At every level of a service, care and concern rank as top elements for what our customers express when they describe extraordinary service…And in most  cases, every one of us prefers to have our needs not only met, but anticipated, which ultimately makes the outcome more impressive, and inevitably more powerful.

At a time in our calendar year when it is customary to “give” to others, it is apparent that when we authentically have interest in creating a joyful event for others, that the real gift is GIVING…which makes the “doing” part (service) the key.

Caring about a customer’s needs, or when you are genuinely concerned about the outcome of their using your products, can make quite an immediate difference in our success and ultimately our reputation. In today’s world of instant global commentary and reviews, it is incumbent upon us to be aware of how the consequences of that commentary, good or bad, from our customer’s perspective will affect our business going forward.

We’ve often heard how it is the “thought” that counts, and in many cases, that “thought” means so much more than any one thing.  The “thing” becomes the physical reminder that someone “thought” enough to give us some THING to show some level of care.

But at a time when we think about giving, let’s think a bit more about WHAT and HOW we give; Gifts of time, attention, follow up, and concern can be more powerful and lasting than an expensive gift or a holiday basket brimming with goodies.

People never forget the “time” that they were helped, assisted, guided, lead, referred to or connected with someone through someone that helped them get their needs met.  Think about being stranded on a cold snowy highway with a flat tire, and a caring passerby helped you out…priceless!

At the core of all good service is caring; caring that another person or company got what they expected and more.  In business, this always helps convert what might have been a simple sales transaction into making a connection that ultimately becomes a friend…and that friend refers you to their friends, and you know how that referral can grow.

Yet so many of us neglect the details – the extra call, the follow up on a simple detail that if missed could have dire consequences on the timeliness of a business or personal transaction.   At a time of the year when giving is heralded as better than receiving…let’s re-think how we give of ourselves, our expertise, our attention, our ability to observe and capture opportunities to be a better service provider, not just to get more sales, but to be the provider of great experiences for those we work for and those we love.

Caring is a gift that is never too big or too small and is guaranteed to always fit. It is a gift that everyone wants, and if you are lucky, is the one gift you hope is returned and re-gifted often!

Bio: Terri Murphy is an author, speaker, e-communication consultant, and author of 5 books, including her latest with Donald Trump. She is the founder and Pres. of WomensWisdomNetwork.com and serves as CIO of U. S. Learning in Memphis.  www.MurphyOnRealEstate.com or email: Terri@TerriMurphy.com