15 Skills for Successful Communication with Customers

Effective communication skills with clients are key to operating a healthy and successful business. Communicating well with customers has a positive impact, and it is one of the ways to ensure repeat business and continuity. Entrepreneurs should always strive to leave customers satisfied and confident in their brand. For instance, if you are running online dating sites and a member has an issue, a customer service agent should reach out immediately to solve the problem. 

We understand that you want your business to stand out and attract as many loyal clients as possible. Below, we will take you through fifteen skills to better communicate with customers to run a more profitable venture. 

Active Listening

A big part of a live chat agent’s job is to listen. Actively listening to customers is a skill business professionals should practice daily. Involve yourself in the conversation and ask questions politely if something needs clarification. When it comes to business communication skills, ensure you understand what the customer is saying without jumping to conclusions (which could lead to trouble). It will make a great impression, motivating clients to spend their money and other resources on your brand. 

Adapt to Clients

Don’t try to impress clients with industry jargon. Strive to speak the customer’s language. Furthermore, you should also take note of their tone and mirror it. Successful communication skills require compromises to make clients more comfortable. Naturally, clients may give their business to your competitors if they feel you don’t understand their needs. 

Respect

Any communication skills training worth its salt will direct students to respect their clients’ time and treat them how they would want to be treated. Never overburden clients with promotional messages or treat them as just another opportunity to make a buck. Give them personalized attention and let them know they are valued. 

Context-Driven Messaging

When communicating with customers, the message needs to be clear, and concise. An entrepreneur with great communications skills will always speak in a way that is easy to digest and not easily misunderstood. Don’t try to impress them with industry terms or fancy vocabulary. Instead win them over with your extensive knowledge of your product or service, and present that knowledge in a fashion that highlights the ways your brand will be the solution to the customer’s problem. 

Pay Attention to Detail

To improve communication skills in the workplace, employees should pay close attention not only to what customers are saying, but they should also take note of what they aren’t saying. Always ask questions when you’re unsure about the customer’s level of satisfaction with an interaction. Welcome customer feedback. Lastly, teach your team to read between the lines and pick up on social cues that could indicate a problem. 

Be Kind

This sounds like an obvious one. But it’s never a bad idea to remind yourself to be kind and understanding. Yes, you may run into exceptionally difficult customers at times, and it can be frustrating. But, never let your frustration shine through. Remember the saying. “everyone is fighting a battle we know nothing about.” 

Become an Educator

It’s crucial to educate clients. Remember that you’re the expert on your services or products. You know what you have to offer better than anyone else. Never force, lecture, or patronize. Focus on guiding the client to make an informed decision. Help your customer envision what your brand can do for them, and give them the power to act on that vision.

Be Approachable

The best communication skill to practice when dealing with a client is to maintain an upbeat, polite, and friendly tone. This is important because it makes you more approachable, and will show your customers that they can feel comfortable coming to you with any issues that might arise. This style of communication will help you create a rapport, and, in turn, build a stronger, more loyal client base. 

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and empathize with others emotions and react to them appropriately. Customer service workers with a high level of emotional intelligence can connect with customers and better manage conflict. Encourage your team to put themselves in their customers’ shoes. When they make an effort to see things from the customer’s prospective, it will be easier for them to empathize and connect with the customer.

Non-Verbal Cues

Communication skills also involve body language, including hand gestures and eye contact. These play a huge role in what a person is trying to say, and how your customers perceive you.  Look for communication skills activities that can help you pay close attention to customers’ non-verbal signals when talking.  Here’s a guide that can help.

Straight Talking

Never underestimate the power of having a straightforward conversation with your customers. Never beat around the bush or sugarcoat things. It’s always best to be up front and as transparent as possible. That way there won’t be any surprises and your customers will learn that they can trust you.  And, trust is one of the most important things you can foster among your customers. 94% of consumers are loyal to companies that operate with transparency. (Inc.com)

Feedback

Accepting and providing feedback is among the top communication skills every businessperson should have. These communication skills require an individual to understand what the speaker means, keep an open mind, and respect opinions. It’s important to accept feedback even when you do not necessarily agree with what the client says.

Confidence

When you operate and handle yourself with confidence, it will convey that you’re self-assured in your knowledge and abilities. Carry yourself as an expert in your industry, and your customers will have full-faith that they’re spending their money in the right place.  Just be sure to never come off as arrogant or cocky. 

Open-Mindedness

Don’t be quick to dismiss a client because you disagree with their opinion or point of view. Take time to stop, listen, and learn. The very best brands learn from their customers, and use what they learn to make improvements to their products and services. You might not act on what a customer recommends word-for-word. But, their suggestions will give you new ideas and insight into their needs.

Ask Good Questions

When you ask your customers meaningful questions, it will show that you take a real interest in helping them.  Make an effort to get to know who they are. In turn, they’ll feel valued and know without a doubt that they’re in good hands. 

Closing Remarks

Without the right communication skills, you cannot run a successful business. Communicating professionally with your clients is essential so that they offer repeat business and referrer your company to their family and friends. Do you agree that knowing how to communicate with clients effectively can elevate your business to the next level? Are there any communication skills you need to enhance? Talk to us in the comment section.