Welcome to the Customer Service Carnivale! I apologize that I didn't get this post published sooner. Think of it as a fun carnivale at night with all the bright lights :)

Customer Service Tools

I'm a firm believer in using social networking websites to keep in touch with customers. Although this next post is geared towards real estate agents, anybody can apply the basic tips. Check out: The Real Estate Agent’s Guide to Using Twitter + 10 Essential Resources.

Find out how to Drive Traffic to Your Company with a Toll Free Number. I agree that an 800 number makes you more accessible to customers. Another post at the same blog is Time Zones and Businesses Can Mix Well.

Customer Service Tips

Douglas Dolan offers some very sound tips when dealing with unhappy customers in How Best to Handle Customer Conflict | The Solopreneur's Guide.

GP asks the million dollar question: Can the Customer Always be “Right”? I like the idea of influencing someone by baking for them ;)

GeekMBA360 tells us how an owner sets an example of good customer service in Only one waiter takes orders at a very popular restaurant.

I believe that your personal productivity is related to how well you manage your customers and projects. Check out these tips in How To Improve Your Personal Productivity With Task Management.

Learn what the biggest mistake in restaurant customer service is by reading Training The Trainer.

Working in a fast-paced service industry can mean high pressure. Learn how to Perform Under Pressure.

Learn why it's so important to Respond to Feedback that customers give you.

Customer Service Stories

After reading this latest submission from the Banquet Manager, What Do I Do With This Bottle Of Wine?, I'm convinced that Banquet Manager really, really needs a new job! ;)

If you have any credit cards at all, I think this is a must-read: Capital One Raises Interest Rates After Balance Paid Off! What happened to Customer Loyalty?

Silicon Valley Blogger offers up a really good review of an online stock broker in TradeKing Review: How Does TradeKing Measure Up?

Bill Hogg shares an experience at Orange Lake Resort - Holiday Inn: Part 1. While you're there, make sure to read Part 2 for good tips!

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of customer service carnivale using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

Photo Credit: Jodi Juricic