The Georgia Small Business Development Center is introducing a new program in hopes of helping small businesses to combat the common problem of poor customer experiences.
For many small businesses, retaining customers has been a challenge, especially in recent economic times, say representatives of the SBDC. Far too often, many businesses have to cut back on the service side of their business which has proven to be a death sentence for many struggling companies.
A new program introduced by the SBDC, “Maximum Service,” is a five part, two-hour series of workshops targeting those who work in communities, downtown authorities, entrepreneurs, and others who value the customer and want to get better at how the customer is serviced.
The program takes the participant through every step in the customer engagement process and readies anyone to be able to handle difficult situations that may arise during the customer experience.
Ruby Riesinger, area director of the Valdosta State University SBDC, served as the project coordinator and codeveloper of the program. “This series of courses teaches the essentials in making sure that the customer is always the focus of the business, from the time they enter the business to beyond their departure.”
The program concludes with a “nuts and bolts” discussion on what is required to implement a customer service plan for the business, entity, or community that ensures the best customer experience every time someone walks through the door.
Maximum Service is the latest addition to the Maximum Series which also includes Max Contact, Max Money, and Max People.
The SBDC is a Public Service & Outreach Unit of The University of Georgia and whose mission is to enhance the economic well-being of Georgians by providing a wide range of educational services for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Their numerous chapters include The University of West Georgia, Georgia State University, Clayton State University, The University of Georgia, Valdosta State University and Georgia Southern University.
You can locate your local chapter of the SBDC at their website: http://www.georgiasbdc.org/ .
