For my summer reading assignment, I read Delivering Knock Your Socks Off Service by the Performance Research Associates, Inc.  I found this book to be incredibly interesting and pertinent to my job in Information Commons.

Last summer’s book related to this one in many ways.  Both books talked about customer service and the use of technology within the service industry.  In Information Commons, we are constantly dealing with customers. Not in terms of those who we rely on to make money, but we are an important service to students at Butler University.  We also use technology and social networking a great deal in IC.

One of the most interesting parts of the book, in my opinion, was the discussion of “forbidden phrases” in Chapter 15.  Some of these phrases are the ones that drive me crazy.  I can’t stand being called “honey” or “sweetheart” by total strangers.  If you are the cashier serving me, as an adult I do not want to be called “honey” as if I am that person’s child.  I think it is important to choose the words you use very wisely especially when working in customer service.  If you offend the person you are serving, you have a chance of losing a customer.

I look forward to discussing this book further with coworkers at our retreat in a week!