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Listening Skills

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7 Listening Skills To Solve Customer Complaints
Most people only listen to about 25% of what they hear. They tune out the other 75%. You can't afford to operate like that. Every action you take depends upon the information the customer tells you over the telephone. You don't have the option of looking at customers' body language to help you figure out how they really feel. So you have to make sure your listening skills are fine-tuned exceptionally well. Techniques to give customers your undivided attention ... 1. Give your customers your full attention. Focus on what they are saying by clearing your mind and having an orderly desk and free hands. Remember, your brain can process information at 450 words per minute, while your customer only speaks 125 to 150 words per minute. Don't let yourself use your spare "brain time" to daydream. 2. Listen with an open mind. Be prepared to hear things you may not like or want to hear, but that could be valuable in helping you satisfy your customers later. Also remember, not everything you hear is equally important - listen carefully for the real issues and deal with them. 3. Ask questions respectfully. If the information is complex or you're unclear about anything, ask the customer to clarify it. Don't add to the meaning of what you're being told, and repeat what you understand back to

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the customer to make sure you can provide the best service possible. 4. Acknowledge the customers' concerns. Tell the clients that you understand what they are saying and how they feel about the situation. Empathy will help you establish rapport and salvage relationships with even the most unhappy customers. 5. Don't make excuses or defend the company or product. Customers will resent you if you sound like you're not on their side. They will question whether you can provide satisfactory solutions to their problems. 6. Work out a mutually beneficial plan of action. Decide what you can do to remedy the situation, and follow through. Never tell a customer "We can't do that." Instead, try "Boy, that's a tough one. Let's see what we can do." Then, find an alternative that can salvage the customer relationship. 7. Thank the customer for bringing the complaint to you. Customers who tell you they are unhappy are giving you a second chance. Thank them sincerely for the chance to win their continued business and renewed loyalty.

Even if you consistently use these proven listening techniques, you won't solve every problem and save every customer relationship. But you will be able to work out solutions for many unhappy customers, and create a less stressful work environment for yourself.

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