Gain satisfied and loyal customers by being hospitable.
In all customer interactions being hospitable plays a crucial role. This is especially important to customers when they are traveling. We all know from personal experiences that whether our travels take us to the next city or to the next continent, how we are treated makes or breaks our impression of that experience.
It is our responsibility as business owners and managers to make sure we create a hospitable customer experience. Doing this will benefit our businesses by developing satisfied and loyal customers.
There are effective techniques that we can utilize to ensure that type of experience transpires. These techniques parallel how we treat guests in our home.
Be Present
With our hectic days and multiple distractions we can easily forget the fundamental concept of being present when interacting with our customer.
This means focusing completely on the interaction, tuning in, actively listening. In order to accomplish this we must temporarily tune out all of the other items bouncing around in our brains. When we practice this we show our interest and the customer feels respected and appreciated.
It is also incredibly important that our employees understand that the customer is always the priority. They need to be trained to recognize the importance of giving the customer their full attention and they need to know that it is not only okay, but important and expected that they put down the report (sweater, phone, etc.) and focus on that customer that is standing in front of them.
Set the Stage
When throwing a dinner or holiday party you are essentially striving to create a memorable experience for your guests. We can apply that same concept to our businesses.
View the experience through our customers’ eyes. What do the see? Smell? How does the interaction make them feel? Was it memorable? Today’s customer is looking for more than a transaction; they are looking for an experience.
Impress them Coming and Going
Remember that we make the biggest impression on our customers when they first walk in, and again when they are leaving our establishment.
If we look at this interaction through the lens of treating a customer in our business the same way we would treat a guest in our home, the pattern is pretty clear. We would greet them, escort them to where they need to go, and when it was time to leave we would walk them to the door and let them know we appreciate that they took the time to stop by.
Same principles, Different Venue
As with so many behaviors, exuding hospitality is an expectation that we need to clearly communicate to our employees and we have to model this behavior. These simple techniques can have a significant impact.
Demonstrating hospitality
In other words showing customers, respect, graciousness, and appreciation, will benefit the customers, the community and ultimately the bottom line.
About the Author
Rene’ Johnston-Gingrich completed a Master’s Degree in Adult Education and Human Resource Development and has been a business owner for 16 years. Rene’ works as an independent trainer and consultant, developing and delivering training in the health care, telecommunications, and retail and service industries.
