Customer Service is such an important component of running a successful business. When you are calling a place of business you want someone friendly and patient to pick up the other line (not to mention knowledgeable). From experience, I know that doesn’t always happen. 

Customer Service comes in many different forms. Everywhere you go, someone should be there to service you (well except for home and places like that – I wish there were someone to service me there). When you go to a restaurant, you encounter at least two employees. When you shop at a store, you interact with at least the cashier. 

All my life, I have worked in some sort of customer service area. There were times when I was the cashier, the department manager helping others find their engagement rings and even the woman on the other side of the phone when others need assistance with their health insurance policies. Have been on both sides, I understand the importance. 

I have had bad days where I needed to run to the store or make a business call. If the person on the other end is unpleasant, rude or even has a negative tone of voice, it could really increase how bad my day went. When I was the woman on the business side of the phone, I have received devastating news; however, I had to keep my composure until I was able to break or go to lunch. 

The bottom line is, remember no matter who you are or where you work, you don’t know how someone else’s day is going. Their life could be upside down, they could have lost a loved one or maybe even their job. If you own a business where you have customer service employees, choose wisely – have a strict policy. There is always the option of outsourcing to customer service specialists who provide extensive training in handling others; either way, remember that customer service always comes first.