A few weeks ago, despite my best efforts to weed and feed and keep it perfectly manicured, my lawn was a bit out of control. I was certain the HOA would send me a letter. So off I go to rectify the situation in the front of my house. After about 45 minutes into my labor, I find a business card tucked away on the side of the house, in the high grass/weeds. I am almost certain that it wasn’t placed there deliberately, but perhaps it was blown by the wind until it could travel no further.
As I read the card, I began to laugh to myself. It listed the following services: Trim Bushes, Mulch
Grass Planting, Yard Fertilization, Hauling & Cleanups, Mowing, Sprinkler Systems, Edging, Tree Trimiming
Flower Bed Maintenance. You might ask why did you laugh? Well you see, of all the services listed I could place a check next to it, to indicate I had it covered. Except for the Weeds, which was ironically what the card got caught in.
So it got me thinking, about customers with nicely manicured lawns vs. my weed infested lawn. This landscape company didn’t list what I needed, so I assumed they would simply cut the weeds along with the grass, and not treat the greater issue. Is that how you treat customers that have a less than favorable attitude, when they come in contact with your company? You know, mow down the issue, and get it taken care of as quickly as possible, and out of your face.
As a business owner with the mindset that you exist to be more than just a company. You may need to shift your thinking about how we relate to difficult customers or clients. Remembering that Jesus’ was the greatest of servants, who died to meet our greatest need. We all have weeds that attempt to overtake our spiritual lawns. Some lawns need more work than others, for various reasons. As a business owner striving to meet peoples spiritual needs as well as the needs that our service provides, we have to be mindful, that we serve a God who chooses to work through human interaction. Wouldn’t it be awesome, if they met Jesus while you were serving them? Decide in your mind today, that you will allow God to use your company, to shape someone’s view of Him.
Here are some tips that may help when dealing with an angry customer.
- Pray! More specifically, pray for an ability to remain calm, under the attack.
- Ask yourself, does God desire to intervene in the middle of this customers bad experience.
- Think to yourself, “Are the weapons of our warfare seen in the natural, or are there spiritual ramifications here”.
- Listen to the complaints with an open mind.
- Don’t take it personal. (As hard as this might be, try to separate yourself from the business. Remembering it’s not who you are, but what you do.)
Let us know some ways that you have dealt with difficult customers or clients. What are some tips you can provide for others who strive to be more than a company?
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