Raise your hand if you’ve ever had a horrible customer service experience.
Rudeness and ineffective communication can break your business.
However, good customer service can be learned. It just takes practice and positivity.
Is Good Customer Service Important For A Pet Care Professional?
Let’s face it, isn’t it important in ALL professions?
Good customer service is important for the longevity of your company, including those in the pet care industry.
People that contact us for pet sitting or dog walking expect to be heard and listened to. They want their pet to be cared for and know that the pet care professional can communicate effectively and care for their dog, cat, horse or iguana.
The Golden Rule
Our customers want to get treated with dignity and respect. And that goes for us as professional pet care providers as well.
We like to be thanked, appreciated and provided with the information (and pet care supplies) that we need in order to do our job effectively, however, in many cases, our customers treat us like the hired help.
Our relationships with our clients often goes pretty deep. We grieve when our doggy friends pass away. We hurt when a client gives away their dog because they can’t control the potty accidents. Sometimes we walk a client’s dog more than they do. Often, Fido spends more quality time with his pet sitter than with his busy dad.
Throughout these situations, professional pet sitters like myself will try and keep the lines of communication open and honest.
Good Customer Service Means More Business
Communicating effectively, listening intently and providing good customer service is the key to having a successful business.
Advancing technological systems doesn’t mean we can slack off, in fact, in my opinion, we should be more cognizant of our customer service methods.
Learning About Good Customer Service
Two years ago I took Cody, an aspiring entrepreneur and high schooler I mentored for several years, to an entrepreneur event sponsored by the Madison County Chamber of Commerce. We met with teenagers that had start-ups and had the opportunity to network, thereby broadening his experience.
This opportunity gave him a chance to see what other kids his age are doing to advance their dreams and goals. Plus, it gave him a chance to practice being polite and speaking to leaders in the entrepreneurial field.
Mentoring, tutoring and encouraging others is something that I want to do. And Cody has since moved on to other things but I’m confidant the time at that event made an impact on his life. Plus, that time encouraged me to pursue my passions and gave me hope that the next generation here in Madison County, Indiana are going places!
Regardless of what line of work you’re in – or your age, customer service and friendliness is a insignificant part of your success!
We’d love to hear from you. Have you been on the receiving end of a horrible customer service experience?
Did you address it with the person you were dealing with?
Have you GIVEN bad customer service then felt guilty about it later?
If you have, don’t beat yourself up; just move forward and respond appropriately now!
Have a pet care need in Muncie, Yorktown, Anderson or Indianapolis, Indiana? We’d love to help. Fill out this form and we’ll be in touch to discuss your needs.
Keep it positive,
Kelley Stewart, CEO|Pet Sitter
sit-stay-play In-home pet sitting & more.LLC
“Your pet sitting, dog walking, poop scooping specialists!”