Improving customer experience is an everyday goal for every successful entrepreneur. But why stop there? To maximize employee productivity and satisfaction in their jobs, you should also look at ways to make their job easier.
Here are a few tips and tools that can improve the experience of both employees and customers:
Encourage feedback
Entrepreneurs are often stubborn with the way they do things. It’s their business, after all. But customers and employees are the engines of every business. Their thoughts matter just as much. Encourage feedback from everyone around you, whether it’s employees or customers.
Employees know best when there are better or more efficient ways of doing things. Anonymous surveys are a great way to encourage employees to share their thoughts. Establish a culture of open and honest communication throughout the company, so people aren’t afraid of discussion.
Strong security
Prioritizing security will help employees make better decisions and customers feel more secure in sharing personal data. One way to make things easier for your employees from a security standpoint is to supply them with a business password manager.
If you’re selling online, you must show your customers that their financial data is safe. Protect your website with strong encryption. Use secure payment gateways that people are familiar with.
Cultivate trust
To maximize employee productivity, you must embody trust as an organization and as a leader. Employees should feel safe in their job and valued as team members with plenty of growth opportunities.
Cultivating trust with customers is just as important. The best way to do it is by providing exceptional customer service and being transparent. Developing a loyalty program with rewards (like special discounts) is a great way to build trusting relationships with customers and keep them returning.
Empower your employees
If you haven’t noticed already, improving employee and customer experience goes hand in hand (for the most part). Empowered employees are more likely to use their judgment when making decisions. This can improve the customer experience in certain situations.
For example, when facing an angry customer demanding a refund, the last thing you want is to make them even angrier by waiting for a manager’s approval. Employees shouldn’t fear repercussions when faced with these decisions. After all, they’re in a customer-facing position because they’ve proven capable.
Use new tools and technologies
There are many tools and technologies that improve the employee and customer experience. Many new ones are appearing each year, transforming how businesses operate. Businesses that incorporate these technologies will be more efficient and prepared to face modern problems.
You can automate most processes, making life easier for employees and customers. AI and machine learning can create amazing customer experiences through 24/7 customer support and quick access to information. Employees should no longer pick up a phone to register orders. It can all be done online in a few clicks.
Interpersonal skills are crucial for managers
Managers should not only be capable and knowledgeable about the business, but they should also possess strong interpersonal skills. Good managers know how to connect and build strong working relationships with other employees. This will help everyone in your company become a better representative for the business, as they are likely to feel and work as a unit.
Customers can sense when companies have a strong working culture. A single phone call can tell a lot about how employees feel about their job. Managers with strong interpersonal skills can also easily defuse situations and find a proper solution that leaves the customer happy.
Conclusion
Improving your business’s employee and customer experiences isn’t a separate endeavor. By improving how employees feel about their job and encouraging them to make decisions, they are more likely to leave a better impression on customers.
