Hosts:

• Sarah - Business Development Manager for the Economic Development Commission in Kandiyohi County.
• Michelle - Academic Development Professional with the Mid-Minnesota Development Commission.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to Customer Service: Sarah and Michelle express their enthusiasm for customer service, emphasizing its importance beyond retail settings.
• External vs. Internal Customer Service: They define external customer service as interactions with customers buying a product or service, while internal customer service focuses on relationships within the organization, including employees, staff, and professional connections.
• Building Strong Relationships: Effective customer service involves understanding and catering to different personalities. Techniques like StrengthsFinder and DISC training can help tailor communication styles to individual preferences.
• Workforce Retention: Retaining a workforce is crucial and is influenced by understanding employees' work-life balance, communication preferences, and what motivates them.
• Team Dynamics: A strong team can support each other, especially when individual members are not at their best. Trust and collaboration are key to maintaining high standards of customer service.
• Reflecting Values in Customer Service: As a business owner, your values should be reflected in your business plan, including how you approach customer service. This ensures consistency and alignment with your overall vision.
• Practical Tips: Sarah and Michelle share practical advice on how to manage customer service effectively, ensuring both internal happiness and external satisfaction.

Conclusion: Join Sarah and Michelle as they explore the intricacies of customer service and provide actionable insights to help you create a successful business. Stay tuned for the next episode in this series, and remember to reach out with any questions or feedback.

Hosts: Sarah and Michelle 

Production: Economic Development Commission, Kandiyohi County; Mid-Minnesota Development Commission

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