5 Small Business Customer Service Tips

As a small business, you are always looking for ways to set yourself apart from the larger players in your industry. The good news is that smaller businesses have the flexibility to do things their larger competitors could never accomplish. If you can play to your strengths, you stand to gain a loyal and growing customer base. Keep reading for some tips on how to maximize your potential as a small business.

1.Your customers are individuals. Treat them accordingly. Just like you, your customers are individuals. A small business has the advantage of treating its customers as more than one in a demographic abstraction. Learn your customers names and greet them. This will make them feel valued to your company; and of course, they are. Remember what your customers like. This will keep them coming back to you for that personal touch big companies just can't offer.

2.Follow up. Customers may sometimes fail to follow up. However, as a business owner you can't afford not to do this. Call or email customers to give reminders when necessary. This simple step can prevent a deal from slipping away from you, as well as keeping you and your company fresh in the minds of your customers.

3.Discounts While your discounts should never cut severely into your profits, you are in a great place to figure out what your customers want and how you can bring it to them for less money. Think about what your most popular products are (the ones that you will sell the most of anyway) and offer a discount. Better yet, make up a list of preferred customers, people who have made your business and are very loyal to it, and reward them for their loyalty.

4.Admit your mistakes Simple, yet difficult for many to do, especially larger companies, when you make a mistake, admit it and apologize. If you fail to do this, you may well lose the trust of your customers.

5.Don't be afraid to answer the phone As a business owner, it creates confidence in your customers by being available to take their calls rather than pass it off to an employee. It shows them that they are valued enough to be put right through to the person in charge. If they have concerns, address them and do whatever possible to remedy the situation. This will create you great word of mouth recommendations and build customer loyalty.

68% of people will quit doing business with companies that have poor customer service! Discover how to give great customer service - learn the keys to good customer service at http://hubpages.com/hub/How-To-Give-Great-Customer-Service

- Kale McClelland