To take a company to the next level, it is necessary to build long-lasting and trusting relationships with customers. But gaining trust is not easy; it is a process that is built from the inside out starting with employees who are the “face” of the company.
Employers realize that impressions made on clients and customers are important to the success of their organization. Employees typically are the “face” of the company, and employers often find it necessary to control that image. Let’s take a look at some recommendations for transportation companies that will make customers believe in your company just by interacting with your employees:
Say what you have to say
Due to the nature of the industry, there might be situations where a single mistake or misunderstanding can lead to negative consequences. This is why it is of utmost importance to maintain an open and continued communication between managers, supervisors and staff.
Employers need to be clear about what their needs are and communicate them accurately to the staff. And vice versa, managers or supervisors must be attentive to listen to their employees’ concerns and needs. If the staff feel they are in a trusting environment they will likely send clear messages to customers, and be more accurate on their day-to-day interactions.
The company image factor
The American Psychological Association cites that “you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression”. And nothing stands out more on a first impression than employees’ dress and appearance. A uniform program allows an employer to clearly set expectations regarding the brand image it wants the company to convey and the apparel worn by each employee helps employers fulfil the goals of comfort, professionalism, safety, brand and trust for its employees.
Workwear Outfitters, a leading supplier of innovative work apparel and footwear which includes Kodiak, Terra, Red Kap and Dickies brands, believes in the power of a uniform program and apparel to generate business credibility. Some garments are not only designed to stand the test of time, but also for the wearer to maintain a professional appearance and to be identified as a trusted representative of a company.
Ready for every situation
Corporations must vary the mix of skills required for a job and increase task variety. And employees should be able to go a little off script during their day-to-day duties and activities, so they can be ready to respond to any customer need. When a customer realizes that they have a “multi-skill” team at their disposal where every member of the team can support them, they will definitely come back and most likely, they will recommend it to other potential customers.
Final thoughts
Employees are the most valuable extension of a transportation company; the way they perform their day-to-day duties will affect your customer’s perception of your company. And the way your customers perceive your company impacts employee acquisition and retention. Make sure to motivate your teams to communicate effectively; set clear expectations among your employees on the image your company wants to convey, and encourage them to have a collaborative mind-set. These small changes can play a major role to achieve your business goals.
