Better Business Bureau encourages proper etiquette

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Minnesota and North Dakota encourages business owners to recognize the importance of proper business etiquette among their employees when it comes to dealing with customers.

The trust that’s established between a customer and a business is not only the foundation for a successful business transaction, but makes for an overall healthy business relationship between the business and the customer. The customer needs to feel that they have been heard and that they have received the full attention of the business.

Here are some helpful BBB tips for business owners and managers:

Lead by example. Employees take their cue from management. Make sure that all senior staffers are aware of the importance of how they treat their employees. Those employees are often the face of the business.

Always greet your customer with a warm welcome. When a customer comes to your business, address them by name if possible and offer a friendly welcome. Customers pick up on your attitude and will quickly judge your business accordingly.

Go the extra mile. Thank you notes, birthday cards and personalized coupons are a great way to show your appreciation to your customers.

Give the customer the benefit of the doubt. Whether it’s online or in person, customers can and will complain at some point during your business’ lifetime. Make sure you know how to handle even the most disgruntled individual. Outsiders will see and appreciate your attempt to resolve issues, even if the disgruntled customer does not.

Seek out feedback. Make an honest effort to assess and address all feedback, and implement the best suggestions. Keeping customers and employees happy is the key to success for any business.

Reward success. Bonuses are always appreciated, but a pat on the back goes a long way toward keeping your employees motivated and feeling appreciated.

For more business tips, visit www.bbb.org.

Tags: business, etiquette