To Solve Problems, Try a Little Over-Communication

People can deal with problems and delays. What they can’t deal with is uncertainty.

When problems arise with a repair or service, keep customers fully informed. In fact, your goal should be to keep them over-informed.

If a customer is waiting for a repair, for instance, don’t make them wait to learn about the repair’s status.

Send them regular updates (daily) by email or phone message, and if the status of the repair changes in any way, call the customer immediately to let them know.

The key to overcoming problems is sincere effort and constant communication. As Tom Peters puts it, “Don’t just communicate. Over-communicate!”

This story was originally published in July 2013.