Lessons in Client Service

On a recent trip to Turkey, networking expert Andrea Nierenberg learned a few new lessons on selling and relationship building. Here's her story:

In the grand bazaar, there are over 4,000 shop vendors all working hard to make a day's pay by selling their merchandise. As I walked through the aisles, the 'salespeople' would walk right up to you with a big smile and say, "Let me help you spend your money".

They were both direct and friendly and they also did not take 'no' for an answer too easily. They just kept gently showing you their wares and why you 'needed' it.

I was reminded on my flight home that it is all about going back to basics as we renew and refresh our current business relationships and make new ones. Now is also a perfect time to remember that it is our 'client' and 'advocate' that help us in our everyday life and work. Whether they are external or internal as your colleagues and co-workers, take the time to reach out and show appreciation.

As Aristotle said, "we are what we repeatedly do, excellence then is not an act - instead a habit."

So as my friends in Turkey reminded me about 'client' service:

C-Communicate with confidence and find ways to connect and collaborate

L-Listen and continually develop and earn loyalty

I-Take the initiative to grow and build relationships with interest and integrity

E-Engage the other to learn, have empathy and do it all with enthusiasm

N- Nurture your relationships and it is much easier on the soul to be nice!

T-Trust happens over time and you can never say 'thank you' too many times - make sure it is always done with sincerity.

Andrea Nierenberg is the president of The Nierenberg Group, a business communications company with a total process for educating, motivating and connecting people. Learn more at www.selfmarketing.com