Managing Service Excellence - by C William Crutcher (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

What is the one thing that all businesses depend on? Customers. What could be more important, then, to your organization's enduring success than a solid, well-planned and executed customer service strategy--a philosophy and culture that show customers that they are the reason you are in business in the first place? As this book reveals, we are all in the business of serving customers, whether they be external or internal to your organization. It therefore behooves each of us to understand and practice the principles of service excellence.

Managing Service Excellence is a comprehensive guidebook for creating and maintaining a customer-centric organization. Through chapters focusing on specific skill sets, real-world examples, and review questions, this book details how to create a satisfied customer and keep them for life. In clear, accessible language, Crutcher covers every aspect of service--from effective planning, communication, teaming, and coaching strategies, to managing change, strengthening critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and leveraging customer feedback to drive business improvement and innovation. With extensive experience in C-level and higher education roles, Crutcher helps us understand what customers really want and need, what drives their individual behavior, and how to best customize our service approach accordingly.

In a world where technology is constantly changing the business landscape, this book serves as a timeless resource on the fundamentals of customer service. There will never be a substitute for the competitive advantage that integrity, competence, and relationship-building provide. As Crutcher writes, "If you build it, they will come" may work in the movies, but in real life, success requires a consistent effort in the field of customer service. Managing Service Excellence provides the keys.

Review Quotes

"Rarely do you find a book that has everything, but C. William Crutcher hits on all six cylinders with Managing Service Excellence! Through storytelling, practical examples and end-of-chapter reviews, Crutcher skillfully imparts his extensive knowledge on the important topic of customer service. This is a must read for anyone, regardless of industry, who interfaces directly or indirectly with their organization's customers." --Kellie J. Sigh, Director, Milwaukee Public Schools

"In an era where interpersonal communication and customer care often lag behind technology, Managing Service Excellence is a pragmatic and insightful resource for understanding what constitutes, as well as how to deliver, first-class service. Crutcher breaks the concept into actionable parts and provides a practical approach for building and implementing quality standards and sustainable service models." --Erin Blecha-Ward, Director of Fan Experience, Atlanta Hawks Basketball Club

"This book is the definitive comprehensive and insightful training guide for companies and individuals striving to deliver and sustain outstanding customer service. Crutcher has captured all the complexities involved in the customer service process and presents it in an easy-to-read and instructional format. A must-read resource book! --Reginald J. Baron, Director, Mobile Sales, MTA New York City Transit

"Lots of authors talk about customer service. Bill Crutcher's Managing Service Excellence is the comprehensive customer service primer! This will tremendously impact the customer experience globally!" --Jeff Tobe, Author, Coloring Outside the Lines, and Certified Public Speaker

"Providing excellent service is anticipating the customer's need before they realize it exists. Being able to recognize these needs doesn't come with age; it comes with individuals who are caring and want to deliver an unforgettable experience." --Michael Fletcher, Director of Sales and Marketing, Hilton Atlanta

"The customer service strategies in this book are solid. It takes proven concepts and makes them easy for you to apply and get results." --David Brownlee, CEO, Pure Customer Service and International Author and Speaker