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When you are looking for a way to really shine and to make sure that you get a great reputation in your industry to boot, you'll find that your customer service is something that can kick you up above the rest! When you are thinking about ways to improve, think about how you treat your customers and how they react to you. While small businesses typically do a lot better than large businesses because the interaction is a great deal more personal, take a look below for some great ways to keep your customers coming back for more.

1. Keep notes!

As a small business you have the advantage of personal contact with your customers, use this advantage to its fullest extent by making personal notes about each of your customers, such as if they have children, are they members of large families, you can write as many notes as you want, but of course do not pry too much into anyone's personal business. The more you know about your customer the more they will be comfortable with you. We all want to do business with people we like.

2. Exceed Expectations

If someone emails you with a question about which of your products is best for their situation, you can simply reply that it is product X, and while you would have provided fair customer service, it is by no means exemplary. On the other hand, if you take the time to make sure that they understand why product X is better, and give them a few more options to think about, you'll find that not only will they be grateful to you for the information that they will be a great deal more likely to buy, as well!

3. Be Punctual & Prompt

Being prompt and punctual applies in all forms, whether you are going to a meeting, meeting a deadline or responding to a complaint. When you are punctual, you show your clients that you value their time and that you won't waste it, and over all, this gives a great impression of what your business can do for them. Make sure that you meet every obligation you have to them, and not just the ones that you feel like meeting.

4. Be Kind

Of course no one is telling you to give away the farm, but it's wise to figure out how much items actually cost you. In the event a customer has a question, or a small issue they need taken care of, be considerate before charging them. If it's so small that it just makes no sense, then do not charge them. Now again you may want to give something away and even give a discount here and there. Remember your personal notes, if there is a special occasion maybe you could give them a free gift. The fact that you thought of them will really make a positive impression.