In my many years of working with companies to improve their customer service, I have found that people who are successful in dealing with customers use many of the same skills and techniques. Here are a few of them. If you have to deal with customers, either internal or external, rate yourself on the following.

1. I am enthusiastic. I greet customers cheerfully and stay positive throughout the process. I do not consider the customer as an interruption in my day.

2. I go the extra mile to help my customers. I am always trying to find a way to say "yes" to what the customer wants.

3. I know all aspects of my job. If I can't help the customer, I know someone or a department who can.

4. I always keep my cool with angry customers. I do not let them "emotionally hijack" me so that I am less than courteous to them.

5. I am reliable. I show up at work on time, ready to work and with a good attitude. I leave my personal problems at home.

6. I am a good listener and know the types of questions to ask customers to make sure they get what they need.

7. I am constantly aware that the customer is my paycheck! If that phone doesn't ring, the e-mails don't flood in, problems don't arise, or customers don't stream in the door, I don't have a job!

How do you measure up? With both your external customers and your internal customers? Your co workers?