a good knowledge of services provided. If necessary, call your Better Business Bureau for a background check. This helps in all areas of business, particularly medical, when you need in-depth information about a doctor's background. For medical information on physicians, your state medical board can provide a wide range of resources such as how long the physician has been in practice, where he or she got their degree andOn a daily basis, we are all customers but what is customer service? The Encarta Online Dictionary describes customer service as: "business department dealing with customers: a department of a business that deals with complaints from or disputes with customers, or that handles routine inquiries from callers." Two online quotations from Encarta’s Encyclopedia Reference File deserve repeating. They are: “The customer is always right,” and “Service is what the typical American businessman would do his best to render even if there weren’t a cop or preacher in sight.”

As consumers we've all experienced good and bad service. We’ve all encountered the repair shop maintenance person who didn't listen, repaired the wrong part and charged double. Many of us have encountered a sales person who was indifferent and gave poor quality service. In contrast, many of us have had positive experiences with employees who went out their way and made our day. So, what can we do to receive better quality customer service?

I have found ten easy steps to achieve this goal. They are:

One, “You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar!” By that I mean, being positive and humane with employees will help foster a climate of good customer service. Maintaining “eye contact” when speaking, helps the service employee to focus on our requests. When an employee gives me good service, I smile and say, “thank you.” When exceptionally good service has been given, I tell that person how pleased and satisfied I am with their help. Sometimes a letter of "thanks" does wonders to inspire future good service and boosts the morale of the employees.

Two, know who you’re dealing with and have a good knowledge of services provided. If necessary, call your Better Business Bureau for a background check. This helps in all areas of business, particularly medical, when you need in-depth information about a doctor's background. For medical information on physicians, your state medical board can provide a wide range of resources such as how long the physician has been in practice, where he or she got their degree and

ys right,” and “Service is what the typical American businessman would do his best to render even if there weren’t a cop or preacher in sight.”

As consumers we've all experienced good and bad service. We’ve all encountered the repair shop maintenance person who didn't listen, repaired the wrong part and charged double. Many of us have encountered a sales person who was indifferent and gave poor quality service. In contrast, many of us have had positive experiences with employees who went out their way and made our day. So, what can we do to receive better quality customer service?

I have found ten easy steps to achieve this goal. They are:

One, “You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar!” By that I mean, being positive and humane with employees will help foster a climate of good customer service. Maintaining “eye contact” when speaking, helps the service employee to focus on our requests. When an employee gives me good service, I smile and say, “thank you.” When exceptionally good service has been given, I tell that person how pleased and satisfied I am with their help. Sometimes a letter of "thanks" does wonders to inspire future good service and boosts the morale of the employees.

Two, know who you’re dealing with and have a good knowledge of services provided. If necessary, call your Better Business Bureau for a background check. This helps in all areas of business, particularly medical, when you need in-depth information about a doctor's background. For medical information on physicians, your state medical board can provide a wide range of resources such as how long the physician has been in practice, where he or she got their degree and

trast, many of us have had positive experiences with employees who went out their way and made our day. So, what can we do to receive better quality customer service?

I have found ten easy steps to achieve this goal. They are:

One, “You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar!” By that I mean, being positive and humane with employees will help foster a climate of good customer service. Maintaining “eye contact” when speaking, helps the service employee to focus on our requests. When an employee gives me good service, I smile and say, “thank you.” When exceptionally good service has been given, I tell that person how pleased and satisfied I am with their help. Sometimes a letter of "thanks" does wonders to inspire future good service and boosts the morale of the employees.

Two, know who you’re dealing with and have a good knowledge of services provided. If necessary, call your Better Business Bureau for a background check. This helps in all areas of business, particularly medical, when you need in-depth information about a doctor's background. For medical information on physicians, your state medical board can provide a wide range of resources such as how long the physician has been in practice, where he or she got their degree and

contact” when speaking, helps the service employee to focus on our requests. When an employee gives me good service, I smile and say, “thank you.” When exceptionally good service has been given, I tell that person how pleased and satisfied I am with their help. Sometimes a letter of "thanks" does wonders to inspire future good service and boosts the morale of the employees.

Two, know who you’re dealing with and have a good knowledge of services provided. If necessary, call your Better Business Bureau for a background check. This helps in all areas of business, particularly medical, when you need in-depth information about a doctor's background. For medical information on physicians, your state medical board can provide a wide range of resources such as how long the physician has been in practice, where he or she got their degree and

a good knowledge of services provided. If necessary, call your Better Business Bureau for a background check. This helps in all areas of business, particularly medical, when you need in-depth information about a doctor's background. For medical information on physicians, your state medical board can provide a wide range of resources such as how long the physician has been in practice, where he or she got their degree and if any malpractice suits are pending. Knowing as much as possible about services rendered can help you receive better service and may save your life! I know of one instance when a patient died at the hands of physician who was careless and didn't plan ahead. The patient's life might have been spared if a background check on the physician had been made.

State Medical Board information can be found from the webpage, Administrators in Medicine (AIM). In addition, from the WebPages "ST. MEDICINE" comes this helpful hint: "The Board can only verify if disciplinary action was taken against a doctor's license. To verify malpractice suits you will need to contact the county courthouse in the area the doctor is practicing."

Another website that helps with general consumer information is: www.consumersearch.com. I found this in Woman's World in the Hot Website section.

Three, make up a list of questions before calling for an appointment or seeking information. Having a list will give you confidence and help organize your thoughts. (There's nothing like calling or showing up for an appointment and fumbling for words. Some employees will take advantage of this and overlook your needs.)

Four, “Clothes make the man…and woman!” When a customer walks in dressed haphazardly and is rude, that person is often given sloppy service; whereas a man or woman who walks in dressed well with a calm demeanor is often treated professionally and with respect. Dressing appropriately shouts to the employee, “This person looks good and is ready for business!"

Five, be aware that many businesses, professional and non, have downsized in large numbers. Remaining employees are workin