Reactive vs. Proactive
Proactive service work is defined as work that doesn’t have to be done today – but if it were done today, then the benefits of less stress, improved customer relations and increased employee morale would ensue. A manager with vision sees how future trouble can be averted, then hangs tough to complete proactive work.
There was a major blizzard in the Northeast last week. Many HVAC contractors were proactive in minimizing unnecessary inbound “my furnace stopped working” customer complaint calls.
Unfortunately, some contractors had to endure the reactive outcome of inbound call clusters from unhappy customers complaining that their furnace shut down. These calls are an unnecessary waste of time, manpower and resources.
For service managers, being proactive or reactive is a choice.
The blizzard brought 12 inches of snow to my region with heavy winds. When the snow drifts exceed two and three feet, then the home owners with direct-vent furnaces must keep the area around their vent pipes clear, otherwise the furnace will not ignite.
Smart HVAC contractor sent customers a reminder e-mail prior to the blizzard.
This proactive gesture saved them time and money and it kept their customers warm and comfortable.
But what about the contractors who were not proactive?
What happened when their customers called to complain that “my furnace stopped working” on a Saturday?
You can imagine reactive outcome – extra expense, wasted time and tense customer relations. And what would it have cost to be proactive? Pennies.
My vents after clearing snow.
Proactive customer service work is defined as work that doesn’t have to be done today.
There are similarities between the reactive and proactive model in comparison to the pain versus gain model. Reactive service usually includes pain in the form of dissatisfied customers, incoming call peak times and system breakdowns. The human reaction to pain is to end it as soon as possible – hence there is little time reserved for any proactive work. The proactive service model includes gain in the form of efficiency, follow up and enhanced customer relationships – but only if the manager chooses to allocate enough resources.
Have you seen my latest video on handling CUSTOMERS WHO DECLINE your service recommendation?
If not, CLICK HERE.
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