Building a Culture Where Customers and Employees Want to Stay   Shep interviews David Fuhr, Sweetwater's Chief Sales Officer. He talks about creating remarkable customer experiences through personalized service, passionate employees, and living the company's core values in every interaction.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How does additional generosity impact customer loyalty?  Why is personalizing customer interactions important in today's business environment?  How does a company's culture influence its service and customer retention?  How can companies prevent recurring customer complaints based on feedback analysis?  Why should businesses focus on solving customer issues rather than just addressing problems?  Top Takeaways:    Additional generosity goes a long way in customer experience. It does not have to be expensive or flashy. When you add a small, unexpected touch to a customer interaction, you create a memorable moment. Any brand can show appreciation and stand out by doing a little more than expected. (Sweetwater includes a small bag of candy with every order. Sweet!)  Hiring employees who are truly passionate about what they do makes a big difference. If your team genuinely loves the industry they work in and believes in the products they sell, it shows in the way they interact with and help customers.  Match customers with employees who are genuinely interested in and knowledgeable about the products they sell. This builds trust by creating interactions in which the advice customers receive feels more valuable because it is personalized.   Training never stops. When hiring new employees, equip them with the knowledge they need to excel through immersive training. Once they are working with customers, empower them by providing continuous training that keeps everyone updated and motivated.   Listening to customer feedback leads to better service. Encouraging honest opinions, both good and bad, helps you find out what customers truly care about.  It’s important to have a system for collecting this information and then actually acting on it.   Mistakes are learning opportunities. When something goes wrong, the real test is how a company reacts and focuses on "solving the customer,” not just the problem. Communicate with customers quickly, fix what went wrong, and then look deeper to stop the issue from happening to others.   Plus, Shep and David discuss Sweetwater's emphasis on company culture and community. Tune in!  Quote:   "Additional generosity means doing something a little unexpected for the customers. It is a way of saying thank you for thinking of us and giving us the opportunity to earn their business."  About:    David Fuhr is the Chief Sales Officer at Sweetwater, where he leads the company’s renowned sales team. Since joining the company over five years ago, he has held key leadership positions, including SVP of Customer Experience, focusing on delivering the Sweetwater Difference for both customers and staff.  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

Lessons on Humanity, Technology, and Leadership from a Pioneer of Customer Experience  Shep interviews Bruce Temkin, host of Humanity at Scale: Redefining Leadership. He talks about how AI is reshaping business and why human connection remains essential for both customers and employees.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    What is the difference between customer experience and customer service?  Why is the concept "the customer is always right" often considered misguided?  How can companies benefit from shifting their focus from internal processes to customer-centric thinking?  What role does behavioral science play in improving customer experience?  How is artificial intelligence affecting customer service and employee roles in modern organizations?  Top Takeaways:    Customer experience isn’t just a buzzword or a fancy way of saying customer service. It is not just about the moments where the customer needs help. It is about every interaction throughout the entire customer journey.  Customers are not always right, but they are always the customer. Customers sometimes have complaints or requests that don't align with the business's offerings, especially if they're not the target audience. Treat everyone with respect, even when you can't give them exactly what they want. Even when they are wrong, let them be wrong with dignity and keep the relationship open for the future as much as possible.  Behavioral science helps explain why customers act the way they do, make certain choices, and even how they respond to situations. Knowledge about how humans think and feel is just as essential as knowing how to organize teams or create new products. Understanding human behavior helps leaders make decisions that truly connect with employees and customers.  Success isn't just about financial results, but also about making life better for people inside and outside the company. Leaders who keep the well-being of employees, customers, and communities in mind make decisions that will have a positive impact on everyone.   AI is changing how work gets done, especially in customer service. AI helps humans do higher-level, creative, and caring work. AI can handle simple tasks, so humans can focus on building real relationships and solving complex problems.  Technology creates new opportunities. AI will not replace humans. It will change the type of work that humans do. Just like how the internet created tons of new jobs, AI will reshape the workplace and introduce new careers.   Plus, Shep and Bruce discuss why it is important for individuals and companies to make sure they are always moving towards their "North Star." Tune in!  Quote:   "One of the absolute misguided beliefs is that the customer is always right. They aren’t. All you have to do is look at yourself in the mirror. Everyone's been a customer and not always been right when they've complained or seen a problem."  About:    Bruce Temkin is widely recognized as the "Godfather of Customer Experience," helping to shape customer and employee experience and advising leaders on how to keep people at the center of their organizational processes. He is the host of the podcast, Humanity at Scale: Redefining Leadership.    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 Royal Caribbean Creates an Unbelievable (WOW) Guest Experience  Shep interviews Richard Fain, chairman of Royal Caribbean Group. He talks about his new book, Delivering the Wow, and creating a customer-focused culture through continuous improvement, empowered employees, and attention to every detail.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How does a hospitality mindset impact customer experience in the service industry?  How can organizations create a culture that motivates employees to go above and beyond for customers?  Why is employee engagement important in delivering outstanding service experiences?  Why is continuous improvement important for building a customer-focused culture?  What is the role of leadership in sustaining a service-driven culture?  Top Takeaways:    Creating an incredible experience starts with a hospitality mindset. It’s not enough for a company just to have beautiful products or spaces. Every employee, from top management to behind-the-scenes team members, must aim to deliver a "wow" experience that gives customers something exciting to talk about with their family and friends.  The hospitality mentality doesn't just belong in a hotel or restaurant. It applies to every business that wants loyal customers. Every single person in an organization has an impact on the customer experience. When every employee, not just the frontlines, is aligned with this mentality, the whole organization can deliver standout experiences.  A “wow” company culture must be lived every day. A strong customer experience culture empowers every employee to work with intention and passion. It makes every member of the team love what they do and inspires others.  When employees are happy at work, they do a better job, and customers notice the difference. The best organizations hire for passion as well as skills.   You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Keeping track of the metrics that matter, like customer satisfaction and employee engagement, gives the team a target to work toward and motivates them to do their best.  Repeat business is the best feedback. High ratings and reviews are great, but repeat business is the best measurement of whether you delivered a “wow” experience that customers want to come back for.  Good enough is not good enough. The most successful teams and businesses push for constant, even dramatic, improvement that makes their customer's experience unbelievably better.   Plus, Shep and Richard discuss the mantras that help Royal Caribbean achieve quantum leaps in delivering “wow” experiences for its customers. Tune in!  Quote:   "Every once in a while, you hear executives say things like, 'It's just part of our DNA.' But culture isn't automatic. It requires intentionality every single day to truly focus on the customer and keep getting better."  About:    Richard Fain is the chairman and former CEO of the Royal Caribbean Group. He is the bestselling author of Delivering the Wow: Culture as Catalyst for Lasting Success. Under his leadership, the company transformed from a small cruise line into one of the most successful and renowned vacation brands in the world.    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

Collecting and Using Data Ethically to Create Customer Delight  Shep interviews Phyllis Fang, Head of Marketing at Transcend. She talks about the importance of personalization and how companies can ethically collect, unify, and use customer data to create seamless, trust-building interactions.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How can companies ethically collect and use customer data without crossing privacy boundaries?  Why is transparency important when asking customers for permission to use their data?  How can brands strike the right balance between personalization and avoiding being perceived as intrusive or "creepy"?  What are the best practices for building trust with customers through data collection and usage?  How does unified customer identity across digital and real-world touchpoints improve the overall customer journey?  Top Takeaways:    Customers are willing to share information, but only if they get something valuable in return. When a company uses customer preferences to recommend something relevant at the right time, customers are more willing to engage. On the other hand, when the connection feels forced or overwhelming, it can make customers stop buying and look for other companies that will respect their trust.  Customers feel better when companies are upfront about what data they’re collecting and how it will be used. When a brand is transparent with why they need information and asks for permission, customers feel respected and safe. Giving customers options about how their data is used makes them more likely to share details.  Businesses should focus on getting only getting the information they need to start doing business with a customer. Then, gradually over time, the business can learn more.   Ethical use of data builds trust. Just because a business can use a customer's data does not mean it always should. It’s important for companies to explain how they use customer information, and to give customers choices. When customers know what’s happening and have control, they are more likely to trust a brand with their information and their business.  Some customers want weekly emails or product updates, while others just want order confirmations or receipts. Give your customers a way to choose the kind of information they receive and how often they want it, and make setting this up easy.  Better business practices lead to loyal customers. When companies focus on giving people what they want, respecting their choices, and treating data carefully, customers become fans who keep coming back.  Personalization isn’t just about online shopping. It can happen in real life too. Imagine walking into a store and the salesperson remembers what you like, what you bought before, and even your favorite colors. This shows how connecting customer history, identity, and preferences creates a great experience both digitally and face-to-face.   Plus, Shep and Phyllis discuss the importance of making sure customers understand what they are saying yes to, such as cookie banners and opt-in forms. Tune in!  Quote:   “When customers share information, they often want control over how and where it’s used. A company needs to respect those preferences and enforce them consistently.”  About:    Phyllis Fang is the Head of Marketing at Transcend, where she helps brands grow through customer trust, personalization, and digital transformation. Before working at Transcend, she drove key product marketing initiatives at Uber and has a strong background in e-commerce and digital marketing.    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

Closing the Gap Between Customer Expectation and Customer Experience  Shep interviews Peter Cross, customer behavior expert, keynote speaker, and author of  Start with the Customer: How to Deliver World-Class Customer Service. He talks about the importance of company culture in delivering amazing experiences and how to close the gap between customer expectations and their lived experiences.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How can brands empower employees to deliver exceptional customer experiences?  What are the most common changes in customer expectations in recent years?  How does technology, such as automation and AI, impact customer service delivery?  How can organizations make customers feel valued, even when their requests can't always be fulfilled?  What role should leadership play in promoting a culture of excellent customer service?  Top Takeaways:    Technology may be advancing quickly, but customer needs have stayed the same. Customers still want trust, transparency, inspiration, expertise, and genuine human connection. While new technology like AI and digital experiences can make customer service easier, it's important not to lose sight of what customers truly expect from you.   Modern customers compare every experience they have to the best companies, not just  direct competitors. Brands need to aim for world-class service, no matter the industry, in order to thrive.  Customers are not always right. They sometimes have unrealistic expectations or behave poorly. Regardless, even though employees shouldn't have to deal with unreasonable requests, they should always make customers feel valued and listened to.  Customers come with expectations, whether they say it or not. When there is a gap between what customers hope for and what actually happens, problems can occur. The goal is to always listen to what the customers need and aim to close the gap with every interaction.   Brands don't need to go over the top to close the expectation gap. All brands need to do is what they promised their customers. When customers say, "they are always friendly, always helpful, always knowledgeable," the word "always" in front of all those expectations describes where amazement happens.  Customer service is cultural. It's a team effort. Every person in the organization, from the leadership to the newly hired employees, is responsible for delivering an amazing customer experience.   Customers are willing to pay more for service that is friendly and, more importantly, convenient. Making it easy and pleasant to do business with you should always be a top priority. Convenience and friendliness are more than just nice. They are what keeps customers coming back.  Plus, Shep and Peter discuss more insights from new research by the Institute of Customer Service (ICS) and Start with the Customer. Tune in!  Quote:   "How meeting customer needs may have changed because of technology, but the needs themselves haven't changed at all. They still want to be inspired. They want trust, transparency, and connection."  About:    Peter Cross is a customer behavior expert, consultant, speaker, and the co-author of Start with the Customer: How to Deliver World-Class Customer Service. He is Vice President at the Institute of Customer Service, an Ambassador for the Retail Trust, and a Leader in Residence at the University of Leeds.   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 Authentic Ratings and Reviews Drive Customer Trust  Shep interviews Allyse Slocum, Vice President of Product & Audience Marketing at Trustpilot. She talks about how customer reviews influence trust in businesses, the importance of authentic feedback, and key insights on consumer review habits and behaviors.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    Why are online reviews crucial for building trust between companies and customers?  How can businesses ensure the authenticity of customer reviews in the age of AI-generated content?  What is considered a credible rating on a 1 to 5-star review scale, and how can companies identify trustworthy feedback?  Is it realistic for businesses to achieve perfect 5-star ratings from every customer, or does this raise concerns about review authenticity?  What are the best practices for companies when responding to customer ratings and reviews, whether positive or negative?  Top Takeaways:   Trust is the foundation of every successful relationship, whether between a company and a customer, an employer and an employee, or between two businesses. Customers are loyal to brands that keep their promises and deliver what they advertise.   Building and protecting trust should be just as important as selling products or services. When a customer's trust is broken, even good customer service can't fix it.    Reviews are like the digital version of asking friends for advice. Before making a purchase, 39% of shoppers read product reviews to decide if something is worth buying. Customers often check reviews multiple times and look for feedback from others before spending money.  Not every review online is real, and many customers worry about fake reviews, both negative ones from competitors and positive ones meant to make a business look better. Technology is getting better and better at identifying and removing fake reviews. Additionally, content integrity specialists make sure that the technology is working and find patterns to detect fake reviews.  Trust can still be earned after a negative review. When a business openly responds to its reviewers, especially those who had a bad experience, it shows they care. A company that replies thoughtfully, tries to fix problems, and says thank you for kind words earns more trust from customers and future shoppers.  The number of reviews and how recent they are play a big role in building trust. Fresh reviews mean that a business is active, while old reviews might make customers wonder whether things have changed.  Customers are more likely to leave a review after a positive experience (56%) than a negative one (38%).   Automating review requests helps collect opinions from all types of customers, not just the ones with extreme feelings. Asking for reviews automatically at key points (such as after a purchase or service) makes it easier to get more feedback. The more feedback you have, the more your ratings reflect the real experience customers have.   Quote:   "Trust is an incredibly important thing that needs to happen between any two parties, whether that is business to consumer, business to business, or even employers and employees."  About:    Allyse Slocum is the Vice President of Product & Audience Marketing at Trustpilot, where she specializes in building trust between consumers and businesses through reviews. She is dedicated to using data and technology to ensure the authenticity of reviews, helping businesses improve and maintain customer trust.  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

From Transactional Service to Relationship Building with the Help of Technology  Shep interviews Pasquale DeMaio, Vice President and General Manager of Amazon Connect. He talks about how Amazon leverages AI and technology to enhance customer service, with  a "better together" approach where automation and human agents work hand-in-hand to create efficient, empathetic, and proactive customer experiences.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    What is the "better together" approach in customer service technology and human interaction?  How can automation and AI improve efficiency in handling repetitive customer service tasks?  Why is genuine empathy important in customer service, and can technology replicate it?  How does empowering human agents with technology lead to better customer outcomes?  How can customer insights from support interactions drive continuous improvement?  Top Takeaways:   Customer service works best when technology and real people come together. While AI and automation can make things faster and easier, people still want to talk to humans for help with complex or emotional problems.   The goal should always be to use AI to support employees, not replace them. Technology should make it easier for humans to do what they do best: listen, empathize, and solve tricky issues.   It's important to treat every customer with respect and kindness, as you would a friend. Customers want to feel valued, not manipulated, so the best approach is to be sincere by helping them in a way that matches their needs and preferences.  Every interaction is an opportunity to build a relationship and encourage customers to return. Focusing on both solving the issue and making people feel good about the experience creates loyal customers.   Modern tools allow companies to analyze every conversation, not just a few. Every conversation with your customers, whether by phone or chat, is a rich source of information that can reveal trends, problems, and opportunities. This real-time insight can help fix issues faster, spot patterns, and make better decisions to improve service for everyone.  Taking action before problems start, or even before the customer notices there’s a problem, makes for an amazing customer experience. When a customer encounters a problem, contacting them with a new option before they ask for help is an example of proactive service. The best companies work to prevent problems or solve them instantly, making customers feel cared for and stress-free.  AI can make agents' jobs better, not obsolete. AI can handle the boring and repetitive parts of the job, like taking notes or finding information, so people can focus on helping customers. This makes work more enjoyable and lets agents do what they're best at, which is solving problems and building relationships.  The end goal should be more than just fixing a problem. Create a positive memory. Make every interaction with a customer one that leaves them feeling happy, satisfied, and eager to return.  Plus, Shep and Pasquale answer the question, "Can computers fake empathy?" Tune in!  Quote:   "Humans are core to the experience. The end customer is a human being, and often, the main contact they have with a company is through human customer service. Everything we do with technology should be designed to fade into the background and allow any human being to be more effective."  About:    Pasquale DeMaio is the Vice President and General Manager of Amazon Connect, the cloud-based contact center solution from Amazon Web Services. Amazon Connect leverages the same underlying technology that Amazon's own global customer service team uses to manage millions of customer interactions every day.  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 are AI-powered Interactions Transforming Daily Customer Experiences  Shep interviews Tifenn Dano Kwan, Chief Marketing Officer at Amplitude. Tifenn talks about how AI and digital analytics are redefining customer experience through hyper-personalization and authentic interactions.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    What inflection points in technology have most impacted customer experience in the digital era?  What is hyper-personalization?  How has artificial intelligence transformed digital customer experiences?  What future trends in AI could most impact customer service and experience?  Should companies be transparent with customers about using AI-powered services?  Top Takeaways:    Artificial Intelligence has become one of the biggest game-changers for customer experience. It helps companies remove friction, enabling customers to get help faster and solve problems more easily.  Embracing new tech in CX is about finding ways to make life easier for your customers. Moments like the rise of the web, and the growth of AI mark big turning points that companies must adapt to. Being open to change lets businesses create better experiences for customers and stay ahead of the competition.  Customers want to be treated as individuals, not just a number. Personalization, especially when powered by AI, helps match customers with products, recommendations, or solutions that really fit them.   AI can deliver hyper-personalized experiences that keep people engaged and coming back. But, businesses need to remember that personalization that feels authentic and respectful is what really wins customers over.  Customers prefer when companies are transparent, especially about processes that impact their experiences. Modern customers can easily spot fake or insincere messages. Being authentic means communicating honestly and being open about how technology, like AI, is being used to serve them.   Your AI is only as good as your data. If the information going into the system is wrong or messy, the results might mislead both the company and the customer! Good data leads to smart decisions and better customer outcomes.  Whenever there's a major technological change, there's always concern about job losses. While AI can take over some tasks that used to require humans, it also creates new work opportunities. New jobs and skills will be in demand, especially in areas that support or expand what AI can do.   The future of work is about adapting, learning, and growing alongside technology, not competing against it.  Plus, Shep and Tifenn discuss use cases and opportunities for AI to improve the customer experience. Tune in!  Quotes:   "The goal of AI is to remove fiction and deliver delightful, seamless, and outcome-driven experiences for their customers."  "Hyper-personalization is personalization at scale. The more in touch we are with our customers, the more likely we are to drive conversions."  "AI is only as good as your data. If you have the wrong data, then you will have the wrong output. It is going to mislead you. More importantly, it will mislead your customers."  "Embrace what's next. We are going to see significant evolution in the world of AI. Don't be afraid to experiment and test."    About:    Tifenn Dano Kwan is the Chief Marketing Officer at Amplitude. Before working at Amplitude, she was CMO at Collibra, Dropbox, SAP Ariba, and SAP Fieldglass.  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 Handwritten Notes Build Customer Loyalty in a Digital Age  Shep interviews Rick Elmore, founder of Simply Noted. He talks about how his company uses advanced handwriting robots and AI to create personalized handwritten notes at scale, to enhance customer relationships and stand out in today's digital world.   This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How can companies send personalized handwritten notes to thousands of customers efficiently?  How do handwritten notes compare to email and direct mail in terms of open rates?  What is the impact of personalized handwritten notes on customer retention rates?  How does sending handwritten notes help businesses stand out from digital competitors?  How does sending personalized handwritten notes at scale improve employee engagement and morale?  Top Takeaways:    Getting a handwritten note (or one that looks handwritten) instantly makes the recipient feel special and appreciated. When customers receive an envelope with a handwritten address and a stamp, they are more likely top open it. When it includes a personalized message in the form of something tangible, tactile, and written with a pen, they are more likely to keep it.  Personalization builds strong customer relationships. A way that businesses can do this at scale is to use technology like robots that can mimic human handwriting and powerful AI software to create thousands of truly personalized notes.   Handwritten notes have much higher open rates than regular mail. Studies show that almost every handwritten note gets opened, while most promotional letters or emails get ignored or thrown away. When someone sees a real envelope with a stamp and handwriting, it feels personal. This makes handwritten notes a powerful tool for getting attention.  Sending handwritten notes helps businesses reduce customer churn. It is not just about showing appreciation and acknowledging customers, but it can also make them want to stay and keep buying from you. Businesses have found that thank-you notes and anniversary cards help increase loyalty. Even just a simple "thank you" can have a significant impact and keep clients engaged for years.  Authenticity matters with personal messages. In the age of social media, customers can easily take a picture of a personal handwritten note and share it online. Large language models and intelligent software allow you to generate different messages for thousands of customers, each tailored to their interests or previous experiences. This way, no two notes are exactly alike, even if the general message is the same.   The best business opportunities may be in your existing customer base. Instead of constantly chasing new customers, take time to appreciate the ones you already have. Small, personalized gestures can deliver a significant return on investment by building long-term relationships and brand loyalty.  Plus, Shep Hyken and Rick Elmore show how personalization works, sharing examples of successful brands like Chewy using handwritten notes to stand out and strengthen customer relationships. Tune in!  Quote:   "We're drowning in digital noise. What's old is new again. People crave authentic experiences and want to feel valued. A personalized handwritten note is what helps businesses win loyal customers and long-term relationships."  About:    Rick Elmore is a former NFL athlete, an award-winning entrepreneur, and the founder of Simply Noted, a leading U.S.-based handwritten direct mail company. He helps organizations build meaningful human connections with their customers at scale.  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 Loyalty at Every Step of the Customer Journey   Shep interviews Melissa Puls, Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Customer Success and Renewals at Ivanti. She talks about the importance of customer success, the subscription business model, and how AI is transforming customer experience.   This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:   1.  What is customer success? 2. What is the difference between customer success and customer support? 3. Why is it important to start the customer success process as soon as a deal is signed? 4. What impact does proactive customer service have on customer satisfaction and loyalty? 5. How can businesses use a subscription model to build long-term customer relationships? Top Takeaways:    ·       A business isn’t just about making money. It’s about getting and keeping customers. Profit will result when you serve your customers well.  ·       Customer success is different from customer support. Customer support helps when there’s a problem or technical issue, but customer success aims to keep problems from happening in the first place. Customer success teams work with customers from the beginning of the relationship to make sure they are fully utilizing the features of a product to serve their business. They proactively reach out before issues even become problems.  ·       The renewals don't start when a subscription ends. They begin with the very first interaction, making sure that customers are happy and using the product well from the start. When customers are happy, the decision to keep doing business with you becomes easy.  ·       The best companies try to anticipate issues and reach out before they happen. Checking in, providing helpful information, and teaching customers how to get the most from your product are what create loyal customers.  ·       Companies can use data and technology, such as AI, to spot patterns in customer behavior and predict what customers will need next. By paying attention to how customers use a product and when they might need help, businesses can step in with support before a small issue becomes a big problem. This reduces customer churn by giving them confidence that your team will be there for them when needed.  ·       Delivering a great customer experience takes teamwork across marketing, sales, support, and customer success. All parts of the company need to work together to deliver a consistent, high-quality experience.  ·     Plus, Shep and Melissa discuss how every business, regardless of industry, can successfully adopt a subscription model that keeps customers coming back. Tune in! Quotes:   "Customers buy from other customers. Create advocates in your customer base." "The most exciting thing about customer experience is to be able to correlate and collect information that your customers give you to make their experience better." "Many people confuse customer success with customer support. In reality, customer success is about proactively ensuring customers never need to call support unless there's a genuine technical glitch." "Anticipate your customer's needs before they even know they need it. Use the data and technology like AI to predict issues and churn so that you can get more productive." "The best companies out there put customers at the center of everything they do. That is how they are going to grow today and into the future."   About:  Melissa Puls is the Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Customer Success and Renewals at Ivanti, overseeing the entire customer journey from awareness to renewal. She is focused on helping companies enhance every stage of 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

Creating an Actionable Customer-Centric Company Culture  Shep interviews Sean Crichton-Browne, co-founder of Market Culture and co-author of The Human Culture Imperative. He talks about how organizations can drive business success by focusing on building a customer-centric culture of empowered employees.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    What's more important, happy customers or happy employees?  How does starting with the end goal of happy customers encourage better customer service?  What role does leadership play in creating a strong culture of customer-centricity?  How can a company's internal culture directly impact the quality of the customer experience?  How does employee engagement influence customer loyalty and retention?  Top Takeaways:    Whenever you're working to improve customer experience, it helps to begin by picturing how you want your customers to feel at the end. Imagine what you want the customer's experience to be. Work backward from your goal, which is happy and loyal customers, and figure out what is needed at every level of the organization to achieve it.  Happy employees create happy customers, but flipping this idea on its head can create great results for your organization as well. Making customers happy can actually make employees feel better about where they work.  It leads to a better work environment that motivates and engages employees.  When customers are satisfied with the product or service, employees don't have to respond to as many complaints or stressful situations, which makes their jobs more enjoyable and fulfilling. Happy customers often give positive feedback, creating a sense of pride for everyone on the team and encouraging even better service. Listen to your customers. Ask them what they want and what's important to them. When you focus on understanding and meeting those needs, you create a connection between leadership, employees, and customers.  Empowering employees, especially those who deal directly with customers, improves the customer experience. When staff can act quickly to solve issues or offer solutions, without always needing a manager's okay, problems get fixed faster, and customers feel seen, heard, and valued.  The stories told inside a company, whether big or small, have a lasting impact on culture. When employees hear about coworkers going the extra mile for customers or leaders making decisions that put customers first, they inspire similar behavior that can be operationalized for consistency.  Plus, Sean shares more "golden nuggets" from his latest book, The Human Culture Imperative. Tune in!  Quote:   "Put the customer at the center of the business and focus on their satisfaction. Because if we don't have a customer, we don't actually have a business."  About:    Sean Crichton-Browne is the co-founder of Market Culture, a company dedicated to helping organizations understand and implement customer-centric cultures. He is the co-author of The Human Culture Imperative: The Leader's Playbook for Innovation and Sustainable Growth.  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 Build Meaningful Customer Relationships by Investing in Employee and Customer Experience  Shep interviews Lance Gruner, CX expert, keynote speaker, and author. He talks about the intersection of AI and customer experience, the importance of leadership accountability, and key insights from his new book, 10 Things They Hate About YOU: A CX Playbook for Leaders.     This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How does artificial intelligence impact customer service interactions?  Why is it important for business leaders to personally experience their own customer journey?  Should companies be concerned about AI replacing human customer service agents?  How can businesses leverage AI to make customer service agents more effective?  Why do broken processes cause customers to leave, and how can businesses address them?  Top Takeaways:    One of the fastest ways to lose customers is to have processes that don't work as they should.   Leaders need to understand what customers go through every day. The best way to do this is to "walk the property," which means experiencing the company's products or services just like a customer would. By seeing things from the customer's point of view, leaders can spot problems and understand where things fall short.  Artificial intelligence is changing customer service. It can make agents smarter by helping them access relevant information faster and deliver more personalized responses. However, it is important to remember that AI is just a tool, not a cure-all. It is only as good as its programming and the system that it is added into.   Make using self-service easy and inviting. When introducing new technology or self-service options, don't just point customers in the right direction. Lead them there and show them how it works. If a customer needs help, solve their problem first, then take a moment to teach them how they could do it themselves next time.   Customer relationships are built on trust. When companies fail to deliver on promises, like missing deliveries or not solving problems, customers stop believing that the company will take care of them. Long-term loyalty is built on consistency, transparency, and trust.   Investing in training for team members pays off because it leads to better service and happier customers. Make sure they are well-versed with your current processes before adding new steps and technology into their workflow.  Small details send big messages about how much a company cares about its customers' experience. Companies that pay attention to every touchpoint, no matter how minor, such as a friendly gesture or easy-to-find information on a website, earn their customers' respect and trust.   Plus, Lance shares a few of the 10 things they may hate about you and  your brand. Tune in!  Quote:   "When done right, using AI can improve speed and accuracy, help with personalization, and give employees more time to focus on high-value work."    About:    Lance Gruner is a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience in the customer service and hospitality industries. He has helped global companies such as the Ritz-Carlton and Mastercard deliver outstanding 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

Transforming Ordinary Customer Moments into the 'Best Day Ever'  Shep interviews Steve Spangler, Emmy award-winning television host, STEM educator, and bestselling author. He talks about his new book, The Engagement Effect, and how leaders, teachers, and businesses can create powerful, engaging experiences that ignite emotional connections, build trust, and inspire action.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How can leaders create more engaging experiences for their customers and employees?  How can emotional and intellectual connections drive stronger customer loyalty?  Why is it important for businesses to treat engagement as an experiment rather than a fixed process?  How can leaders and managers inspire employees to deliver exceptional customer service?  How can companies operationalize the "best day ever" experience for both customers and team members?  Top Takeaways:    Engagement is about creating experiences, not transactions. Create an experience that connects emotionally and intellectually with your customers by making them feel involved and valued.   Treat engagement as an experiment. Try new things, see what works, and don't be afraid to fail or make changes. When leaders create a culture where it's okay to try and sometimes fail, employees feel more comfortable contributing and taking risks.   The way you treat your employees and customers shapes their experiences and loyalty. Positive experiences lead to better engagement, while negative ones can create lasting disengagement.  It's not enough to have a great product. What elevates your brand is how you present it. What creates a loyal following is getting people excited, curious, and the desire to be involved.  Allow your customers to help craft their experience. Sometimes, your customers will create powerful moments themselves, and your job is to set the stage and then step back. Invite feedback and participation. Pay attention to what they find most meaningful and operationalize it so that it becomes a part of the typical experience.  Approach leadership with a teacher's mindset. The best leaders don't just tell people what to do. They inspire, guide, and help others discover answers for themselves.  Plus, hear how Steve's viral Mentos-and-Diet-Coke experiments, Chewy.com's famous pet owner story, and more real-world examples bring the engagement effect to life. Tune in!  Quote:   "The engagement effect is when you emotionally and intellectually connect to an experience, and it makes the customer move forward with an action."    About:    Steve Spangler is an Emmy award-winning TV host, STEM educator, and bestselling author. He is known for making science unforgettable through TV, social media, and live demonstrations. With over 4.3 billion video views and years on DIY Sci and The Ellen DeGeneres Show, he has inspired millions worldwide. His latest book, The Engagement Effect: Cultivating Experiences that Ignite Connection, Build Trust, and Inspire Action, is out now.  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 Ordinary Interactions into Luxury Experiences  Shep interviews Neen James, leadership strategist, keynote speaker, and author of Exceptional Experiences. She talks about how any business, regardless of size or price point, can create a luxury-level customer experience by focusing on making customers feel seen, heard, and valued.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    What are the common misconceptions about delivering a luxury customer experience?  How can businesses provide a luxury-level service even if they are not selling expensive products?  How does high-quality service contribute to a feeling of luxury for customers?  What are the five luxury levers that businesses can use to elevate their customer experience?  What are the four experience mindsets that influence how customers perceive and value luxury?  Top Takeaways:    Luxury is not just about the price tag. It's about the experience you create for people, whether you're selling a high-end product or something affordable.   Every brand can deliver a luxury-level experience by paying attention to details and adopting a mindset that every customer deserves to feel valued and appreciated, regardless of what they buy or where they shop.  Luxury can sometimes be a divisive term because of the misconception that it is only for the select few. Just as every customer deserves a luxurious experience, every employee is capable of creating it. Whether you're a cashier, a manager, or someone at a front desk, you can deliver luxury through quality service and attention to detail.   A luxury experience often involves engaging all five senses: sight, smell, sound, touch, and taste. For example, some stores let you touch the products, smell good food, or hear pleasant music, making the visit more enjoyable and memorable. This creates a lasting emotional connection that makes people want to come back.   The heart of a luxury experience is making every customer feel important. Listen carefully, pay attention to their needs, and show appreciation for their choices. When you build an emotional connection, it creates loyalty and sets your business apart from the competition.   Not every customer defines luxury the same way. Neen shares the four luxury mindsets; 1. Reluctant and Removed, 2. Pro Prioritizer, 3. Confident and Content, and 4. Luxury Lover. To discover your luxury mindset, take this self-assessment.  Plus, Neen talks about the five actionable "luxury levers" that she writes about in her book, Exceptional Experiences. Tune in!  Quote:   "Luxury is defined with five words: high quality, long-lasting, authentic, unique, and indulgent."  About:    Neen James is a leadership strategist, keynote speaker, and author of several books, including Folding Time: How to Achieve Twice As Much In Half The Time and her latest, Exceptional Experiences: Five Luxury Levers to Elevate Every Aspect of Your Business.    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 Better Employee Experiences Through Leadership  Shep interviews Mita Mallick, marketing and culture change expert and bestselling author. She talks about her book The Devil Emails at Midnight and the impact of internal workplace culture on employees and customers.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    What impact does internal workplace culture have on the external customer experience?  How can leaders set healthier communication boundaries with their employees?  How can companies create an inclusive culture that values both employees and customers equally?  What are some negative leadership behaviors that can affect employee engagement and customer service?  Why is it important for leaders to address problematic employee behavior immediately?  Top Takeaways:    Employees are sometimes the 'forgotten customers' in a business. Just as companies focus on serving their external customers, it is important to also care for internal customers, your team members.   When employees feel valued and respected, they are more likely to treat customers in the same way. The quality of service on the outside is often a reflection of how employees are treated within the organization.  The worst behaviors in any workplace become part of its culture if they are allowed to continue. Whether it's disrespect or disengagement, what leaders and team members let slide becomes the norm.   Leaders should consider whether their personal habits force their team members to sacrifice their personal time. Work doesn't need to spill into all hours of the day and night. For example, when employees feel pressured to respond to emails outside of their work hours, it can cause burnout and stress. Even a simple message like "no need to respond right away" can help set healthy boundaries.  When things change, you have to be willing to revise your goals. Have an honest conversation with your team to find out if they have all the tools and resources that they need to achieve a goal. If not, find out if you can help them or if it is time to set more realistic goals.   Admitting when you are struggling shows strength, not weakness. If someone is dealing with personal struggles, being open about it helps others understand and can make the workplace more supportive.  Bad bosses can teach as much, if not more, than great bosses. Watching what doesn't work and feeling the impact of negative behaviors can inspire people to do the opposite.   Great leaders regularly examine their own behavior. It's easy to spot toxic bosses in others, but it is harder to recognize those traits in yourself. Leaders should take the time to ask themselves, "Am I making it harder for someone to succeed here?"   Plus, Mita shares memorable stories of bad bosses she's encountered (including herself) and the lessons from those experiences. Tune in! Quote:   "The biggest complaint in any relationship, whether at home or work, is a lack of time for each other. If you're not making time for your team, you really need to ask yourself why you're leading them."    About:    Mita Mallick is an inclusive marketing expert and cultural change agent known for transforming organizations. She's the bestselling author of Reimagine Inclusion and , The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn From Bad Bosses.  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 and Data Shape Modern Customer Experience and Engagement  Shep interviews Chris Koehler, Chief Marketing Officer at Twilio. He talks about creating exceptional customer experiences by leveraging personalization, customer trust, and AI.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    What defines an amazing digital customer experience today?  How can businesses personalize digital interactions?  Why is trust crucial in building long-term customer relationships?  Why is it important for companies to use customer data responsibly and transparently?  How does reducing friction impact customer satisfaction and retention?  Top Takeaways:    Personalization isn't just about using someone's name but about remembering their preferences, past actions, and making timely suggestions that fit their needs. When customers receive an experience that feels like it was made just for them, it leaves a strong, positive impression.   Customers love it when a company remembers who they are and what they like, so they don't have to repeat themselves every time they interact or use another channel to communicate.  Customers expect brands to use their data wisely and responsibly. It's not just about protecting information. It is also about applying it in ways that matter to customers. Trust is built when companies use data to solve problems or anticipate customer needs.  Transparency is the foundation of customer relationships. When companies are up front about when customers are talking to AI and make it easy for them to connect with a human when necessary, they like the experience and feel respected and cared for.   Making every step in the customer journey easy encourages customers to keep doing business with a company. If it's quick and simple to sign up, get help, or find what they need, customers are much more likely to come back.  Customers want to communicate in the way that fits their situation and preferences. Companies need to be mindful of where their customers want to interact with them, whether it is by phone, chat, email, or social media.   Different generations may have different preferences for communicating with a brand, but everyone likes having options. For example, customers may start with a chatbot but end up needing to talk to a human to solve complex or sensitive issues. Modern customer expectations include a consistently positive experience across multiple channels.  Automating routine tasks through AI can make processes faster and more consistent, but it shouldn't detract from the human element of customer service. While technology can handle simple tasks quickly and efficiently, there are complex issues that need human intervention.   Plus, Chris shares important and interesting stats on customer experience, AI, and personalization from Twilio's 2025 State of Customer Engagement Report. Tune in!  Quote:   "At the end of the day, people really don't care which channel they use. They just want the problem solved."    About:    Chris Koehler is Chief Marketing Officer at Twilio, a cloud communications platform that enables businesses to seamlessly integrate messaging, voice, and video capabilities into their applications to enhance customer engagement.    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 Five Customer-Centric Strategies  Shep interviews Jeff Rosenberg, Co-Founder & Partner of WideOpen and author of The CX Imperative. He talks about the importance of holistic customer experience and the common gaps between company perception and customer reality.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    What makes a successful customer experience strategy?  What are the main reasons companies struggle to meet customer expectations in today's marketplace?  How can businesses identify and close the gap between perceived and actual customer experience?  How can companies effectively gather deep, meaningful feedback from their customers?  How does technology create distance between companies and their customers, and what can they do to overcome it?  Top Takeaways:    Companies often make the mistake of thinking CX is only about handling complaints or questions. Every part of the journey matters and contributes to how a customer feels about a brand. It includes every interaction a customer has with a business, from the first time they hear about the brand to the buying process and all the way through to using the product or service.  Many companies believe they are delivering excellent customer service, but their customers may disagree. Recognizing and working towards closing that customer experience gap is an opportunity for companies to get it right with their customers and gain a competitive differentiator in their industry. To truly understand your customers means seeing things from their perspective. It is important to learn about what your customers think about when they use your product, what problems they encounter, and what would make their experience better.   Customer service is not just a department. It's a philosophy. Every employee, including those who do not have direct customer contact, needs to understand their role in shaping the overall customer experience.   Jeff also shares the five strategic practices that need to work together to ensure that a company becomes more customer-centric and can focus on customer experience.  Insights: Gather deep, human-centered insights across the entire customer lifecycle that help you understand what customers are thinking, feeling, and experiencing at every stage.  Strategy: Develop a clear and simple CX strategy that defines how you want customers to feel after interacting with your brand.  Blueprints: Intentionally design and map out the end-to-end customer journey, so that resources and touchpoints align smoothly.  Operating Model: Organizing teams, roles, and processes to consistently deliver on the customer experience across all departments.  Culture: Changing the culture so employees have more inspiration and understanding of why they should care about the customer.  Plus, Shep and Jeff discuss the "great distancing" and why companies need to avoid it as they add more technology. Tune in!  Quote:   "There's a (customer experience) gap between what companies think they deliver and what customers actually experience. That gap presents an opportunity for companies to get it right with their customers and to build competitive differentiation."   About:     Jeff Rosenberg is the co-founder of WideOpen and author of The CX Imperative: Five Strategic Practices for Renewal of the Customer-Centered Enterprise.  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

Community, Loyalty, and Human Touch in Customer Experience  Shep interviews Craig Crisler,  CEO and co-founder of SupportNinja. He talks about how brands are adapting (or not) to meet younger customers' expectations, and the importance of blending technology with genuine human connection in CX.   This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    What makes loyalty programs appealing to Gen Z customers?  How does Gen Z's approach to customer loyalty differ from previous generations?  Why is it important for brands to focus on building community within their loyalty programs?  How does personalized service contribute to repeat business and customer loyalty?  Why should companies continuously evolve their loyalty programs for new generations?  Top Takeaways:    Gen Z consumers, people roughly between 18 and 28 years old, are quickly becoming one of the most influential groups of spenders. Their preferences are shaping the way companies design their services and loyalty programs.  Loyalty programs must evolve over time to meet the changing needs and habits of new and younger customers. Brands that don't update their loyalty strategy risk losing relevance as younger customers will look elsewhere for more meaningful rewards.   While loyalty programs often offer perks like discounts or points, creating a sense of belonging and exclusivity resonates more with Gen Z customers. For example, loyalty clubs that invite them to events or offer early access to new products go beyond just saving money and make customers feel like they are part of something special.  It's easy to fall into the trap of generational stereotypes like "Millennials are lazy" or "Gen Z can't focus." The truth is every generation has slackers as well as go-getters. Instead of hiring employees based on which generation they belong to, focus on attitude, personality, and drive.  Gen Z shoppers are drawn to brands that build real experiences and communities around their products. Creating experiences helps customers form memories and connections that keep them coming back.   Successful loyalty programs prioritize the personal aspect of the customer experience. Small gestures, such as using a customer's name or offering information relevant to their needs, can make a huge impression. Customers like to return to brands that make them feel welcome and valued on an individual level.  When brands reach out to customers at a younger age, they can build lifelong loyalty. Companies that nurture these relationships as customers grow are more likely to keep them for decades, and the trust from the start pays off in long-term customer retention.  Businesses should use AI to make things easier but not forget that real conversations matter. AI should enable, not erase, the connections between companies and their customers. Customers of all generations still want to talk to actual people who understand their needs and can provide help.  Plus, Shep and Craig share customer loyalty strategy examples from brands like Nordstrom, Ikea, Starbucks, and Delta. Tune in!  Quote:   "Gen Z leans in on the idea of community in loyalty programs. They want a sense of belonging and love feeling treated special by the way a loyalty program works."    About:    Craig Crisler is the CEO and co-founder of SupportNinja, a people-focused company that provides full-cycle outsourced customer support solutions for emerging brands around the world.  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

Cultivating Trust and Loyalty in the Age of AI   Shep interviews Nick Glimsdahl, contact center strategist and author of The Heart of Service. He talks about how organizations can thoughtfully integrate human-centric AI into their customer service.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    What is human-centric AI?  How can companies find the right balance between automation and personal customer interactions?  What are the biggest risks of over-automating customer support processes?  Why do so many AI projects in customer service fail?  How can organizations manage change effectively when implementing AI-driven solutions for customer experience?  Top Takeaways:    Artificial Intelligence can help make customer service faster and more efficient, but it should never completely replace people. Humans are still essential for understanding emotions, showing empathy, and solving complex problems for customers.  Don't jump into new technology just because it's trendy. Don't use AI for the sake of using AI. Companies should ask themselves what problems they want AI to solve and what a successful outcome looks like.  Over-automation can hurt customer service. It's easy to get excited about what AI can do and try to automate everything. Companies should use AI for simple tasks, but always provide customers with a clear way to connect with a live person when needed.  AI, just like humans, can make mistakes. Whether it's providing incorrect information or making unusual decisions, AI hallucinations can occur. Companies that succeed with AI are always ready to learn from their mistakes by updating their systems, and refining AI training. Turn every mistake into an opportunity to keep improving.  Trust is the heart of any great service experience, whether powered by AI or humans. Companies must be honest, transparent, and consistent with their customers, especially when introducing new technology. Asking for customer feedback to gauge whether they trust the answers they are getting or feel confident in using the new technology can help companies measure success and look for ways to enhance the experience  AI is not just about helping customers. It also helps empower employees. When companies use AI in the background to lighten the workload for their teams, including summarizing calls, handling after-call work, or providing relevant information in real-time, employees can focus on solving complex problems and making customers happy.   Plus, Shep and Nick talk about why it's crucial to stay flexible and keep evolving with technology. Tune in!  Quote:   "Artificial Intelligence can mean a lot of things to a lot of people. Companies might say, 'We want AI,' but if you don't clearly define what that means, it might not deliver the results you want."  About:     Nick Glimsdahl is a contact center strategist and author of The Heart of Service: A Blueprint for Human-Centric AI in Customer Service. He is also the host of the Press 1 For Nick podcast.  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 Internal Employee Experience Drives Exceptional Customer Service  Shep interviews Taylor Scott, Founder of Lead with Hospitality, LLC, and author of Give Hospitality. He talks about how living and working from a place of hospitality can transform both employee experiences and customer relationships.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How does a positive company culture directly impact customer satisfaction?  How does an employee's internal experience translate to a better customer experience?  Why is it important for organizations to align their hiring practices with their core values?  How can businesses differentiate between providing transactional service and building genuine customer relationships?  How can leadership inspire employees to consistently deliver exceptional service to customers?  Top Takeaways:    True hospitality is about living and working with generosity. It is about giving kindness, compassion, encouragement, and making people feel important, whether they're customers or coworkers.  A great customer experience always begins with a strong internal culture. When employees are happy and treated well, they are more likely to treat customers with respect and kindness.  What happens behind the scenes of an organization shows up for the customer every time. A positive work environment leads to employees who want to stay, work hard, and care about the company's success.   When a new employee joins a company, their first experiences matter just as much as a customer's first impression. Instead of overwhelming them with boring paperwork, give them a chance to experience the best parts of the brand right away.   Imagine if, on your first day, you got to truly experience the brand and enjoy what makes it special, instead of just filling out paperwork. Meaningful onboarding makes new hires feel welcome and comfortable, and teaches them about the brand's values more effectively than any paperwork can.   When there is alignment, employees feel like they belong, which inspires them to give their best for the customers. Finding employees who share the same values as your organization is the key to building a strong team.   Lasting business success comes from building real relationships with customers and employees, not just completing quick transactions. Make every interaction, at every stage of the journey, an opportunity to connect and leave a lasting positive impression.   Simple acts of recognition like calling someone by name, thanking them for their loyalty, or leaving a handwritten note can have a huge impact. These small gestures, which are often free or inexpensive, show customers that they are seen and valued, not just another number.  Consistent positive experiences build trust. No matter where your customers interact with your brand, whether on an app, in person, or through customer service, the experience should feel consistent and reliable.   Plus, Taylor talks about his new book, Give Hospitality, a story about how an uplifting, generous culture transforms both customers and employees. Tune in!  Quote:   "The essence of hospitality is the ability to make people feel welcome, comfortable, and important."  About:     Taylor Scott is an inspirational keynote speaker and organizational development consultant. He is a best-selling author, and his new book, Give Hospitality: A Hopeful Story of What Happens When We Live, Work, and Love from a Place of Generosity, 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