Tag: customer service

Customer Experience Trends for 2024 

Posted on by Mango

Providing a memorable, positive customer experience is what sets us apart from competitors. It really is make or break when it comes to creating customers for life – something the Mango team know a thing or two about! 

As we look towards 2024 (after the quickest year ever!) – we expect a lot of new focuses and mindset shifts when it comes to servicing customers. We’re thinking cutting-edge technology, having a better understanding of customer needs, and leveraging these to redefine how we engage and retain for the long-term. 

With that being said – here’s our top four customer experience trend predictions for next year!

Mango’s Top 4 Customer Experience Trends for 2024 

The contact centre environment is becoming more dynamic each year, embracing new strategies that satisfy the needs of today’s customers when it comes to efficiency, ease and personalisation.  

We’re talking real-time analytics, omnichannel offerings, and security-first approaches which are transforming the art of customer service as we know it, for the better! 

Let’s get into it…

Focus on the Customer Journey 

Nowadays, it is essential to prioritise relationships over transactions. Rather than solely focusing on standalone interactions, organisations are making greater efforts to tailor their customer journey as a whole.  

The customer journey is all-encompassing, looking at how people experience an organisation from the initial awareness stages right through to retention.  

It helps you see things from a customer’s perspective to understand expectations and needs. By thinking about the overall process, you’re more likely to optimise internal operations, customer communication and sales potential!  

The key to achieving this in 2024 is being prepared and versatile. Consider how your customers see you, how they can learn about you and how they can reach you. By being readily available, your customer journey is already off to a good start!  

With customers having plenty of options to find out about you, get in touch with you and stay up-to-date with what you’re doing – this means you’re being inclusive and providing them added value from the get-go – something which won’t go unmissed.  

From IVR messaging to scriptwriting, outbound calls to follow-up emails – at Mango, our services cover each and every stage of the customer journey. For more on how we achieve this – check out our blog on customer service, written by our very own inhouse experts! Customer Service Tips – Hear it From the Experts! 

Being More Security-Centric 

Personal data is precious to customers, so showing that you recognise and honour this will help instil greater trust and confidence in your organisation. 

Ensuring information is safely stored and protected is key. For example, 63% of customers say they are happier dealing with businesses that make it easy to see how their data is used – so we expect this to only get higher as the years go on.  

Not only this, but enhanced security and privacy safeguards are non-negotiable for meeting regulatory compliance as well as boosting consumer loyalty as the industry continues to evolve in 2024. 

Our advice is: make sure you have clear data and privacy policies in place, as well as strong security measures. At Mango, our security measures revolve around: 

  • Encryption: A security method where information is encoded and can only be accessed or decrypted by a user with the correct encryption key. 
  • Access Control: Strict access controls which ensure that only authorised individuals can access sensitive data. 
  • Multi-Factor Authentication: 2FA adds an additional degree of protection by requesting many different forms of identification before providing access. 

Opt for Omnichannel  

How we provide customer experiences is always adapting. With so many new methods now available, it is essential that you cater to your audience across multiple touchpoints, as this opens up so many new opportunities! 

Whether it’s over the phone, or via email, social media or live chat – we say the more, the better!  

When thinking about 2024, what will make an even bigger and better difference is having a unified identity across all these channels. By delivering a coherent and personalised experience across the board – this is what will catapult service quality and help customers feel even more supported. 

It’s this added value that an omnichannel approach brings to ensure a customer’s journey is always continuous, regardless of whether they start a conversation through chat and move to a phone call afterwards. 

That’s one of the main perks of having an inhouse IT team like we do. Thanks to their technology know-how, they are always looking to create new, innovative solutions to streamline customer experiences and optimise client campaigns. From message automation to real-time analytics and everything in between – they really are modern day superheroes when it comes to staying ahead of the customer service game! 

If you don’t have the resources readily available to implement bespoke IT solutions, you can speak to us or find out more here: The Benefits of an Inhouse IT Team 

Continuous Upskilling 

As we get ready to kick-start 2024, we are continuously striving to strengthen customer experiences, which involves consistently developing the skills of those on the frontline – our agents.  

After all, the main reason the Contact Centre industry evolves so much when it comes to customer support is because of the people pioneering this change!  

With the sector now being so technology dependent, this means staff must be empowered to manage these advancements at expert level so they can provide first-class services. 

Prioritising training and upskilling means agents can be better prepared to: 

  • Problem-solve with ease by thinking with a solution-first attitude 
  • Handle customer conversations with professionalism and sensitivity 
  • Spot opportunities for upselling/upgrading 
  • Build relationships with customers and nurture their experience 

Whether it be through independent microlearning, group training or team leader-agent one-to-one sessions, the more effort that is put into upskilling staff, the more we all reap the rewards, including: 

  • Enhanced competence 
  • Sustained motivation 
  • Greater employee satisfaction 
  • Improved performance 
  • Career milestones and opportunities for progression 

Customer Service in 2024 in a Nutshell 

As we learn to accept new changes, implement smooth, secure solutions and invest more in people – we believe a firm focus on innovation, protection and staff development will help us achieve more positive customer experiences in 2024. 

As we prepare to say goodbye to another year in the Contact Centre industry – one thing remains the same – customers will always be at the heart of all success stories. 

For more top tips on mastering customer services for 2024 and beyond, talk to Mango today! 

How to Best Use Email for Customer Service

Posted on by Mango
using email for customer service blog featured image

There’s a very good reason why we call ourselves a ‘Contact Centre’.  

It’s because in today’s ever-evolving world, we are now spoilt for choice when it comes to communicating! From phone calls to emails, live chat to social media – getting in touch is literally just a few taps away. 

Using email as a contact method has long been a firm-favourite among customers, staff and companies alike. Not only are they convenient, they’re super easy to track and they save time.  

But using email for customer service is a very different game compared to other methods, and is only truly effective with the right tips and tricks. As we have been a professional email management service provider for the last 15 years, you can be sure we have a few up our sleeve! 

In this blog, we reveal how we ensure great results using email for customer service… 

How to Ensure Effective Emails for Customer Service 

While anyone can write an email, believe it or not, there is a knack to being a pro when using it for customer interactions. So long as you tick the boxes below – you’ll be on a roll – trust us! 

Set Up Automatic Email Acknowledgements 

When a customer sends an email, it’s common courtesy these days to set up an automatic response that they’ll receive instantly. 

It might not contain the exact answer they’re looking for – but it’s a great way to put a customer’s mind at ease. How? Well… 

  • It lets them know that their query has been delivered 
  • It gives you a chance to thank them for their time and get the communication off to a positive start 
  • It allows you to set expectations, e.g. inform them when they can expect a response from a customer service agent 
  • You can direct them to helpful resources that you have available, e.g. an FAQ page, social media channels etc. 

In short: customers value companies that deliver prompt responses, rather than ones that have them feeling left in a limbo. Automation is an easy, effective way to meet this need. 

Remember Your ‘Please’ and ‘Thank You’s 

While it is common sense to have good manners in customer service, it’s worth reiterating how it makes a world of difference in any and every situation. 

For example, not remembering general niceties can be enough to lose a customer. People have high expectations these days, and missing out on showing consideration is very difficult to recover from – especially with emails being trackable! 

Having templates ready-made for yourself or your colleagues is a super effective way to ensure manners are never put on the backburner. Plus, it saves lots of typing time! 

Some phrases we recommend using are: 

  • ‘I hope you are well today’ 
  • ‘Thank you for getting in touch with us’ 
  • ‘Please can I ask for more information regarding XYZ’ 
  • ‘I look forward to hearing from you’ 
  • ‘Many thanks again for your query’ 

Respond With Either an Explanation and/or a Solution 

Once your autoreply has been sent, it’s vital to investigate the customer’s query as soon as you can. 

If you have a timeframe to work to (e.g. 24/48 hours), responding to them within or well before the deadline is ideal. Every scenario is different, but for more complex queries, don’t try to rush yourself. It’s important that you take your time so you can be thorough, and find solid answers to the questions asked to limit escalations. 

Even if you don’t have a full explanation, remember to keep the customer up-to-date regularly with progress reports, just to keep them in the loop. 

Of course, there will be other queries that you can resolve quickly and easily. Just make sure you educate the customer so they are gaining more value than just the answer they were looking for. This could be the case if they ask your opening times, for example. You can give them the answer, then highlight where this information is available on your website/social media channels. 

Going back to the customer with an explanation and a solution will provide them with a sense of relief, knowing that their situation is in good hands. 

Remember to Follow-Up 

Whether it be an order confirmation, a ‘thank you’ after a donation, or a summary of next steps when dealing with a more complicated query – sending a follow-up email puts the customer at the forefront – no matter how big or small their initial reason for getting in touch was. 

Being a Contact Centre, we know a thing or two about how important keeping in touch is – that’s why we use email services in conjunction with our telephony.  

We find sending email responses at the end of calls, depending on the outcome, request, or individual requirement, makes for a great ‘switched-on’ approach to servicing customers. 

Depending on the need, we do this either manually, or through automation. Either way, it provides added value in a world where customers expect more from companies and organisations. 

Email Management Services at Mango 

If your customer service emails are getting on top of you – fear not! That’s what Mango’s here for.  

As an expert email management company, we will dedicate ourselves to learn all about your business, so that we can answer queries with confidence in the tone of your brand.  

Whether it be a permanent fix, or a matter of lending a helping hand during a seasonal spike in volume; by outsourcing your email management to Mango, we help free up your internal resources, saving you precious time at a cost effective price. 

Want to get started? Or have any other questions?  Let’s chat! You can talk to Mango by phoning 028 9147 5200, emailing info@talktomango.com, or dropping us a message here! 

For more top tips and insights, check out the rest of our blog. 

Customer Service Tips – Hear it From the Experts! 

Posted on by Mango

No matter what industry you work in, it helps to know how to give someone a great experience. 

Being a pro in customer service goes a long way in making a memorable impression. We’ve seen it first-hand – from our internal client service teams right through to our HR department – building a rapport is key in setting yourself apart from the rest! 

So, if you’re on the lookout for some customer service tips and suggestions – the experts at Mango have you covered. 

The Best Piece of Customer Service Advice We Can Give You… 

While there are many ‘quick wins’ that achieve good customer service, it is best to have a solid understanding of what makes a real difference.  

We live by what is known as “the three ‘Ps’” – AKA the most important qualities of customer service. That being said – in true Mango fashion – we’ve added a fourth element to the mix that we think is just as imperative. 

These three qualities centre around: 

  • Professionalism 
  • Patience 
  • Having a ‘People-first’ attitude 
  • And, our fourth addition: being Proactive 

Although it varies from customer to customer, as long as you’re following these guidelines, you’ll always be on the right track! 

Here’s a few more top tips that are also fail-safe: 

Be as Accessible as Possible 

These days, customers want instant responses and resolutions. So, the more accessible you are, the more easily you can meet the needs of more people. 

There’s a lot of things you can do to tick this box, such as: 

By doing this, you are proving that you are customer-focused, and that you’re invested in helping them with whatever query they may have, at whatever point in the day suits them. 

Use the Right Tools

If you want to deliver the best possible support, then it benefits to have the right platforms and tools in place. 

For us – whether it be answering calls or emails – we would be nowhere without our inhouse IT team. These guys are there to make sure we have all the essential components for great customer service – from data, equipment, software and scripts as and when we need. Thanks to this, we can effortlessly handle whatever is thrown at us, as everything is programmed to automatically guide us through each step of the way! 

Helpful resources can be anything and everything – from handy cheat sheets, project-dedicated chat channels, to even industry-specific newsletters. These all add up in optimising your customer service, plus they make your life a lot easier, too! 

Always Thank the Customer, No Matter What

Customer appreciation is important for many reasons. First and foremost, it can help make customers happy. And a happy customer is more likely to not only come back, but also spread the good word about your excellent service.  

Everyone likes to feel valued, and customers are no different. That’s why it’s vital to say thank you and go above and beyond in any and every situation. 

You can find more specific tips about rapport building techniques to boost your call quality over on our blog page. 

Use Positive Language 

Positive language is a great way to avoid accidental conflicts sprung from miscommunication. While it happens to the best of us, being proactive works wonders in changing a conversation around. 

For example, a customer wishes to buy a product, but it is back-ordered for a month. Consider the following responses: 

  • Negative language: “I can’t get you that product until next month. It is back-ordered and unavailable at this time.”
  • Positive language: “What a great purchase. That product will be available next month. I can place the order for you right now and make sure that it is sent to you the minute its available!” 

What a difference it makes telling your customers what you can do for them instead of what you can’t! Redirecting the conversation from negative to positive places focus on the solution, rather than the problem. When the outcome takes centre stage, it eases the situation and distracts from potential backlash. 

There’s lots more customer service tips that we could give you, but we’ll save these for another blog, and leave you with another great piece of advice from Douglas Adams: “To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity”. 

Stay tuned to our blog page for more helpful tips and tricks every other week. Or, if you want to have a chat sooner rather than later, get in touch today! 

Rapport Building Techniques That Will Boost Your Call Quality 

Posted on by Mango

At Mango, we believe in quality over quantity when it comes to call handling. While other contact centres may prefer speed over substance, we give you the chance to make real connections and conversations with people from across the globe. 

How do we successfully achieve this? Our secret ingredient is rapport building. 

The way we look at it: building rapport on calls is what takes an experience from ordinary to extraordinary. You just need to know the right tips and tricks to achieve it… 

This week, we’ll give you full insight into our top rapport building techniques that are guaranteed to boost your call quality, create lasting impressions, and help you have fun in the process! 

Why is Rapport Building Important on Calls? 

Whether it be to place an order, donate to charity or make an enquiry – when someone calls a business or organisation – they will be looking to you for help. They could be feeling a range of emotions, but what will always maximise their experience is clear, empathetic, friendly communication. 

Fostering good rapport with the person on your call will bring an array of benefits to everyone involved. It works almost like a knock-on effect, think about it: it helps the conversation run smoothly, which makes it more enjoyable, and generates better results!  

Not only that, but adopting a positive, proactive approach to call handling can also lead to improved work wellbeing. 

We LOVE this quote from Call Centre Helper:  

“Good rapport isn’t about making best friends with the caller. It means creating a comfortable state where all parties converse freely and comfortably. The extra benefit is that it makes the time spent with the caller more enjoyable for the advisor.” 

We could keep talking about the many benefits of rapport building – but that would probably need a blog of its own! Instead, let’s dig into how you can accomplish all the above and more with some good rapport… 

Our Top Tips to Build Rapport 

With some tweaks to your call structure and further training, you’ll see a world of difference in your call quality – and here they are… 

Ask The Caller How They Are 

In today’s digital-first world, don’t lose that all-important human connection. Spark a down-to-earth conversation by asking the caller a simple question that’s not related to their query. In our experience, you can never go wrong with “How are you today?” or “What are your plans for the rest of the day?” to instil a person-centred approach and help them feel instantly connected. 

We recommend that before you start that separate conversation, wait until you determine their name and the reason for their call, so you have a clear understanding of what you need to do to help them. From here, when you can find a natural gap, ask away! 

At Mango, we like to take conversations one step further. For example, after asking the caller how they are, reply to their answer with a positive response, such as: “I’m glad you’re having a good day”, as this shows that you’re engaged and personable. 

Make a Point of Using Their Name 

Using a person’s name in conversation creates a culture of respect, acknowledgement and consideration for the discussion. It makes the caller feel special, and establishes a positive tone for the rest of the conversation. 

This all ties in with being an active listener. By being fully present and mentally engaged from the get-go, you will be providing the caller a tailored service that they won’t forget.  

Our training focuses specifically on call courtesies – so if you’re new (or thinking of joining us!) – don’t worry, as we’ll cover everything you need to know to make your calls stand out. 

Show You Are Listening 

Listening is a BIG part of the job, but it can be easy to forget to let the caller know you’re listening. Doing this can really boost call quality and user experience, and all it takes is a little fine-tuning… 

  • As the caller can’t see your facial expression or body language cues, remember to use your verbal nods e.g. responding with soft sounds to express agreement or signal acknowledgment. 
  • Lay out clearly and concisely how you plan to help them. For example, if a caller has multiple requests, break these down and repeat them back, telling them what you will help them with first. 
  • Allow the speaker to finish what they are saying, avoiding interjection as best you can. No matter how many techniques you are taught to use on the phone, common courtesy will always be essential! 

Top tip: at Mango, we also encourage our advisors to repeat key points back to the caller as another way to show active listening. 

Think From Their Point of View 

No matter the situation, it always helps to put yourself in the other person’s shoes.  

If it was you calling, how would you like the call to be handled? This is a great benchmark to use when setting an authentic tone for each and every call. If you approach the call in a manner that would work for you, then you’re already winning! 

Our Managers play a key part in helping advisors out with this. Whether it be through doing role playing scenarios, giving them calls to independently score, or arranging feedback sessions – we understand that everyone learns this skill in different ways. 

Ask to Call Listen 

It’s better to hear what makes a good call than guess what makes a good call. 

Prior to your training and upskilling sessions, ask your Team Leader to find some example calls from across the contact centre. You can then score these yourself and compare to your own. 

Alternatively, ask to call listen live with an experienced advisor so you can pick up new tips and ask them questions after the call. 

While we believe in tailored training, we also firmly believe that call listening is one of the best ways to enhance call performance and quality. Not only does it identify new areas for improvement, but it gives you something to aim for and track as you progress in your role. 

Every Interaction is Important at Mango 

At Mango, we encourage our advisors to engage with callers on both an emotional and personal level, giving them space and time to listen attentively, show empathy and – most importantly – be themselves. 

By implementing all the above, we promise you’ll see a huge difference in work wellbeing, caller satisfaction and call quality, to name just a few! 

If you have any other techniques and tips on rapport building, please let us know in the comments below! 

You can also visit our blog page for more handy hacks on other hot contact centre topics.