Guest post by John Tschohl
There is no denying the impact technology has had on business. It has allowed companies to market and sell their products and services to customers in every corner of the world, and to do so 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
That technology has a downside, however. In far too many cases, it has replaced real people and become a barrier to customer service. When, for example, was the last time you called a company and a live person answered the telephone? And how many times, after making a purchase via the Internet, have you been unable to locate a telephone number for the company when you have a problem?
The popularity of the Internet clearly shows that consumers appreciate the ability to comparison shop—and make their purchases—at any time of day or night and to do so without having to leave home. When they have a problem, however, they want to talk to a live person. All too often, the opportunity to do so is either non-existent or frustrating.
Here are three technologies companies are using today, along with their pitfalls and how to deal with them:
Interactive Voice Response Systems
I estimate that 95 percent of customers prefer to dial in and talk to a human, but 98 percent of companies prefer to use Interactive Voice Response Systems (IVRs). Callers to those companies have to deal with a variety of options, which is frustrating and time-consuming: Press 1 for English, press 2 if you have a question about your account, and on and on and on. IVRs send a message to customers: We do not want to talk to you.
If your company has more than 100 employees, you should have a real person answering the phones 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This might cost you a little more than an IVR, but it will allow you to grow your company.
Many customers find it faster and more efficient to contact companies by e-mail rather than by phone, especially if those companies use IVRs. This technology, too, needs the human touch. If a customer contacts you via e-mail, it is critical that you respond quickly, preferably within five or 10 minutes.
Social Media
The Internet has changed the way companies connect with customers and potential customers. In order to use this technology successfully and to grow your business, however, you must understand how consumers use it. They use it to learn about products and services and to compare prices. The company that responds to a consumer’s question first is the one most likely to make the sale and remember… a bad experience will be viewed and talked about by thousands. Keep in mind, “You are just one click away from oblivion”.
The bottom line is this: Technology has provided companies with the ability to sell their products and services to millions of people throughout the world, but it is the human touch that improves the customer experience. And it is that experience that will build loyalty and drive your business.
To discover more, join us at Chief Customer Officer, Europe 2018 in London on 9-10 October, where we are covering topics such as From Automation to Artificial Intelligence – The New Frontier in Customer Experience?, Embracing Automation: Understanding the Advantages and Difficulties and more! Secure your place now for just £499!
About the author:
John Tschohl is a professional speaker, trainer, and consultant. He is the President and founder of Service Quality Institute (the global leader in customer service) with operations in over 40 countries. John is a self-made millionaire traveling and speaking more than 50 times each year. He is considered to be one of the foremost authorities on service strategy, success, empowerment and customer service in the world. John’s monthly strategic newsletter is available online at no charge. He can also be reached on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
