What separates an iPad from other tablets? Are laptops still cool? What the heck is a Wii U? Exactly how smart is your smartphone? You may know some of the answers, and Google might be a good starting point for the others, but believe it or not, there's a better way to get the information you need.

In a time where texting is valued above in-person communication, stores like The Source thrive on their ability to deliver excellent customer service. So what's the secret? How does The Source continue to do so well when customers can just as easily shop from their couch?

The answer becomes obvious as soon as you begin talking with one of their Associates. The Source works with those who simply love the idea of interacting with, and building rapport with, customers. For them, it's not just about selling a product. It's about making a connection.

Jonathan Davis, a Store Manager in Dartmouth, N.S., loves learning what makes people tick with technology. After working 10 years in the customer service industry, Davis says that face-to-face interaction is one of the most enjoyable aspects of his job.

You get to meet a bunch of different individuals, and develop a personal [understanding] with them. For instance, I had a great couple this morning who love tablets, and we looked at a bunch of them. They've bought about three or four different tablets from us now, Davis says. Just to get to know them by name, it makes [the job] more enjoyable.

Korena O'Shell is another example of someone who thrives on getting to know her customers. I love it. Just to be able to socialize with them and get to know them, to share happiness with them, and to make them smile. I really am a big people person, even when I don't feel like it, says O'Shell, a Store Manager in Chelmsford, ON. Somehow they still bring out the good in me.

One of the many benefits of loving your job is that you always have the continual drive for improvement. And you definitely can't spend years as a passionate salesperson without picking up a few tips and tricks along the way. O'Shell, for her part, likes to create an environment in her store that is so comfortable, you'd swear you never even left your house.

When a customer comes in, you want them to feel like they're shopping in their own home. You want them to be comfortable and happy and enjoy their experience, says O'Shell. This helps her create a loyalty with her customers. When you treat a customer that way... they are going to come to you to purchase anything in the future and anything at that time, too.

During his time in customer service, Davis finds that getting to know his customers helps him connect them with products they need. We like to build a rapport with customers and learn about them. We'll ask questions like ÔÇÿWhy are they using this product? Who is it for? What do you want to do with it,' and we just kind of develop that relationship, says Davis. And if you have that rapport, they're going to take that recommendation. That means your customer service is at the level it should be.

For Davis, it isn't about just pushing the sale'it's about building connections. O'Shell, for her part, has even been able to attract new customers through this method. When an elderly couple came into her store after having problems with their phone, O'Shell helped them fix the issue ÔÇô even though The Source didn't carry that model.

I spent quite a bit of time with them actually, probably about two hours. They came in a couple of times, in fact, says O'Shell of the couple. They were so impressed with the care that O'Shell and their team gave them, they put in a call to head office and thanked them personally. O'Shell didn't take all the credit though. She involved her whole team in the process.

It was a joint effort. My staff joined in with me and we laughed with them and told jokes, and it was really nice. They were really happy in the end. I actually had people come into the store because of them.

To really succeed in customer service, you have to love people, and love what you do. You're not in the business of products; you're in the business of people. If you're the type of person who loves to engage, build relationships, and help others, you might just fit in nicely.

Patrick is currently a staff writer and editorial assistant at Jobpostings Magazine. He spends most of his free time being awesome. That keeps him pretty busy. Otherwise, you'll most likely find him perusing the streets of downtown Toronto, spending a significant portion of his income on coffee and trying to make it as a musician. He hasn't quite made it, yet.

Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PJErskine

Photo: Digital Vision./THINKSTOCK