The Final Episode
Come Rain or Shine
"When you're appealing to everybody, you're appealing to nobody. You really have to know who you are and differentiate yourself. Home in on that thing that people are going to remember." Episode Highlights 00:00 Returned to business world after offering advice. 05:06 Importance of mentoring and paying it forward. 09:57 Focus on client needs, not credentials. 10:32 Enthusiasm attracts people. Focus on them and provide value. 15:46 Value in encouragement and diverse experiences. 17:44 Grateful for learning to ask questions, listen, and engage with others. 23:33 Appreciation for sponsorship and...
info_outline![Give 'Em the Pickle [Rebroadcast] show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/item/29174768?height=50&width=50)
Give 'Em the Pickle [Rebroadcast]
Come Rain or Shine
One of my favorite customer service books is from legendary author and speaker Bob Farrell. In his book, ‘Give ‘Em the Pickle’, he discusses how to improve client satisfaction and retention through three words, “I’ll be back.” However, as Jody and I explain in this episode, to earn this phrase, one should not rely on the protocol alone. Contrarily, if you want to go above and beyond in our affairs, dare to fuse selfless service with common sense. But Dan? How do we equip our employees to do this? The answer is simple: Have a framework to empower from. Give your team the confidence...
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A Trip Down Elm Street
Come Rain or Shine
[Rebroadcast of one of Dan's favorite episodes.] “No matter what you’ve done in your life, career and what you’ve been involved with, you’re going to have hard times. And moving on is really the only option you have. You get up and keep moving forward.” In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, special guests, Clint Hill, and Lisa McCubbin join the show to discuss the history of President John F. Kennedy and Former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy from their perspective. A former U.S. Secret Service agent who served under five presidents from Dwight D. Eisenhower to Gerald Ford, Clint...
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Developing a New Point of View
Come Rain or Shine
“Just because the information is at our fingertips doesn't mean we're always leveraging it to actually get stuff done and do things." In today's fast-paced world, information is readily accessible, yet many of us struggle to leverage it effectively. We often find ourselves consuming content for entertainment purposes rather than using it to fuel personal growth and development. It’s easy to forget the power of new perspectives and information. Developing a new point of view could transform the way we approach new ideas and expand our knowledge. You just need to know what to do once you...
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What Is Holding You Back
Come Rain or Shine
"You can't always control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond to it and how you kind of take it in, and that's all on you." Episode Highlights 02:26 Courage and discipline are key to growth. 04:51 Change mindset, find motivation, or make change. 07:43 Attitude and choices determine control and confidence. 12:52 Start doing, make it real, change. 13:24 Transition from sedentary to active lifestyle. Connect with Dan: About Dan - Instagram - LinkedIn - Facebook - What is Holding You Back? Any time someone tells me they wish something was different in their...
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Pay Attention to the Person In Front of You
Come Rain or Shine
“You create your own luck.' When you engage in conversations with strangers, you never know what it may turn into - a pleasant conversation, a business opportunity, or even a friendship." Episode Highlights 01:27 Pay attention to people for effective leadership, communication, and relationship building. 04:43 Nonverbals are a powerful way to communicate, including in unintended ways 06:48 Interactions can lead to unexpected opportunities and relationship 11:29 Listening with intent helps uncover new connections and opportunities. 12:40 Being present earns respect. 17:43 Eliminating...
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Take Responsibility
Come Rain or Shine
“Sometimes I look around and say, why am I in this situation? It makes me take a step back to say, “ What did you do to get yourself in this situation? What could you have done to not be in this situation?” Episode Highlights [00:03:58] Take responsibility for hiring, then address issues or remove employees.. [00:10:54] Ownership mindset leads to remarkable acts of responsibility and...
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Change Your Environment to Change Your Mindset
Come Rain or Shine
“We’re just so busy and distracted, things come in and out. We just don't take time to say, wow, that's a nice thing. I'm creating a little memory for myself right now." – Dan Cockerell Episode Highlights [00:02:19] Saying yes to opportunities and changing environments can be refreshing and inspiring. [00:05:07] Meditation is challenging but worthwhile. Be present and appreciate the little things. [00:09:15] Outdoor trip to Bryce Canyon. Refreshing and inspiring. [00:11:14] Effective meetings occur when they are held while doing related tasks. Connect with Dan: About Dan - ...
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The Four Elements of Team Productivity
Come Rain or Shine
"Talent times Relationships plus expectations plus reward and recognition equals the productivity of a team." Episode Highlights [00:03:02] Gallup's 4 measurements of team productivity. [00:06:22] Giving gratitude and recognition reinforces positive behavior and improves productivity. [00:08:42] Clarify expectations and communicate with your team for improved productivity. [00:12:45] Assess team morale, identify need for friendship [00:15:39] Discuss expectations, recognize team, gather feedback, clarify actions, follow-up. [00:16:40] Use feedback to improve leadership for better results...
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Connecting with Customers through Storytelling
Come Rain or Shine
“If you don't keep their interest, they walk away. So I really learned really quickly how to keep that interest. And that was through storytelling.” Episode Highlights [00:01:22] Passion for storytelling through moving around. [00:04:30] Transitioned from working for Disney to writing for nonprofits and training small business leaders [00:10:14] Inspiration from Disney's use of stories, failures, and four key challenges (safety, courtesy, show efficiency). [00:14:42] Storytelling creates respect and enhances effectiveness. [00:16:30] Own your story; be universal and specific. [00:22:10]...
info_outline“It's not just about the people, but also the systems and processes in place. When art and science come together, magic happens.” -Dan Cockerell
Leadership and culture are the driving forces when it comes to creating exceptional customer experiences. Smart organizations know the value of a well-designed plan for their business. They can't just open shop without a clear vision. It requires a savvy combination of the art and science of customer service.
Two great examples of well-designed customer service experiences are Athleta and Banana Republic. They've trained their employees to go the extra mile, offering options like checking other stores' inventory for your desired size. It's all part of a well thought out process in their customer experience plan.
No matter how great of a plan you come up with, consistency is key. It's not just about hiring good people, but about creating a culture where everyone delivers exceptional customer service. For example, when you walk into Athleta or Banana Republic, you know you'll receive top-notch service, no matter who's working. Everyone is trained so that customers get a predictable experience.
Culture plays a vital role in customer service. It's about how things are done around here. As a leader, you set the tone for your organization. Define the experience you want to create, plan it out, and make sure it's consistently delivered. Ask yourself:
- What is the service experience that you want to create?
- How are you going to communicate it to your employees?
- How are you going to create checklists and processes to make sure It is done over and over and over again?
Whether you're a business owner, a department manager, or even an HR representative, think about the service experience you want to offer. Remember, customer service is both an art and a science. Plan it, communicate it, and create processes to ensure it's executed flawlessly. Your customers will thank you through their loyalty.
Connect with Dan:
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Episode Highlights
[00:02:11] Reflecting on leadership tactics for businesses.
[00:04:40] Brands with exceptional service.
[00:07:25] Find your culture, create great service, learn from experiences.
[00:10:42] Employee training for better customer interactions.
[00:15:25] Pay attention to the customer journey and touchpoint map.