Customer relations begin and end with effective communication.  There is no getting around the fact that every word, spoken or written, by a company is the cornerstone of that company’s success.

Effective Business Communication: Why Is It  So Important?

Businesses communicate to find out customer needs and to show that they are listening and have the answer to those needs.  It is as simple as that…in theory.  The truth is that effective business communication requires a certain skill set to determine the customer needs and then deliver on that information.

The basic skill set requires a genuine concern for the customer and their request or issue.  Smile and speak clearly with an upbeat tone.  Be sure to offer help and act as if you are happy to be helping them.  If more information is needed, be polite and ask using ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you, ‘never make demands.

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I recently spent some time helping a good friend shop for a car.  Now understand, I wasn’t asked because I know a lot about cars, I was asked more for moral support of having to deal with a car salesperson, I’m a little better at negotiating, definitely tend to ask more questions, and a bit more practical when it comes to wants and needs.  Considering my friend has a budget and wanted to downsize as far as payments were concerned, I guess you can say I was stepping in & playing the part of the outspoken rational side.

As we went spent days going from dealership to dealership, it became very apparent to me that many in the auto industry can use some training in customer service and marketing.  I understand that car sales people get a bad rap from the get go, but my recent experience confirmed for me that they’re all about the sale and are clueless when it comes to really understanding what the lifeblood of their business is.

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