Sometimes we get so caught up in the work that we forget our customers.
The following points will help you succeed in the area of customer service.
- Pay attention to customer requirement: Sometimes, we fail to pay attention to customer requests. We automatically think they want something translated, and that’s it. They give us the material and tell us what they want. We go to work and only later discover that we missed an important detail. Listen to or read carefully the specific requests of your customers to save time and repetition. Confirm instructions to be sure you have the priorities and activities straight. Your diligence and responsiveness will be rewarded in the long run.
- Maintain Deadline: Be sure to deliver work on time. Your credibility depends on it. This is where discipline and time management skills come in. They’re called deadlines for a reason. Customers are dead serious about them, and so should you.
- Promise deliverables Only: To get more business, freelancers may accept all kinds of jobs. But that doesn’t help you or the customer when it’s more than you can handle. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Make sure you have experience with what needs translating; otherwise, you’ll wind up with an unhappy customer.
- Be Calm & Relax With Dealing Customer: Sometimes people needing translation services aren’t clear about the process. They don’t know the jargon, the prices, or what’s involved. At times, you may need to walk them through the process. Your extra effort and patience may be rewarded with a lifelong customer.
- Keep Your Customer Updated: Keep your customers in the loop. Give them benchmarks and stick to them. Notify them of any delays, major changes or when you need more information. Don’t put things off, or you may put them off.
- Always Polite Your Clients: This goes without saying, but it is often overlooked in today’s busy environment. A simple “thank you” or “please” can go a long way in helping your customer feel respected and appreciated. People are more likely to return to a business if they’ve had a positive customer service experience. They may even be willing to pay a higher price if they feel especially well-treated.
The qualities we’ve shared here come from experienced translators who’ve been there and done that.
As you gain more experience, you can use this introduction as a checklist to see where you stand and how far you’ve come. Then, you can periodically evaluate yourself to see where improvements are needed.