Creating a Happy Customer

Customer service seems to be a hot topic in the business world these days as more and more corporations are beginning to realize that in order to succeed and have a sustainable business, the customer's needs and wants must take precedence over the "bottom line". Providing exceptional customer service is easier said than done, but if you follow these three important tips, you'll be on your way to creating a great customer service culture for your company. These tips are actually very basic and really don't have anything to do with direct contact with the customer, but trust me, they work!

First, let me give you an equation to keep in mind as you read this article. Here's the equation:

Happy Customer = Happy You + Happy Work Environment

1) On your way to work, listen to happy music. What type of music puts you in a good mood? Commuting to work is often tough and if you sometimes get road rage like me, it can instantly start your day off in a harried way. Music sets the tone for the rest of your day. When you listen to soothing and happy music, this affects how you deal with co-workers and customers.

2) If your desk or work area is cluttered and disorganized, take a few minutes to clear it. When you come to work with a cluttered work area, your mind tends to become cluttered with all the things you need to do, thus putting you in a stressed mental state. This has a direct affect on your problem solving skills when you are communicating with customers.

3) Stay away from co-workers that sap your energy. You know the ones... They come into work complaining about one thing or another. The just love spreading that negative energy around and fish around for pity from others. Simply give them a smile of encouragement and then run to the other side of the building! You don't need that negative energy to affect your mood and pass on to your customer.

Your overall state of mind and well-being affects how you interact with people. Your emotions, your work environment, and even the people you interact with at work can influence your actions and thoughts when you are dealing with customers. People can sense when you're happy. When you're happy, your customers are happy, right?

What are you doing to create a happy you, to create a happy work environment, and ultimately, to create happy customers?