Customer Service and Your Authentic Self

We often hear people say that to truly enjoy being a business owner we need to be authentic. We also hear that customers and clients will flock to us when we are authentic. Well, just what does authentic mean?  The Webster dictionary defines authentic as being reliable and genuine.

We all want to provide reliable service and our customers and clients expect us to be reliable. However, do they expect us to be genuine? I think the answer is yes and no.

If your business thrives on you providing advice and your customers see you as the expert then you will probably get away with being blunt and saying what needs to be said even though it may not be what the person wants to hear. I think the key is using tact and being respectful. Do not shame the client. Nevertheless, the client is paying you to be the expert and be honest with him or her.

However, if you are in a business that requires you to adopt the “client is always right” mentality you may not always be able to be authentic. The key is to appear authentic when you truly do not want to be. People can see through the B.S. and fluff and all you will do is make them annoyed and skeptical of your intentions.  When attempting to appear authentic you will need to make sure your body language matches your verbal language.  Do not say something positive while displaying negative body language.

Business relationships are based upon the “know, like, and trust” factor. You must establish rapport with your customers and clients. You must take time to get to know their likes and dislikes. None of us like being around a person who thinks they know us and are overly friendly; it makes us cautious and leery of their intentions. Taking time to establish rapport is key. When you know the person and you like the person you will be able to employ tact to guide the conversation in the right direction. When trust has been established, the customer or client will see you as the expert and trust your opinion. Only when the “know, like, and trust” is established will you be able to be your authentic self.

When you are authentic, you will have less stress in your life because you do not have to pretend to be someone that you are not. You will be at inner peace and know that you provided excellent customer service.

 

Coach Jaynine turns Dreams into Reality. She teaches business owners how to develop their presence in the community by having the necessary systems in place so they are seen as the EXPERT. Jaynine has over 20 years experience as a United States Marine, psychotherapist, and business owner. If you are ready to be the expert, increase your revenue and take your business to the next level contact Jaynine today at www.coachjaynine.com or 910-539-2810. You can sign up for a free membership at http://www.coachjaynine.com

 

Taming Your Fear During a Recession: Part III

When you are feeling anxiety or fear regarding MONEY or your Business Success, employ my 5 Steps to Success below:

1. Confront the fear. Fear is different than anxiety. Fear is associated with a specific object. When you become paralyzed and cannot function due to an upcoming event, you are experiencing fear. You must be able to pinpoint the source of your fear in order to confront it. You can identify your fear by journaling. When you keep a journal you will be able to go back and identify times you experience anxiety and fear and use coping skills to manage the fear and anxiety.

2. Reexamine your business systems and strategies.  When the news or current events are making you feel fearful it is time to examine your business and personal systems and strategies. Now is the time to review your business plan, marketing plan, lead attraction and networking systems, and your crisis plan.

3. Look at your budget and ensure you are financially sound or take action to ensure you get back on track.  Remember, a budget is not a straight jacket to curtail all spending. A budget is a plan on how you are going to spend your money. Embrace the word budget and make the necessary adjustments for your personal and business survival. Do not forget to use the leverage power of Web2.0.

4. Examine your niche. If your niche can no longer afford your products or services it is time to tailor your product funnel so that there is something they can afford. Since many consumers are tightening their belts it is time to ensure that you have products or services that they can afford. You may want to bundle services to provide more value or offer individual products and services at a lower cost or for free. If you do not have a referral program or loyal customer rewards program now is the time to start one.

5. Call or email your Coach. Your coach can help you brainstorm the necessary systems and strategies needed so you can continue to grow your business and tame your fear.  Your coach will propel you to take action and hold you accountable. Coaching is an investment in you and your business. Isn’t now the time to invest in you and your business? Today is the someday you have been waiting for…take action now.

 

This is the third of a three part series on Taming Your Fear. Jaynine Howard, PhD (ABD) has over 25 years of experience. She coaches dynamic business owners on how to increase their visibility and credibility in the community so they are positioned as the EXPERT by employing proven systems and strategies that will increase revenue. Are you ready to turn your dreams into reality? Download your free productivity tracker at www.coachjaynine.com and don’t forget to join me on Friday, Feb 27th at 2pm EST for a free teleclass on Taming Your Fear.

Happy New Year’s Eve

Wow, how time flies. Two years ago this evening is the anniversary of when I proposed to my husband. I’m so happy he said “YES”. It was a magical evening.

This year he will be working again overseas and I will be sitting home reminiscing. I am counting down until Valentine’s Day! He will be home for that major holiday.

Whatever your plans for this New Year’s Holiday my wish for you is that you be safe, have fun, and make new memories.

Be safe this evening and watch out for the other driver!

Yours truly…turning dreams into reality,

Jaynine

P.S. Is 2009 the year that you are determined to take action and make those New Year’s Resolutions come true? If so, I invite you to contact me so I can help you turn your dreams into reality. www.dreamcatcher-lifecoaching.com or www.coachjaynine.com

Let’s not forget…

As you embark on your holiday plans let’s not forget our men and women defending our freedom who will be working during the Holidays.

The freedoms we enjoy are due to the past generations of brave men and women who thoughtlessly were willing to give their lives for us.  Also, let’s give credit to the current generation of brave men and women. These fine men and women do not receive big paychecks nor work in fancy offices. They and their families sacrifice owning luxury items in order that we can enjoy living in this great Country.  They make these sacrifices willingly because they believe in our Country and the principles that our Founding Fathers built our country on.

When you bow your head to give thanks around the dinner table please take time to remember these dedicated men and women and ask that they be watched over and kept safe.  Also, please say a prayer of thanks to their families who are without their loved one during the holiday season and endure the sacrifice of being separated during this season.

Best wishes to everyone for a very blessed Holiday Season.

Yours truly…turning dreams into reality,

Jaynine Howard, USMC (Ret)