While customer service skills may not be the first thing you think of when considering a potential employee’s qualifications, they can be a big factor in your company’s long-term success. If your business is one that has a high customer-facing component, you should seek out employees who have the skills necessary to interact effectively with customers.

Good communication skills

This doesn’t mean that an employee can talk all day without breaking a sweat. Instead, it means that an employee should be able to clearly answer questions and to be personable, without overwhelming the customer with idle chatter.

Product knowledge

It’s up to you to make sure that an employee has access to all information needed to gain an understanding of the products you sell. After that, it’s important for the employee to be motivated enough to absorb that information, so he/she can be really helpful to customers.

Time management

A good employee should be able to assist a customer efficiently whenever help is required. However, the employee should also have the ability to recognize that there are times when he/she simply cannot help the customer, and that it’s time to refer the customer to another level.

Thinking on your feet

Many employees are perfectly capable in a steady-state, where absolutely nothing goes wrong, and daily activity proceeds normally. When there is a sudden surprise or when an emergency which comes up, it’s good to have an employee who can think on their feet, and react appropriately to handle such a situation.

Motivation

Providing good customer service often takes a little desire and a little motivation. There has to be a good work ethic involved, and an employee must be willing to do whatever it takes to provide outstanding customer service.

Thoroughness

What is meant by being thorough in customer service is ensuring that all a customer’s concerns have been resolved prior to ending the conversation. When a customer feels that all his/her issues have been addressed, they are generally much more satisfied, and are more inclined to think favorably about your company.

Contact the professionals at JNI Commercial Lending for more ideas on customer service skills to master!