Anticipa-a-tion

Does your work involve serving other people?  That's the case for most of us.  There is some level of customer service in the process, whether you're delivering a product or service.  You need to understand the needs of your customer in order to meet them.  You can make the best darn word processing machine in the world, but you won't have any customers because nobody uses those any more!

Service involves much more than the "complaint desk" idea of customer service.  Truly it encompasses the entire relationship, from beginning to end, if there is an end.  You provide service by anticipating your client's needs.  You anticipate that there is a need for your product or service.  You anticipate how you can improve it, how you can change it as your customers' needs change. 

In new-age spiritual thought, we realize that we take our next step based on where we are, and once we're there, we make another move based on that new place. That's the same concept as in excellent customer service.  If we can understand where our customers are, anticipate their potential next move, and then anticipate the NEXT move, we are way ahead of the game in service.

For instance, recently I worked on a project with a new client.  Because I know project management well, I was able to anticipate some things she might need to know or do.  By addressing those before she even knew she would need them, I solved a problem before it could occur, and made the project go ever so much more smoothly than if I had merely reacted to the need after the fact.

The lesson is to not only know your own product or service, but to understand thoroughly your customer's end use of it.  By anticipating their next step in the process, you too can be the miracle worker, and be the hero in your customer's eyes!  Go for it!

And when you want help defining your processes and procedures, and in understanding your client, I know a GREAT business consultant: Holly@LightseedsOffice.com or (330) 835-3876.