How To Handle A Customer Complaint: 101 – Or I Heart Richard Branson Part III

The latest entry on my series, Why I heart Sir Ricky B is really a no-brainer in customer service.

Picture it. An air passenger receives poor service, dodgy food and amenities, but rather than take it out on the nearest attendant, uses a pinch of humor to send a message of woe to the big boss. Blink and it’s 2010, his complaint has gone viral and it’s learned Branson personally telephoned the author.

What could have easily blown into a lawsuit or Crisis PR dream, was easily diffused by kindness, humor and a little forgiveness. The next time you feel like taking out your anger on an innocent employee, consider mom’s advice and write a letter — and answer your phone.

Why I Heart Richard Branson

Today via Reuters, Richard Branson challenges Lotus F1’s Tony Fernandes to a chummy duel where the loser must dress like stewardess. Branson and Fernandes used to work together at Virgin Music.

More importantly he’s a PR dream. Getting the media to cover Branson isn’t difficult these days. The man’s got cheek which, combined with legitimate, ground-breaking innovation in business, equates to one massively interesting bloke. Makes me wonder if this guy borrowed the title, “Most Interesting Man.”

Meanwhile. Business exec in drag…Can we say Twitpic?