Not sure how to do customer service right? Take a look at Hyundai Motors. Ten years ago they instituted “America’s Best Warranty” – 10 years or 100,000 miles. No other car dealer even attempted to match it. Now Hyundai is introducing Hyundai Assurance – buy a car from Hyundai, and if you lose your job in the next 12 months, return it with no further obligation and no black marks on your credit record (restrictions apply, click here for specific info on the Hyundai Assurance Program).

Hyundai clearly knows how to do customer service. The idea of providing excellent customer service must begin with the customer – that’s they key that many companies miss. In tough economic times like the ones we are currently experiencing, this sort of customer-centric service and high degree of empathy goes a long, long way.

You don’t even have to compare what Hyundai is offering to what the Big 3 is offering to see how grand this gesture is…the Big 3 should take note. There is nothing “customer” about a bail-out, that’s all “me, me, me.” Frankly I prefer a world where big business takes a “you, you, you” approach to their customers.

You may not be able to offer the same level of empathy that Hyundai has, but there are many ways you can show your customers that you care about them in these tough times. Give it some thought – what can you do for your customers to show you care and not only retain them now, but guarantee they’ll stay with you well into the future?

(full disclosure: I don’t work for Hyundai, nor do I own a Hyundai.)