KickStart: Convert an angry residential client into a Cheerleader by 1) saying “Thank you”, 2) apologizing, and 3) reassuring them. It is possible to deal with angry customers successfully!
Outline
Introduction – Appreciate the Potential of Upset Clients
We all know that feeling – the phone rings, and you can just sense the frustration on the other end. Dealing with angry customers can be one of the toughest parts of the job. But what if I told you there’s a simple, almost counter-intuitive way to actually turn those tense situations into opportunities for building even stronger customer relationships? This article dives into a surprisingly effective 3-step approach that can help you not just calm down an upset homeowner, but even convert them into a raving fan. Intrigued? Keep reading!
You’ve started making the Immediate Quality Check Calls we humbly suggest? We’re honored! (And always a bit surprised when clients actually implement what we recommend!) But wait!
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How Do You Handle an Angry Customer?
UH-OH! You’ve dug up an unhappy customer.😲 However, instead of panicking I want you first to say…
“Thank you, Steve, for helping me find this complaining homeowner!” Why? Because now you can ‘flip’ this complainer into a Cheerleader BEFORE they vent their venom on the internet!👍 (And turn off 1,000’s of your potential customers with a nasty 1-star Google review!)😰
CAUTION: Your immediate response to a complaining client is VERY important. Remember that this person has built up a ‘big head of steam’ and they want to first vent! So, do NOT defend or (worse) justify your actions. Instead…
First, De-Escalate the Tension
‘Flip’ a complainer with my ‘Emotional Judo’ technique!
QUESTION: How can a 110 pound girl flip an onrushing attacker twice her size?
SOLUTION: She leverages his momentum against him! And you’ll use this same martial arts principle to ‘win over’ (flip) a complainer into a Cheerleader! Here’s the first three ‘Emotional Judo’ steps in my 9-Step ‘Complaint Conversion’ Phone Script. (This works great face-to-face too!)
RESOURCE: Get my full 9-step ‘Converting a Complainer into a Cheerleader’ script in our 3 hour, online SFS: Winning over your caller! LIVE seminar. Click HERE for 100’s of ‘Lead Conversion’ ideas and systems to easily book prospects who use text, email, Facebook, website chat or even… the phone! HERE are our upcoming class dates…
How to Deal with Angry Customers on the Phone
Immediately Respond Using These 3 Phrases…
1. Thank the customer.
“Mrs. Jones, let me first say thank you for letting me know about your concern and giving us a chance to resolve it.”
Remember, your ticked-off, ‘attacking’ client is expecting resistance. But instead you simply say “Thank you”. WOW! Talk about leveraging their onrushing force against them! Plus, aren’t you grateful your client is talking with (OK, maybe “screaming at”) you instead of posting their complaint online? Of course you are! So why not tell them?
Now that your complaining customer is ‘flipped’ flat on their back and ‘gasping for air’ you simply proceed to next phrase to deal with angry customers…
2. Say you are sorry.
“I do apologize for all the inconvenience of having to call us back.”
Do you feel bad about this whole mess? Of course! So why not admit your ‘compassionate concern’ to your client? By apologizing you are simply recognizing their emotional stress and pain. (And helping ‘flip’ the complainer in the process.)
NOTE: Remember this Step #2 ‘Apology’ does not mean you are accepting the guilt… yet. It just means “I’m sorry for your pain”!
3. Reassure the caller.
“Let me reassure you that I will do everything possible to resolve for you as quickly as possible.”
Will your company do “everything possible to resolve” this issue quickly? Of course you will! So why not tell your customer? NOTE: You’ll notice there is no ‘guarantee’ implied here- just that you’ll do “everything possible”. And you will.
AFTER you have A) thanked, B) apologized and C) reassured them your flabbergasted customer should be flat on their back (with all the venom knocked out of them) and ready to ‘reasonably listen’!
WARNING: Most business owners blow off flipping the complainer with this 3-step Emotional Judo sequence. The result? Their customer doesn’t want to engage in a ‘constructive conversation’. Instead, they just continue to vent and scream!
But you are a smart Home Services business owner! So now you can calmly interview complainers to find out their REAL concern. (Most people dramatically exaggerate their problem fruitlessly hoping to get some action out of a service company!)
Summary – Defuse Venting Customers with Solid Solutions
So, the next time you need to deal with angry customers who are less than thrilled, remember those three simple phrases. Dealing with angry customers doesn’t have to be a dreaded experience. By taking a moment to thank them, apologize (for the inconvenience), and reassure them of your commitment to finding a solution, you’re not just diffusing a potential blow-up – you’re actually showing them that you truly care about their satisfaction. And in our business, that kind of genuine care can turn a negative into a powerful positive, building loyalty and even generating those valuable word-of-mouth referrals. Give it a try – you might be surprised at the results!