March 31st, 2006

Hello!

Superb customer service is key to make loyal advocates out of your customers.

In this issue:

1. Dress Code Controversy
2. News Blog
3. Fr//ee Magazine of the Month: CRM magazine
4. CustomerServicePoint.com Info

Dress Code Controversy

Dressing for success is usually a big topic and a big struggle for call centers. I have worked for call centers that demand a professional dress code at all times, I have also worked for call centers that require no dress code whatsoever. But the most appealing call centers that I have worked for have had a business casual dress code, with occasional "casual days" allowed.

Let me tell you why I think a business casual dress code works for call centers.

If a call center expects an employee to adhere to a professional business dress code wearing suits and ties and dresses everyday, they better be willing to pay corporate wages. Not only is it expensive to uphold a strictly professional wardrobe, but employees tend to become resentful when they feel like they are giving more than they are receiving in return.

On the other hand, when a call center requires no dress code and everyone comes to work dressed as they please, a sense of value is taken away from the job.

It is true that dressing for success really does put you in a successful mind frame, I know this from experience.

Now when a call center implements a business casual dress code and holds everyone in the call center accountable for the way they present themselves, a lot of good can come of it. (Read the entire article)

Customer Service News Blog

Blogging is hot. No respectable website can be without a blog... We can't stay behind!

Customer Service Point now has its very own Customer Service News Blog. Check it out!

Fr//ee magazine of the Month

CRM magazine aims to assist senior managers to identify how to maintain and gain profitable customers, generate loyalty and reduce business costs.

Unfortunately, this offer is only available to US professionals.

Qualify for a fr##ee year subscription to CRM Magazine.

CustomerServicePoint.com Info

Those who've been with us for a long time may remember Erwin. He started customerservicepoint.com, but due to his busy work schedule (wrong priorities I reckon) he couldn't keep up with the site. At that point I took it over from him.

But now it's my time to do something different. I'm starting a psychology study, and I think you'll understand that this will take a lot of my time. So I asked Erwin to share responsibility again for the site.

I will still be here of course. Only a lot less! Then again, now you have two for the price of one! ;-)

We're willing to answer your questions! Just go to our Contact page and shoot! We want to hear from you.

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Customer Servings is the newsletter for www.customerservicepoint.com, your resource on improving customer service. The newsletter is sent at irregular intervals.

Customer Servings is for you!

If you have any suggestions for subjects you would like to see in future issues, or have comments in general on Customer Servings or Customer Service Point, please contact me.

I welcome your remarks!

(C) 2006, Marjan Steneker