How many times have you listened to others and completely spaced out while they were talking? And when they finish, they ask, “What would you do?” To which you stammer about not being sure and that you’d have to think about it.
In today’s fast-paced, multi-tasking and technology-driven culture, being present is a dying art. Slowing down and focusing on one thing at a time is a skill that has proven to make people the most productive. Not only that, but also being present and truly hearing what people are saying create strong bonds and rapport with people like nothing else will.
The YouTube video by Elaine Meyer, “On Being Present, not Perfect,” illustrates this point nicely. It also made me ask an important question: Am I really there for my customers?
Strategies that Turn it Around:
Tips for getting and being present:
- Before picking up the phone or greeting the customer in person, stop all other thoughts. Direct all focus on the customer.
- Clear away distractions on your desk and create a clean working area. A cluttered desk is a cluttered mind.
- Take a few silent deep breaths after your last customer interaction before engaging with the next customer. As you exhale, remember to now focus on the next customer.
- Slap a smile on your face – even fake smiling changes your physiology and causes positive thoughts. So, imagine what a genuine smile can do?
- Know your priorities. If your company’s focus is creating customer loyalty, the customer must take precedence over all other tasks.
Remember: Customers want to feel special and appreciated. Give them the gift of making every minute count in their customer service experience with you by being focused and present. The time is now.
How do YOU stay present with your customers? Please share in the comments section below.