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Allstate’s Safe Driver Bonus

I have three policies with Allstate Insurance, including an auto policy. One of the attractive features of Allstate’s auto policy is that it offers a “Safe Driver Bonus” that equates to a 5 percent rebate for every six-month period its policyholders do not file a claim. While parked at my

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The most important retail space

Earlier today, I stopped by Office Depot to pick up some office supplies. Items in hand, I approached the cash registers at the front of the store to check out. There were two customers in line ahead of me. The first customer, after the cashier began entering her order, realized

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Self-service does not mean no service

There’s a popular perception among businesses that providing self-service alternatives to consumers relieves them of the responsibility to deliver customer service. Perhaps they assume that because they’re offering customers greater convenience, more control over the transaction, and increased value, it’s unnecessary to focus on customer service. Take, for example, self-service

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Boss watchers

Most of us acknowledge the importance of supervisors modeling the behaviors expected from frontline hourly-paid employees. Intuitively, this just makes sense and is reinforced with platitudes such as “Actions speak louder than words” and “Walk the talk!” Even so, this leadership principle and management expectation is often neglected. Consider this

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Bright people, dim processes

The driver’s side rear turn signal bulb went out on my Expedition last week, so I stopped by the Ford dealership this morning to have it replaced. I pulled into the service bay, parked, and went inside to the service counter. There, I met up with a service manager who,

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Curmudgeons

This customer service blog attracts all types, ranging from engaging customer service advocates to crotchety curmudgeons. An advocate is defined as a person who speaks or writes in support or defense of a person or cause. Advocates contribute productively by offering supportive and, sometimes, divergent views on a variety of

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Room for dessert

I enjoy taking my family to On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina. In fact, I look forward to it. The restaurants are clean, the food quality is excellent and the value for price paid is fair. My wife, however, has one problem with On The Border. This single issue

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Service is a verb

From time to time, I’m asked, “Is there a single attribute you’ve found to be common among employees who consistently provide exceptional customer service?” I bet if you asked five different consultants, you’d get five different answers. But here’s my answer: initiative. Service is a verb and, as such, requires

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Managers are not exempt from serving

I used to work for a general manager who was critical of our hotel’s food and beverage director because he had a reputation for rolling-up his sleeves and pitching in when the restaurant was slammed. Sometimes, he would seat guests. Other times, he would bus tables. My GM believed that

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The Revelation Conversation

The Revelation Conversation is Here!