Poor customer service drives me crazy. My internal temperature gauge climbs quickly. Now I know that part of that is arrogance to think I deserve good service, but part of it is expecting a level of service for the amount paid. Today I had one of those combustible moments with the company from whom we purchased our church phone system.
I heard from one of my constituents of a phone problem today, and so quickly called the company and attempted to mix calmness with urgency as I communicated the issues. I spoke clearly and directly to the issues at hand. Answers began to gush forth. We'll now see if the problem is resolved.
Providing good customer service seems easy but often is not. It requires an attitude of helpfulness and serving regardless of the ask or need. When I was in sales we were reminded often of how devastating the communication is from a dissatisfied customer. When a problem happens the bad news travels faster, farther, and more frequent than good news. So keep customers happy!
Church's often miss this component in welcoming and greeting guests. We insiders who will show up rain or shine, dirty parking lot or clean, cold or hot temperature. We will continue to arrive, serve and look beyond the surroundings. But not guests.
We have just a few seconds to make a good impression. As they approach the building they look at the architecture, plants, pavement, cleanliness, people's facial expressions and decide immediately what kind of church this is. For many who come to church, they have no heritage of religious practice. They do not see a church sign or name and decide it is their church. They are looking for good customer service and in that will find God or not.
The Greeting Team at North County is working hard to analyze how to improve the "customer service" element on Sunday mornings. We are examining how and where to place friendly smiling people to welcome guests as they arrive. We do not wish to be obnoxious, just welcoming.
This attitude flows into every area of church life. How we answer phone calls and schedule events makes a difference in the image the church has in the community. Every church member has the wonderful opportunity each Sunday to notice guests and make their experience the best possible. The end goal being that they stay long enough to become interested in a life with Jesus and then give themselves to accept his call.
Become more aware of the service you provide and your church provides. It may make an eternal difference.
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