Back in 1992 President George H. Bush declared the first week of every October National Customer Service Week. He said, “A business will do a better job of providing high quality goods and services by listening to its employees and by empowering them with opportunities to make a difference.”

We won’t get into politics here, but we’re pretty darn grateful he chose to make customer service a week to remember. How about you? Do you show gratitude to the people who rock the customer service world (which is pretty much all your employees), helping make your business the shining star that it is?

There are some shocking statistics out there about customer service: did you know that 13 percent of dissatisfied customers tell more than 20 people about their bad experience. Oh snap!

And who knew that it generally takes 12 positive experiences to make up for one unresolved negative experience?

Striking facts, but let’s not focus on the negative. Let’s keep optimism burning bright and figure out some fun-filled ways to keep your favorite team keen on serving your customers. And more importantly, to show them how much their service means to you!

Breakfast For Champions

Kick off your Customer Service Week celebration by whipping up a hearty breakfast for all your champions. They’ll especially love it if their CEO or manager appears to be slaving over a hot stove just for them (or at least serving them from the catered chafer trays). Eggs, bacon, cinnamon rolls, smoothies, and yes, Wheaties, if you must. Whatever the menu, serve up a feast—a well-fed team is an appreciative team.

If You Build It, They Will Stay

Louis V. Gerstner, former CEO of IBM said it best: “The thing I have learned at IBM is that culture is everything.” Building a clear company culture keeps everyone on the same page and ultimately helps create an environment where people stay planted, but continue growing. 

So think like IBM—they see the value of brainstorming to build their culture. They once held an online brainstorming session with over 150,000 people from more than 100 different countries!

Okay, maybe yours won’t be that big, but it can still be awesome! Gather the troops, divide into small groups, brainstorm about creativity or your company’s values. Then come together as a whole to discuss. At the end of the day, listen to their collective thoughts. It’ll help you build a company culture that keeps everyone happily embedded in your business.

Tailgate Like You Mean It

Since National Customer Service week is the first week of October and that’s when football season is in full swing, how about setting aside those Fantasy Football charts and throwing a tailgate party with your own winning team? Hot dogs, burgers, you know the drill. Everyone can wear their favorite team apparel and you can show off your mad grilling skills. Beanbag toss, Frisbee and loud tunes optional.

Everyone’s a Winner

Customer service training is a surefire way to guarantee everyone’s up to speed on his or her people skills. Bring in a motivational/transformational speaker or CS training professional that focuses on listening, projecting a positive attitude, and communication.

Give everyone a personal notebook and pen to keep track of all the amazing things the speaker says.

If you’re team members feel like winners, you’re customers will catch that spirit too. Look—everyone’s a winner!

Good Things Do Come in Small Packages

Maybe you don’t have a ton of time to host a grand event. But that doesn’t mean you have to forget about National Customer Service Week. Take a more personal approach and leave a little something special on everyone’s desk. Edible gifts or a personal note of thanks/encouragement go a long way to sweeten your team’s day.

Don’t Let This Week Pass You By

National Customer Service Week is certainly about celebrating exemplary customer service. But more significantly, it’s about appreciating the people who spend each and every day making your business bigger and brighter. Don’t let the week pass you by—show your team your attitude is all about gratitude.