Expert insights. Personalized for you.
We face many distractions and obstacles in our day-to-day lives so it’s not worth the effort to be something you are not. Eventually, your true self will come out. MORE
Great service is comprised of many parts and each must be present to create the experience every customer desires. Let’s briefly discuss each one of my top 8 until we get to “memory”. I know you’ll agree with me that it should be near the top of your list. Training. Training for the needed service skills is an essential foundational aspect of great service in any industry. MORE
There are two viewpoints to take when answering the question; is your team better with or without you. It all depends on what is more important to you as a manager. Let’s break both sides down. Is Your Team Better With You or Without You? The Better With You Manager. MORE
Regardless of your business, and no matter how hard you try to do the best for them, there will be situations where you have an upset customer who is dissatisfied with your product or service. Day in and day out, we must strive to provide the optimal experience for each customer interaction. But is this realistic? When things don’t go as planned, our customers become upset and we have failed in their eyes. Period! MORE
151 First off, what’s a “pet peeve”? Well, according to Merriam-Websters dictionary, it’s “something that annoys or bothers a person very much” Are your pet peeves putting your job in danger? I hope not. MORE
173 
Respect, decency, and courtesy are foundational measures of society. A heavy-handed approach without caring for the feelings of another is a sure way to lose a friend. And it’s even worse when done to a customer. MORE
As I lay in bed, coughing and sneezing from a cold, dreading even going to the kitchen for a glass of water because of aches and pains from my unseen tormentor, I’m comforted knowing, “boy, I’m sure glad I didn’t have to go to work today”. But what if I did? How would I be able to serve my customers with these rotten cold symptoms? That’s the question every service provider must answer on those days when we’re not at our best. Service doesn’t end when we’re sick or tired. MORE
Bigfoot. The elusive missing link between humans and apes. But what does he have to do with customer service? Well, plenty. There are many similarities between the creature and the service many of us dish-out to our customers. That’s why I call it, Bigfoot customer service. Let’s get into it. Rumors. There have been rumors of Bigfoot since the story first appeared in the Humboldt Times in 1958. Since then, the public has been fascinated by the “wild man” of the northwest. MORE
173 
For decades, stress was viewed as bad and damaging. Then we began to see the power of resilience as an accelerator in our lives. Whether you are coping with adversity, bouncing back from setbacks, or leading through uncertainty, these experiences can make you stronger. MORE
Every server in the restaurant industry has their own style, their own manner, and their own way of interacting with their customers. Their goal is to make their customers feel important and serve them well. MORE
Is your glass half-full or half-empty? Are you a positive influence or one of negativity? Do you sugar-coat things or get straight to the point? What do you do to get ahead of others and separate yourself from the competition? MORE
148 
In my recent post, “ 3 Reasons Why We Let Businesses Take Us For Granted ”, I asked these questions, “Do we not value ourselves enough as a customer to expect the best or at least average service? But what about indifferent service? Why is it acceptable? In today’s post, I expand on one of those reasons: “low price shoppers”. Here’s my story…. MORE
I’ve always told my staff that I’m not perfect, I don’t know it all, and that I make mistakes. I too have a lot to learn. Is this a mindset of a weak manager? I don’t think so. Instead, the humble manager is realistic and open to suggestions. MORE
159 Remember when you’d fall asleep on the living room couch and wake up after midnight to a TV that was all static because the stations when off the air ? Remember when the 5-second rule applied for almost any food that fell on the floor? Remember when your mom said, “ I don’t care that Jimmy isn’t wearing a coat. You’re not going out without one” ? Remember when Jordache Jeans were the big fashion wear in the ’70s and early ’80s? MORE
I saw him, I did. He’s in that little hut with his face buried in his cell phone. He saw me drive up; I know he did – he looked right at me. I’m now waiting at the gas pump – it’s only 3 feet away from him. I know I need to have patience, but it’s been almost a minute and he hasn’t bothered to even look up from his “most important thing” You know what? I’ve had enough, I’m leaving. MORE
There are many “facts” in business and countless quotes and statistics are tallied-up each year. Two staple examples are “The customer is always right” and “It’s more expensive to acquire a new customer than to keep an existing one”. These are certainly true. MORE
Great customer service is comprised of many things. Besides policies and procedures which lead to a satisfied customer, your smile, positive words, and open body language are just as important – and many say even more important. Here are a few ways businesses can put their customers at ease. Since most open businesses now require customers to wear a facemask – as well as all employees – it’s almost impossible for your customer to see your smile. MORE
200 
The other day I heard some people complaining about poor customer service. Each shared their complaints about a past shopping trip that irked them enough to commit the story to memory (those are the worst kinds). MORE
Great employees are the heart and soul of any business, especially a successful one. Their efforts cannot be understated enough. But there are always one or two poor performers or “deadwood employees” – those who contribute little to the company’s success and at times undermine it. MORE
As far and wide as your eye can see. Thanks to the wind, in some places, it’s as high as your hip. Small patches of dry brown grass peek out from the high ridges and icicles hang from places I’ve never noticed. Then I see it. Meat. MORE
175 Reevaluation. It’s a tried and true method to improve your customer service. But how many use this often enough to benefit from its findings? Good question. Sure, each business is different and with specific challenges to be addressed, so the important thing is that you start finding tactics that can make a difference in your business and put them to use right away. Today’s post will give you 23 service improvement tactics that work. But first, let’s reevaluate your policies and procedures. MORE
Remember that Seinfeld episode when George was charged a fee for not calling to cancel his doctor’s appointment? The reason: the doctor’s time is important and has “value”. If you can’t make your appointment it’s a loss of revenue for the doctor. Ok, that makes sense. MORE
209 does your Net Promoter Score tell you enough to make a difference? This original article was written by Steve DiGioia. Net Promoter Score®, or NPS, measures customer experience and predicts business growth. This proven metric transformed the business world and now provides the core measurement for customer experience management programs around the world. But we should do this instead of worrying about a good NPS score. What should we do? I’ll get to that in a moment but first, some background. MORE
…here’s 7 ways to get you started This original article was written by Steve DiGioia. You still haven’t learned how to speak up, huh? Maybe you’re just afraid of confrontation? I know, you don’t want to offend anyone, right? Don’t want to come across as too assertive or even aggressive; what’s the difference anyway? The service you provide has always lacked because of your fear of “taking charge” and not wanting to offend your customers. MORE
You have a “hard to fill” open position at your job. Even after interviewing candidate after candidate, the spot has been vacant for over 6 months and you wonder if they’ll ever find someone. MORE
Businesses all over this country are littered with the remnants of employees who do a good job. But what about those employees who go above and beyond? There is nothing that impresses a boss more than an employee who takes the initiative. The initiative to do more than he or she is asked for. MORE
Our actions, mannerisms, speech, style of dress, and a host of other characteristics are being judged by those around you – all the time. And, regardless of what message we think we give, its others who make assumptions which we’re judged against. MORE
159 
a fancy resume is just not enough. This is it. This is the one. We’ve finally found someone with a good resume, hot damn. Look at it! Let’s call her up for an interview. Then someone says, Wait, does she have customer service skills? What do you mean? Just look at her resume. I don’t care what her resume says, does she have the skills we need to properly take care of our customers? She must, she has a “masters”. Look where she’s worked…. By now my head hurts. MORE
Many times, we managers think we have all the answers, that we know it all, and our way is the one correct way to do things. After all, we’re management, and our ideas are always better. But that’s not the case. MORE
…my thoughts on the Coronavirus and what comes next. Because of the Coronavirus, I think I should stop writing, at least for a while until the world gets back to normal. It seems like the logical thing to do. MORE
Not the kind that gets you the corner office, a big expense account, or stock options; I’m talking about the kind you use to advertise and spread the word about your business. How dedicated are you to promoting your business to the throngs of potential customers not yet aware of your product or service? It’s a never-ending process. Promoting your business, and the print, internet and radio advertising used, will build a foundation for your future success. MORE
Give it away, give it away, give it away, now! No, I’m not talking about the song from the Red Hot Chili Peppers – even though that song is cool. I’m talking about how the butchers and bakers used to run their businesses years ago. I remember as a kid going to the store with my Mom. The baker always had a cookie for the little ones and the butcher was happy to hand out some fresh sliced ham or turkey. MORE
Always address the point of the argument, NOT, the emotions attached to it. Example: John is upset that his suggestions for improvements to an upcoming project weren’t adopted, so he vents his frustrations about being overlooked or undervalued. MORE
243 Steve DiGioia
AUGUST 17, 2020
Always address the point of the argument, NOT, the emotions attached to it. Example: John is upset that his suggestions for improvements to an upcoming project weren’t adopted, so he vents his frustrations about being overlooked or undervalued.
Steve DiGioia
OCTOBER 12, 2020
There are two viewpoints to take when answering the question; is your team better with or without you. It all depends on what is more important to you as a manager. Let’s break both sides down. Is Your Team Better With You or Without You? The Better With You Manager.
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Steve DiGioia
SEPTEMBER 3, 2020
Remember that Seinfeld episode when George was charged a fee for not calling to cancel his doctor’s appointment? The reason: the doctor’s time is important and has “value”. If you can’t make your appointment it’s a loss of revenue for the doctor. Ok, that makes sense.
Steve DiGioia
SEPTEMBER 24, 2020
There are many “facts” in business and countless quotes and statistics are tallied-up each year. Two staple examples are “The customer is always right” and “It’s more expensive to acquire a new customer than to keep an existing one”. These are certainly true.
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Do you want to better understand what your customers are experiencing on calls? Does your call center software lack key information, even if calls are recorded? Download this eBook now to learn how to gain insights on all your calls to increase your customer satisfaction!
Steve DiGioia
OCTOBER 15, 2020
Is your glass half-full or half-empty? Are you a positive influence or one of negativity? Do you sugar-coat things or get straight to the point? What do you do to get ahead of others and separate yourself from the competition?
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Steve DiGioia
OCTOBER 22, 2020
We face many distractions and obstacles in our day-to-day lives so it’s not worth the effort to be something you are not. Eventually, your true self will come out.
Steve DiGioia
AUGUST 13, 2020
Great employees are the heart and soul of any business, especially a successful one. Their efforts cannot be understated enough. But there are always one or two poor performers or “deadwood employees” – those who contribute little to the company’s success and at times undermine it.
Steve DiGioia
OCTOBER 1, 2020
Businesses all over this country are littered with the remnants of employees who do a good job. But what about those employees who go above and beyond? There is nothing that impresses a boss more than an employee who takes the initiative. The initiative to do more than he or she is asked for.
Steve DiGioia
SEPTEMBER 17, 2020
Our actions, mannerisms, speech, style of dress, and a host of other characteristics are being judged by those around you – all the time. And, regardless of what message we think we give, its others who make assumptions which we’re judged against.
Advertiser: Skilljar
Whether you’re looking to kickstart or expand your customer education program, you need access to a budget. Learn how you can demonstrate the positive ROI of customer training and make the case for securing a larger budget in our latest eBook!
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Steve DiGioia
AUGUST 27, 2020
Respect, decency, and courtesy are foundational measures of society. A heavy-handed approach without caring for the feelings of another is a sure way to lose a friend. And it’s even worse when done to a customer.
Steve DiGioia
SEPTEMBER 10, 2020
I’ve always told my staff that I’m not perfect, I don’t know it all, and that I make mistakes. I too have a lot to learn. Is this a mindset of a weak manager? I don’t think so. Instead, the humble manager is realistic and open to suggestions.
Steve DiGioia
OCTOBER 8, 2020
Every server in the restaurant industry has their own style, their own manner, and their own way of interacting with their customers. Their goal is to make their customers feel important and serve them well.
Steve DiGioia
AUGUST 3, 2020
As far and wide as your eye can see. Thanks to the wind, in some places, it’s as high as your hip. Small patches of dry brown grass peek out from the high ridges and icicles hang from places I’ve never noticed. Then I see it. Meat.
Speaker: Esther Kieft, Delivery Manager (Group Technology) at Domino's Pizza Enterprises
It is well known that empathy is a key ingredient in creating lovable products, yet not all products offer the best customer experience. From meeting stringent deadlines to insufficient resources being available to carry out customer research, there is a range of reasons why customer empathy could be missing in product development. Join Esther Kieft, as she breaks down using empathy at a distance to evaluate the problems that customers are experiencing during this global health crisis.
Steve DiGioia
MAY 25, 2020
Great customer service is comprised of many things. Besides policies and procedures which lead to a satisfied customer, your smile, positive words, and open body language are just as important – and many say even more important. Here are a few ways businesses can put their customers at ease. Since most open businesses now require customers to wear a facemask – as well as all employees – it’s almost impossible for your customer to see your smile.
Steve DiGioia
AUGUST 31, 2020
People tell us that we should “love” this or that. Well, that’s their opinion. I like to make my own assessment based on my impression of a situation. Example: You’re trying on a suit and the salesperson says, “That suit looks great on you, it’s just your style”.
Steve DiGioia
JULY 30, 2020
First off, what’s a “pet peeve”? Well, according to Merriam-Websters dictionary, it’s “something that annoys or bothers a person very much” Are your pet peeves putting your job in danger? I hope not.
Steve DiGioia
AUGUST 6, 2020
Many times, we managers think we have all the answers, that we know it all, and our way is the one correct way to do things. After all, we’re management, and our ideas are always better. But that’s not the case.
Advertiser: ZoomInfo
Every sales forecasting model has a different strength and predictability method. It’s recommended to test out which one is best for your team. This way, you’ll be able to further enhance – and optimize – your newly-developed pipeline. Your future sales forecast? Sunny skies (and success) are just ahead!
Steve DiGioia
SEPTEMBER 24, 2018
does your Net Promoter Score tell you enough to make a difference? This original article was written by Steve DiGioia. Net Promoter Score®, or NPS, measures customer experience and predicts business growth. This proven metric transformed the business world and now provides the core measurement for customer experience management programs around the world. But we should do this instead of worrying about a good NPS score. What should we do? I’ll get to that in a moment but first, some background.
Steve DiGioia
JUNE 22, 2020
In my recent post, “ 3 Reasons Why We Let Businesses Take Us For Granted ”, I asked these questions, “Do we not value ourselves enough as a customer to expect the best or at least average service? But what about indifferent service? Why is it acceptable? In today’s post, I expand on one of those reasons: “low price shoppers”. Here’s my story….
Steve DiGioia
JULY 23, 2020
The other day I heard some people complaining about poor customer service. Each shared their complaints about a past shopping trip that irked them enough to commit the story to memory (those are the worst kinds).
Steve DiGioia
AUGUST 20, 2020
For decades, stress was viewed as bad and damaging. Then we began to see the power of resilience as an accelerator in our lives. Whether you are coping with adversity, bouncing back from setbacks, or leading through uncertainty, these experiences can make you stronger.
Speaker: Rachel Happe
An online community is an increasingly vital part of many leading companies’ support strategies. Creating a branded place where your customers can ask and answer questions, interact with each other, and search for the information they need is a great way to decrease the burden on your staff and allow them to focus on the customers that really need their help. Join us at 9:00 am EST on Nov 18th for this talk by Rachel Happe, founder of industry-leading strategists The Community Roundtable, you will learn the effectiveness of community in empowering your customers, and generating value for your business.
Steve DiGioia
MARCH 9, 2020
Reevaluation. It’s a tried and true method to improve your customer service. But how many use this often enough to benefit from its findings? Good question. Sure, each business is different and with specific challenges to be addressed, so the important thing is that you start finding tactics that can make a difference in your business and put them to use right away. Today’s post will give you 23 service improvement tactics that work. But first, let’s reevaluate your policies and procedures.
Steve DiGioia
JUNE 25, 2020
Regardless of your business, and no matter how hard you try to do the best for them, there will be situations where you have an upset customer who is dissatisfied with your product or service. Day in and day out, we must strive to provide the optimal experience for each customer interaction. But is this realistic? When things don’t go as planned, our customers become upset and we have failed in their eyes. Period!
Steve DiGioia
NOVEMBER 13, 2017
…here’s 7 ways to get you started This original article was written by Steve DiGioia. You still haven’t learned how to speak up, huh? Maybe you’re just afraid of confrontation? I know, you don’t want to offend anyone, right? Don’t want to come across as too assertive or even aggressive; what’s the difference anyway? The service you provide has always lacked because of your fear of “taking charge” and not wanting to offend your customers.
Steve DiGioia
JULY 6, 2020
Remember when you’d fall asleep on the living room couch and wake up after midnight to a TV that was all static because the stations when off the air ? Remember when the 5-second rule applied for almost any food that fell on the floor? Remember when your mom said, “ I don’t care that Jimmy isn’t wearing a coat. You’re not going out without one” ? Remember when Jordache Jeans were the big fashion wear in the ’70s and early ’80s?
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A great customer experience drives customer loyalty. Learn how to keep your customers happy this holiday season by helping them through their channel of choice with seasonal support experts.
Steve DiGioia
JULY 16, 2020
Not the kind that gets you the corner office, a big expense account, or stock options; I’m talking about the kind you use to advertise and spread the word about your business. How dedicated are you to promoting your business to the throngs of potential customers not yet aware of your product or service? It’s a never-ending process. Promoting your business, and the print, internet and radio advertising used, will build a foundation for your future success.
Steve DiGioia
MARCH 25, 2020
…my thoughts on the Coronavirus and what comes next. Because of the Coronavirus, I think I should stop writing, at least for a while until the world gets back to normal. It seems like the logical thing to do.
Steve DiGioia
MAY 11, 2020
I saw him, I did. He’s in that little hut with his face buried in his cell phone. He saw me drive up; I know he did – he looked right at me. I’m now waiting at the gas pump – it’s only 3 feet away from him. I know I need to have patience, but it’s been almost a minute and he hasn’t bothered to even look up from his “most important thing” You know what? I’ve had enough, I’m leaving.
Steve DiGioia
FEBRUARY 3, 2020
Bigfoot. The elusive missing link between humans and apes. But what does he have to do with customer service? Well, plenty. There are many similarities between the creature and the service many of us dish-out to our customers. That’s why I call it, Bigfoot customer service. Let’s get into it. Rumors. There have been rumors of Bigfoot since the story first appeared in the Humboldt Times in 1958. Since then, the public has been fascinated by the “wild man” of the northwest.
Advertisement
In this eBook, we’ll arm you with the research you need to inform areas of investment, and 8 quick tips you can use to improve your contact center’s performance now!
Steve DiGioia
NOVEMBER 11, 2019
Great service is comprised of many parts and each must be present to create the experience every customer desires. Let’s briefly discuss each one of my top 8 until we get to “memory”. I know you’ll agree with me that it should be near the top of your list. Training. Training for the needed service skills is an essential foundational aspect of great service in any industry.
Steve DiGioia
APRIL 1, 2019
As I lay in bed, coughing and sneezing from a cold, dreading even going to the kitchen for a glass of water because of aches and pains from my unseen tormentor, I’m comforted knowing, “boy, I’m sure glad I didn’t have to go to work today”. But what if I did? How would I be able to serve my customers with these rotten cold symptoms? That’s the question every service provider must answer on those days when we’re not at our best. Service doesn’t end when we’re sick or tired.
Steve DiGioia
SEPTEMBER 2, 2019
a fancy resume is just not enough. This is it. This is the one. We’ve finally found someone with a good resume, hot damn. Look at it! Let’s call her up for an interview. Then someone says, Wait, does she have customer service skills? What do you mean? Just look at her resume. I don’t care what her resume says, does she have the skills we need to properly take care of our customers? She must, she has a “masters”. Look where she’s worked…. By now my head hurts.
Steve DiGioia
JUNE 8, 2020
Give it away, give it away, give it away, now! No, I’m not talking about the song from the Red Hot Chili Peppers – even though that song is cool. I’m talking about how the butchers and bakers used to run their businesses years ago. I remember as a kid going to the store with my Mom. The baker always had a cookie for the little ones and the butcher was happy to hand out some fresh sliced ham or turkey.
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TASKE shares how you can rewind your real-time dashboard and watch agent and time activities in the past. Download the infographic here!
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