Unpopular opinion: 9/10 times I’d buy an item just because the sales rep is nice to me
It is amazing how something so small can make such a big difference, in both our personal and professional lives. Smiling is a powerful tool that we all readily have at our disposal, but rarely ever use to its full potential.
Just as a simple act of kindness can make your day, a smile can change your mood instantly and brighten the day of the person on the receiving end of it. Smiling reinvents your facial structure, it brightens your spirit, gives texture and depth to your features and improves your appearance. A simple smile, even if it is forced, is scientifically proven to stimulate the part of the brain responsible for happiness.
A Salesman’s Secret Weapon
Penn State conducted a study that found that “people who smile appear more likable, courteous and competent”. With the right authentic approach, this is how your customers perceive you as a sales person, or as a food service worker, from that first encounter. A smile is an extension of you that when accompanied by great service can be the key to nudging that potential client towards a yes, or in making a first time customer a pleased and loyal one.
The same can be said about prospecting over the phone. Many sales professionals may think of smiling as a futile tool to include in closing a deal by over a call, but t, live chat or email, but that is very far from the truth. A smiling and jovial attitude presented to that unseen customer can be clearly heard on the other end, and could be your ace in the hole in turning that cold prospect into a warm lead and a successful sale.
Smiling Is The New Age Currency
Over the past decade, the rise in the importance of customer service has been monumental. With countless books being written on the subject, universities and colleges designing courses in the field and hundreds of seminars held to improve the area, we can safely say it is of significant importance to the success of any business.
One constant theme throughout all these customer service and sales training channels, whether it's the straight line method or any other examples, is the importance of building rapport with your customer. This is true in sales and it is especially true for effective customer service. And the fastest way as a representative of brand to begin building that trust with your customer is with a warm and friendly smile.
Never Underestimate the Power of a Smile!
Picture this. It’s a hot Sunday afternoon with a light summer breeze blowing, you duck into a small hole-in-the-wall restaurant to get a call drink and to rest your legs for a moment from your walk. You have no intention of buying anything other than a drink to cool you down before leaving again. But the manager greets you with such a heart-warming smile, making you feel relax and at home that you settle right into its comfort and engorge yourself with the tastiest looking dish that you can find on the menu.
Not because you had to have a bite, but because the customer service made you feel like a valued patron, one that is welcomed and appreciated.
According to Forbes Magazine
The Business of Smiles
“A smile costs you nothing, but if you don't offer one, you can lose all when it comes to your customers.” - Smiling and customer service
The most vital aspect of customer service is maintaining a friendly and approachable demeanor. Given the option, I will always choose to deal with a sales representative who is knowledgeable and who smiles at me and seems friendly, as opposed to someone who is closed off. Humans generally are not associative, in the age of social media where human interactions have become limited, most people don't even like to talk in person.This means that once you have done the hard work of attracting that customer, you need to connect with them quickly and make them comfortable. A smile will effectively achieve just that, helping you build a relationship, especially as a food service worker.
Bonus: 10 Customer Service Tips and Statistics for 2019
Have a Nice Day!
In essence, great customer service is king and smiling is the key to professional success, be it in the sense of dealing with colleagues or most importantly customers.
Nowadays it's all about the shopping experience, not just the price or the product. From the doorman opening your door to the receptionist confirming your reservation, the staff guide you to your table and the waiter serving you.
It's all in the smile; the food could be just as good as your competitor, but it's the experience that can make the difference.
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