Take Care of Your Customers or Someone Else Will

I had the privilege of traveling with my family last weekend and the first half of this week to Perdido Key, FL. We had a great time at the beach and my kids loved the waves, the sand and the sea shells.

While at the beach I got a close look at what it means to provide great customer service. Prior to my family's arrival on Saturday afternoon the grandparents had already reserved 8 beach/umbrella chairs for the week.

If you have ever been to the beaches in FL you know just how valuable these chairs/umbrellas are, especially to those of us who resemble Casper the Friendly Ghost instead of a Bronze God.

On the afternoon that we arrived, Bryan was the customer service person that was handling all of the chairs for the beach area in front of our condominium. Bryan works for an outfit called Perdido Beach Service and, as I understand it, the company provides beach services to quite a few properties around the Florida region.

When my family hit the beach Bryan quickly greeted us and let us know that he was there to serve our needs. Because I was trying to get the kids situated with all of their beach stuff I must confess that I didn't immediately recognize his attempt at excellent customer service. However, about 15 or 20 minutes later Bryan came back by to check on us and to make sure that we were settled and comfortable in our beach chairs. At this point, I took note.

Over the course of the day I watched as Bryan walked back and forth, providing service to around 60 sets of beach chairs. Along the way he would stop and adjust the umbrellas and provide polite conversation to those who had questions or other needs. Bryan was even able to recommend a good seafood and pizza restaurant. After each trip down and back Bryan would take a quick break in his own beach chair.

The next day Bryan turned over his duties to Reed, an equally competent and friendly individual. I paid attention to see if Reed handled his customers the way that Bryan did. And, to my surprise, the service was right in line with what I had witnessed the day before.

On my final day at the beach Bryan was back on duty. I took a few minutes to catch up with him during a break. I wanted to learn about the beach chair business and see what Perdido Beach Service was doing to make sure that it's employees were always friendly, courteous, and on top of their game. Bryan entertained my conversation and told me a little bit about what his duties and responsibilities were each day. As we spoke, he noticed a lady who was needing an umbrella adjustment, so he politely excused himself and headed out to take care of his client. As he walked off, I noticed his reservation pad sitting on top of his cooler.

I took this picture of the reservation pad because it explained everything. It made me realize that each and every customer is vitally important to my business and ultimately me and my family. I would certainly like to think that all of my clients are loyal and faithful to me but we all know that is not the truth. And when I think about it, I realize that all of my clients used to be clients of someone else!

About the Blogger

Chad Castle

Chad Castle is President and founder of Castle Investor Coaching, a Registered Investment Advisor. He is an Investor and Financial Coach. Chad uses his knowledge of financial planning and investments to help investors realize the power of prudent, free market investing. By providing regularly scheduled investor workshops, Chad accomplishes his primary goals: to teach clients the truth about investing and how to utilize the investing disciplines that allow regular people to harness the power of free markets.

Chad works with and has access to some of the industry’s most well known and respected investment minds. Through this access, Chad provides a unique and fulfilling investment experience that offers his clients the opportunity to achieve lasting peace of mind.

Chad earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Baylor University, Hankamer School of Business, with a double major in Financial Services & Planning and Insurance Studies. He is a devoted husband and father of four children. He is an avid soccer and baseball coach and he uses his coaching techniques to help clients and athletes achieve success through education and discipline.

Beliefs, Decisions, Outcomes.

Beliefs, Decisions, Outcomes.

Why Beliefs drive Decisions.

Why Decisions produce expected Outcomes.

Why Outcomes may or may not be what you wanted.

How is your life impacted.

Adapted from Andy Stanley's "Breakaway" series.

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Beliefs, Decisions, Outcomes was created for the express purpose of providing clients with an opportunity to effectively achieve their financial goals. In assisting clients toward their goals we are committed to the following convictions:

An educated investor is a better investor. Castle Investor Coaching will work diligently to educate investors in the area of free market investing. Castle Investor Coaching will provide regular educational workshops that are designed to increase your knowledge and keep you informed about financial markets.

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