Long Beach California Real Estate Loans

Long Beach, Ca.  Unfortunately, in today's world, when we hear the words "customer service," too often we draw a blank when thinking of when was the last time we really experienced it.  However, good service is still there, you just have to look out for it and when you find it, acknowledge it and make sure that you support the institutions that provide it.   

For those of us over forty years of age, we can still remember the marvel of,  "Full Service," at the local filling station growing up.   If you opted for the full service, you would have a young man greet you at your vehicle, he would pump the gas for you, check your oil and tire pressure; of course, he would notify you if there was something awry, then he would finish off by cleaning your windshield to a sparking clarity.  Can you imagine this approach in your local "service station," today?

Another example of great customer service is easily understood when having a positive fine dining experience.  The entire dining affair becomes a pleasant and memorable adventure.  You are greeted by the maitre d', welcomed and seated by the host, acknowledged by the waiter, played to by the  musician and even possibly visited by the Chef.   Each person that you meet enhances the experience, fills the voids, and rounds out and completes the evening.  Like the layers of servers, the food also comes in waves or courses.  It proves that there is an exchange going on between the service provider and the customer. 

Still another way to witness good service is if you have ever traveled First Class across the Continent or overseas, there is simply no comparison to "Coach."  You are pampered, given hot towels to rejuvenate your skin, complimentary cocktails, and the best meals,  normally, you have plenty of legroom and a protective steward at your call ready to assist you in any matter.   It makes the time go faster and can actually be fun not to mention comfortable.

This concept of good customer service is dumbfounding to most Americans these days,  but it doesn't have to be that way.  You see, understanding how to provide excellent customer service should be a primary and mandatory philosophy of every enterprise and every customer, too. . Let us revisit the idea of customer service and really hammer out what it means to, "Serve others."   

And now something that may shock you.....your success in experiencing service depends on your own disposition.  This idea of providing service is what life is all about.  Learning how to take care of your fellow man is a simple and  basic exercise of etiquette and civility.   Learning how to communicate, treat, and relate to others is paramount to understanding the fundamentals of providing good service. 

If you want to find out quickly how another person really is on the inside, just buckle up and drive through a heavy traffic jam with him.  Here, the real person will definitely come out.  You will soon see either  total profanity, crass shouting and screaming, and lewd gestures issuing from the driver if  he has no concept of decency and service or; on the other hand, the refined citizen will drive in a more giving and generous style that is not only safer and steady, but can actually make the whole experience enjoyable.   What is the real difference between the two drivers?

Although there are countless ways to better serve each other, we can boil the whole concept of good service down to several factors:

1. Creativity.  This is where you can discover the service artist in yourself.   What is it about your product or service that gives your own custom signature and style of doing business. 
2. Attention to detail.  Here, in what appears to be the smallest of matters in a transaction, we see where the true Masters of Service really shine.  What happens, is that by carefully thinking out every step and stage of the experience of working with the customer, and making sure that each stage runs smoothly, the entire experience is raised in the level of service that the client experiences.
3. Acknowledging others.   Learning how to address your clientele, and making sure that they understand that you are aware of their presence and quickly respond to their needs makes the customer secure and happy.
4. Knowing your clients.   Building personal relationships creates longevity and loyalty in a customer base. 
5. Planning for success.   Structuring and designing the experience your clients are going to participate in requires careful attention and a blue print for the direction of how your customers will be treated.
6. Putting other needs above our own.  Sacrificing or giving yourself up to your client is a great act.  Putting them above yourself in regard to giving them the necessary time, attention, and service, even when you have other things to do. 
7. Learning to listen to the customer.   Remembering that body language communicates a lot more then what we can verbally.  Understanding how to listen and observe a customer so that you can read between the lines and take care of their concerns.
8. Consistency and discipline of routine.  Clients come back to a business because they are attempting to return to the same positive experience that they had during a previous exchange.
9. Being aware of the big picture.  Almost like a pilot who is flying a jumbo jet, you have to be aware of the big picture of what is going on, where you are at in the process, what are the prevailing weather conditions, and constantly in communication with the passengers.
10. Follow up.   Reaching out to the customer after the close of the transaction.  This sets a service provider above the rest of the competition.

Kirk Mulhearn, a Long Beach Real Estate Broker co-manages Prudential California Realty, "The Bixby Knolls Office," and a Net Branch of, GEM Mortgage, a direct lender specializing in FHA, VA, and Conventional financing.  Contact him at:  562-989-4608 ext. 110

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