By Ray Alonzo

Customer satisfaction is one of the most important factors when it comes to business success. If your customers aren’t satisfied with your company or service, they won’t be a return customer. This is where developing your listening skills can help out. Making sure that your customers know they’re being heard will keep them loyal and coming back to your business.

This article will give you some tips on developing your listening skills. For more tips on improving your listening skills, check out the infographic at the bottom of this article from Chattermill.

Tips for developing listening skills

Try not to judge

As humans, it’s natural for us to judge. We’re constantly forming and changing our opinions on everything around us. To improve your listening skills, you should resist this inclination when dealing with customers. Save any judgment you may have for after the conversation.

Take what the customer is saying at face value. They will appreciate it and feel as though they’re valued in the eyes of your company.
Focus on the why, not the what

Remember, the why is more important than the what. Getting to the root of the issue should be the primary goal of your interactions with customers. If you don’t know why a certain problem is happening, or why someone has an issue, then how are you going to solve it?

Focusing on the why instead of the what will improve your company’s customer service and experience.

Express interest

When you’re listening to the customer’s thoughts, make sure you’re using some filler words to let them know you’re actually listening. Show genuine interest and that you’re a good listener. The customer will appreciate these fillers and know that you’re paying attention to what they’re saying. Gaining customer trust is important, and showing them that you’re listening and you care is a great way to grow this trust.
Remember, just don’t go overboard. Let them explain themselves fully.

________

Ray Alonzo is an avid writer from Phoenix. He focuses heavily on research to provide the most accurate information possible to readers.