As 2009 comes to an end and we prepare for 2010, what outcomes are YOU looking for in the New Year? Remember, we are much more likely to achieve if we are clear about what we are aiming for!

Maintaining The Edge

The weather forecast is for heavy snow over the next 24 hours, with some areas already affected. This is likely to affect many businesses, whether it is because they are delivering products or services to customers, or whether they will be welcoming customers into their outlets.

What have YOU done to ensure that you maintain the highest level of service to your customers, for example keeping high levels of communication if the weather affects your ability to deliver, keeping your customers safe if there is ice and snow by having a supply of salt to keep paths and floors clear, taking a spade into work to clear paths if required, providing additional heating etc.

It will be interesting to see how things develop in the next 24 hours

Asda V Tesco

Tesco have always prided themselves on their level of customer service, investing large sums of money in their "Living Service" programme,however, my recent experiences of Tesco, where we have repeatedly been overcharged for "special offers" indicate that the programme is not working. Staff dealing with our complaints have frequently been unhelpful, and on occassions rude. They do not even reply to the comment forms they have in store even when we have asked for a reply.

Contrast that to Asda, where we were overcharged when they put a product in the wrong place in a promotional area. We were given the product at the promotional price immediately - no questions asked! This was after we were greeted at the front door and handed a basket by a genuinely helpful and pleasant greeter.

Service at Freshfields

Superb service from the team at Freshfields in Fleet Street - fulfilled all promises and more!

Saracens Head Towcester

Well done the team at the Saracens Head in Towcester for the excellent service they provided, especially the kitchen team who provided a vegetarian option without notice!

Talk in Towcester

Geoff Langston, Managing Director of Arizion is giving a talk in Towcester this evening - follow him on Twitter!

Breakfast Workshop 22nd September

Arizion is hosting a breakfast seminar on 22nd September 2009 in association with Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce and The Institute of Customer Service, sponsored by Harben House, Newport Pagnell.

This free event will provide an insight into current trends in customer service and a workshop on advanced communication. For more details and to book a place at this event, contact us at info@arizion.co.uk, or via our website www.arizion.co.uk

in conversation with Arizion

Watch out for the latest edition of "In Conversation With Arizion" for tips and hints on how to improve your bottom line through great customer service! Contact info@arizion.co.uk for your copy!

Geoff Langston
Managing Director - Arizion Ltd