Anyone can be an ambassador. Merriam-Webster defines ambassador as an “authorized…” or “unofficial representative.”
In my mind, it’s someone who cares about people and is committed to providing an exceptional service such as “a diplomatic agent of the highest rank…” or a “goodwill ambassador.” Or, an evangelist defined as “enthusiastic advocate.”
Sales people, as authorized representatives, could be considered ambassadors. Happy customers, recipients of great service and quality products, are unofficial representatives acting as enthusiastic advocates who “sell”, too! I’ve met both recently and learned from each about different aspects of customer service focused leadership.
SALES ambassadors…Great sales people connect, listen and then solve your problem. They share testimonials to help build trust, show their value and quality. They are patient and follow through. They give you something for FREE! Ian Altman, http://www.GrowMyRevenue.com shared his ideas of successful selling recently at the Vienna Tysons Chamber of Commerce conference. And, just today, he gave “me” a free e-book. He “told” me to share it with you, too!
Don’t have a recently published e-book to share? Share a white paper or tips on your blog. What will this get you? More Tweets and Likes. More sales and referrals! Referrals from SERVICE ambassadors.
SERVICE ambassadors…“sell” the good name of your company or another’s company or in my case, the County.
I’m an Ambassador for Visit Fairfax. Actually, I teach Ambassador classes to hotel sales managers and front line staff, as well as Washington Dulles taxi drivers. Ambassadors “sell” Fairfax County, Virginia’s great sites and attractions…the National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center (Discovery’s new home beginning late April 2012), Mt. Vernon, Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, Claude Moore Colonial Farm, Civil War sites and much more!
I like to shout out how great our County is! I get it. I’m an ambassador for most things that inspire me.
At the gym this morning, I stepped on a new machine next to an older man who showed me how to use the machine. We both took the time to chat a little. Melvin is retired. Works out 5 to 6 days a week…alone, with a trainer and some days with a small team. Something I said made him realize he should introduce me to Michael, one of his workout teammates. They want me to join the team. I worry about the intensity! Before I knew it he introduced me to Beverly, a trainer, who asked me to try her Friday workout for free. More FREE stuff!
Melvin was an ambassador, some call it evangelist. He didn’t have to take the time to talk to me or to introduce me to other employees at the gym. But he did. My life is richer for the interesting conversation we had this morning. Maybe he enjoyed the chat, too. And, the gym had someone other than their own sales people do the selling for them! Melvin must be a happy customer.
Take time to connect, shout out the good, listen and share your stuff. Sounds simple, but takes time and practice. Develop your customer service focused leadership and the Ambassador in you!
