Customer Service Representative

In the modern world, business isn’t a tussle. Because there’s more competition than ever for consumers’ attention, affection, and earnings, it’s an all-out war for mindshare and money.

Customer Service Representatives are on the front lines of that war, where they spend their days fighting for customer loyalty on behalf of their employer. Instead of tanks, grenades, and gunfire, however, the number one weapon for a Customer Service Representative is “service with a smile.” In other words, you win business by winning over customers.

Employed in virtually all industries, as a Customer Service Representative you avoid clashing with customers and instead cater to them as the primary point of contact with your company. You interface with them in person, online, or over the phone in order to answer their questions, receive their comments, and address their complaints.

Sometimes, you function as a Salesperson, taking orders and answering questions about products’ features, prices, and shipping. Other times, you act as a Technician, helping customers install or troubleshoot products and services. Always, however, your job consists of the following fundamental tasks: receiving and responding to customer requests by mail, phone, fax, and e-mail; listening to customers’ questions, comments, and complaints; maintaining customer records by collecting contact information, documenting conversations, and logging transactions; and liaising with Managers and other departments in order to solve problems and resolve conflicts.

Ultimately, however, your number one promise and priority is this: You help market your company by being friendly, kind, and courteous. After all, when customers feel cared for by companies, they reward them with their business — which makes you a professional Samaritan!