February 22, 2012 in Blog, Consulting & Training, Customer Experience Enhancement, Measuring Total Customer Experience by Marci Bikshorn
There is no doubt that customer experience management is becoming more important than ever for companies as they settle into 2012. As the year begins to move forward, we challenge you to a new kind of resolution. Step back and take a hard look at everything your company is doing to exceed your customer’s expectations. Then, figure out a few areas that could use improvement.
Begin with the fundamentals. This is a good refresher for your employees, and a “must do” for new hires. After putting so much time and energy into product selection, pricing, marketing, advertising, and research, it’s easy to lose focus about the basics of customer experience management. Here are 4 basic customer service tips that can be utilized each day when interacting with your customers.
February 08, 2012 in Blog, Brand & Market Research, Case Studies, Measuring Total Customer Experience by Marci Bikshorn
There is no end to the lengths that company Zappos.com will go to provide great customer service. In fact, its 2010 advertising campaign focused solely on how committed the company is to its customers. Where did this fantastic advertising idea come from? It developed out of the many ways that Zappos had been going above and beyond for its customers throughout the past year.
Last year, Zappos overnighted a free pair of shoes to a wedding where the best man had shown up without his shoes. In that same year, Zappos delivered a bouquet of flowers to a woman who ordered six different pairs of shoes because her feet had been damaged by medical treatment. It says heaps about a company that would go to such extreme measures to genuinely help a customer.
These examples are really what customer experience management is all about, going above and beyond for your customers. The reason Zappos succeeds may have just as much to do with its customer retention programs as its genuine compassion for consumers. Here are just a few of the reasons that customers remain loyal to Zappos.com:
1. Customer Service Training
Each new employee in the Las Vegas office has to participate in a four-week training program. No matter the position they now hold, there are no exceptions. A large focus of this initial training is on customer experience management.
After the four-week training period for all employees, there is a more specific three-week program for the call-takers. As you may have seen in the 2011 ad campaign, consulting and training really pays off when customers ask more difficult questions.
What you can do: Create a training program to allow all employees to understand the company’s stance on customer service. With all employees on the same page, everyone can be relied upon to talk face-to-face with customers during the busier holiday seasons.
2. Understanding Brand Image
Zappos has implemented many different layers to its communication and customer retention strategy due to an understanding of their brand image. Consumers think of Zappos as just a shoe store, although they sell many different items. Because Zappos realizes this is the current brand image, they choose to focus on marketing their one constant, customer service. Instead of only promoting goods and services, they choose to build a brand image around likeability.
What you can do: Use customer intelligence programs to better understand how consumers portray your brand. Brand research can be a useful tool as a small part of a complete customer retention program.
Service Excellence Group is a customer experience measurement and solutions provider. Through our innovative programs, we can offer intellectual and resourceful answers to give you a competitive edge with a better understanding of your brand image. Find out more about our customer experience management solutions.
December 13, 2011 in Blog, Consulting & Training, Customer Experience Enhancement, Customer Experience Reporting by Marci Bikshorn
In today’s competitive environment, it’s more important than ever to provide consumers with a positive and memorable experience to separate your business from your competitors. Due to advancements in technology and the way consumers are now interacting with brands, it’s becoming inevitable that they will start to form emotional connections and relationships with the brand or business as a whole and further continue to utilize their goods and services. The question then becomes, how can you improve your customers experience and develop these memorable encounters between the consumer and your brand? (more…)
December 06, 2011 in Blog, Brand & Market Research, Customer Experience Reporting, Customer Feedback by Marci Bikshorn
If you haven’t heard, Ford is planning to launch a new MyFord Touch system on 2013 models of the Ford Escape, Flex and Taurus and an update will be available for current owners of the 2011 and 2012 models. Ford recently revamped their system and came up with a solution that is faster and easier to use than the prior technology. New features include maps, voice recognition, compatibility with other devices and ebook support. This new system is much cleaner and simpler than competitive solutions – all thanks to Ford’s emphasis on the consumer.
Ford is a great example of a company listening to the voice of the consumer to create a better product. By implementing customer satisfaction programs, Ford was able to pinpoint the faults of the old technology and foster those specific improvements. In this case, that led to the use of a larger and more readable font size, bigger icons and fewer menus. Much can be gained from listening to your consumers. Here are two great benefits to employing customer feedback systems. (more…)
November 03, 2011 in Blog, Consulting & Training, Measuring Total Customer Experience by Marci Bikshorn
A Performance Management Program ensures an orderly course of action by which companies involve employees in improving their work related tasks in order to meet the organization’s goals.
Companies that value and follow a pre-determined course of action reap the benefits. We encourage a 5 step process:
Step I: Prepare your team by setting expectations
Step II: Continuously observe performance
Step III: Cultivate your team’s ability to perform to the set standards
Step IV: Assess each team member’s performance with frequency
Step V: Reward for exceeding best practices (more…)
October 26, 2011 in Blog, Consulting & Training, Measuring Total Customer Experience by Marci Bikshorn
If you are looking for your next big strategic move the answer just might be to tighten the rope between tactical business objectives and day-to-day actions. Effective customer experience training and mentoring combined with a method to observe, measure and track progress against best practices and pre-determined core company objectives will contribute to your accomplishments. In addition, as your organization views the results of these observations, it provides an occasion to recognize each employee for their successes. Obviously your employees want to be praised and recognized for outstanding performance. (more…)
September 21, 2011 in Blog, Mystery Shopping by Marci Bikshorn
Service Excellence Group, Inc. has become the victim of a new mystery shopping scam. This scam is targeting unsuspecting consumers for mystery shopping projects. The scam artists have used Service Excellence Group, Inc.’s reputable name in an attempt to trick consumers into disclosing their personal information in exchange for high paying “mystery shops.” This is a scam.
These “scammers” have posted multiple advertisements on an on-line job board affiliated with a reputable news station. They are adept at making these advertisements seem real. They have stolen the identity of Service Excellence Group, Inc.’s company website and are claiming to be employees of the company.
The scammers are currently using the following names:
Tips to Avoid Mystery Shopping Scams
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) provides guidance and tips to help individuals to avoid becoming victims of employment schemes associated with mystery/secret shopping: http://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/e-scams
A few extra precautionary tips for your consideration:
There are reputable mystery shopping companies with legitimate mystery shopping opportunities for interested consumers. For information on how to get started as a mystery shopper or to find legitimate mystery shopping opportunities, visit the Shopper Headquarters page on our web site or The Mystery Shopping Providers Association’s (MSPA) website.
September 07, 2011 in Audits, Blog, Customer Experience Reporting, Customer Feedback by Marci Bikshorn
Controversy abounds in the realities of on-line customer sentiment. Sizeable numbers of customers are looking at online reviews and these evaluations in customer service and product selection have a considerable impact on buying decisions. Is it possible to determine if reviews are authentic or forged? (more…)
July 28, 2011 in Blog, Measuring Total Customer Experience, Mystery Shopping by Guest Author
The government recently came out with a new approach to the Food Guide Pyramid and introduced us to My Plate. How can My Plate be compared to Customer Service Measurement? By conducting customer satisfaction research, we have found a way to relate Customer Service to a well thought out meal. When planning your dinner you think about the foods you want to eat, how they complement each other and if they are well-balanced. Will the steak be better with potatoes or bread? Do you want a Ceaser salad or mixed greens? What kind of fruit will you eat? Will the cheese on your potato be enough dairy?
When it comes to customer service measurement there are four sections of your plate with one side to consider. (more…)
July 21, 2011 in Blog, Brand & Market Research by Marci Bikshorn
Market research consultants can prove to be advantageous to a business seeking ways to stay ahead of their competitors, and when done right, can lead too more successful and forward-thinking endeavors. One solid way to assure that you are getting the most out of your actions is to hire a market research agency that has the tools and expertise necessary to provide you with essential and beneficial information. Here are just a few reasons why you should invest in a market research program. (more…)
July 14, 2011 in Blog, Mystery Shopping by Marci Bikshorn
Every business possesses its own distinctive array of goods and services and has an idea of how to sell those to the consumer. However, there is one truth with which everyone can agree. It’s crucial to keep the customer happy. Here are ten great reasons to invest in a mystery shopping service to improve the unique customer services of your business. (more…)
July 07, 2011 in Blog, Brand & Market Research, Consulting & Training, Measuring Total Customer Experience by Guest Author
A good pair of running shoes is more important than where you run in them. How do they perform on a track, on a treadmill or in your neighborhood? Are they reliable? What about durability? Can you count on them to offer the same performance day in and day out? This comparison is just like customer service being more important than the location it is provided. Customer satisfaction measurement or at least your awareness of your service level is extremely important. You receive customer service every day in all forms. From the mail carrier to the grocery store to calling about your cable bill, they all provide various forms of customer service. (more…)
June 02, 2011 in Customer Experience Reporting, Customer Feedback by Marci Bikshorn
Are you delighting your customers? In today’s economy, your consumers are watching their every dollar and their decision on where to spend that dollar is looming. This means your customer retention strategy should go beyond simply satisfying your customers. – To enhance the brand loyalty factor you , you must ultimately delight them.
Think about some of the most popular brands in the world: Apple, Starbucks, Ritz-Carlton, Coca-Cola, Nike, Disney. What to do all of these brands have in common? They know what pleases their customers and they consistently seek to not only provide what their customers want, but to give their customers goods and services that they can get excited about. And, the delivery of these goods and services is with the focus on the client, not the company. (more…)
May 19, 2011 in Blog, Brand & Market Research, Customer Experience Reporting, Mystery Shopping by Marci Bikshorn
If there is a common denominator shared by all organizations –financial, retail, service, healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality – it is the monumental need for extraordinary customer service.
It is tough to think of a business type that doesn’t exist by its attention to customer service.
Offering extraordinary customer service requires modifying behaviors. Modifying behaviors requires coaching, persistence, accountability, feedback and practice.
The findings of The American Express® Global Customer Service Barometer presents evidence, benefits and the reasons why your company should implement a mystery shopping program. (more…)
May 05, 2011 in Blog, Consulting & Training, Mystery Shopping by Marci Bikshorn
When it comes to choosing a Mystery Shopping Company, look beyond the promises and find out the value the organization and their services can offer your team.
Seek a provider that has experience and relationships with multiple organization types. Service Excellence Group has almost 18 years of experience working within a variety of industries which allows us to learn and share business acumen. Stifling our partnerships by limiting our reach to only one industry would prohibit our internal growth and our knowledge of cutting edge practices.
April 28, 2011 in Blog, Brand & Market Research, Customer Feedback by Marci Bikshorn
It’s no secret that effective communication is the key to great business. We’ve heard it a thousand times, but it’s true. Good communication, in its many forms, does wonders for productivity, morale, and efficiency within any company.
But are you being as effective of a communicator with your customers as you should be?
When it comes to first-class communication with customers, listening is perhaps the best thing you can do. And the best listeners are the ones who give their customers room to talk. That’s why targeted customer satisfaction programs, backed by solid customer satisfaction market research, are one of the best ways to increase communication with your customers.
When it comes to customer satisfaction programs, it’s best to think of them as conversations. Here are the top 5 items to think about when giving your customers room to use their voice. (more…)
April 21, 2011 in Brand & Market Research, Consulting & Training by Marci Bikshorn
Of all the qualities and best practices that help turn good businesses into great ones, market research analysis is perhaps the trickiest. It’s also the most frequently overlooked. We’ve already seen how important an effective market research consultant is, but how do you go about finding one?
In a lot of ways, finding a good market research consultant can be like shopping for a good pair of jeans—on the surface they may all look very similar, but finding the perfect fit takes a little scrutiny, a little familiarity with yourself, and sometimes a little magic. (more…)
March 31, 2011 in Blog, Mystery Shopping by Marci Bikshorn
It’s funny how some things only occur to you after 20 years of day-to-day meditation on a specific industry or topic., but that’s what keeps things interesting for me after all of this time.
The other day I was trying to pinpoint the reason why secret shopper companies have developed so much throughout the years. And it’s true: if there’s one thing we know in this industry it’s that so many things about our process works. Is it the sudden attention to detail we see from companies we work with? Is it our own methods? Our responsiveness to an ever-changing market landscape? Is it that customers can really tell a difference between their shopping experience before and after we’ve put all of our programs in place?
In fact, people ask me this quite often: Why does it work? What’s the real benefit? (more…)
March 24, 2011 in Blog, Consulting & Training, Customer Experience Reporting, Customer Feedback by Marci Bikshorn
In our business, our customers judge the service they receive by every person and program component in which they come in contact and that we offer to them. Many years ago we entertained multiple customer retention ideas, one of which was having a Customer Relations Department – after all we evaluate the customer experience for our clients inside and out. How can we fail to provide them with every avenue when it comes to resolution of any area in which we may fall short of their expectations? After much thought and consideration, we realized that every person representing our company should execute the role of any Customer Relations Department. (more…)
March 17, 2011 in Blog, Consulting & Training, Measuring Total Customer Experience by Marci Bikshorn
The performance of your team is vital to your company’s success. A full-service Customer Experience Measurement Program company should address your team’s needs in an initial consultation session. An initial consultation session with a mystery shopping company should include: (more…)
March 08, 2011 in Blog, Customer Experience Reporting, Measuring Total Customer Experience, Mystery Shopping by Marci Bikshorn
Customer Service. Everyone is familiar with the term. For consumers, it’s that hard to define set of expectations everyone has when interacting with servers, sales professionals, and front line providers.
Customer Service. It’s what puts many people off most about “calling the 800 number,” it’s what puts many people off when they can’t find someone to ring up their purchase, it’s what puts many people off when their product and service questions aren’t answered.
But to every organization, large and small, it’s a way of life. And in a business world where only the fittest survive, customer service has long been an organization’s “bread and butter”.
Today we’ll see why, by itself, customer service is just not good enough anymore. We’ll see why it’s time to focus on customer experience enhancement. (more…)
March 03, 2011 in Blog, Consulting & Training, Customer Experience Reporting by Marci Bikshorn
Evaluation in customer service delivery happens every moment of every day. Thus, customer experience training is like a “lifeline” for any staff – it inspires people, it creates critical building blocks for high performance teamwork, all while reinforcing core values.
Obtaining new customers is a costly process, so retaining current customers is even more important. Customer service is at the heart of keeping customers satisfied. To really position a business or organization for long-term success, monitoring and training your employees to improve a customer’s experience is crucial.
February 25, 2011 in Blog, Customer Experience Reporting, Customer Feedback, Measuring Total Customer Experience by Marci Bikshorn
Hardly a client meeting goes by that someone doesn’t ask:
Easy answer. Have happy employees!
Your company mantra should scream, “We must develop and ensure that we maintain satisfied employees.” (more…)
February 23, 2011 in Blog, Consulting & Training, Customer Feedback, Measuring Total Customer Experience by Marci Bikshorn

I find it to be increasingly frustrating when I contact a company with a service issue and am forced to talk to a machine. Takes me back in time to the world of The Jetsons.
Growing up in an era where “rolling out the red carpet” every time for every customer, keeping client files of names, birthdays, sizes, past purchases, sending written thank you notes and personalized birthday greetings, and hand delivering purchases if a customer just didn’t have time to pick it up…to conducting business in 2011 by talking to a machine. What’s wrong with this picture? Something about the customer experience just doesn’t feel right. (more…)
February 18, 2011 in Mystery Shopping by Marci Bikshorn
There are many great things about living in the 21st Century—cars that park themselves, DVRs, and the
privilege (for most of us) of being able to say you’ve lived in two different millennia. Of course, living on the cusp of thefuture also comes with a few drawbacks, and if you’ve spent any amount of time on the internet, you know that one is finding the real FAQs on a multitude of topics.
So, to that end, here are 5 real mystery shopping FAQ to help you better understand this popular customer experience program: (more…)
February 04, 2011 in Blog, Measuring Total Customer Experience, Mystery Shopping by Marci Bikshorn
If you’ve been looking in the right places, you’ve noticed some encouraging signs from the economy lately. For those of us with a pulse on the retail field, this past holiday season was a good one, perhaps better than we expected. Shoppers were back in stores, product was moving, and dollars were changing hands. And if you’re like many other on-the-ball retailers, you’re thinking that it’s time to invest back into your customer service training and time to ensure that your employees are delivering the best customer experience possible. You want your brand to stand out in the crowd, so you’ve decided to look into customer service consulting.
Good idea.
With the help of technology and innovation, customer service consulting firms have come a long way since their humble beginnings. Here are some things to consider when choosing the firm that’s best for you, and how to go about vetting a consulting firm you may be interested in: (more…)
January 25, 2011 in Consulting & Training, Mystery Shopping by Marci Bikshorn
If we learned anything this past holiday season, it’s that the American consumer—that most tried and true, gifts-seeking stalwart—long thought to be in hiding, has finally resurfaced.
Times have changed, the market has changed, but the American shopper is back. And while they may now be armed with a debit card rather than their American Express, what we do know is that they’re spending—and they’re spending in your stores.
That’s right: the American consumer has not turned its back on old Brick and Mortar. This is fantastic news if you’re a retailer, but what comes next? Are you really prepared to turn this new foot traffic into repeat business? (more…)
January 19, 2011 in Customer Experience Reporting, Customer Feedback by Marci Bikshorn
This is the year to make it your personal mission to go to battle for customer share. The critical nature of winning the customer retention war is higher than ever. When the customer experience is only adequate, customers are sprinting, not walking, to find competitive businesses to fulfill their needs. (more…)
November 29, 2010 in Blog, Measuring Total Customer Experience by Marci Bikshorn
Let’s keep it simple. There is really only one rule. Customers DEFINE your service culture. It really is that straightforward. It makes sense, right? Since it does, why do so many business owners and businesses deliver the experience as “they” believe it should be? Why do they fail to measure the experience from their customers’ perspective? (more…)
November 10, 2010 in Blog, Measuring Total Customer Experience by Marci Bikshorn
Imagine if everyone in your company learned to think and act as an award winning customer service performer. What if they acquired the skills, attitudes, traits and characteristics needed to drive the customer experience over the proverbial “edge,” then used their newfound skills to make your company more profitable? Imagine the transformation that would take place and how it would improve your business. (more…)
October 14, 2010 in Blog, Measuring Total Customer Experience by Marci Bikshorn
Not according to the fifth annual Customer Experience Report, a Harris Interactive study sponsored by RightNow Technologies. The study suggests that over 85% of consumers would pay more if they were guaranteed a better experience and 10% of these consumers are willing to pay up to 25% more.
Exceptional customer service experiences are no less important in today’s marketplace than at any other time. In fact, the need for customer experience enhancement is at an all-time high. Why? Consumers have more choices, lower brand and product loyalty, and less discretionary income. (more…)
October 07, 2010 in Blog, Mystery Shopping by Marci Bikshorn

Look at Your Business through the Eyes of Your Customers – How Clean is Clean Enough?
Do you know what your customers are seeing and thinking? If not, you’re hurting your business and your bottom line.
At a recent stay in a well known hotel brand outside of Cleveland, I was shocked by the overall upkeep and care of the property.
After a much delayed flight, my colleague and I entered the up-to-date looking lobby area and had the “Oh thank goodness feeling this is going to be a pleasant place.” We were greeted by the Front Desk Attendant with a smile and greeting. After mentioning that due to a delayed flight we would welcome a snack and asked if there was anywhere in the hotel we could find one, the response received was that they did have some cookies available….a few hours ago…but could look forward to a full hot breakfast in the morning.
Our arrival was processed in the system and we were given our room keys. I asked for directions to the elevator (rather than being told), left the lobby area and as we headed to the elevator it felt like we had entered a time warp. (more…)
September 29, 2010 in Blog, Brand & Market Research by Marci Bikshorn

So many businesses are focused on Market Research because they are in search of information regarding the demand for their products and/or services or the potential business growth surrounding their sales opportunities.
Companies should also place an emphasis on Brand Research so they are armed with the knowledge to differentiate their brand in the customers’ mind.
September 20, 2010 in Blog, Consulting & Training by Marci Bikshorn
The shelves are stacked with books about customer service. Businesses tout their latest promises. “The customer is always right.” “Just ask me. I can.” “Our customers come first.” We know that exceptional customer service inspires loyalty, generates profits and results in growth. Then why is service so poor? All the promises and all the books present the appropriate point of view, yet the customer sits in waiting for the promises to become realities and for people to take action.
September 13, 2010 in Blog, Measuring Total Customer Experience by Marci Bikshorn
Do you track your Consumers’ perceptions of your teams’ customer service delivery? Do you ask Consumers “How are we doing?” Measuring total customer experience and the service culture of your organization will keep it healthy.
Customers can be divided into 3 categories – “Promoters,” “Fence Riders,” and “Disbelievers.”
The “Promoters” are those customers that are loyal to your brand and spread the gospel to their friends to believe the same about your business. “Promoters” are the customers that preach about the excellence of your team, products, services and more. They are an extension of your advertising and support company growth. These are the customers that place you head and shoulders above the competition. Do you know why they believe in you? When you do…you can then begin to put additional customer retention strategies in place.
August 30, 2010 in Blog, Customer Feedback by Marci Bikshorn
Do you know your customers? Are you listening to all of them? Are you reaching all of them? If so, how?
What survey instruments and program tools are you using? How are your survey instruments designed? Are you gathering feedback from all customers? From all departments? For all products? Across all channels of distribution? From every customer touch point? At every stage of the customer lifecycle?
August 15, 2010 in Blog, Customer Feedback, Measuring Total Customer Experience by Marci Bikshorn

Customers are the lifeblood of any organization. Without them…we have no meaning or purpose. Customers provide reason, vitality and growth. Serving them well requires a customer-focused culture and a steadfast effort toward improvement. The rewards from this unwavering diligence are fruitful: unflinching customer loyalty, sustainable growth and world class performance.