It’s hard to deal and cope with customer criticism when you run a small business. These 12 tips cost $0 plus will help you with aggressive clients and buyers.
The human brain is a wonderful phenomenon… that might turn off when you get a message with criticism towards your beloved small business.
Communication with customers is stressful! They always demand something and want this and that better.
So, how do you cope with those waves of anxiety? And how do you manage positive communication with your clients and customers? No worries. I’m here to help!
As you might already know, I’m a Master Mindset Coach, and a bestselling wellness author with about 2 million books sold globally.
Plus I founded a groundbreaking and therapist recommended video course called The Anxiety Cure.
I love sharing tools to help people to live their calmest, happiest and most successful lives.
With this in mind, here are some techniques to help you to cope and deal with criticism in the small business that you run.
12 Tips to Cope and Deal with Customer Criticism In A Small Business
1. Prepare for Conflicts in Advance
Gather materials that show overall sentiment about your brand. All-covering apps like the Awario brand monitoring tool gather and systematize information that shows what clients say about your business. You may analyze your key weaknesses and points to enhance and prepare a comprehensive answer your dissatisfied clients will appreciate. So, copy and paste one of your prepared messages when another over-criticizing client yells how your project is nothing good.
You can also implement Twitter analysis tools and other apps to get more diversified information and prepare additional messages. You will not get lost in the panic’s tight embrace when a stressful situation occurs. No, you have already addressed the issues mentioned — merely notify your clients about that and promise them a new stellar experience.
2. Imagine Being a Customer and Understand Their Feelings
When a client or customer screams something not so friendly, think about why that occurs. Of course, you know what it feels like when you do not get what you paid for — be empathetic. Show some humanity and admit that something went wrong from your side but quickly assure them that the problem is being solved as we speak.
3. Comprehend Criticism as Guidelines in Your Future Tasks
Constructive criticism reveals your business’ sore spots. Analyze the problem and understand that it is not the end of the world — you will fix it! As a result, you will turn criticism into a chance to enhance your processes, services, or products. Embrace criticism as an opportunity to improve!
4. Disarm with Honesty and Flattery
“We are sorry that you have not received what you wanted. Our primary focus is to make each customer happy; we failed in your case. Please, tell us more about the problem so we can eliminate it in the future.”
Half of the battle is won if a client or customer sees that you want to understand their feelings and solve the problem. They will not be as aggressive, and you will have a chance to enhance the situation by offering some alternatives or explanations.
Moreover, you can use flattery! This technique is often used in face-to-face communication but also works well for written messages. Try to focus on something you genuinely like about the client or their business and use it as a starting point for further conversation.
5. Don’t Take It Personally
Of course, you want your customers to be happy, but if they are not — that is not the end of the world. Try to analyze what went wrong (use those precious tips from point 3) and fix the problem but do not take it too close to your heart.
6. Delegate, Delegate, Delegate!
If you are in two directions simultaneously and manage all processes in your business, you will have a nervous breakdown or make critical errors that will result in dissatisfied clients. Understand your limitations and delegate tasks to others who can do them as well as you.
7. Smile When You Type
It might sound ridiculous, but it works! A study revealed that when we smile, our brain signals to the whole body that everything is alright. As a result, you feel calmer and can focus on the problem. Moreover, a smile is contagious — use this opportunity to turn a frown upside down!
8. Take a Break — Yes, Right Now, Take Those Twenty Minutes
When you feel like the situation is about to get out of control, take a few deep breaths and step away from the keyboard. Take a walk, have some water, or meditate for a couple of minutes. And then return to the problem with a clear head and fresh ideas. Do not write an angry response — you will only regret it later.
9. Comprehend that There Might Be No Rewards for Your Work
Unfortunately, positivism might not save us in all cases. Sometimes you must remember that regardless of your effort, you might encounter a situation where the reward is null. Detach yourself from the problem, analyze it, and try to find a solution but do not spend too much time on it.
10. Ask for Advice
It is OK to be unsure what actions will help you handle a particular situation. Ask for advice from your friends or business partners. Do not be afraid to look like a rookie — we all have been there! Getting some tips is better than making critical mistakes that will cause even more problems.
11. Reward Yourself after Coping with a Challenge
You have undergone and SOLVED a difficult customer service situation — hurray! Make sure to celebrate your victory, even if it is small. Take a break, buy yourself a cupcake, or watch your favorite show. Of course, praise can also be the reward you crave: share your today’s story with a friend or a relative and let yourself describe it in all colors. If you do not have time to get that praise reward, we tell you: You are amazing; well done!
12. Imagine Potential Dialogues where You Answer to Criticism like a Pro
While real-existing people might not listen to you, your imaginary opponent has no choice. Make their words nasty and aggressive, but remain calm, imagining how you mitigate their stress and achieve friendliness. Such meditations will also give you ideas on how to answer if you haven’t prepared a template to write your responses to criticism!
Final Words: Coping and Dealing with Customer Criticism in a Small Business
I hope these tips will help you cope with criticism more efficiently and turn an unhappy customer into a satisfied one. Remember that the goal of any business is to make people happy. So do not let the occasional negative comments ruin your day.
Stay Calm During Stressful Times In Your Business
Explore my neuroscience based relaxation course: The Anxiety Cure.
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