommend you to friends and associates.

Isn’t it important to coach your staff in developing their customer service skills?

Coaching is a tool used to develop individual’s customer service awareness.  Through on-going conversations between a coach and an employee, synergy is created—resulting in the person being coached to reach the knowledge of how to handle customers and provide them with the best service, rather than going at it alone without a coach or guidance.

Here are 5 coaching techniques you can use:

Gathering data: Before we can properly coach a customer service issue we need accurate information.

Giving Feedback: The coach provides feedback of the information provided in a timely, specific, and focused approach.

Questioning: Good coaches gather information by probing and using effective questioning techniques.

On-the-job training: This technique deals with developing staff by using assessments, demonstration, practice, and performance.

Providing positive reinforcement: This technique gives coaches the ability to praise their employees.

Connecting to people on a personal level helps build strong and lasting business relationships which helps keep employees motivated and engaged.

A small well trained staff will be able to satisfy customers better than a larger unskilled workforce. The demand for quality customer service is high, and too often businesses fall short of the mark. This is an opportunity for every business leader to excel.   Take advantage of this time to develop their employees and teach them the skills necessary to connect with customers. Leaders who do this will not only survive economic crisis, they will thrive.