Amanda Ader is currently looking to obtain and maintain a long-tern position within a customer service-driven company, and to take advantage of the opportunity to both demonstrate and hone her considerable customer service skill in a challenging and rewarding work environment. As someone with considerable experience in the customer service arena, Ader understands how important it is for organization’s to orient their focus on the customer, and to aim towards a better, more satisfying experience before anything else.

Below, Amanda Ader shares what she believes to be some of the basic components of better customer service.

Make Customer Service Your Highest Priority

The development of your product and/or service is important, as your company depends on that which makes it unique to stand out from the competition. Customer service, however, should never take a back seat to the unique product and/or service you are providing, as no company can survive without an intent focus on the people who make their existence possible. Creating a positive and welcoming experience for every individual customer should always be the firm’s number one goal.

Train, Educate and Inspire Employees to Deliver Better Service

A company’s employees are generally those on the front lines of the customer service experience, and should therefore have the training, incentive and encouragement needed to always deliver the best service possible. Equipping your employees with the tools, training and incentives they need to go the extra mile, says Amanda Ader, is essential to establishing a positive image, one that encourages the customer to return in the future.

Listen Listen Listen

Never underestimate the value of listening, particularly in the customer service arena. By instilling this value in your employees, you are empowering them with the potential to better anticipate the customer’s needs, to build strong relationships, and to increase the possibility of repeat business. Customers, says Amanda Ader, know the difference between a genuine conversation and a sales pitch, and tend to appreciate the time and care an employee takes to really understand what they’re looking for.

Be Upfront and Honest

Always be upfront and honest with the customer about the products and services you’re offering, and be sure to keep them updated in terms of potential delays, problems, snags, etc.