Podcast appearances and mentions of shep hyken

In Part 2 of our conversation with customer service legend Shep Hyken, we dive deeper into what it takes to stay relevant, resilient, and remarkable in a rapidly changing world. From surviving business shakeups like 9/11 and COVID to reinventing his entire speaking career, Shep opens up about how great leaders adapt—not by pivoting away, but by adjusting with purpose. We talk jazz, blues, and business—with riffs on improvisation, empowering frontline employees, and why amazing service is all about consistency. Shep also shares how he launched his own research to stay ahead of customer expectations and built credibility with brands like Disney, Anheuser-Busch, and IBM. Subscribe, leave a review, and join the VIP Community for exclusive content—plus instant access to behind-the-scenes insights from Shep Hyken and other industry legends. Cheers!

Meeting Customers Where They Want  Shep interviews Dave Baxter, CEO of Solutions by Text. He discusses how text messaging has evolved into an essential tool for customer communication that improves the customer experience.   This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How has text messaging evolved as a preferred channel for customer communication for customers?  Why do customers prefer receiving communications from businesses via mobile devices?  What role does trust play when a customer provides their mobile number to a business?  How can businesses avoid abusing the privilege of texting their customers?  What impact does timely and relevant text communication have on customer loyalty?  Top Takeaways:    Texting is fast and direct, and people are already glued to their phones for hours each day. 95% of texts are opened and read within five minutes of being received, making it one of the most preferred method of communication for customers.   Customers now have more choices than ever, from the products they want to buy to the brands they want to do business with. If a company doesn't meet them on their terms, they are likely to simply take their business elsewhere. Giving customers what they want, the way they want it, is the best way to earn their loyalty.  When a customer gives you their phone number,  it is a sign of trust. For some people, a phone number is almost as personal as their home address or, in some cases, even their social security number. When that trust is abused by spamming irrelevant messages, customers can easily block a business… forever!     Texting has evolved over the years. It's no longer just plain words in a message. Rich Communication Services (RCS) now allows images, video, branded messages, and even interactive options.   Text messaging can help answer questions and solve problems more quickly than making a call or sending an email. Texting provides speed and accuracy. Depending on the interaction, it can also provide a level of anonymity and comfort to customers who may not feel comfortable talking on the phone.  Building communication around customers' preferences helps businesses get their message across effectively and quickly. But remember, the customer will always win. With so many choices and tools, customers have the final say in how they do business. Be mindful of what you text, how often, etc. Don't abuse the customer's trust in you.    Plus, Shep and Dave discuss why Millennials and Gen Z are willing to leave brands that don't offer text communication. Tune in!  Quote:   "Businesses are met with the challenge to send messages to their customers where they want to be met. 95% of text messages are open and read in under 5 minutes while only 22% of emails are actually ever read."    About:    Dave Baxter is the CEO of Solutions by Text, a company that helps businesses from the payment and financial space communicate with customers in a reliable, effective, and compliant way.   Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Whiskey, Jazz and Leadership, Galen sits down with Hall of Fame keynote speaker, bestselling author, and customer experience legend Shep Hyken. From performing magic shows at age 12 to becoming one of the most sought-after voices in customer service, Shep shares how empowerment, storytelling, and leadership intersect to create unforgettable brand experiences. If you're in leadership—or just love great service—this is one episode you don't want to miss. Subscribe, leave a review, and join the VIP Community for exclusive content—plus instant access to Part 2! Cheers!

Handling Mistakes and Exceeding Customer Expectations  Shep interviews Jamey Lutz, founder and principal of Jamey Lutz Consulting and the author of Pathway to Purpose. He talks about how organizations can go beyond customer satisfaction to create exceptional customer experiences by building a strong service culture and learning from both inside and outside their industry.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How can businesses convert mediocre customer experiences into exceptional ones?   How can businesses turn unhappy customers into loyal fans?  Why is mere customer satisfaction not enough to ensure long-term loyalty?  How can businesses benchmark their customer experience performance?  How can businesses use customer feedback to prioritize improvements that actually matter?  Top Takeaways:    Having a customer-focused experience starts with the organization's culture. When everyone in the company, from leadership to frontline teams, cares about service, the customer feels it.  Satisfied customers are not necessarily loyal. Satisfaction means their expectations were met but not exceeded. They don't complain because there isn't enough for them to complain about, but that doesn't mean they are happy. So, when another option with a better offering from a competitor, such as a smaller price tag, a more convenient location, or shorter wait times, comes along, they are still likely to leave.  Companies need to learn from good and bad customer feedback, but they should not neglect the customers in the middle. Customers who aren't upset but aren't delighted either are the most likely to leave without saying a word. These customers are dangerous because there is no obvious warning sign before they simply fail to return. Businesses should focus on transforming mediocre experiences into better ones by understanding what is missing and implementing improvements.  When a mistake happens, how it is handled matters even more than the mistake itself. When a business makes mistakes but shows empathy and resolves the issue promptly, customers feel valued and may become more loyal than they were before.  While learning what your competitors are doing right, remember that your customers don't just compare you to companies within your industry. Customers compare you to the best experience that they have had in any industry. Study world-class organizations and what they are doing to stand out. Then consider what you might be able to apply to your brand.   What you think is important may not always align with what the customer thinks is important. To make impactful changes, ask for customer feedback and listen to what matters most to them. Focus your energy and resources on improvements that truly matter to your audience.   Additionally, Jamey shares lessons on providing an exceptional customer experience from his time as Director of Quality for The Ritz-Carlton. Tune in!  Quote:   "If you only focus on fixing really bad experiences and celebrating great ones, you miss the danger in the middle. Customers who say, "It was okay," will likely leave you the moment something better comes along."   About:    Jamey Lutz, founder and principal of Jamey Lutz Consulting and the author of Pathway to Purpose: Big Ideas for Fueling Irresistible Corporate Cultures. He served as the Director of Quality for The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach, and later as the Performance Improvement Leader of the Americas, where he led high-impact guest experience projects across 26 hotel properties.  Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Reimagining the Contact Center, Marc Bernstein sits down with customer experience legend Shep Hyken to unpack the evolving relationship between AI and human empathy in customer service.Together, they dive into: the rise of self-service everything, the danger of “artificial incompetence," why empathy still matters—even in a world ruled by bots, the tension between customer convenience and human connection, what a no-human future might mean for loyalty, trust, and brand memory.Whether you're building an AI roadmap or just trying to keep your CX human, this episode will challenge your assumptions and sharpen your strategy.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:33 AI for Consumers15:25 Human Empathy17:35 Artificial Incompetence22:40 A Future With No Humans33:04 What Companies Will Still Hire People?40:15 AI in 3 Years

Customer Experience as the Ultimate Global Differentiator  Shep interviews Katherine Melchior Ray, a professor at UC Berkeley, brand expert, and author. She talks about her book Brand Global, Adapt Local, and how brands can build value by understanding and personalizing experiences across different cultures and regions.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How can cultural differences impact customer service interactions?  What role does personalization play in enhancing the customer experience across different cultures?  Why is it essential to understand local cultural perceptions when building brand value?  How can businesses strike a balance between global brand consistency and local cultural adaptation?  What impact does the country of origin have on storytelling for brands?  Top Takeaways:    Understanding cultural diversity builds brand value. Different countries and cities may host a variety of cultures and nationalities where diverse preferences and customer expectations coexist. By embracing these differences, businesses can tailor customer experiences to fit cultural nuances and serve diverse markets better.   Customer experience is a global differentiator. Brands can no longer rely solely on product quality or price alone. The way brands engage with and serve their customers has a significant impact on their success.   Personalization isn't just for luxury brands. Even small daily purchases, such as a cup of coffee, can be personalized to enhance customer satisfaction. Understanding customer preferences helps brands build confidence and provide a greater value than just the product itself.   Storytelling is an essential part of creating brand value because it shapes how customers perceive a brand's origins, identity, and purpose.   Understanding cultural context is important because what resonates in one region may not be as meaningful or attractive elsewhere. Brands need to strike a balance between having a consistent global message and being flexible in the experience they create to adapt to different markets' perceptions.  Trust and brand loyalty are strengthened when businesses prioritize understanding their customers' cultural backgrounds and nuances. This communicates to the customer that they are valued as individuals, not just as transactions.   Cultural dynamics evolve, so it is essential for brands to continually learn from diverse international markets and keep up with customer preferences.   Plus, Katherine shares some interesting nuances in customer interactions from countries such as Japan, Singapore, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, and more. Tune in!  Quote:   "The skills we learn to work across explicitly different cultures are the skills that we can use to embrace diversity in our own country."  About:    Katherine Melchior Ray, an educator at UC Berkeley Haas School of Business, brand expert, and co-author of Brand Global, Adapt Local: How to Build Brand Value Across Cultures. She has worked with some of the world's biggest brands, including Nike, Nordstrom, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Hyatt, Shiseido, and Babbel.    Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How Samsung Turns Customer Service Calls into Opportunities for Customer Delight  Shep interviews Mark Williams, Head of Customer Care at Samsung Electronics America. He discusses enhancing customer service through smart technology, providing fast and simple support, and utilizing AI tools to create loyal customers and continually improve their experience.   This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How can a brand turn customer service interactions into opportunities for brand loyalty?  What are the benefits of proactive customer service?  How does smart technology enhance the overall customer experience?  What role does customer feedback play in improving the overall service experience?  How can artificial intelligence enhance the role of customer service agents?  Top Takeaways:    Every customer interaction is an opportunity to turn someone into a loyal fan, even a promoter of your brand.  Customer service shouldn't just be about fixing problems. It should also be about preventing them. Customer care doesn't always have to be reactive. By using technology to anticipate problems, brands can identify and resolve issues even before customers becomes aware of them. For example, Samsung's smart appliances can alert you to issues like a fridge getting too warm and even schedule a repair before your food goes bad.  Loyalty can be built through customer service, even when it comes after a problem or a negative experience. When customers have a great experience getting help, and their problems are solved quickly, they are more likely to buy again and recommend the brand to friends and family.   Mark also shares his three core principles: Speed, Simplicity, and Service.  Speed: Reduce the time it takes to fix a customer's issue. The sooner you solve the problem, the happier and more loyal your customers become. (In the U.S. Samsung's repair network now covers 99% of the U.S. for consumer electronics, and 81% of Americans are within just a 30-minute drive of same-day mobile service.)  Simplicity: Remove confusing policies, eliminate unnecessary steps, and actively listen to employees and customers for ideas on how to simplify processes.   Service: When you design experiences that put customers first, understand their needs, and effectively solve their issues, you will attract lifelong customers who will continue to buy from you because they know they can trust you, even when something goes wrong.  Create easy ways for employees to share their thoughts and observations on what could be done better. Frontline workers know firsthand which policies and processes work and which ones frustrate customers.   AI works best as a tool that helps people, not as a replacement for them. It empowers staff to focus on understanding customers and resolving their issues, while AI provides instant and relevant information that accelerates the process and enhances accuracy.  Customer service is an income-generating department. Reliable products are important, but it's the extra mile in service that makes people choose to do business with a brand again and again.   Plus, Mark shares why more than half of Samsung's customer care team in the U.S. has been with the company for over 10 years. Tune in!  Quote:   "Get to customers quicker and solve their problems before they even know they have a problem."    About:    Mark Williams is the Head of Customer Care at Samsung Electronics America. His work centers on proactive solutions that help customer service teams address issues quickly and efficiently.    Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Navigating Multiple Customer Segments, Needs, and Expectations  Shep interviews Ryan Hamilton, associate professor of marketing at Emory University's Goizueta Business School and co-host of The Intuitive Customer. He talks about his new book, The Growth Dilemma, and the challenges brands face in serving multiple customer segments with differing needs and expectations.   This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How does customer segmentation impact how customer experiences are designed?  How can businesses navigate conflicts between different customer groups seeking unique experiences?  In what ways do ideological differences between customers influence brand experience?  Why is it important for companies to continually adapt their customer experience as their customer base grows?  How do influencers impact customer behavior?  Top Takeaways:    Some companies believe that they are only serving one type of customer. In reality, there are often several segments with different needs and expectations. Take Disney, for example. They serve both families with kids and “Disney adults”—grown-ups who love the Disney experience just as much. Each group may be looking for something different, but both are important to the overall customer experience.  Companies need to recognize how different customer groups impact the business and how they interact with one another. When companies do not understand the different customer segments that they serve, they risk accidentally leaving one group out (and losing their business) or even creating conflict between groups.  One way to keep different customer groups happy is to design experiences just for them, even if they are sharing the same space. Depending on your type of business, this could mean creating special areas, offering different products, or even building new locations with certain features in mind.   As a business grows, so will its customer base. This means adjusting and innovating to meet the diverse needs and expectations of their customers. Successful brands continually evolve to attract and serve new customers without compromising the identity that initially drew their original customers.  Innovation is a double-edged sword. It can bring about changes that improve or disrupt the customer experience. Brands need to be willing to listen to customer feedback and adapt accordingly. Good communication and flexibility show customers that their opinions matter.  Customer segments and expectations evolve. What works for a brand today might not work tomorrow. Brands need to continually monitor how their different customer segments change and interact with each other, and be ready to adjust products, services, and experiences to keep everyone happy.  Plus, Shep and Ryan discuss how influencer and follower relationships drive trends and customer behavior. Tune in!  Quote:    "Serving one customer segment is challenging enough, but when you have multiple groups wanting different things, you're managing a whole ecosystem where you need to keep each customer happy."  About:    Ryan Hamilton is a keynote speaker and an associate professor of marketing at Emory University's Goizueta Business School. He is the co-author of The Intuitive Customer and the co-host of a podcast with the same name. His new book, co-authored with Annie Wilson, The Growth Dilemma: Managing Your Brand When Different Customers Want Different Things, is now available on Amazon.    Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How Positive Leadership Transforms Workplace Culture and Elevates Customer Experience  Shep interviews Ryan Minton, Best-Selling Author and Keynote Speaker. He talks about his new book, Uplifted and shares insights from his experience in hospitality, including the impact of employee engagement, appreciation, and empowerment in creating uplifting work environments and better customer experiences.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    What practical benefits come from creating an uplifting workplace culture?  How does a hospitality mindset improve customer service across different industries?  What impact does leadership have on employee morale and customer experience?  How does positive leadership help reduce staff turnover in customer-facing roles?  In what ways does an employee's mood affect customer interactions?  Top Takeaways:    The hospitality mentality is not just for hotels and restaurants. It is valuable in every industry because it sets the bar for the customer experience standard. It teaches every employee to always show care, gratitude, and kindness no matter what industry they work in.  A heartfelt "thanks for coming in today" can make a real difference in someone's mood and attitude. It is a simple yet powerful statement that leaders can say to make their employees know that they matter. When employees feel appreciated, they're more likely to enjoy coming to work and give their best. It creates a workplace where people want to come, stay, and grow.  Every employee becomes the face of your brand the moment they interact with your customers. When they are not happy at their jobs, customers feel it. High turnover and unhappiness can hurt customer satisfaction, so making sure that employees are engaged, equipped, and fulfilled helps create positive customer experiences.   Strict policies can sometimes get in the way of the human aspect of customer service. When employees are trusted to handle situations as they see fit, they feel empowered to do their jobs. Employees need to grow through training and be equipped with the right tools so that they can use policies as guidelines while exercising common sense to meet each customer's unique needs.   Happy employees lead to happy customers, and happy customers come back. Invest in people through appreciation, empowerment, and uplifting leadership.  Loyalty programs and perks can encourage repeat business, but truly memorable companies don't rely on them alone. Being helpful, friendly, and uplifting is the best loyalty program you can offer. When people feel good about you, they'll keep coming back, with or without loyalty programs.  Plus, Ryan shares the "balloon effect" and how it can elevate customer and employee experiences. Tune in!  Quote:   "Good old-fashioned customer service is just good old-fashioned hospitality. So many brands look to the hotel industry because it has become the standard for customer service."     About:    Ryan Minton is a Best-Selling Author and Keynote Speaker with over 20 years of experience leading world-class hospitality brands. He is the author of Thanks for Coming in Today: Creating a Culture Where Employees Thrive & Customer Service is Alive. His upcoming book Uplifted! The Remarkable Power of Positive Leadership on Frontline Teams launches June 10th.    Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this must-listen episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, host Sean V. Bradley, CSP, and co-host LA Williams sit down with Shep Hyken, the internationally renowned customer service and customer experience expert, best-selling author, and keynote speaker, to explore the critical role exceptional customer experience plays in today's automotive industry. "They're not just comparing you to another dealer. They're going to compare you to the best experience they ever had." — Shep Hyken As the market navigates post-pandemic shifts and economic challenges like high interest rates and limited inventory, Shep shares actionable strategies that dealerships can implement right now to stand out. From customer engagement to loyalty-building techniques, Shep dives deep into what it takes to create an unforgettable experience at every customer touchpoint. "You must model the behavior you want others to do toward others." — Shep Hyken Listen in to hear why focusing on existing customers, embracing innovative tools like Podium, and modernizing your approach to customer service can lead to massive revenue growth. Are you prepared to elevate your dealership's customer experience and boost retention in today's competitive market? Tune in to find out how to turn service into a powerful driver of long-term success.   Key Takeaways: ✅ Enhancing customer retention is often more beneficial and cost-effective than solely focusing on acquiring new business. ✅ Leveraging technology and AI, such as Podium, can significantly improve customer interactions and streamline dealership operations. ✅ Maintaining a positive work culture among employees directly influences the quality of customer service delivered. ✅ Leading dealerships prioritize creating a seamless and consistent experience across all customer touchpoints, setting them apart in service delivery. About Shep Hyken ​Shep Hyken is a globally recognized customer service and experience expert, acclaimed keynote speaker, and New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. As the Chief Amazement Officer of Shepard Presentations, he has dedicated his career to helping organizations build loyal relationships with their customers and employees.​ Since founding Shepard Presentations in 1983, Shep has worked with over 1,200 clients, ranging from Fortune 100 companies to small businesses, across various industries including retail, healthcare, technology, and financial services. His client list includes notable organizations such as American Airlines, AAA, Anheuser-Busch, AT&T, Aetna, Abbott Laboratories, and American Express.​  Shep's dynamic presentations are known for their high energy, humor, and practical insights, often incorporating magic to engage audiences. He has been inducted into the National Speakers Association Hall of Fame for lifetime achievement in the speaking profession and holds the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation.​ An accomplished author, Shep has written several bestselling books on customer service and experience, including "Moments of Magic," "The Loyal Customer," "The Cult of the Customer," "The Amazement Revolution," "Amaze Every Customer Every Time," "Be Amazing or Go Home," "The Convenience Revolution," and "I'll Be Back." His articles have been featured in hundreds of publications, and he is a regular contributor to Forbes.​ Shep is also the creator of The Customer Focus™ program, designed to help organizations develop a customer service culture and loyalty mindset. Through his work, he emphasizes that customer service is not just a department but a philosophy that should permeate every aspect of an organization.​   Navigating the Automotive Customer Experience: Embracing AI and Building Loyalty Key Takeaways Customer Satisfaction and Experience are Distinct: Understanding the difference and focusing on both can elevate a dealership from best in class to world class. Leveraging Existing Customer Relationships: Prioritizing current customer engagement and retention is more cost-effective and profitable than focusing solely on new lead acquisition. Artificial Intelligence as a Game-Changer: AI innovations are transforming the dealership landscape by enhancing customer interactions and streamlining operations. Enhancing the Customer Experience in Automotive Retail In the rapidly evolving automotive industry, dealerships must adapt their strategies to exceed customer expectations. Sean V. Bradley and Shep Hyken dive into the intricacies of customer satisfaction and experience, two interrelated yet distinct components that every dealership should master. According to Hyken, "The way that whole thing is handled, is it easy? Is it hassle-free?" Such questions underscore the need for seamless web interfaces and responsive sales teams to create an unparalleled service atmosphere. Customer experience encompasses every interaction a consumer has with a dealership, from visiting the website to consulting with a salesperson. For car dealerships aiming for world-class status, it's crucial to transcend industry standards and look outside the industry for inspiration. As Hyken wisely notes, "They're going to compare you to the best experience they ever had." This calls for analyzing experiences provided by leaders like Amazon and Walmart to ensure dealerships offer frictionless, memorable interactions that build long-term loyalty. Retention vs. Acquisition: The Loyalty Revenue Stream Prioritizing existing customers over acquiring new ones can seem counterintuitive, yet it's a strategic pivot that aligns with both customer retention and profitability. As discussed by Sean V. Bradley, focusing on your current customer base can lead to higher conversion rates and increased revenue. "NADA says that a prior customer is a 65% closing ratio and a much higher gross profit," he remarks, emphasizing a shift towards maintaining strong relationships with your existing clientele. Moreover, service departments play a pivotal role. With a "service customer to your point is seven times as likely to purchase a vehicle if they service a car," embracing service excellence not only ensures immediate customer satisfaction but also strengthens their connection to the brand, making them more likely to return for future purchases. The foundational principle is clear: solidify customer loyalty through consistent, exceptional service, thereby reducing churn and boosting long-term profitability. The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Transforming Dealerships Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to reshape traditional dealership models by optimizing customer interactions and operational efficiencies. Shep Hyken highlights AI's potential in generating personalized and high-quality customer interactions. "AI needs to be smart enough to not give the wrong answer," Hyken advocates, outlining the balance between maintaining human oversight and deploying AI for scalable customer service solutions. Podium's AI-powered platforms offer tools that handle after-hours inquiries, schedule test drives, and maintain conversational consistency across multiple platforms, ensuring a seamless transition between digital and in-person interactions. In an age where most touchpoints before a sale are digital, embedding AI in CRM systems elevates customer experiences. As Bradley affirms, "If your AI is integrated with your CRM, if your AI is integrated with your online reputation strategy…it is next level." By streamlining these processes, dealerships can enhance engagement, nurture relationships, and ultimately drive more sales.   The automotive industry stands at a pivotal juncture where transformation is not just necessary but imperative. By understanding the nuances between customer service and experience, fostering robust relationships with existing customers, and embracing cutting-edge technologies like AI, dealerships can not only survive the intricacies of the modern market but truly thrive in it. The insights shared by industry experts provide a roadmap to not only meet but exceed customer expectations, ensuring loyalty and profitability in uncertain times.   Resources: Podium: Discover how Podium's innovative AI technology can unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive your dealership's sales to new heights. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   Dealer Synergy & Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry's #1 training, tracking, testing, and certification platform and consulting & accountability firm.   The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry! With over 29,000 members, gain access to successful automotive mentors & managers, the best industry practices, & collaborate with automotive professionals from around the WORLD! Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today!   Win the Game of Googleopoly: Unlocking the secret strategy of search engines.     The Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast is Proudly Sponsored By: Podium: Elevating Dealership Excellence with Intelligent Customer Engagement Solutions. Unlock unparalleled efficiency and drive sales with Podium's innovative AI technology, featured proudly on the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast. Visit www.podium.com/mcs to learn more!   Dealer Synergy: The #1 Automotive Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm in the industry! With over two decades of experience in building Internet Departments and BDCs, we have developed the most effective automotive Internet Sales, BDC, and CRM solutions. Our expertise in creating phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, strategies, and templates ensures that your dealership's tools and personnel reach their full potential.   Bradley On Demand: The automotive sales industry's top Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. Featuring LIVE Classes and over 9,000 training modules, our platform equips your dealership with everything needed to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably!

Maintaining Consistent Customer Service Standards Across Every Location  Shep interviews Ray Titus, CEO of United Franchise Group (UFG). They discuss embracing change, balancing creativity and standards, and maintaining consistency across over 1,800 franchises in over 80 countries.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How can businesses maintain consistent customer service across different industries?  How does staff training influence customer satisfaction?  How does community involvement enhance customer loyalty?  Can one employee's actions shape the reputation of an entire franchise network?  How does embracing technological change improve customer experience?  Top Takeaways:    Different types of businesses may require different standards when it comes to their products and procedures. However, customer experience standards like being easy to do business with and maintaining excellent customer communication can be applied to any industry.   Delivering a consistent level of service helps customers know what to expect, no matter which location or brand they visit. It's this consistency that builds trust and a strong reputation over time.  Every business and leader must be receptive to change, whether it is new technology, rising customer expectations, or new regulations. Companies need to keep learning and adapting to thrive.  Every employee, from new hires to experienced managers, represents the entire brand and all its locations the second they interact with a customer. Every person in the company must be trained and equipped to be the "CEO of the Moment" because a single moment can make or break the brand's reputation.   Becoming involved in the local community allows brands to stand out and build loyalty. This could mean supporting Little League teams, participating in school events, or helping with local charities. Customers appreciate it when brands support the causes that they care about. When a brand becomes "the most popular person in town," people will go out of their way to support it.  Training isn't something you did. It's something you do continuously and consistently. It isn't just about teaching people how to do their jobs. It's about sharing company values, customer service best practices, and keeping up to date with the standards for each type of business.  Examine every touchpoint in a customer's journey and try to make it the best in the world. Businesses can set themselves apart by making little improvements in each interaction that add up to an unforgettable experience for customers.  Plus, Shep and Ray talk about Will Guidara's concept of "unreasonable hospitality" that can be applied to all businesses, in every industry. Tune in!  Quote:   "Your employees must understand that what they say and do impacts others. When they interact with a customer, they represent not just themselves but the entire organization's reputation."  About:    Ray Titus is the CEO of United Franchise Group (UFG), a global leader in franchising. UFG and its affiliated brands currently have a presence in over 80 countries, with a network of over 1,800 franchise locations worldwide.      Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Building Trust with AI in Customer Support  Shep interviews Kenji Hayward, Senior Director of Customer Support at Front. He talks about Front's The State of Service Expectations report and how customer expectations are evolving around AI, response times, loyalty, and what businesses can do to meet and exceed those expectations.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    What are the top expectations customers have from brands? What role does AI play in enhancing customer interactions and support?  How many bad experiences does it take before a customer stops doing business with a company?  Why is it important for companies to use their products?  Is there a difference between how businesses and customers perceive good response times?  Top Takeaways:    Be a customer of your own business. One of the best ways to understand and improve a product is by using it yourself. When team members, including managers and leaders, act as customers, they feel what real customers experience, both the good and the bad.    The State of Service Expectations by Front found that it only takes three bad experiences before 59% of customers decide to leave and find a different company to do business with. This leaves almost half of the customers who leave after 2 or even 1 negative experience from your brand. This means every interaction counts.  The very first interaction can set the tone for their whole experience. Many companies are now using AI to handle their first contact, so it must be friendly, fast, and accurate.  Transparency is essential in building trust. Companies using AI or chatbots should always be upfront with customers. People appreciate being told whether they are chatting with a human or a digital assistant, and that when the technology isn't working, there is an easy way to reach a real person.  Many customers (39%) like it when companies remember their preferences or past purchases and use that information to offer better service. However, some customers (57%) also worry about how much personal data is shared with AI or other technology. Finding the right balance between personalization and privacy is important so customers can feel comfortable and safe with how their information is being used.  Customers want an amazing experience, even if it costs extra. The State of Service Expectations found that 60% of customers would be willing to pay more for faster response times. Our customer service and experience research echoes this, where 59% of customers say customer service is more important than price.   AI has gotten much better, faster, and cheaper in the last few years. It's easy to get caught up in the latest technology or the fanciest software. But no matter how advanced your tech is, it won't matter if you don't have the foundations of good customer service, like empathy, transparency, speed, and convenience.  Plus, Shep and Kenji discuss how much customers are willing to wait for email, chat, or phone responses before they start to lose patience with your brand. Tune in!  Quote:   "Bad experiences can turn the customer off and make you lose their loyalty. In this day and age, where customers have many options on brands they want to work with, the role of customer support teams has become really amplified."    About:    Kenji Hayward is the Senior Director of Customer Support at Front. He is a customer experience and AI innovator. You can follow his newsletter on customer support and technology, Top Tier Support.  Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Technological Innovation Meets Human-Centered Experience   Shep interviews Joseph A. Michelli, professor of Service Excellence, speaker, organizational consultant, and best-selling author. He talks about his new book, All Business Is Personal, and how companies can blend technology with humanity to create personal connections and improve customer experiences. The case study Michelli uses throughout the book is One Medical, a perfect example of how to achieve the balance between technology and the human-to-human connections you want to make with your customers.   This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    What are the benefits of combining technology with personal interaction in customer service?  What role does listening play in improving the customer experience?  How important is it for businesses to include digital and human touchpoints in customer interactions?  How does a seamless digital experience impact customer satisfaction and loyalty?  Why is emotional connection important in business?    Top Takeaways:    Technology, like apps and AI, makes life convenient for customers by allowing easy online scheduling or instant answers through chatbots. However, it is still the human connection that builds lasting relationships. The best businesses use tech to make things faster and simpler but always offer a human backup for when a customer needs a personal touch.  So many businesses continue to operate the same way because "that's how it's always been done." It is important to constantly ask why things are done a certain way and whether there's a better, more modern, or easier approach for customers.   Delivering a great customer experience is not just about satisfying customer needs. It's the best marketing a company can have.   People remember how you made them feel long after the transaction is over. Creating an emotional connection with your customers can transform a routine interaction into a memorable experience. Creating positive emotions through empathy, excitement, or delight builds loyalty and motivates customers to refer you to others.  Use Net Promoter Score as a guideline, not a vanity metric. While a high Net Promoter Score (NPS) can indicate customer satisfaction, the actual behavior of customers and the genuine referrals they make is what counts.   Train your employees to listen to what customers say, not just hear their words. Many businesses train their staff to communicate, but few teach them to listen deeply and with empathy. Listening well helps you understand how your product and services impact the customer's life and what it means to them.  Wow moments are not always over-the-top experiences. Going slightly beyond what's expected can create a big impact on customers. Small gestures such as remembering a customer's name or a personal preference can elevate a service experience from just fine to amazing.  Plus, Joseph shares how One Medical transformed healthcare by blending technology with personal service, creating a more convenient and customer-focused experience. Tune in!  Quote:   "There's a difference between personalization and a personal connection.”    About:    Joseph Michelli is a speaker and consultant renowned for his customer experience and leadership expertise. He has worked with global brands like  Starbucks, Mercedes-Benz, and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel. His latest book, All Business Is Personal: One Medical's Human-Centered, Technology-Powered Approach to Customer Engagement, is now available on Amazon.     Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Turning Customer and Employee Feedback into a Strategy for Success  Shep interviews Mike Milliron, Chief Operating Officer of IMG Academy. He talks about the academy's customer experience focus, innovative programs for empowering student-athletes, and its accreditation by Bain and Company for customer experience excellence.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How does the Net Promoter Score (NPS) help organizations measure the effectiveness of their customer experience programs?  What role does employee engagement play in enhancing the customer experience?  How can schools empower students to achieve their future goals, both academically and in sports?  How can schools create a system that effectively responds to feedback from students and parents?  What is reputation marketing?  Top Takeaways:   Happy and engaged employees naturally create better experiences for customers. When staff members feel heard, empowered, and proud of their work, they go above and beyond to help others.   While good marketing helps, it is not enough to build a good reputation. The real magic happens when people keep coming back and telling their friends because they had an amazing experience.   IMG Academy uses Net Promoter Score (NPS) to measure satisfaction and drive real improvements based on student and parent feedback. They've built a listening program that keeps their NPS steadily rising. Their winning customer experience and employee experience show that NPS is most valuable when it leads to actionable insights and loyalty rather than just being a score.  Creating an excellent customer experience takes everyone working together, from those working on the frontlines to the back office and the C-suite. When all team members are clear on the mission and know how they can make a difference, it creates a culture where it is “cool to care” about your customers.  When leaders are engaged and actively participate in initiatives, they can better understand the challenges faced by their teams and customers.  Collecting feedback and turning it into actionable steps helps create a culture that values continuous improvement. Customers and employees like knowing their opinions are heard and valued.   IMG Academy puts students at the center of everything they do. They have built an unrivaled experience through innovative listening programs that actively collect and act on feedback from students, parents, and staff multiple times each semester.  This helps personalize and continuously improve every student's journey.  Beyond academics and athletics, IMG Academy focuses on holistic development to empower student-athletes to thrive not just in sports, but also academically and socially, helping them "win their future."   Plus, Mike Milliron shares how they create a 15 out of 10 experience at IMG. Tune in!  Quote:   "You need to marry employee experience and customer experience, put a system around that, and act on it. Listening to your customers and your team is only powerful when you turn those insights into meaningful action."  About:    Mike Milliron is the Chief Operating Officer of IMG Academy's Bradenton campus. He focuses on creating an unrivaled experience for students, parents, campers, competitors, guests, and employees.  Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Empowering Employees to Meet Customer Expectations  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    What is a 'wow moment' in customer interactions?  How can organizations operationalize positive customer feedback?  How can an organization create a workplace culture focused on providing an amazing customer experience?  Why is it important for employees to have clear goals and expectations?  How can employees' personal and professional growth impact the overall customer service experience?  Top Takeaways:    Creating a strong workplace culture is crucial for providing excellent customer service and experience. What is felt by the employees inside a company will be felt outside by the customers. That's why empowering employees and focusing on customer satisfaction should be built into every part of the company's culture.  It is impossible to go above and beyond in every interaction with a customer. However, simple gestures like writing a note or responding to a customer's email quickly can create lasting impressions on customers. These WOW moments may be small, but they can become part of the culture when encouraged consistently throughout the organization.  Eric also shares the five key factors for employee engagement.  Strong relationships: Connection matters. When employees have strong relationships with each other, they're more likely to build great connections with customers.  Clear expectations: When goals and expectations are clearly communicated, they create a consistent customer experience.  The right tools: Employees must be equipped with tools and information to achieve the desired outcome.  Opportunities for growth: How does the organization help employees grow personally and professionally?   Recognition: Recognize and reward excellence.  While many organizations focus on mitigating negative feedback, it's also important to celebrate positive interactions and find a way to operationalize them so that they become a part of the culture.  An important part of addressing customer complaints is understanding the employee's viewpoint before making assumptions or taking corrective actions. This prevents employee frustration and promotes a supportive work environment where they feel valued and heard.    While the phrase "the customer is always right" is well-known, the customer is not always right, but they're always the customer. Let them be wrong with dignity and respect. However, there are customers whom you can fire if they are abusive toward employees.  Did we live up to our promise? This is an important question because we make a commitment to our customers at the beginning of their journey with us. This commitment is the reason why they choose to do business with us instead of our competitors. This promise must be clear to our employees across the organization to ensure we deliver what our customers expect from us.   Plus, Eric D. Stone shares the story of Johnny the Bagger and how his WOW moments can be operationalized into the company culture. Tune in!  Quote:   "Be mindful of how you handle negative feedback. Track those moments, watch for patterns, and bring your team together before small issues become bigger problems."   About:    Eric D. Stone is the author of the award-winning book Jumpstart Your Workplace Culture. Before founding Clear Path Ventures, he had a successful twenty-six-year career at Enterprise Holdings.   Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Role of Generative AI, Analytical AI, and Agentic AI in Enhancing Customer Loyalty and Experience  Shep interviews Isabelle Zdatny, Head of Thought Leadership with Qualtrics XM Institute. She talks about how AI can help measure customer loyalty, improve employee productivity, and enhance customer service processes.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    What is Agentic AI?  What is the difference between generative AI, analytical AI, and agentic AI?  What impact does AI have on analyzing and predicting customer behavior?  How do companies balance AI with the need for human empathy in customer service?  Why is it crucial for companies to start implementing AI to improve customer experience?  Top Takeaways:    As technology advances, the quality of customer experiences is gradually improving. However, customers are becoming less tolerant of poor experiences. Businesses must realize that one bad interaction can significantly impact customer loyalty.     In Shep's recent customer service and experience survey, we found that the average customer is willing to give you two chances before they switch to a competitor. Loyal customers will give three chances. Maintaining consistent positive experiences is critical to retaining customers.      Traditional approaches to getting customer feedback are less effective in measuring loyalty. Consumers are leaving less feedback because they don't trust that their voice is acknowledged. They often see little value in answering surveys and may prefer to quietly switch to a competitor.    Unlike traditional AI, agentic AI can process data and understand the customer. As a result, it can take action without constant human assistance. Unlike analytical or generative AI, which are great at specific, focused tasks but still rely on people to prompt chatbots or act on predictions, agentic AI can manage entire end-to-end customer journeys and adapt to changes as they happen.    Customers should know when interacting with a bot rather than a human. Companies employing AI in customer interactions must be transparent about their use to maintain trust and ensure that experiences align with customers' expectations ethically.    Human interaction is still needed in customer service. AI can handle routine tasks, allowing human agents to deal with complex issues requiring empathy.    According to recent Qualtrics research, there is a $860 billion ($420 billion for B2B and $440 billion for B2C) opportunity for organizations using AI to improve customer experiences systematically. This value is generated through increased employee productivity, process improvement, and revenue growth.    Plus Shep and Isabelle discuss more insights from Qualtric's free report, Unlock the Potential of AI-Enabled CX. Tune in!  Quote:   "Customers are less tolerant of friction these days. So even if you deliver consistently good experiences, just one bad interaction can send your relationship down a bad path more quickly than it used to."      About:    Isabelle Zdatny is Head of Thought Leadership at Qualtrics XM Institute. She creates leading content on experience management trends and best practices, delivers training, and advises organizations on CX and EX strategy.  Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Four Pillars of a Known and Trusted Brand  Shep interviews Marcus Sheridan, co-founder of PriceGuide.ai, co-founder of The Question First Group, keynote speaker, and bestselling author. He talks about his new book, Endless Customers, and how brands can build trust and differentiate themselves from competitors.   This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    Why is building trust important in business?  How to get more customers?  How can businesses stand out at the beginning of the buyer's journey?  Why is it important for businesses to adapt to buyers' changing behaviors and needs?  How has the shift to online research influenced how businesses approach customer interactions?  Top Takeaways:    The more you know what your customers want, the better you can serve them. Your customers' questions help you understand what they want, including their fears and concerns.     Becoming a teacher in your industry helps you establish yourself as an expert and builds trust with your audience.    Using content to showcase unique aspects of a business can be a game-changer. Demonstrating processes, sharing behind-the-scenes looks, or providing valuable insights into products can capture the attention and trust of potential customers.    Trust will always be critical in business. Continuously working towards being credible and trustworthy in the eyes of your customers will future-proof your business.    Marcus shares The Four Pillars of a Known and Trusted Brand:    Pillar #1. You've got to be willing to talk about what others in your industry aren't willing to talk about.  Pillar #2. You've got to be willing to show what others in your space aren't willing to show.   Pillar #3. You've got to be willing to sell in a way that nobody's willing to sell.   Pillar #4. You've got to be more human in this time of AI and technology.    Plus, Marcus shares actionable tips on applying the four pillars in your business to make your brand stand out. Tune in!  Quote:   "80% of the buyer's journey is done before they fill out that form on your website or call you. If you want to win during that period, you can't be like everyone else."      About:    Marcus Sheridan is a communication expert, keynote speaker, co-founder of PriceGuide.ai, and the co-founder of The Question First Group. He is the bestselling author of They Ask, You Answer: A Revolutionary Approach to Inbound Sales, Content Marketing, and Today's Digital Consumer. His latest, Endless Customers: A Proven System to Build Trust, Drive Sales, and Become the Market Leader, is now available on Amazon.    Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textIn the final episode of this powerful three-part series, the Customer Success Playbook Podcast welcomes back Shep Hyken for a forward-looking discussion on AI's role in customer experience. From customer trust and chatbot misfires to the fear of messing up (FOMU), Shep breaks down the opportunities and pitfalls of artificial intelligence in service.Detailed Analysis: Kevin Metzger and Roman Trebon wrap up the Shep Hyken trilogy with a candid conversation on how AI is both transforming and challenging the customer service landscape. While 68% of customers still prefer phone support, Shep's latest research reveals a promising shift: 50% of consumers have successfully resolved issues with AI-driven support. But there's a catch—another 50% report being misled by AI.That duality sets the stage for Shep's deeper message: AI must offer convenience without creating confusion. The brands that win will be those who design seamless handoffs to humans when bots fall short, and those who tailor support channels based on customer demographics. Shep emphasizes that CX isn't about chasing tech trends—it's about knowing your customer and building trust at every touchpoint.He introduces a key fear hindering AI adoption: not FOMO (fear of missing out), but FOMU—fear of messing up. Many organizations hesitate to modernize due to sunk costs in legacy tech or risk aversion among leadership. But as Shep points out, the true risk is falling behind the expectations set by the best experiences customers have had—regardless of industry.As a bonus, Shep shares where to find his expansive research, including his 2025 State of Customer Service and CX report, freely available at https://hyken.com/research/.This episode is essential for any business leader looking to leverage AI wisely and responsibly in the age of customer experience.Now you can interact with us directly by leaving a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/CustomerSuccessPlaybookCheck out https://funnelstory.ai/ for more details about Funnelstory. You can also check out our full video review of the product on YouTube at https://youtu.be/4jChYZBVz2Y.Please Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast:YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcastTwitter - @CS_PlaybookYou can find Kevin at:Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web siteKevin Metzger on Linked In.You can find Roman at:Roman Trebon on Linked In.

Send us a textIn this value-packed episode of the Customer Success Playbook podcast, Shep Hyken returns for Part 2 of our three-part series to address the billion-dollar question: How do companies balance price sensitivity with the growing demand for exceptional customer experiences? From mentalism to magic moments, Shep draws surprising parallels between sleight-of-hand and customer loyalty while unpacking game-changing insights from his CX research.Detailed Analysis: Kevin Metzger and Roman Trebon dive deep with customer service guru Shep Hyken, and this time it's all about one powerful word: convenience. Drawing from his acclaimed book The Convenience Revolution and the 2025 State of Customer Service and CX report, Shep lays out how brands can make price less relevant by making the customer experience more effortless. And no, that doesn't mean grand gestures—it means smart, consistent, and friction-free experiences.Key insight? A whopping 59% of consumers are willing to pay more for a better experience, but especially for one that's more convenient. Case in point: Shep shares a brilliant Wall Street Journal case study showing how simplifying subscription forms led to a measurable increase in conversions. The takeaway? Every unnecessary field is a friction point that erodes revenue.Shep also explores how the pandemic accelerated customer expectations for convenience—a trend that is here to stay. He uses real-life examples, including Amazon and even a local car dealership in St. Louis, to prove that making things easy builds loyalty that price alone can't buy.And if you thought this was all business, think again. Shep opens the episode with a personal twist—his love for guitar, magic, and Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead, weaving them seamlessly into his customer service philosophy.Don't miss this episode if you're in customer success, support, or CX leadership. For more context and deeper insights, explore Shep's full CX research at https://hyken.com/research/.Now you can interact with us directly by leaving a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/CustomerSuccessPlaybookCheck out https://funnelstory.ai/ for more details about Funnelstory. You can also check out our full video review of the product on YouTube at https://youtu.be/4jChYZBVz2Y.Please Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast:YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcastTwitter - @CS_PlaybookYou can find Kevin at:Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web siteKevin Metzger on Linked In.You can find Roman at:Roman Trebon on Linked In.

Building Emotional Connections and Customer Loyalty  Shep interviews Michael Cecchi-Azzolina, owner of Cecchi's Bar & Grill and author of Your Table Is Ready: Tales of a New York City Maître D'. He shares insights from his extensive experience in the restaurant industry about how kindness and creating an emotional connection with customers help deliver exceptional service.   This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    What is hospitality mentality?  What are the differences between technical service skills and the soft service skills (the softer, people-focused side of service)?  Why is emotional connection important in business?  What lessons can businesses learn from the hospitality industry?  How can businesses identify candidates with a natural aptitude for delivering exceptional customer service?  Top Takeaways:    The “hospitality mentality" is about the attitude and warmth that staff bring to their roles in serving customers. People crave acknowledgment and kindness, elevating a customer's experience from good to amazing.     Customer service is not just about technical execution. Customers resonate with the "soft side" of service, which is all about the emotional connection that makes them feel welcome and motivates them to come back.     An emotional connection is a powerful tool in hospitality. Customers go to restaurants not just for the food but for the joy and comfort it brings them. When you understand and cater to the customer's emotional needs, you can generate repeat business and nurture loyalty within your customer base.    Creating a great customer experience hinges on hiring the right people. Technical skills can be trained for, and experience can be earned. Look for candidates with a people-oriented mindset and a genuine passion for creating great customer experiences.      Building an amazing customer experience is all about the details. In a restaurant setting, details such as ensuring the music is just the right volume so as not to disrupt the conversation, lighting that sets the perfect mood, and friendly staff that acknowledge customers right away all contribute to the overall experience.    Kindness can be the golden rule in any industry. It's a simple yet overlooked way to enhance customer and employee interactions and build loyalty.     Authentic leaders can transform a business. When owners or managers work alongside their staff, it elevates the whole team's performance. It improves employee morale and connects with customers, making everyone feel appreciated and special.    Plus, Michael shares how running a restaurant is like being on a Broadway stage. Tune in!  Quote:   "If you've worked in a restaurant, you can work anywhere."    About:    Michael Cecchi-Azzolina has nearly forty years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry. He is the owner of Cecchi's Bar & Grill and author of Your Table Is Ready: Tales of a New York City Maître D'.    Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textGet ready for a masterclass in customer service strategy with the legendary Shep Hyken. In this milestone episode of the Customer Success Playbook podcast, Shep breaks down key takeaways from his newly released "2025 State of Customer Service and CX" report. Discover why being merely "fine" won't cut it anymore, how consistency trumps heroics, and the one word that defines customer loyalty.Detailed Analysis: In this lively and enlightening conversation, Kevin Metzger and Roman Trebon sit down with renowned speaker and author Shep Hyken to unpack the shifting expectations shaping the future of customer service. Shep's insights challenge the outdated belief that "satisfactory" is good enough. Spoiler alert: it's not. According to his report, 27% of customers say they'll start looking elsewhere if a company only delivers a satisfactory experience. In his words, "Fine is the F-bomb of customer experience."But what does it take to rise above "fine"? Shep doesn't just point to grand gestures; instead, he emphasizes the power of small, consistent actions. Whether it's using a customer's name or always being helpful and approachable, it's about showing up reliably and slightly exceeding expectations. Shep shares how legendary brands like Ritz-Carlton win not by going over the top, but by being just 10% better than average—consistently. That 3.3 on a 5-point scale? That's where magic lives.This episode is packed with actionable gems for anyone in customer success, support, or CX leadership. If you're looking to fine-tune your 2025 customer strategy, Shep delivers the roadmap with charm, clarity, and a touch of humor.Now you can interact with us directly by leaving a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/CustomerSuccessPlaybookCheck out https://funnelstory.ai/ for more details about Funnelstory. You can also check out our full video review of the product on YouTube at https://youtu.be/4jChYZBVz2Y.Please Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast:YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcastTwitter - @CS_PlaybookYou can find Kevin at:Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web siteKevin Metzger on Linked In.You can find Roman at:Roman Trebon on Linked In.

Designing Effortless Customer Experiences  Shep interviews Jason Ten-Pow, CEO of bespokeCX, president of ONR, and author of UNBREAKABLE: A Proven Process for Building Unbreakable Relationships with Customers. He talks about the State of CX Research, highlighting how brands can excel by creating tailored, effortless, and professional customer experiences.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    What makes an "unbreakable" customer relationship, and how can companies achieve it?  What are the key components of a tailored customer experience strategy?  How does digital transformation impact customer experience?  What common mistakes do businesses make in providing effortless customer experiences?  How can proactive communication improve customer satisfaction?  Top Takeaways:    Businesses that prioritize professionalism in their interactions gain a threefold advantage over their competitors. Being professional is about more than just being polite. It's about being knowledgeable, reliable, and meeting customer expectations.     Companies that excel in creating low-effort experiences are four times more likely to outperform their competitors. Make it easy for customers to navigate and interact with your brand, whether online or in person.     Customers have high expectations, not just from your direct competitors, but from every interaction they have with any brand. Companies must consistently deliver what customers expect to stand out, providing reliable and consistent service.     Digital interactions are often the first point of contact between a customer and a brand. Companies must design these platforms with the customer in mind. They need to be intuitive, easy to navigate, and filled with up-to-date information.     One of the biggest challenges customers face when it comes to having a convenient experience is channel jumping or switching between different modes of communication. There should be continuity across channels where customers can transition from one service channel to another without losing their place in the conversation and having to repeat themselves.     Be proactive in communication, especially during service disruptions. Customers appreciate when businesses reach out with information, including updates before they even have to ask.    Plus, Shep and Jason discuss how different customers have varying expectations based on their demographics and preferences, and why brands must understand these differences and tailor how they engage with them accordingly. Tune in!  Quote:   "Because many customer experiences are now digital, you're not just competing with others in your industry. You're up against companies that are the gold standard, like Amazon. To build unbreakable relationships, you must meet and exceed those high expectations."    About:    Jason Ten-Pow is a research, consulting, and customer experience expert. He is the CEO of bespokeCX, president of ONR, and author of UNBREAKABLE: A Proven Process for Building Unbreakable Relationships with Customers.      Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to Overcome Mediocrity in Business and Customer Service  Shep interviews John Rossman, managing partner at Rossman Partners, keynote speaker, business advisor, and best-selling author. He talks about his new manifesto, The Pig, The Lipstick, and The Playbook of Champions (available to download at no charge), and discusses how companies can combat mediocrity and create a culture of innovation.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How can businesses avoid settling into mediocrity in customer service?  What role does humility play in improving a business's customer experience?  What is the innovator's dilemma?  How can companies ensure they are accurately measuring their customer experience?  How does the concept of a 'success trap' affect a company's customer service?  Top Takeaways:    Humility is critical in recognizing where a business might be falling short. It allows companies to honestly assess their customer service and product offerings and make necessary changes.     The real risk is setting goals that are too easy and reaching them instead of aiming high and always pushing yourself to do better. Mediocrity becomes the norm when businesses stop striving for greatness and settle for 'average' performance.    Embracing failure as a part of the innovation process can benefit businesses. This mindset allows companies to experiment and take "big bets" that lead to breakthroughs.    Customer metrics and feedback should not solely focus on the average experience. Paying attention to the outliers who express extreme satisfaction or dissatisfaction helps businesses address significant pain points and improve their overall service, which benefits everyone.    Having a clear framework and language within a business can help your team know when innovative thinking is expected and when precision in execution is required. A healthy culture encourages employees to innovate and go the extra mile in delivering an amazing customer experience. It also trains employees to implement structured processes that ensure that the consistency and quality of service remain excellent.    Adopting a mindset of continuous improvement prepares companies for future challenges. Regularly assess your internal processes and external industry trends to identify areas where you can improve.     Plus, Shep and John discuss the perils of constantly playing defense in business. Tune in!  Quote:   "I truly believe in humility as a starting point for change. Recognizing where we fall short with customers is crucial to being able to innovate and thrive."       About:    John Rossman is the managing partner at Rossman Partners and the best-selling author of Big Bet Leadership, The Amazon Way, Think Like Amazon, and his latest, The Pig, The Lipstick, and The Playbook of Champions. (Be sure to download the book for free!)     Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How AI Can Make Customer Service Seamless and Effortless  Shep interviews Damon Covey, general manager of unified communications and collaboration at GoTo. He talks about how AI can enhance communication, increase productivity, and augment employee capabilities.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How can businesses enhance their customer service experience using AI technology?  How do unifying communication channels improve the efficiency of customer support?  What makes conversational AI a valuable tool for improving customer interactions?  How can AI be used to augment a company's existing customer service team rather than replace it?  Why is it essential for businesses to consider customer communication preferences when designing support systems?  Top Takeaways:    In customer service, "boring" means delivering consistent, reliable service without any issues or drama.     Unified communications brings together all the different ways customers can interact with a company, including texting, calling, emailing, or chatting on social media. Integrating all these channels enables customers to choose their preferred way to communicate without complicating things for customer support agents.     Conversational AI helps businesses be more responsive to customer needs. By using conversational AI, businesses can provide accurate responses and handle inquiries even outside of business hours.    Years ago, AI technology was expensive, making it difficult for smaller companies to afford. Today, innovations in AI have made it accessible at a fraction of the cost, enabling small businesses to implement it effectively. AI being more accessible helps small businesses provide the same advanced customer service options as large corporations and compete more effectively in the market.    Just like new employees, AI systems need training to perform well. Businesses provide AI with specific instructions and information, allowing it to respond correctly to customer inquiries. Guaranteeing AI acts within the parameters set by the business, maintaining quality and accuracy in interactions.     AI helps businesses by taking over routine tasks and repetitive work like summarizing calls or setting up appointments, freeing employees to focus on more complex tasks, especially those needing creativity and judgment.     Plus, Shep and Damon discuss ways businesses can embrace AI strategically. Tune in!  Quote:   "Customer service should be so good that it's boring."  About:    Damon Covey is the general manager of unified communications and collaboration at GoTo, an all-in-one customer experience platform powered by AI.    Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How Investing in the Right Technology Can Transform Customer Experience  Shep interviews Alexandre (Alex) Hadade, Co-founder & CEO of Birdie, an analytics platform that transforms customer feedback into actionable insights. He discusses becoming a customer-centric organization by leveraging AI to understand customer behavior and improve products and services.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How can companies leverage artificial intelligence to improve customer experience?  What challenges do businesses face in becoming truly customer-centric?  How does AI compare to traditional surveys in measuring customer satisfaction?  How can customer feedback effectively enhance products and services?  What role does AI play in analyzing customer churn and retention?  Top Takeaways:    To meet customer needs, businesses must continuously adapt to new expectations and technologies. This means engaging with customers in modern, meaningful ways and committing to making improvements.     With the advancement of AI, customer experience teams can now manage and analyze large volumes of data more efficiently. This capability helps identify customer needs and resolve issues faster than ever before, making it easier for them to put processes in place to improve customer experience.    AI not only help with front-facing customer support but it can help identify reasons behind customer churn and dissatisfaction that might not appear in customer feedback. It can analyze behavior patterns and predict trends that help businesses preempt customer issues, and enhance customer satisfaction.     Despite the increase in CX spending from $7 billion to $12 billion in 2023, Net Promoter Scores are still declining across industries. Aligning customer experience technology investments with actual customer needs makes sure they lead to improved service and product satisfaction.     Customer satisfaction isn't just about resolving complaints; it's about preventing them. By understanding and improving both products and processes, companies can reduce churn and increase the likelihood of customers recommending the business to others.    The rapid changes in technology mean that businesses must continually adapt to meet evolving customer expectations. What worked a couple of years ago may no longer be enough. Keeping processes and customer interaction approaches up-to-date with modern technology is how businesses stay relevant and competitive.    Plus, Shep and Alexandre discuss what happens when companies invest in the wrong customer experience technology. Tune in!   Quote:   "When you connect the dots between what your customers say and their actual behavior, you uncover how to improve your products and services and make great business decisions."    About:    Alexandre Hadade is the Co-founder & CEO of Birdie. He has more than 25 years of experience in business, with a passion for helping businesses utilize technology to deliver excellent customer experiences.    Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How Customer Complaints Impact Loyalty and Retention  Shep interviews Bill Price, President & Founder of Driva Solutions and Amazon's first global vice president of customer service. He talks about his new book, Zero Complaints: The Path to Continuous Value Creation, and explores the aspirational goal of eliminating customer complaints to enhance customer retention, reduce costs, and increase revenue.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How do you get zero customer complaints?  What benefits do businesses gain by proactively eliminating customer complaints?  What is the cost of customer dissatisfaction?  Why is it important for company executives to engage directly with the customers?  What are the potential revenue losses associated with unresolved customer complaints?  Top Takeaways:    Striving for zero complaints is about aiming to continuously improve and provide value for the customer. While it may not be entirely realistic to have zero complaints, the aspiration drives companies to proactively identify and manage issues before they become a point of friction for the customers.    It costs more to attract new customers than to retain current ones. A frictionless experience can make customers more likely to buy more, return, and recommend a business to others. Customers with consistently positive experiences are more likely to share them with friends and family. Companies that focus on reducing complaints and enhancing the customer experience often see higher retention rates and increased revenue.    Frequent complaints should serve as signals that something in the business process needs fixing. Businesses must listen attentively to what customers say and capture feedback from the frontline employees.    Handling customer complaints can be costly for businesses. It involves maintaining support centers, training staff, and investing in the technology to manage issues. Reducing complaints means these expenses can be minimized, resulting in significant cost savings.    There's value in handling complaints well, as it can result in increased customer loyalty. However, it's to prevent complaints from happening in the first place. By eliminating common pain points, businesses can focus on delivering exceptional experiences rather than resolving issues.    Plus, Shep and Bill discuss the role of a Chief Problem Officer and how the presence of a CPO in organizations leads to happier customers and employees. Tune in!   Quote:   "When you treat your customers well and give them an easy, frictionless experience, not only will you keep them, but they'll tell their friends about your business.”    About:    Bill Price is the President & Founder of Driva Solutions, LLC. and the co-author of four books, including The Best Service is No Service, Your Customer Rules!, The Frictionless Organization, and his latest, Zero Complaints.  Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Using Artificial Intelligence to Analyze and Activate a Better CX  Shep Hyken interviews Sid Banerjee, Chief Strategy Officer at Medallia, an experience management platform organizations use to provide excellent customer and employee experience. He talks about how modern businesses can capture, analyze, and act on customer feedback using AI-powered tools that turn customer insights into meaningful improvements.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How can companies utilize new technologies like generative AI to improve customer satisfaction?  How can companies use digital and conversational signals to understand customer feedback better?  What role does AI play in analyzing customer data and providing actionable insights?  How can companies effectively activate their customer data to make informed business improvements?  How does AI's cost-effectiveness influence its use in customer experience?  Top Takeaways:    Customer experience data is essential for companies to improve their products and services. By collecting feedback from various sources like surveys, chat, online reviews, social media, and customer interactions, companies can identify what makes customers happy and what they can improve.    While surveys are still important, the advent of social media and other digital platforms provides customers with new ways to provide feedback. Meeting the customers on their chosen platforms helps them gather more data and better understand what customers experience and expect.    AI can analyze data in massive amounts and detect patterns, trends, and opportunities for improvement that might be missed by humans. Using AI is not just about having the latest technology, it is about empowering employees to provide better, quicker, and more personalized service.    Data should be easily accessible, not stuck in department silos. A CX platform brings it all together, organizing and turning it into actionable insights.    Many companies get stuck collecting and analyzing data without taking action and implementing improvements that benefit customers. Activation is critical because it turns data and information into meaningful actions that improve customer experience.     Technology will not replace human interactions, but it will enhance them. Tools like AI will provide frontline employees with real-time access to information and insights that will empower them to help customers more efficiently.    Plus, Shep and Sid discuss what companies and customers can look forward to in the future when transforming CX and businesses with AI. Tune in!   Quote:   "Technology that previously cost hundreds of thousands is now accessible at a fraction of the cost. When you layer new innovative technology, like AI and automation, into the data that customers have given you, you can turbocharge your ability to transform customer experiences."      About:    Sid Banerjee is the Chief Strategy Officer at Medallia. Before his career at Medallia, he was the founder of Clarabridge and served as the Chief XM Strategy Officer at Qualtrics.  Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Building Heart-Centered Customer Relationships  Shep Hyken interviews Brian Hamilton, chairman of LiveSwitch. He talks about creating a heart-centric company culture led by leadership that genuinely cares about both employees and customers.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    What is the biggest enemy of good customer service?  How can companies get better customer feedback?  What should companies look for when hiring customer service employees?  How can businesses move beyond customer satisfaction metrics?  What role does empathy play in customer service?   Top Takeaways:    To provide excellent customer service, you have to genuinely care about people. Start with the mindset of serving the other person by understanding what it is like to be in their shoes.     No matter how good your product is, if you don't have the experience and service to support it, and if you don't have people who love what they do and love the customers, you will fail.    Your employees are just as valuable sources of feedback as your customers. While customer surveys and digital feedback are helpful, the most valuable insights often come from direct observation and conversations. Watch customers interact with your product or service, and regularly check in with your frontline staff who interact with your customers daily. Your employees on the front lines can often spot patterns, challenges, and opportunities for improvement that might not show up in a survey.     Pay attention to what customers are not telling you. Sometimes, customers accept inconveniences but don't voice them. Mystery shop your own company and call your customer support line to learn what your customers experience when they do business with you.     Pride is the biggest obstacle to providing excellent customer service. When employees or businesses let pride take precedence, they block out constructive feedback and hinder growth. Everyone in the organization, from new hires to top executives, must be open to learning and change .    Embracing technology should enhance, not replace, the human connection. Technology like video conferencing, AI, or automated systems should be used to simplify processes and build meaningful connections.     If you want to lead, you have to love people. Training employees to care about customers is important, but true leadership is about setting an example.     Plus, Shep and Brian discuss why empathy and interpersonal skills are just as valuable as technical experience. Tune in!  Quote:    "Before you think about customer satisfaction scores and metrics, focus on truly understanding the customer. Train your people to be "the other guy" and see through your customers' eyes."    About:    Brian Hamilton is the chairman of LiveSwitch, a leading expert on entrepreneurship, and the founder of America's first fintech company, Sageworks.    Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Future-Proofing Your Business Through AI Integration  Shep Hyken interviews Simon Kriss, Chief AI Officer at simonkriss.ai and author of The AI Empowered Customer Experience . He talks about how companies can maximize AI's impact on customer experience, service delivery, and productivity.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How can AI simplify the process of delivering a seamless customer experience?  How can AI enhance customer service while balancing technology and human interaction?  What is the impact of AI on customer service jobs?  How can customer support roles evolve with AI?  How can companies ensure their data is ready and accessible for AI to enhance customer experience?  Top Takeaways:    AI is revolutionizing the customer experience by automating processes to make them faster, cheaper, and more efficient. By integrating AI into customer support, companies can meet their customers' needs while simultaneously reducing operational costs.    The key is to use AI without losing the human touch. Customers still appreciate human interactions, but they also want convenience. AI can support this by handling routine tasks, allowing human agents to focus on more complex and meaningful interactions.    When starting with AI, building a tolerance for failure is important. Think of AI as an employee working on your business and realize that if you don't train them properly (making sure AI can access your knowledge base, practicing writing clear and correct prompts, etc.), they will not deliver what you want.    As AI continues to evolve, it will change how customers interact with brands. In the future, individuals might rely more on AI to make decisions for them, like choosing which brands to do business with. Companies need to ensure their data is accessible and optimized for AI to keep up with customer expectations.     Will AI cause people to lose their jobs? Every new technology causes job loss. But, it is less about job elimination and more about job transformation. Many roles currently held by human employees that deal with simple, repetitive tasks can now be automated with AI. These changes can open new roles and opportunities, such as employees shifting to monitoring AI systems or developing AI-driven solutions.     AI can offer deeper insights into customer preferences and behaviors. By analyzing past interactions, it can predict what kind of service or products a customer might need next. This can enhance customer experience by helping companies anticipate customer needs.     Plus, Shep and Simon explore how AI continues to shape customers' daily lives and how companies can leverage it to their advantage. Tune in!  Quote:   "When it comes to customer service and experience, leaders need to think about how they can explore AI. What new things can they do? What new services can they offer? If you had a magic wand, what would you want to do for your customers that you can't do today? And, how can AI enable that?"    About:    Simon Kriss is the Chief AI Officer at simonkriss.ai. He is a keynote speaker, author of The AI Empowered Customer Experience, The AI Empowered Customer Experience, podcast host, and one of CX Network's top 50 customer experience influencers to follow in 2024.    Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prioritizing Customer Retention over Acquisition  Shep Hyken interviews Vance Morris, customer service speaker, service and marketing strategist at Deliver Service Now Institute, and former Disney Leader. He talks about nurturing loyal customers and creating successful businesses through exceptional customer experiences.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    What Disney customer experience principles can be applied to enhance customer service in other industries?  How can businesses create an emotional connection with customers?  How can businesses use unique customer experiences to stand out in a competitive market?  What role does employee interaction play in creating memorable customer experiences?  How does a business enhance customer loyalty without relying on points or discount programs?  Top Takeaways:    People remember how they feel when engaging with a brand, which means creating unique and memorable experiences can truly set a business apart from the competition.     Customers are willing to pay more for excellent service. An elevated customer experience often allows companies to charge a premium price and cultivate a loyal customer base.    Building emotional connections with customers is more powerful than relying solely on points and perks in loyalty programs. When customers can relate to and feel an emotional bond with the brand or its employees (it takes only one), it creates loyalty. Sharing personal stories that resonate with customers and supporting social causes that are important to them makes customers love doing business with a company.    The points and perks are incentives for customers to do business with a company, but they shouldn't be the only reason. If the customer experience isn't great, you will lose your customers as soon as a competitor comes up with a similar program or something better.    Retaining existing customers is significantly more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. Loyal customers who have had positive experiences are more likely to make repeat purchases, spend more over time, and recommend a brand to others.      Plus, Vance shares examples of fundamental business transformation through amazing customer experience. Tune in!  Quote:   "Customer service begins before the sale. It begins with marketing, preparation, and training. It begins with the first interaction your company has with your customers."    About:    Vance Morris helps businesses successfully apply Disney's principles to create memorable experiences. He is also a keynote speaker and the author of Systematic Magic: 7 Magic Keys to Disnify Any Business: How to Out Serve, Out Price & Out Market Your Competition in Any Economy.    Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why Great Service Must Come Before Customer Rewards  Shep Hyken interviews Aleksander Kaczmarek, VP of Loyalty Partnerships at CarTrawler. He talks about how well-designed loyalty programs can enhance customer engagement by providing memorable experiences and perks that make customers feel valued and more likely to become loyal to a brand.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    What role do loyalty programs play in enhancing customer engagement?  How can companies leverage loyalty programs to generate additional revenue?  Can loyalty programs drive repeat business without sacrificing the quality of customer experience?  How can technology help create a seamless customer experience within a loyalty program?  How can companies motivate inactive loyalty program members to become more engaged participants?  Top Takeaways:    There is a difference between loyalty and repeat business. Loyalty programs, including points and rewards, are designed to encourage repeat business. Combined with a great experience, they create an emotional connection that leads to true loyalty.    If a company provides poor experiences, no loyalty program can retain its customers. If a company provides an amazing experience, a well-designed loyalty program can enhance it and inspire true customer loyalty.    Technology has transformed loyalty programs by creating a more seamless and personalized experience. Brands can now integrate perks and incentives directly into their primary products and services using apps and digital platforms.    In the US, a typical consumer might be a member of around 15 loyalty programs. However, what truly matters is the customers' active participation in these loyalty programs, which is crucial to its success. Creating perks that resonate with customers and consistently provide value makes customers use the loyalty programs.    Millennials and Gen Z are changing how loyalty programs are perceived and utilized. For example, many prefer booking their travel through their bank's credit card programs, which offer points or perks that can be used for flights, hotels, or car rentals. Loyalty programs must have flexible redemption options and seamlessly integrate into apps and digital platforms.    Loyalty programs must blend experiences, savings, and perks to maintain their appeal. Brands must understand customer needs and motivations when designing loyalty programs to make them engaging and memorable.    For more insights on loyalty programs, customer engagement, and enhancing customer experience, check out  Driving Loyalty: Market Insights on Car Rentals & Reward Programs report by CarTrawler.     Plus, Shep and Aleksander discuss what can happen when multiple brands collaborate to expand the perks and benefits offered to customers. Tune in!   Quote:   "Loyalty, when combined with a great experience, is deeper than just a savings and a repeat purchase."      About:    Aleksander Kaczmarek is the VP of Loyalty Partnerships at CarTrawler, a B2B tech business that partners with the world's largest brands, including American Airlines and Uber, to provide car rental & mobility solutions for customers.  Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shep Hyken, Chief Amazement Officer of Shepard Presentations, customer service and experience expert, author, and speaker, explains why when it comes to good customer service, it takes one to say yes, but two to say no.Hear Shep's full interview in Episode 13 of The Action Catalyst.

Strengthening Business Partnerships Using the Triple Fit Strategy  Shep Hyken interviews Christoph Senn, Founder and CEO of Valuecreator and co-author of The Triple Fit Strategy. He talks about the Triple Fit Strategy, a method for building lasting customer relationships by moving beyond transactional interactions to developing partnerships that enhance trust, collaboration, and growth.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    What is the Triple Fit Strategy?  What is the key to building lasting customer relationships?  Why do companies need to shift from a transactional relationship with their customers to a partnership?  How can a business differentiate itself amidst competition?  How can businesses add more value to their customers?  Top Takeaways:    There are two types of customer relationships. One is the transactional buyer-seller relationship, which is focused on the price and volume. The second type is a partnership, where you collaborate with your customers as if you are one team aiming for the same goals.     The function of a business is more than just making money. It's more than just getting customers. It is about keeping, nurturing, and growing your relationship with customers. A partnership goes beyond just making a sale. It's focused on building a lasting relationship based on trust, promises delivered, and working together to solve problems.    Trust becomes the primary way to stand out in a world where many products and services seem similar. It is earned by consistently delivering value and being transparent with your customers. When customers trust you, they're more likely to stay as your customer and even advocate for your business to others.    The Triple Fit Strategy is about working with your customers on three levels: planning, execution (solutions, processes, and systems), and resources (people, structures, and knowledge). This strategy confirms that you and your customer are on the same page, working towards the same goals, understanding both parties' strategies, and making the business relationship sustainable.     It's not enough to just talk about what your product or service can do. You need to demonstrate how it will help your customers achieve their goals. When you focus on how you can help your customers succeed (rather than just making a sale), you create more value for them.    While price cuts and discounts can bring a quick sale, they are not sustainable in creating lasting customer relationships. When price is the only differentiator, a competitor with a lower price can quickly take your customers away. Businesses should focus on understanding customer's needs, building trust, and adding value. By doing this, companies can achieve better customer retention and grow together with their clients.    Plus, Christoph provides real-world examples of businesses implementing the Triple Fit Strategy, driving growth and building customer loyalty. Tune in! Quote:   "In business, your goal should not be to just to cut costs or offer products. It's about broadening your perspective to deliver added value by shifting conversations from features and benefits to truly understanding your customers' priorities."  About:    Christoph Senn is an author, entrepreneur, and adjunct professor of marketing at INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France. He is the Founder and CEO of Valuecreator.  Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shep Hyken, Chief Amazement Officer of Shepard Presentations, customer service and experience expert, author, and speaker, explains the true meaning of being "helpful", why it takes one to say yes, but two to say no, finding moments of magic, misery, and mediocrity, and the handy index card trick for your staff.

How Storytelling Transforms Guest Experience  Shep Hyken interviews Ronn Nicolli, Chief Marketing Officer of Resorts World Las Vegas. He discusses the importance of creating memorable guest experiences through storytelling, leveraging technology, and the hospitality mentality.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    What is hospitality mentality?  What role does storytelling play in creating memorable customer experiences?  Why is meeting or exceeding customer expectations important in the hospitality industry?  How do personal interactions complement technology in creating a seamless customer service experience?  How can AI be leveraged to provide personalized customer service interactions?  Top Takeaways:     A hospitality mentality is one of the most important attributes anybody hiring should look for. It is a philosophy of creating positive and welcoming customer experiences that must be ingrained in every staff member, not just the frontline.    Hospitality is more than a job. It is a passion for ensuring that every guest (or customer) feels valued.     Storytelling is a powerful tool that captures customers' attention and curiosity. A compelling brand story can help build a strong and emotional connection with customers. It helps maintain a consistent brand image and lets the customers know what to look forward to.    Modern customers expect instant solutions and gratification. Providing quick and efficient digital support options empowers customers to interact with a brand in a way that suits their preferences.    Technology can streamline processes and make experiences more convenient, but the personal touch remains important in building customer relationships. Brands need to find the balance between embracing technology and maintaining human interaction. While it is important to educate customers on digital options that will make their interactions more efficient, they should be given the option to engage in more traditional person-to-person ways based on their preferences and needs.    While technology and amenities are important, the overall experience connects with  customers the most. Customers want value for their money, which translates to memorable and meaningful experiences.    Customers like doing business with brands that care about the social issues that are important to them. For example, in the hospitality industry, sustainability is a significant factor in customer experience and decision-making. Customers appreciate being part of sustainability efforts and can improve how guests perceive a brand.    Plus, Ronn shares how he got into hospitality and his advice to anyone who wants to get into the industry. Tune in!  Quote:   "Customers crave experience over amenities. There is a difference between being expensive and being valuable. That difference comes down to the experiences and memories being created."    About:    Ronn Nicolli is the Chief Marketing Officer of Resorts World Las Vegas. He has over 20 years of experience as a marketing and nightlife executive.  Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Enhancing Citizen and Customer Experience through Real-Time Feedback and Personalization  Shep Hyken interviews Gabriele “G” Masili, Chief Customer Officer at Granicus, a company that helps governments engage the people they serve. He discusses enhancing governmental customer experiences through real-time feedback, personalization, citizen engagement, and human-centered design – something every type of business should be doing.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How can listening to customer exchanges improve overall service experiences?  Why is it important to get feedback in real time?  What is human-centered design?  How can personalization contribute to better engagement?  What strategies can organizations use to empower employees to improve customer interactions?  Top Takeaways:    Listening to customers is crucial in improving their experiences. Employees should pay attention to what customers say and use those insights to improve things.   Gathering feedback while someone is using a service, not just after, can provide valuable insights to improve processes and fix issues before they escalate constantly.   When many people provide feedback, it can be analyzed to show trends and areas for improvement. This data helps make informed decisions on enhancing services further. It provides valuable insights into what customers or citizens need and want.  Trust is essential when dealing with government services. When people trust their government, they have better experiences. Trust can be built by engaging constituents and personalizing services to meet their needs. When people feel understood and valued, their trust in the service provider, whether the government or private companies, grows.  Using human-centered design helps tailor services to meet the specific needs of different people. This means creating journeys that take into account how individuals interact with services.   Unlike businesses that often compete, government entities frequently learn from each other and share strategies. They work together to improve experiences for citizens by sharing the best practices. This collaboration helps everyone benefit from successful approaches and avoid common problems.   Personalizing services means adjusting them to fit the needs of different people. Asking for the right information allows organizations to tailor their offerings and provide better experiences.   Plus, “G” shares how staffing issues affect government service delivery. Tune in!  Quote:   "When you look at what drives a good government experience, it's trust.. Create better trust between the government and constituents by promoting better engagement."    About:    Gabriele “G” Masili is the Chief Customer Officer at Granicus. He is a keynote speaker and CX thought leader.  Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to Use Customer Feedback to Transform Your Business   Shep Hyken interviews Michael Podolsky, CEO and сo-founder of PissedConsumer.com. He talks about the importance of addressing customer reviews, proactive customer service, and how businesses can learn from their competitors' complaints to improve customer experience and brand reputation.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How can business use customer feedback to improve the customer experience?  How do you leverage customer reviews?  What is the best approach to respond to a negative customer review?  How can consumer feedback improve a company's products or services?  What benefits do businesses gain from analyzing competitors' customer reviews?  Top Takeaways:    Customer reviews are essential for both consumers and businesses. They serve as a platform for consumers to express their opinions about their experiences with a company's product or service. By leaving reviews, customers can also help other potential customers make informed decisions. Meanwhile, companies can use this customer feedback to improve their services and resolve any issues customers face.    Many of today's consumers do not trust leaving a review on the company's website.  This skepticism comes from a fear that companies may delete negative reviews to maintain a pristine image. As a result, consumers often turn to third-party review platforms to ensure that their feedback is seen and heard.    A proactive approach in customer service means anticipating problems before they arise and addressing potential issues that customers may face. Businesses can benefit enormously by studying reviews and complaints directed at their competitors. By foreseeing these issues and finding solutions in advance, businesses can prevent customer dissatisfaction and minor issues from escalating.    Not all reviews will be positive, and it's crucial for businesses to effectively handle negative reviews. Responding promptly and with empathy to criticism shows customers that the company values their feedback and is committed to improvement. Businesses often turn dissatisfied customers into loyal advocates by resolving their issues promptly and efficiently. A well-handled negative review can sometimes enhance a company's reputation more than a positive review.    Discrepancies between what a product or service promises and what it delivers can lead to customer dissatisfaction. Ensuring that marketing messages, sales pitches, and delivered services align is important in setting customer expectations, helps avoid misunderstandings, and ensures a smoother customer experience.     Plus, Shep and Michael share their stories of when they had to contact the CEO directly to provide feedback and get their problems resolved. Tune in!  Quote:   "An upset consumer (leaving a negative review) wants other customers not to suffer the same fate."     About:    Michael Podolsky is the CEO and сo-founder of PissedConsumer.com, a review and reputation management platform. He is an expert in customer service and leadership and advocates for consumers' free speech rights.    Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How an Amazing Customer Experience Can Be a Differentiator for Your Brand  Shep Hyken interviews Arun Shastri, principal at ZS and the author of the Harvard Business Review Sales Management Handbook: How to Lead High-Performing Sales Teams. He talks about the intersection of sales and customer experience, the importance of digital and human interactions, and how they influence the overall customer journey.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    Why is including sales important in the overall plan for customer experience?  How can sales and customer service teams work together to make customers happier?  Why is digital technology key for a smooth customer experience?  What role does human interaction have in today's changing customer experience world?  How can companies create a customer-focused experience from before a purchase to after?  Top Takeaways:    Customer experience is the overall perception customers have based on their interactions with a brand, from the first web search to after the purchase. Ensuring a positive customer experience means simplifying and enriching every aspect of the customer's journey, product, and service.    Salespeople play a crucial role in shaping the customer experience. They help customers discover what they need, educate them about solutions, and build trust.     In both B2B (business-to-business) and B2C (business-to-consumer) industries, customers expect seamless and convenient experiences. Since we are all customers, B2C interactions often serve as a benchmark for B2B expectations. Customers are not only comparing you to your competitors. They are comparing you to the best customer experiences they have had from brands in every industry.    Digital technology serves as a valuable ally in improving customer experience. While digital channels can provide quick answers, they can't fully replace the need for human touch in more complex situations.     Brands should prioritize making every interaction efficient to respect and save the customer's time. Businesses that can reduce or eliminate time-wasting steps in a customer's journey will enhance their overall experience.     As customers evolve, so should businesses. Companies need to be attuned to the changing expectations and preferences of their customers so they can meet them effectively.    Plus, Shep and Arun share how salespeople and customer support teams can become trusted advisors to customers. Tune in!  Quote:   "Customer Experience is about the overall perception through every interaction between a customer and all aspects of the brand before, during, and after a purchase."    About:    Arun Shastri is a principal at ZS and the author of The Harvard Business Review Sales Management Handbook: How to Lead High-Performing Sales Teams. He is the cohost of Reinventing Customer Experience podcast and a teacher for sales executives at Kellogg.     Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Designing Impactful Customer and Community Engagement  Shep Hyken interviews John Durocher, Chief Customer Officer at Calix. He talks about creating a seamless customer experience by utilizing customer feedback, ensuring proactive communication, integrating teams, and leveraging community connections.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How can companies integrate their sales and support teams to enhance customer interactions?   How can small businesses enhance customer support after a sale?  What are the benefits of a customer advisory board?  Why is it important for companies to proactively communicate when there are problems, service outages, or maintenance periods?  How can businesses create an emotional connection with their customers through community involvement?  Top Takeaways:    Companies can improve their service and product offerings by listening to customers. Engaging customers through surveys and advisory boards (made up of customers) allows companies to understand their customers' needs and generate new ideas.     Customer surveys should be a two-way communication. Customers spend time answering customer feedback. So, companies should respond to the feedback by showing appreciation for their customers' input and making them feel heard by letting them know what actions are taken.     Customer experience doesn't stop after a sale. It encompasses every interaction the customer has with the company. Each touchpoint should be designed to delight the customer, from when a product is purchased to when they receive any follow-up service or support.     Communication and collaboration between teams ensure that there are no gaps in service delivery. When a customer interacts with one team, they expect the entire company to be aware of their history and needs. They do not want to repeat themselves. Effective communication ensures a consistent and convenient customer journey.     Proactive communication alleviates customer frustration. When there is a problem,  businesses must proactively notify their customers using all appropriate channels, including text, emails, and social media, that their customers are using. This keeps customers informed about what's happening, how long a problem might last, and reassures them that it is being addressed.     Businesses that engage with the communities they serve often stand out. Customers like doing business with companies who value the same things as them.    Plus, John shares examples of how local broadband providers have gone above and beyond for their community during crucial moments. These are lessons for any type of business. Tune in!  Quote:   "It's important not to have gaps in the customer experience. You have to work and communicate as one team. Customers expect that what they have heard from the sales team will be consistent throughout your organization."      About:    John Durocher is the Chief Customer Officer at Calix. He is widely acknowledged as an expert in customer relationship management (CRM) and has contributed numerous articles and papers to industry and academic publications.  Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gathering, Acknowledging, and Responding to Customer Feedback  Shep Hyken interviews Isabelle Zdatny, Head of Thought Leadership with Qualtrics XM Institute. She talks about the importance of treating customer feedback as a valuable tool for improving customer experience, the decline in consumer feedback, and customer survey best practices.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    What is survey fatigue?  How can negative feedback act as a valuable tool in preventing customer churn?  Why should companies prioritize genuine feedback over high survey scores?  What are the best practices for creating effective and concise customer surveys?  How many chances do customers typically give companies after a poor experience?  Top Takeaways:    Customer feedback is a gift. Negative feedback uncovers areas for improvement, potentially saving businesses from losing customers to competitors.    Customer loyalty is fragile. High customer expectations and the ability to switch to competitors easily mean companies must work even harder to keep their consumers happy. "Nice to have" industries like online retailers, hospitality, and airlines must invest more in experience to establish trust and loyalty with their customers.     Customer service is increasingly becoming more important than price. More and more customers are willing to pay extra for convenient, hassle-free experiences.     Companies need to look beyond the Voice of the Customer. Other sources, such as customer history, support interactions, and social media, can help companies understand the full scope of their customers' experiences.     Isabelle shares stats from the 2025 Consumer Trends Report by Qualtrics. Here are some highlights:    61% of consumers shared that trust in the information that companies provide to them is a top priority.   53% of bad customer experiences result in a decrease in spending.  Customers are less willing to give feedback than they were a few years ago. Compared to 4 years ago, customer feedback after a bad experience has dropped by 8%. The number of customers who do not tell anyone about their experience has increased by over 6%    Plus, Shep and Isabelle discuss why getting honest feedback is more important than getting high metric scores. Tune in!  Quote:   "The overall quality of customer experiences has improved. What's changing is customer expectations. Consumers are less tolerant of bad experiences, so when they happen, they are more likely to either decrease or stop spending money on a business."  About:    Isabelle Zdatny is the Head of Thought Leadership with Qualtrics Experience Management Institute. She produces industry-leading content on experience management trends and best practices, including the 2025 Consumer Trends Report.    Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to Reduce Friction and Create Customer Loyalty  Shep Hyken interviews Edwin Margulies, Chief Evangelist at Nextiva. He talks about his book, Mastering the Customer Experience, understanding customer needs, and simplifying customer interactions.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How can companies effectively integrate new technology into existing systems to enhance customer experience?  Why is creating a frictionless customer experience important, and how can businesses achieve it?  Why is understanding consumer behavior crucial for improving customer experience?  What role does technology play in transforming the customer experience?  Why should your customer experience strategies align with corporate goals?  Top Takeaways:    The customer experience has become the most important differentiator between companies. It's not just about the products or services offered but the entire journey and interactions a customer have with a brand.    A frictionless experience leads to happy customers and a stronger relationship with the brand. Eliminating unnecessary steps and making processes more convenient can create a significant impact on customer experience.    Customers today are more educated and demanding than ever before. With information at their fingertips, they often know as much or more than the agents assisting them. Businesses must adapt by providing tailored, knowledgeable, and efficient customer service.     Edwin Margulies developed an  8-step process to help businesses tackle CX improvements:    Teaming and Goal-Setting: Understand the corporate goals and ensure that your CX goals are aligned with them. Secure support from leadership by ensuring that they understand the return on investment in the customer experience initiative.  Transaction Taxonomy: Make an account of the different types of transactions you are already doing. Then, categorize all customer interactions to identify where improvements can be made.  Customer Maturity Model: Evaluate your appetite as a company to determine how advanced you want to go in terms of CX capabilities.  Mapping Volume and Complexity: Prioritize interactions to improve by analyzing how complex and frequent they are.   Workflow Candidates: Identify specific processes that are ideal for optimization and automation.  Rationalize Business Rules and Policies: Avoid potential errors by aligning your organization's current policies with the new automated processes.  High-Level Workflow Worksheets: Map current to future workflows to see where you can enhance the customer journey.  CX Best Practices Template: Develop a blueprint combining all the moving parts for seamless implementation.    Plus, Edwin shares more insights from his book, Mastering the Customer Experience. Tune in!  Quote:   "The modern consumer is a wily beast. They are demanding, and they want great service. They want personalization. They don't want to repeat themselves. They want to communicate on the channel of their choice, and they self-publish, giving them a megaphone on the experience."    About:    Edwin Margulies is the Chief Evangelist at Nextiva. He is a serial entrepreneur and is the author of 19 books, including his latest, Mastering the Customer Experience.    Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Using AI to Help Human Agents Connect and Build Relationships with Customers  Shep Hyken interviews Christina McAllister, senior analyst at Forrester. She talks about the evolving role of AI in contact centers and how it enhances, customer service, human interactions, and deepens customer relationships without losing the human touch.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How does modern AI enhance the efficiency of customer interactions in contact centers?  How can AI anticipate customer needs and offer better solutions in customer service?  What are the common fears among leadership when adopting AI solutions in customer support?  How can automation in customer service lead to improved human interaction?  Why is maintaining human contact in contact centers still important despite AI advancements?  Top Takeaways:      Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a huge part of customer service. Unlike old chatbots that needed programs to predict every possible question, Generative AI learns from conversations and understands the intent behind questions, which makes customer support and engagement much smoother.     Customer service isn't just about solving problems anymore. It's about engaging customers. Even with current technological advancements, human interaction remains crucial for resolving complex issues. By having real conversations, businesses can strengthen relationships and even create opportunities for more revenue through upselling. Engaging with customers on a personal level can lead to happier, more satisfied, and loyal customers.    Leaders are grappling with FOMO (fear of missing out) and FOMU (fear of messing up) when adopting AI. There's a genuine fear of missing out on the opportunities AI presents and a fear of messing up by investing in the wrong technologies. It's a delicate balance between innovation and smart adoption.    Automation, just like every new technology, often raises concerns about job loss. While digital experiences handle basic inquiries well, complex issues still require human intervention. Automation can impact jobs but also presents new opportunities for meaningful work. Businesses can choose to reassign employees to roles that focus on deeper customer interactions. For example, automating repetitive tasks can free up agents to handle more personalized interactions, enhancing the customer experience.     AI's magic isn't just about answering questions. It's also about predicting what customers might need next. By analyzing patterns, AI can alert you to better deals or cost-saving opportunities you might not be aware of. This proactive approach, powered and made scalable by AI, makes customers feel valued and understood.    Plus, Christina shares the long-neglected foundations, like knowledge management and understanding agent workflows, that investing in AI has brought to the surface. Tune in!  Quote:   "There's a significant shift happening in the industry—from merely providing support to actively engaging with customers. The ability to personalize relationships, even through beneficial upsells, marks a new era of customer service."    About:    Christina McAllister is a senior analyst at Forrester. She helps customer service and customer experience (CX) leaders transform their strategies and capabilities in the age of the customer. Her research focuses on how technology and AI can enhance customer and agent experience.  Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Creating a Company Identity That Transforms Customer Experience  Shep Hyken interviews Laura Richard, Principal at Level5 Strategy and one of the 2023 Woman Leaders in Consulting. She talks about the essence of branding and its role in customer experience, employee engagement, and business growth.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    What is a brand promise?  What is the role of branding in enhancing the customer experience?  How can businesses define their brand to impact customer relationships meaningfully?  How does empowering employees align with a company's brand promise?  Why is it important for employees to share the same values as the brand they work for?  Top Takeaways:    A brand promise is a company's commitment to its customers, defining what they can expect every time they interact with the brand. It is the guiding principle that all the decisions of an organization are centered on.     A brand true to its promise creates value, builds trust, and fosters long-lasting relationships that benefit the customer and bring financial success to the business over time.    Understand what matters most to the customers you want to build a relationship with. Know what they want to get and how they want to feel as a result of engaging with the brand.     In a competitive market, a strong brand sets a company apart from competitors and creates an emotional connection with customers. For example, Nike empowers its customers with the motto "Just Do It," and Patagonia focuses on sustainability.    Employees are essential in upholding the brand promise. When a company clearly defines its brand promise and values, it can attract employees who naturally resonate with those principles.    Companies should identify which touchpoints are "table stakes," meaning basic expectations that must be met, but not necessarily exceeded. They should also focus their resources on the "moments of truth," the interactions that emotionally impact customers and can significantly deepen relationships.     Plus, Shep and Laura discuss how convenience and consistency drive loyalty. Tune in!  Quote:   "When people hear the word brand, they think of the logo, tagline, or marketing campaigns. But a brand truly is the company's identity, the common set of truths the organization needs to deliver to create value for its customers and employees."    About:    Laura Richard is a Principal at Level5 Strategy and one of the 2023 Woman Leaders in Consulting. She is Chair of the Board of ParticipACTION, Canada's leading advocate for physical activity.  Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Building a Brand Customers Love  Shep Hyken interviews Joanne Chan, CEO of Turner Duckworth, a world-class branding agency with studios in San Francisco, London, and New York. She talks about how brands like Amazon, Coca-Cola, and Levi Strauss & Co. infuse a clear vision and emotional connection in their branding to communicate a customer-focused experience.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How can a company integrate customer service into its branding strategy?  What role does customer experience play in brand loyalty?  What are the key elements of a logo or brand identity that influence customer experience?  Why is it essential for brands to infuse emotion into their visual identity systems?  How should companies handle feedback to improve their brand's customer experience?  Top Takeaways:      Branding is crucial for any company because it defines how customers perceive the business. A strong logo and brand identity can create emotional connections with customers, making them more loyal and engaged.     Successful branding involves creativity and an understanding of what the brand represents. A great logo or brand can stand the test of time while still resonating with new customers, like Amazon's smile logo, which emotionally connects the customer to a happy experience and communicates that Amazon sells everything from A to Z.      In any business relationship, listening is vital to understanding client needs and expectations. Listening helps you create solutions that cater to the client's specific requirements. Listening with empathy throughout the partnership can nurture long-lasting relationships and repeat business.    Everyone makes mistakes, and in business, you must handle them well. When a mistake happens, take responsibility, listen to your customers, and work to solve the problem together. Owning and handling mistakes well shows your customers that you are reliable and committed to delivering an amazing experience.    Creating a brand involves more than just a name or logo. It's about evoking emotions. This involves using design to speak to the heart of what the consumer cares about. That's part of the customer experience.    The new generation of customers interacts with brands differently. They expect personalized and engaging experiences. Brands must be flexible and adaptable while maintaining consistency.    Plus, Joanne shares how her team came up with the Amazon logo and how they purpose-built it for the future. Tune in!  Quote:   "To infuse a brand with personality, marketers need to understand that brands are a way to communicate with their customers. The more emotion you infuse into a visual identity system, the more connection you can have with your customers."    About:    Joanne Chan is the CEO of Turner Duckworth. They managed packaging and brand identity projects for clients like Amazon, Coca-Cola, Levi Strauss & Co., and Samsung.  Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leveraging Technology to Create Personalized Experiences  Shep Hyken interviews Anurag Dhingra, SVP and General Manager of Cisco Collaboration. He talks about using AI to bridge the gap between consumer expectations and satisfaction by enhancing both customer and employee experiences.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How can businesses bridge the gap between customer expectations and satisfaction?  What role does artificial intelligence play in enhancing customer service interactions?  What are the benefits of proactive communication in customer service?  How can AI-driven tools support customer service agents in delivering better service?  Why is it important for companies to prioritize customer experience over cost optimization?  Top Takeaways:    There is still a huge gap between what people expect from their customer experience and what they are getting. If you ask a someone if they are happy with their previous customer experiences, the answer will likely be no. Fortunately, we now have the technology to elevate the experiences we can deliver to our customers.     Technological advancements, especially in AI, present many opportunities for organizations to enhance customer service and experience. AI can help streamline processes, provide real-time insights, and assist agents in answering customer inquiries more effectively.    Companies need to be thoughtful when implementing AI solutions. While cost optimization is important, it should not overshadow the goal of enhancing customer experience. Businesses should prioritize strategies that directly impact customer satisfaction, such as reducing wait times, creating personalized experiences, and anticipating customer needs.     Personalization is crucial in creating amazing customer experiences. Customers now expect companies to recognize their preferences and past interactions. Delivering a personalized service can make customers feel valued and understood, strengthening brand loyalty.    In addition to traditional methods of communications, like phone calls, modern consumers also communicate across various platforms like social media and text messages. Companies need to meet their customers in the channels where they prefer to interact. Offering multiple communication options allows customers to reach out in their preferred way, enhancing engagement and satisfaction.     Today, the best use case for AI is helping customer support agents, acting as a co-pilot providing real-time assistance and recommendations. AI can enhance agent efficiency by summarizing interactions and handling routine tasks, freeing agents to focus on complex issues. Technology should empower humans, not replace them.    Plus, Anurag and Shep discuss why it is important to always let customers know when they are talking to AI. Tune in!  Quote:  "Anyone in the organization can be a customer service representative. Because there are now multiple ways to engage with a brand, anyone has the opportunity to do a job that delights the customer."  About:    Anurag Dhingra is the SVP and General Manager of Cisco Collaboration. He leads the technology vision, strategy, and direction for the Cisco Collaboration. He is also on Cisco's Human Rights Advisory Council and the founder of Cisco's Responsible AI initiative.  Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Exploring AI's Role in Revolutionizing Customer and Employee Experiences in Contact Centers  Shep Hyken interviews Jonathan Rosenberg, Chief Technology Officer and head of AI at Five9. He talks about how contact centers can use generative AI to deliver customer experiences that people love.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How can companies effectively balance customer self-service with personal interactions in high-stakes situations?  How does AI contribute to transforming contact center agents into brand ambassadors?  Why is empathy important in customer service interactions, and how can AI complement this human trait?  How does the implementation of AI tools impact companies' return on investment?  How does generative AI reduce labor costs in contact centers while maintaining human involvement?   Top Takeaways:     AI is changing the way that contact centers operate. AI-driven tools can handle simple queries and support human employees in answering complex questions. It allows businesses to offer quick, precise help that reduces call and hold times while keeping human agents available for tasks requiring empathy and complex problem-solving.    Self-service options are growing more advanced and popular. Although AI can tackle straightforward and repetitive tasks, humans are necessary for high-stakes or complicated situations due to their ability to understand emotions and contexts more deeply.     AI isn't about replacing human employees but empowering them. It provides agents with insights and recommendations in real time so they can focus on building stronger relationships with customers. With AI tools, agents can support customers more effectively, easily handle complex queries, and even seize upsell opportunities.     Great customer experiences can lead to loyal customers. With AI tools, employees can easily access customer's history of interactions with the brand and get information from a broad knowledge base that can help them offer personalized solutions. When customers feel understood and valued, they are more likely to return and tell others about their positive experiences.     AI is quicker and more cost-effective to implement than ever, and the return on investment from AI in customer service is significant. AI can shorten call handling times and make each interaction more efficient, saving money for the business.     Plus, Shep and Jonathan discuss what happens to companies that are laggards when it comes to adopting AI. Tune in!  Quote:   "Setting up and implementing AI has historically been expensive and prohibitive for businesses. Now, with generative AI, it is quick and easy to get started, and the cost of maintaining it is low."    About:    Jonathan Rosenberg is the Chief Technology Officer and head of AI at Five9. He is responsible for the engineering and operational teams building Five9's Genius AI portfolio.    Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transforming Customer Support with Technology and Empathy  Shep Hyken interviews Derek Allgood, VP of Global Customer Experience (GCX) at eBay. He discusses the importance of nurturing a supportive culture and harnessing innovative tools like AI to enhance employee and customer service.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How does enhancing the employee experience contribute to a better customer service experience?  How can businesses balance automated customer service solutions with human interactions?  What strategies can support remote customer service employees in delivering consistent experiences?  How do self-service solutions impact the overall efficiency of customer service operations?  How essential is a strong company purpose in driving customer satisfaction?  Top Takeaways:    Listening is critical to building strong relationships in business and life. When interacting with customers or clients, it is essential to fully comprehend their needs and concerns before taking action. Active listening involves paying attention, asking clarifying questions, and genuinely showing empathy.     High employee turnover leads to increased costs and decreased customer satisfaction. Focus on creating a fulfilling and supportive work environment for your team members. Employees who feel valued and engaged become more committed to their roles and deliver exceptional service.    Today, more people are working remotely, which requires new ways of maintaining communication and culture. Effectively using technology to communicate improves work efficiency and connectivity. Communication technology helps ensure that employees remain connected and well-informed and can support one another in real time.    Self-service technology helps streamline interactions and solve issues quickly. By implementing self-service options, businesses can empower customers to find the answers they need without waiting to speak with a representative. This reduces wait times and allows customer support teams to focus on more complex issues. It also leads to cost savings for businesses and a more satisfying experience for both customers and employees.    A great business also thinks about how it can contribute positively to the world. This involves supporting causes that align with the company's values and making a meaningful impact on communities. By having a purpose beyond making money, businesses can connect with people on a more personal level. This builds trust and loyalty among consumers and employees alike.    Plus, Derek talks about eBay's innovative AI solutions to support employees and customers. Tune in!  Quotes:   "The first thing that we have to do in any relationship is to listen. As a business with a buyer and seller relationship, listen and try to understand where the customers are in their journey, what's gone wrong, and how you can support the employees helping them."    About:    Derek Allgood is the VP of Global Customer Experience (GCX) at eBay. He has over 20 years of experience leading customer support teams for global companies such as Citiphone, Global Consumer Bank, and Barclays.    Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aligning Business Goals with Customer Needs   Shep Hyken interviews Jeff Gothelf, author of Who Does What By How Much?: A Practical Guide to Customer-Centric OKRs. He talks about how aligning objectives and key results with customer needs can transform business success.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    What is an OKR?  How do customer-centric OKRs help teams focus on the right tasks?  Why is it important for businesses to align their objectives with customer-centric goals?  How does measuring customer behavior contribute to better customer satisfaction?  How can understanding customer patterns help prevent client defection?  Top Takeaways:    OKR is an acronym meaning Objectives and Key Results. They are a strategic framework for setting clear goals and measuring outcomes. By having clear goals and knowing what results are expected, everyone in the organization moves in the right direction. When these OKRs are focused on the customer, they help companies make decisions that make their customers happy and loyal to the brand.     Objectives are qualitative goals describing the end state you want your customers to experience. For example, you want to offer the best product or be the easiest to do business with. The key results are the quantitative measures of human behavior that tell us we've achieved that state. It answers: What will your customers do differently, and by how much?     Customer satisfaction is important, but understanding customer behaviors is crucial. Often, dissatisfied customers stop using the product. They show up less often. They spend less money. They stop telling their friends about it. If you can understand these patterns of your customer's behavior, you can proactively take action before it becomes a problem.    Determine which behaviors (trying out products, asking more questions, etc.) will deliver the results that your company is looking for. Then, create an environment, a system, a service, or a store that positively amplifies those behaviors for the customer.    Providing your team with the objectives and allowing them to figure out the best way to achieve them communicates that you trust your employees to use their skills to meet customer needs.     Not all strategies will work from the start. Organizations need to develop a culture of learning. It allows teams to learn from mistakes and objectively measure the success of an idea. Then, businesses can make informed adjustments and improve with each attempt.     Plus, Jeff explains why some employees end up working on the wrong tasks  and how organizations can avoid that. Tune in!  Quote:   "Customer centricity puts the customer at the center of all our decisions. Every time we make a decision, the critical question is—What impact do we think this will have on the customer? And, is that something that we want to do?"    About:    Jeff Gothelf is a business strategy and customer-centricity expert, speaker, and author. He is the co-author of Lean UX, Sense & Respond, and Who Does What By How Much?: A Practical Guide to Customer-Centric OKRs.    Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How Personalized Customer Experiences Can Drive Business Growth   Shep Hyken interviews Mark Abraham, Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group and author of Personalized: Customer Strategy in the Age of AI. He talks about AI's potential to enhance personalization and the impact of tailored customer experiences on business growth.   This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    What is true personalization?  How can AI enhance personalization?  How does personalization contribute to customer loyalty and satisfaction?  How can businesses balance personalization with customer data privacy concerns?  What are some common misconceptions about personalization in customer service?  Top Takeaways:    Personalization means using what you've learned about the customer from their past interactions to improve their future experiences.     True personalization is not just about using a customer's name or offering customized products. True personalization involves using customer data at scale to make their next experience smoother, faster, and more convenient.     There are some concerns among customers about data privacy and personalization. Businesses must first get the opt-in from their customers. Second, it is important to ensure personalized experiences are contextually appropriate to the customer's journey.    Respecting customer privacy can make or break a personalized experience. Businesses should collect first-party data (data from transactions) and zero-party data (data directly shared by customers) to create a more accurate and respectful personalization strategy.     Artificial Intelligence has the potential to significantly enhance personalization. It can analyze vast amounts of data to predict and suggest the next best actions for customers, recommend products or services, and tailor customer service interactions.    Starting with personalization doesn't have to be complicated. Start by identifying one area where personalization can have the most impact and using available tools and technologies to implement it.    Mark also shares The Five Promises of Personalization, a practical way to think about how you deliver great personalization.    Empower me: Start with the customer. How are you helping them solve problems or fulfill a need?    Know me: To help a customer, you need to know them. Find ways to engage the customer and collect relevant data in between.    Reach me: Use AI to know how to reach out to your customers and what messages are most appropriate and relevant to send them.    Show me: Build a content library and use content management systems and automation to deliver personalized content at scale.     Delight me: Make the personalized experience seem more magical.    Plus, Mark answers the question—Is true personalization an expensive thing to do? Tune in!  Quote:   "Personalization isn't just customization. Personalization is taking what you've learned about a customer in an interaction and making their next interaction better, faster, or more convenient."    About:    Mark Abraham is a Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group and the founder of the company's Global Personalization business. He co-authored Personalized: Customer Strategy in the Age of AI with David C. Edelman.    Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI's Growing Impact on Employee and Customer Experience  Shep Hyken interviews Jim Payne, Director of Product Marketing, Customer Engagement at RingCentral. He talks about how AI is transforming both customer and employee interactions by enhancing productivity and efficiency.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How is AI transforming both employee and customer experiences?  Can AI be utilized effectively in smaller companies with limited budgets?  How does AI improve efficiency and productivity for customer service teams?  What is the impact of AI on employee retention?  What are the challenges related to integrating AI into existing customer service systems?  Top Takeaways:    Artificial Intelligence is significantly impacting both customer and employee experiences. The latest research by RingCentral and Metrigy has uncovered that over 80% of companies are using or planning to use AI to enhance customer and employee interactions this year.     The cost of using AI for business has dramatically decreased. In the past, deploying AI would mean a considerable investment needing data scientists and experts to implement. Today, it has become more accessible to even small and medium-sized businesses. The benefits of AI, such as increased productivity and efficiency, are no longer exclusive to large organizations.    AI will not replace human employees. Instead, it will augment their capabilities, make their jobs easier, and empower them to serve more customers.    By automating repetitive, mundane tasks, AI allows employees to focus on more meaningful work. In customer support,  AI can manage routine inquiries and free agents to tackle more complex issues that need human-to-human interaction. This boosts productivity and reduces stress and burnout, leading to a happier workforce.     Inconsistent experiences with digital tools may cause customers to hesitate to choose self-service options. Companies must ensure their AI systems are reliable and user-friendly to encourage more customers to embrace them.     AI creates seamless experiences for both customers and employees. Whether a customer is talking to a chatbot or a human agent, all relevant information can be retained and accessible. This prevents customers from having to repeat themselves. It also empowers employees with the information they need to resolve issues quickly.    By integrating AI solutions, businesses can enhance their existing workforce. AI helps shorten the time an agent needs to solve problems. In their recent study, RingCentral and Metrigy found that AI helps reduce the time to complete a call by 39% on average. This allows contact centers to handle higher volumes of inquiries with fewer agents, bridging staffing gaps and improving the overall service quality.    Plus, Shep and Jim share innovative ways AI is being used to support customer service agents. Tune in!  Quote:   "AI supercharges people. It doesn't replace human-to-human interaction. It just makes everything better, faster, and easier."    About:    Jim Payne is the Director of Product Marketing, Customer Engagement at RingCentral. He specializes in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning and how they can be applied to improve customer experiences.    Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices