Information

 Information is key in playing the role of the expert. When a customer enters your place of business, or you as contractor arrive on a customers property, that customer expects you to know your stuff. The fact of the matter is that very few can call themselves experts, but many can become knowledgeable in the areas of their work. If you work for a department store, make it part of your job not only to show up for work, but know your department. Understand return policies, Know how things are organized, and most of all, know where you can get answers if you don't have them. Sometimes information is not what you have but what you can get. If you at least arm yourself with this, you can overcome any informational challenge. If the customer comes to your place of business, there was a reason. It is part of your job to help your customer feel validated in choosing your business by the information you can provide to your customer. If you are a reputable business and you have integrity as well as good products and great service, an informed customer is your best customer.

NOTE: Have integrity in the information you provide. Never make up something in order to get through the moment. Customers are usually quite good at telling when someone is being genuine or not.