Island businesses need to be prepared for an influx of customers during the America’s Cup, a top staff trainer warned.

Now Jan Fraser Business Training is to offer a special one-day course — Customer Service for the Cup — to help ensure top-notch customer service during the big event.

Ms Fraser, who has 30 years of experience in customer service training and is a one-time flight attendant instructor for American Airlines, said: “You can feel the excitement around the America’s Cup beginning to mount and every business wants to make sure it’s team is fully focused on delivering outstanding service to the increased numbers of customers it will be dealing with.

She added the course was designed to help staff “develop a sense of pride, confidence and enthusiasm that fires up a team”.

Ms Fraser said: “The potential for significant increased revenue is there, but there’s also a reputational risk to a business if it finds itself overwhelmed and customers walk away dissatisfied.”

She added: “In this special seminar we’ll work on developing expert listening and problem-solving skills necessary to go above and beyond the customer’s expectations.

“We will also help build the mental and emotional strength it takes to handle criticism and pressure without losing focus on delivering amazing service.

“We want to help the business owner keep his or her business running like a Swiss watch during this busy time — reducing the stress, making it an enjoyable time for everyone on the front line and, of course, helping to increase business revenues through high-quality, responsive customer service.”

The skills and insights workshop will be held on Tuesday, May 9 at Bermuda Media in the Vallis Building on Par-la-Ville Road, Hamilton, between 9am and 4pm.

The cost per person is $279, which includes lunch.

More information is available from Lisa Card on 492-7271, e-mail lcard@bm.bm or visit www.janfraserbusinesstraining.com.