Customer service has always been a "hot button" issue in the restaurant, retail, and hospitality industries. The internet is flooded with blogs, articles, and columnists spouting out new theories and ideas of how to serve clients better and how to give them the best experience. But, what about other industries? Do the principles of great customer service still apply to the manufacturing industry or others? Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board, Inc. discovered the answers to this question and more.

"We all have a different slant on customer service. Customer service for gas stations is going to be different than at a casino," said Ted Schick, from Schick Corporate Learning. "That being said there are still some main tenants that are going to be the same. If you look at how the retail industry values relationships, the manufacturing industry would also value the concepts of relationships and reputation."

Schick Corporate Learning-serving Duluth, Minnesota, Superior, Wisconsin, and surrounding areas-provides a variety of services ranging from leadership development and customer service training for businesses and organizations. Over his career, Ted Schick has had experience in customer service from many viewpoints and has seen the effects different kinds of service can make on businesses.

The impact of good-or bad-customer service can be seen in any industry. As customer demands change, customer service must adapt in order to serve the new needs and requests from customers. This means finding new solutions to new problems. In the manufacturing industry, just like in the retail and restaurant industries, the first step to developing good service is taking the time to evaluate who is delivering the customer service-the workforce.

"In order for you to display all of the attributes of good service you first and foremost have to like, if not love, what you do. Look at your workforce when you look at customer service," said Schick. "Do they enjoy what they do? Do I (the employer) believe in it? Does it provide value? Backing up a little bit and looking at what you are making, and how you are making it, can help you determine what kind of customer service you have."

Developing a loyal client base is a goal every industry strives for. This is why customer service should not be an "after thought" in any industry. It is important to take the time to address issues that employees, or workforce, may have before they influence how customers are treated. Communication is crucial when it comes to dealing with employee concerns and handling customer requests. Maintaining and building new client relationships takes effort; and just like when developing new processes or purchasing new equipment, it takes time.

Please note, Ted Schick will be presenting at the 2012 Northwest Wisconsin Business Development Conference May 9th-10th in Ashland, WI. For more information about the customer service in the manufacturing industry and about the conference, please visit www.nwwib.com for links to informative articles and services provided by NWWIB.