When looking for good ideas about customer service, ask around. Exceptional services experiences are rarely forgotten and something we all experience. I'm spending time this week with my parents, and in asking them about any remarkable ideas they could think of... offered these two great examples...
These ideas share a few things in common. They are...
- an unexpected pleasant surprise for the customer,
- something relevant to them, and
- help the customer fondly remember your brand.
Strike A Conversation
On vacation in the Virgin Islands in the '70s, Mom and Dad made reservations at a local recommended restaurant - Cafe Brittany on St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.
To their surprise, when they arrived, on their table were two books of matches embossed with their name on it. The restaurant made custom matches for every reservation. My mom still has them.
(By the way, this was back in the '70s when smoking was cool and made you look sophisticated - so it was relevant back then).
Benefits Clearly Visible
My mom recently had LASIK surgery performed. As a post-operation 'thank you' from her doctor (Dr. Peter Polack, Ocala, FL), she received a $25 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble bookstore and a card that read "Enjoy your new eyesight!"
Mom immediately thought, "Wow, this is a doctor I'd recommend." He did a great job, the gift card was "frosting on the cake!"
How cool is that? Not only did she receive something for free (surprise), but the doctor reinforced the work he performed... She can buy a book to read with her newly fixed eyes (highly relevant). Each time Mom looks at the book, she'll think fondly about her doctor (memorable).
How can you use these ideas as a springboard for your own business?
How can you offer your customers an unexpected surprise, something relevant, and something that helps them remember your brand?
You don't have to be a restauranteur or ophthalmologist to use these ideas... Adapt them for your own business.
Do you have any other remarkable experiences to share?
