 |
Survival of the Fastest?
Author: Kennette Reed  | Posted: 03-03-2007 | Comments: 0 | Views: 77 | Rating: (50)  (?) 
With cell phones, PDA’s and instant messaging we continue to seek devices and software that will allow us to accomplish multiple tasks efficiently and effectively. Survival of the swiftest has been the business mantra for some time.
Remember the story of the tortoise and the hare? The hare is swift, and when the race begins he feels he can easily put a great deal of distance between himself and the tortoise. Thinking his speed will allow him to overtake the tortoise at will, the hare decides to eat and rest. Though the tortoise is slower, his pace is steady. He never stops or slows. Due to the hare’s reliance upon speed, and his lack of focus on the goal (the finish line), he doesn’t win the race. The tortoise is the victor.
Slow and Consistent Are Appreciated Too
This story came to mind when thinking about my mechanic. He is an independent mechanic with a small repair shop and one helper (sometimes two). His premises aren’t fancy, he barely has an adequate computer system, and you can be assured your repairs will take longer at his shop than at many other facilities.
Though I’m definitely a person who wants quick and efficient delivery, my mechanic’s slow and steady pace is greatly appreciated. Sure, I could take my car somewhere else and get it repaired faster, but at what price? I trust him to give every repair his best effort. That’s why I remain a loyal customer. Loyalty is a by-product of trust.
Too Fast For Your Customer’s Good?
Have you become too focused on striving to be faster than your competition? Have you forgotten that a little slower and consistent may be more to your customer’s liking? Are you missing buying signals in your efforts to get in and out of appointments quickly? How much is overlooked by staff, managers, and the executive team while focusing on staying ahead of the competition?
How about slowing down and taking a little extra time with each customer? Help them to become better acquainted with your company and its products. If they become more knowledgeable about your products and services, they might consider using your company more often when making buying decisions.
It’s About the Service
Does your staff take the time to listen intently to what customers are saying, so they can lead them toward products that will best meet their needs? In your haste to be the first to market, have you forgotten to monitor staff product/service knowledge? People will only sell what they know, and feel comfortable discussing.
Check your product sales records. Are the best sellers popular because customers like them best, or because your staff can discuss the benefits of these products better than others?
Next time you’re rushing around trying to make the maximum amount of contacts in eight hours, remember quality, consistency, and value will take you much further in the long run. Slow it down, and take more time with each customer. Your customers will appreciate that you did, and their appreciation will be reflected in your bottom line. Customer loyalty and retention are about relationship building, time, quality, and consistent effort.
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/customer-service-articles/survival-of-the-fastest-112259.html
About the Author:Kennette Reed is the principal consultant with Kennette Reed & Associates. Her firm provides nationwide customer and staff retention, performance improvement, and executive coaching solutions. She is also a nationally know speaker and the author of several books. For more info, visit the company website www.kennettereed.com, email kreed@kennettereed.com or phone 510-352-2121.
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Related Articles
Understanding How Internal Customers Learn
By: Kennette Reed | 03/03/2007 | Business
People make up your business. Without them, there would be no products, communication, management, or customers. Those who work within the company (internal customers) need to have a clear understanding of their roles, and how their actions affect operations and external customers. Without this clear understanding, they will view their actions as isolated incidents, which have little or no affect on the big picture.
Easy Steps to Follow to Improve Customer Retention
By: gonzalezeliezer | 14/07/2008 | Business Ideas
Building a client base is very important for any small business. This article will give you some simple steps to help you increase your customer retention and therefore grow your business.
Getting Rid of the Rulebook
By: Liz Tahir | 30/05/2007 | Customer Service
Companies must have rules & regulations to make its business run smoothly...but in this time of fierce competition & much talk of improving customer service, doesn’t judgment on a one-to-one basis have a place?
Hurry Up and Wait
By: Liz Tahir | 30/05/2007 | Customer Service
Businesses are devising all sorts of ways to save company time & money; it generally is at the expense of the customer. Can a company ever profit enough to justify wasting a customer’s time, & sending him in to fury?
From Donuts to Dollars
By: Arun Tibrewal | 15/01/2006 | SEM
Article about using websites, which are created for the sole purpose of generating business. Mini websites are important tool for online success.
Increase New Customer Traffic to Your Business
By: Joy Gendusa | 21/05/2006 | Marketing
The fast and easy way to get new business
The Importance of a Marketing Plan
By: Joy Gendusa | 22/05/2006 | Marketing
No Matter Where You Go You Have to Have a Plan
Well Written Articles are Necessary for Your Websites Success
By: Kevin Grames | 14/01/2007 | Article Writing
Article writing can be a scary prospect for many and with good reason since many people do not understand how to write quality articles. However, getting past this fear is the first step in building not only your website traffic, but its ever valuable back links.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Saying no to customers
By: Patty | 04-06-2008
How do I say no to a customer without losing them as a customer? We manufacture frozen specialty foods & make over 1200 varieties & we are asked each day to produce something slightly different. We say yes to the requests that are feasable, but, about 10% of the time must say no. Some are understanding but, many of them are not and make us feel that we have let them down. Please advise. Thanks!!
Automated customer service
By: ManuelGarcia | 17-11-2007
Hi, I am looking for reliable articles that will give me some information about automated customer service. Can someone pls provide me with a website? Thanks Manuel
Customer service
By: rubyc | 21-10-2007
what is customer service
Give an example of when u had to deal with a ...
By: mayreeder | 23-07-2007
give an example of when u had to deal with a customer that was upset
Can you provide an example of when you provied ...
By: aisha80 | 10-07-2007
can you provide an example of when you provied excellent customer?what was the situation?what did you do and what was the outcome?
Q&A Powered by: 
Latest Customer Service Articles
How to Find Great Sushi
By: 10x Marketing | 25/07/2008
Do you need a Japanese translator to find great sushi? No! Just follow these steps to find the best sushi in your area.
Mogul Energy Announces Sea Dragon Energy Inc.‘s Ipo
By: atomxiao | 25/07/2008
The common shares of Mogul Energy are quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board (OTCBB) system under the symbol 'MGUY,' and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange ("FSE") under the symbol 'BKX'. Further information concerning Mogul Energy can be found in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (http://www.sec.gov).
Forward-Looking Statements:
The common shares of Mogul Energy are quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board (OTCBB) system under the symbol 'MGUY,' and the Frankfurt Stock Exch
The Weighty Burden of Anticipating Customer Needs
By: Kirsty Dunphey | 24/07/2008
Find the way to say yes to your customers, instead of no, don’t or can’t.
Rain Bird Rain Sensor
By: Kathleen Chester | 23/07/2008
The Rain Bird RSD Series Rain Sensor is extremely durable and visually pleasing. It is apt for residential complexes and also for commercial places.
Logo Reference Materials
By: Robert Johnston | 23/07/2008
If you have decided to design your own logo but aren’t sure where to start or if you can’t come up with any ideas, here are some resources that will educate and motivate you.
Learning Forex Trades
By: itmar | 23/07/2008
This article is for the traders who want to make some bucks from forex trading. Before you learn more about forex trading, out of 10 traders 7 persons keep losing money in this market; and the rest work freely from their house and earn millions. Rest 30% might be those with insider news, or those with forex trading skills and knowledge.
Understanding the Nanaimo Real Estate Market
By: Gary Bowen | 23/07/2008
Nanaimo is the real estate market provides exceptional options for investors and residents. Location of Nanaimo is good with its huge appeal for professional, tourists, retirees, artist, tourism associated- business & enthusiasts. They require for authentic property in this city is kept by Nanaimo's status just as gateway of Vancouver Island. The opportunity of eco tourism can't be hyped, with global visitors. Millions of the visitors are drawn to unbelievable power of west coastline beaches.
Preparing Your Home for Sale
By: Gary Bowen | 23/07/2008
The purchase or ownership of a house is a greatest investment that you make in your life. There are many beautiful areas in Nanaimo. Campbell River grows formwork of miners, fishers and foresters. Giant Mountain, beaches & vistas surround it. Campbell River is really astonishing place to work and live. It is a hub for tourism, shopping, arts and industry. Campbell River is a gateway of courage & adventure.
More from Kennette Reed
Understanding How Internal Customers Learn
By: Kennette Reed | 03/03/2007 | Business
People make up your business. Without them, there would be no products, communication, management, or customers. Those who work within the company (internal customers) need to have a clear understanding of their roles, and how their actions affect operations and external customers. Without this clear understanding, they will view their actions as isolated incidents, which have little or no affect on the big picture.
8 Ways to Motivate & Improve Staff Performance
By: Kennette Reed | 03/03/2007 | Leadership
A stronger economy means more opportunities for you, and your staff. How do you keep them from looking for greener grass? Provide staff assistance, opportunities for enrichment, and an environment that increases enthusiasm. The processes of involvement, observation, interaction, and feedback build the foundation necessary for staff engagement, involvement, and motivation. The key is to create a staff-keeping environment now.
Boomers or Bust
By: Kennette Reed | 03/03/2007 | Careers
Over the next 7 years, baby boomer will begin retiring in large numbers. Millions of highly skilled, experienced workers will be lost. The number of workers leaving the workforce will greatly exceed the number of younger replacement workers. While jobs are expected to increase, labor force growth is expected to fall. Of course, the outlook would be improved if older workers would consider working longer.
|
|
Business 
