At some time in my career, I learned that the standard for customer service should be to surprise and delight the customer. That means you must find out what the customer expects and then give the customer more than he or she expects. The following 9 steps can be used to exceed the customers expectations.

1. Ask the customer what he or she expects from you.

2. Based on the customers answer, do whatever it takes to deliver more than the customer

expects, and remember that you want the customer to be surprised and delighted.

3. Ask the customer if you delivered more than he or she expected.

4. If not, do whatever it takes to deliver more so that the customer is surprised and

delighted.

5. Once you know that you have exceeded the customers expectations, ask the customer if

there is anything more that you can do.

6. If the customer tells you there is more that you can do, ask what it is and do it.

7. Assume the customer tells you there is nothing more that you can do, but you can think of

something more that you can do. Do the additional thing that you thought would be of

benefit to the customer.

8. After you have done everything that either you or the customer can think of, make sure the

customer knows that it was your pleasure to work with him or her.

9. Tell the customer that you are available at any time if something comes up and the

customer needs additional service.

These steps are not complicated and are really quite simple to follow. You have the ability to make your customer happy when you do so much to meet and exceed his or her expectations. You can be proud of yourself whenever your customers are surprised and delighted by your good service.

Jo Ann Joy, Esq., MBA, CEO Copyright 2006 Indigo Business Solutions. All rights reserved.

Jo Ann Joy

Jo Ann Joy is the CEO and owner of Indigo Business Solutions. She has a law degree, an MBA, and a degree in Economics. Her legal background includes commercial, corporate, bankruptcy and real estate law. She has expertise in accounting, financial planning, mortgages, marketing, product development, and business strategies.

Jo Ann ran a successful business for 10 years, and she has written and given presentations on many different legal and business subjects. Jo Ann started Indigo Business Solutions, and she strives to help small businesses make decisive improvements in their start-up, direction, growth, and performance. Jo Ann is passionate about helping businesses succeed.

Indigo Business Solutions is a ?one stop shop? for small businesses. We differ from other business consulting firms, because we offer comprehensive legal and business counseling. We work with our clients to develop strategies that create value and competitive advantage. Jo Ann is not a traditional attorney. Rather, she is a strategic business attorney who works closely with clients to create and implement strategies that will greatly improve their performance and success.

Jo Ann will her talents, expertise, and education to inspire enterprising and imaginative people to make their goals a reality and enjoy professional and personal growth. She promises to consistently deliver quality and reliable service to earn your trust and create lasting relationships. She promises that she will make a positive difference in your business.

If you are not getting what you want from your business or if you want to reach higher goals, Indigo Business Solutions delivers the strategic planning that will provide you with the right tools and methods to grow and gain market share. Please look at our website and found out how we can help you expand and achieve your goals.

We offer straight talk, sound advice, and practical solutions. Your small business deserves to be a success, and