“Humans need and want more time to interact with each other. I think AI coming about and replacing routine jobs is pushing us to do what we should be doing anyway: the creation of more humanistic service jobs. ” – Kai-Fu Lee, CEO of Sinovation Ventures
Are you tired of dealing with chatbots that seem to have the intelligence of a houseplant? Are you frustrated with automated phone systems that never seem to understand what you’re saying? Do you roll your eyes every time you receive a canned LinkedIn sales message? You’re not alone. Though automation can make our lives easier in many ways, eliminating the human touch is not always the right move for your business. We’re exploring the worst automated applications that kill the customer experience, and how companies can strike a balance between efficiency and personal interaction.
As technology continues to advance and our lives become more fast-paced, automation has become a popular option for customer service. To give you an idea of how popular AI has become in in the customer service world, here are a few statistics:
- Investment in AI will increase by more than 300% over the next year.
- 8 out of 10 businesses have already implemented or are planning to adopt Ai as a customer service solutions by 2020
- AI bots will power 85% of customer service interactions by 2020
- By 2035, AI technologies are projected to increase business productivity by up to 40%
While automation can be a useful tool, it can also have negative consequences on the customer experience. Companies must be careful to balance the benefits of automation with the importance of personal interaction and excellent customer service. The rise of AI actually provides the perfect opportunity to differentiate yourself from your competitors by providing human interaction.
Chat Bots
Chatbots have become increasingly popular on many websites due to their ability to quickly provide customers with the answers they need. While chatbots can be an effective tool for customer support, poorly designed chatbots can actually lead to more frustration for customers. For example, if a chatbot is not programmed to understand certain questions, it may provide irrelevant information or fail to provide a helpful response. This can waste a customer’s time and leave them feeling frustrated and dissatisfied with the service they received. It is important to carefully design and test chatbots to ensure that they are providing the best possible experience for customers.
Automated Answering Machines
Automated answer machines are one of the most commonly used forms of automation in customer service. The use of these machines has grown significantly over the years, and while they can save time and money for companies, they often lead to frustration for customers. One of the biggest drawbacks of automated answer machines is that they lack the ability to handle complex issues that require a more personalized approach. This can lead to a negative customer experience and can cause customers to feel like they are not valued.
Some companies have found that a hybrid approach combining automated systems with human representatives can be the most effective way to provide customer service. This approach allows customers to quickly resolve simple issues through automation, while also providing the option to speak with a human representative for more complex issues.
LinkedIn has become a popular platform for sales professionals to connect with potential customers. However, automated LinkedIn sales messages can be a frustrating experience for users. These messages often lack personalization and can come across as spammy or insincere. This can ultimately lead to a negative impression of the sales professional and their company. When reaching out on social media, human interaction is often the best practice.
The Human Touch
While automation can provide efficiency and cost savings, it cannot replace the importance of personal interaction in customer service. Customers value speaking with a human representative who can provide empathy, understanding, and a personalized solution to their issue. Companies that prioritize the human touch in their customer service can create positive experiences that lead to customer loyalty and advocacy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to recognize that poor automation can have a detrimental effect on the customer experience. When automated systems fail to meet customer needs, it can result in frustration and dissatisfaction. Because of this, companies must be mindful of the balance between the advantages of automation and the significance of personal interaction and high-quality customer service. This means prioritizing the human touch and ensuring that customers feel valued and heard. Companies can invest in employee training to provide excellent customer service, building long-lasting relationships with their customers. They can also use customer feedback to improve automation systems.
Challenge your business to explore new technologies and platforms that enhance the customer experience without sacrificing the personal touch. For example, implementing chatbots that are programmed to handle routine inquiries frees up employees to focus on more complex customer needs. This approach allows companies to streamline their operations while still providing personalized service to customers.
Ultimately, companies that prioritize the human touch and strive for excellent customer service will be rewarded with loyal customers who become advocates for their brand. By investing in their customers and valuing their feedback, companies can create positive experiences that drive growth and success.