Do you listen well to your customers?

Scripture: If any man has ears to hear, let him hear (Mark 7:16).

Today’s Thought: 3M, a company well-known for its innovative ideas and product improvement, gets many ideas from customer complaints. Part of their secret is that they truly listen to what their customers are saying, and then work to develop useful solutions.

When customers complain, don’t become defensive. Instead, see it as an opportunity to improve your products and services. Most customers want to continue to do business with you. When they raise concerns, pay attention. Listen carefully and take every issue seriously, whether it’s direct or implied. Ask follow-up questions to ensure that you understand their full perspective. Let them know that you appreciate their input, and then take appropriate action to solve the problem.

If you will learn to treat customer complaints as opportunities for improvement rather than bristling at the criticism, your products will improve, your customers will stay loyal, and your business will grow.

Wisdom shouts in the street, she lifts her voice in the square;…at the entrance of the gates in the city, she utters her sayings (Proverbs 1:20-21).

When customers complain, don’t become defensive. Instead, see it as an opportunity to improve your products and services.