For many businesses, customer service can be an elusive art. However, offering the best customer service possible should be at the top of your business priorities, even at its' most demanding, inconvenient and difficult times. Real estate investing, especially from long-distances and with Turnkey companies can be very taxing on the mind and uncomfortable or some investors. More than ever, real estate service companies need to be great at customer service.
There will be days when clients, tenants and customers will frustrate you, make you want to lose your cool, scream and quit. Here at Memphis Invest, we have spent countless hours studying, reviewing, training and in general trying to learn and improve on everything we do from a customer service standpoint. We have even had business and customer service author, Joe Calloway, feature our company in his book, Be The Best At What Matters Most.
There’s very little fun about customer service, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not rewarding — personally and professionally. For a company like us, customer service is not just a slogan...it is literally our core proficiency. Memphis Invest may be in the business or managing real estate investments for real estate investors, but first and foremost we are a customer service company!
3 Reasons Customer Service Should Be Top Priority
It Defines Your Reputation
You can have the best product or service around, but without customer service supporting your business, you’ll fall behind. A reputation for treating customers poorly or unfairly — whether with rudeness or discrimination — can ruin your reputation and set your business back, if not damage it irreparably.
You build your reputation on how you interact with other people. That means graciously addressing errors and oversights, developing tact and patience, and generally keeping a level head. Even with the most difficult of interactions, it will always pay off to take the high road and conduct your business with integrity and kindness — even when it’s easier not to.
It Creates a Buffer
As the saying goes — love covers a multitude of sins. While no business ever wants to be the position of having to do damage control, it does happen. Mistakes are made. Some businesses don’t recover from their mistakes. Having a good relationship with your clients and customers, however, means that you’re much more likely to weather the storm when it comes to conflict or controversy. You’ll not only have loyal customers in your corner to vouch for you, but even those who feel wronged will be more likely to forgive mistakes.
It Keeps Customers Coming Back
Returning customers are key to pretty much any business. Real estate investors want to retain tenants, restaurants want regulars and businesses want to develop relationships with clients for the long term. Customer service really is what will motivate people to continue giving you business. When people feel valued and cared for and important to your business, they’ll appreciate it and be drawn to it.
What Does Quality Customer Service Look Like?
- Treating customers with respect
- Keeping communication prompt and polite
- Following through on your promises
- Being gracious when dealing with dissatisfied customers
- Going above and beyond expectations
- Going the extra mile
If you hope to run a successful business in any field, customer service must be core to your business strategy.
What do you think makes customer service stand out? Share with us in the comments.
