Minden, Nebraska –UNL Extension Educator Connie Francis revealed the secrets of customer service that increase business profits at the PK Inventors and Entrepreneurs (I & E) meeting in Minden on October 11. As a co-author of the Red Carpet Service training curriculum for front-line hospitality professionals, Francis knows the impact of excellent – or lousy – customer service.
“It is important to recognize that every person in your business impacts customer satisfaction,” says Francis, “It’s important to respond courteously. It is critical that the customer’s point of view is heard and respected." To illustrate the difference between good and excellent customer service, Francis asked participants to identify their minimum expectations of a grocery store.
“It is so easy to get caught up in the details of running my business,” said Betty Buerer, owner of Computer 1 Services in Kearney. “This was a great reminder that the reason my business even exists, let alone succeeds, is the customer. I need to keep them at the front of every action.”
The PK I & E meetings offer monthly sessions to provide education, information, expert speakers, and opportunities for business owners to network with peers and resource providers. Each meeting starts with a speaker followed by an organized networking session. The networking component of the meetings provides a platform for entrepreneurs to request assistance from other business owners or resource providers. Participants are also able to offer suggestions from their own experiences to help other attendees.
PK I&E meetings are free to the public. For more information contact Minden Economic Development, lkarnatz@mindennebraska.org, 308-830-3206. To learn more about PK Partnership or I & E meetings, please visit pkpartnership.org.