By Ursula Kauth

I have learned a lot from my local Apple Computer store, not only about my computer but about how profitable good customer service can be.

Have you been to an Apple store? Their people are all hip, modern, outgoing, helpful, knowledge and they dress the same. You walk in their store and you feel warm and at home. Even after I purchased my computer, Apple took really good care of me. With their one on one training program, I had individual sessions that have made me 50% more efficient in the use of my MacBook. You can imagine how I love telling others about that! And because of that outstanding customer support, I have also purchased four additional products from them in the past year. You can begin to see how good customer service reaps its own

rewards.

Be warm, enthusiastic and passionate

Just like with my experience in the Apple Store, you must give a professional and warm response to every inquiry. "Friendly" comes with the ability to personalize every contact you make or enquiry you receive. Make your customer service professionally friendly. Let the people experience your enthusiasm, warmth and passion.

Be timely and efficient - people want to be heard

You must respond quickly even if it is a quick email that indicates you heard them and need to call them back later. Then you must be certain to do just that. Don't make promises you can't keep. Most of all people need to know they have been heard and that you value them enough to get back to them.

People do not only want to be heard but they want to be understood as well. If you promise to follow up with a call to give more information or address and enquiry, follow up, even if you do not have anything to report. Just let them know that you are still working on their case - do not ignore customers.

Care deeply for your customers

A friend once had a difficult experience at a dentist's office because of an infection. But what surprised me the most was that the dentist called her at home that evening to be sure she was all right! Can you imagine how that warmed her heart? He didn't do it so she would refer people to him (although she certainly will) he did it because he cared.

How can you show others how much you care about them in your business? It could be a card, a birthday email, a "just-because" bonus gift (I love that kind), tickets to a concert or just a call. Create time on your calendar every week to follow up with your clients and customers in a personalized manner.

Shape up your customer service, competition is getting tougher especially in our economic turndown

However you choose to uplevel your customer service, do it because you truly care. Customer care should be the cornerstone of your business. We have to emphasize our uniqueness to truly stand out. People are going to be more selective about how they spend money, and they will definitely go back to companies who give exceptional customer service.

About the author: Ursula Kauth, The Marketing Mentor, helps you put yourself in the power seat as she guides you to the discovery of easy and inexpensive marketing strategies for making big profits. Learn about her Marketing Mentor Program at www.MarketingMentorExpert.com