24hrAssistant – Business Tips and Booking Appointments

Do what you want when you want. Oh that is exciting…say it with me. I do what I want when I want. Imagine a life where you wake up in the morning and do only the things you wanted to do. Most of us cringe as soon as the alarm clock rings because we don’t want to get up, we don’t want to wait in line, we don’t want to listen to our co-workers sob story or deal with the snotty receptionist who is clearly annoyed that you are calling her in the first place.
Welcome to the age of self serve. Self serve equals immediate gratification. Now, I’m not talking about pumping our own gas, forget that noise. Self serve has taken on a whole new meaning. I am talking about technology. I love that I can book a trip to Italy at 3 am. I love that my Christmas shopping no longer has to involve long line ups. I love that there is a self serve check-in at the airport.

So what do you do with customers who are short on patience and high on demand? Give them options. Choices – that’s what customers want.

So what is my point? The point is, this is exploding like fireworks on the 4th of July. Companies are giving their customers the option of immediate gratification.

Have you really looked at your company to see if you are really offering the best customer service possible? Do you have a way that your customers can book your service online? Can you book your hairdresser, chiropractor or massage therapist online? Probably not yet, but there are a few companies that have already started. Innovation Place Massage Therapy, Sagestone Wellness Center, Bridge City Health Center, Elements Wholistic Centre, and Goaltec are a few companies profiting from this “self serve” approach.

I know what you’re thinking, “I have a receptionist,” and so does every other business. You will always need one. Airlines allows you to book flights online but they still have a telephone reservation line. Or here is a good one, “This is a people industry and going online doesn’t give it that personal touch.” Well, there won’t be anyone to touch if they hang up because they are tired of waiting on hold.

This, my friend is reality; mixing traditional business methods with a new self serve option will only equal success for you and your customer.