Hiring Quality People for Quality Service

Hiring Quality People for Quality Service

Receptionist Services

Great customer experience doesn’t happen by accident and this definitely doesn’t happen overnight. It is a product of excellent work culture and having the right people.

Hiring managers have the crucial job as they have a direct impact on the bottom line of one’s business.

To achieve excellent customer service experience, hiring managers look for call center agents with the following traits:

  • Professionalism

An agent who exemplifies this trait would leave his/her personal issues at the door. Even if he/she is having a bad day, he/she doesn’t make it an excuse not to do his/her job well. This is very important in a call center especially that agents deal with clients of all dispositions every single day.

  • Courteousness

Being polite and friendly can make a whole lot of difference in a phone call, especially when you’re dealing with an irate customer. This is why it’s important to have agents who are committed to being warm all throughout the duration of the call even if the client is not.

  • Problem solving

Call center agents may be trained and from time to time be directed to stay on-script. However, problems are inevitable, calling for an agent’s independent thinking. This is where a good problem solving skill helps.

This doesn’t mean though of having to resolve the issue alone. In many cases, it’s just knowing when to ask for the manager’s assistance.

  • Reliability

Reliability is one of the reasons why businesses get the services of a call center. Hence, this is one of the things that hiring managers look for in their applicants. They should be able to show up regularly as scheduled and stay calm under pressure.

  • Self-determination

While you can train almost every aspect of being a call center agent, self-determination is unfortunately not one of them. This comes from the personality of the potential agent.

A self-determined person is open for feedback and is hungry to learn. He/she will continually push to better himself/herself.

Hiring the right people is the key to running a successful business. Without a team of quality and effective employees, it’s impossible to build a brand and develop an amazing customer service experience.

References:

https://www.niceincontact.com/blog/8-qualities-great-contact-center-agent/

https://www.revenueriver.co/thecuttingedge/the-importance-of-hiring-the-right-employees

Let Contact One Help You Reduce Costs

Let Contact One Help You Reduce Costs

Receptionist Services

Many business owners shy away from using an answering service due to the initial cost it entails. However, this cost pays itself repeatedly.  

Here are the different ways on how a call center can help your business save money: 

  1. It eliminates training costs. 

Hiring a new employee is not cheap. Small businesses usually spend about $1200 to $1800 for training alone. Add that to the cost of new equipment, salary, and benefits, you will find yourself spending way more than hiring the services of a call center. 

When you get the services of a call center, you no longer have to worry of the time and money spent on recruiting, interviewing, and hiring. Everything is done by the call center company.
 

  1. You will never miss a call again.

As a business owner, you should never dismiss calls as you’ll never know when a call can lead to a sale. Even if a customer is just calling for an inquiry, how you respond to it will determine his/her next actions. 

Unlike hiring a full-time receptionist, a call center agent can handle your calls 24/7. So, you’ll never miss a call even it’s a weekend or a holiday.
 

  1. It will improve your efficiency.

How many times have you or your employees been interrupted by questions that customers can find on your website? We guess more than several times.  

Did you know that once your workflow is interrupted, it takes about 23 minutes to get back to it?  

An answering service can take your calls and will only pass the call to you when it’s necessary. This can significantly reduce the interruptions you and your employees will have during your workdays, allowing you to focus on things that are more important

Getting the services of a call center is one of the best things you can do as a business owner. Aside from improving your efficiency, an answering service can help you reduce your costs in the long run.  

Reference: https://smallbiztrends.com/2017/06/answering-services-for-small-businesses.html?fbclid=IwAR0O4vaPPh9KrT50Byt57PgHDDrXntQ9rfdaRWM3Sy2CeSRMnNH2iIJ9CcA 

 

 

 

 

How Outsourcing Answering Services Can Help You Win the New Year

How Outsourcing Answering Services Can Help You Win the New Year

Answering Service / Call Center Support/ Blog/ Contact One News and Updates/ Customer Service/ Professional Services

One of the most common traits of successful business owners is that they know how to delegate. They know that time is money and the only way to focus on more important areas of their business is to hire someone to do the routine tasks.

Answering phone calls is one of the most time-consuming yet vital task in running a business. But if you end up spending 80 percent of your day doing this, eventually, you’ll burn yourself out.

If answering phone calls takes so much of your time, you may consider getting the services of a call center.

Here are some of the ways a call center can help you:

1.It can promptly and professionally take your business calls.

Call center agents are specifically trained to answer phone calls professionally. Depending on what your needs are, these agents can do more than just answering phone calls. They can schedule appointments, take orders, and even provide information to your clients.

2. It can help you boost your sales and minimize losses and lost opportunities.

When companies rely on voicemail as a backup, they can potentially lose a lot of sales opportunities.

Studies have shown that over 50% of customers will not leave a voicemail especially when they are making a purchase. A missed call is a lost opportunity.

Relying on your workforce to do this is oftentimes not enough.

By hiring a call center, you’ll be assured that all clients’ calls are handled professionally. There will be shorter wait times, which can help express a positive image to your customers.

3. It can help you save money.

Hiring another employee to answer your calls can be costly. You will have to train the new employee and provide additional equipment (i.e. desk, chair, etc.). On top of that, you’ll have to set aside a budget for monthly salary, benefits, and off/vacation days. The cost can easily add up.

It’s a more practical solution to get the services of a call center. There’s no need for spending time and money on training as the call center company trains the agents. Plus, these agents can take your calls 24/7, even during the holidays. This is a major bonus especially if you don’t want to lose any sales opportunities any time of the year.

Boost your company’s efficiency and sales this year. Hire a call center!

References:

https://www.practicalecommerce.com/When-Is-It-Time-To-Hire-A-Call-Center

5 Myths About Call Centers Debunked

5 Myths About Call Centers Debunked

Blog

Call centers often get a bad rep because of the myths about them. Unfortunately, these myths usually get their way around. Some of the most common ones are the following:

  1. Call centers cost more than their worth
    This is probably the most common misconception about call centers. And this is the reason why there are still small business owners who are hesitant in getting their services. But did you know that consumers tend to buy from companies associated with excellent customer service? Call centers play a significant role in that. So, the next time someone tells you not to get the services of a call center because its cost is more than its worth, ask yourself: do I value my clients that I wanted them to experience satisfying customer service each and every time? If the answer is YES, then getting the services of a call center is right for you.
  2. Language barrier is a problem
    From time to time, you may hear of customers complaining of customer service agents who may seem to speak English but they can barely understand them. You have to know that this is an exception and not the norm in the call center industry. Things like that can happen especially if companies opt for international services. However, if you hire the services of a contact center in Northern America, you will rarely experience this.
  3. Customer service line is obsolete
    The growing use of email, live chat, and social media for customer support may make it seem like phone lines are no longer needed but the truth is, phone lines remain a popular choice among customers. Most customers still prefer to talk to live customer service agents especially for resolving complicated issues. Compared to newer channels of communication (i.e. social media, chat, email), a phone conversation with a call center agent enables a customer to clarify and ask questions.
  4. Agents don’t really care about customers
    This is far from the truth. Call center companies, in general, spend thousands of dollars to train their agents. Aside from that, their recruiters tirelessly search for the right people who have the right skills and values who will take good care of their customers.
  5. Call center job is a mindless work
    It may be mundane but definitely not easy and mindless.

Working in the call center industry requires a lot of thinking. From the way to greet a customer to solving their problems, agents constantly think of different ways to leave a client satisfied.

The job of a call center agent is far from being easy. This is why it requires people with certain traits to fit into the role.

More Call Center Services Articles:

  1. Contact One is nominated for Customer Excellence Award
  2. What Happens When You Don’t Pick Up the Phone?
  3. Use Square to Make Point-of-Sale Easy and Cost Effective
  4. What to Look for in A Medical Answering Service
  5. What’s Your Unique Value Proposition?

How Customer Service Affects Your Brand

How Customer Service Affects Your Brand

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People usually buy from companies that they love. And what fosters that love? A great customer service experience.

How Your Customer Service Affects Your Brand

These days, customers no longer spend their money based on what they hear and see on ads. They base it on the customer’s experience on the brand.

Recently, businesses had a shift of focus in their marketing strategy. From creating simple brand messages, brand managers have turned to strategies in building a lasting brand-customer relationship. This is a result of customers now equating brands with experience.

It turns out that many customers are willing to pay premium prices on brands that are associated with excellent customer service.

Negative company reviews can spread very quickly (thanks to social media). Hence, if you’re just starting out, it’s important to prioritize customer service. It’s always worth the effort and time in ensuring a satisfying customer experience.

How Your Brand Can Create Worthwhile Customer Experience

Below are simple ways on how your brand can start building long-lasting relationships with your clients:

  • Make your brand stand out
    We mean that in a good way. Whether it’s changing your logo, your brand’s offering, or the way you market your products, small tweaks here and there can actually make a difference on how your brand is being perceived.

 

  • Adapt to the current changes
    This may seem like a challenge given the wealth of information and options we have these days but with a meticulous market and ‘trend’ study, you can make it work for your brand.

 

  • Add a personal touch
    Adding a personal touch such as customizing your email to your clients is a way of connecting with them on a personal level. When you exert effort in personalizing your connection with your client, it sends a message of gratitude and appreciation. And this message is usually reciprocated.

Hiring the Right People

Hiring the Right People

Blog

If your business thrives on feedback from your customers, then it’s important to make customer service a priority in your business.

A lot of customer service skills can be taught but there are certain traits that can make one deliver exemplary customer service. This is why it’s crucial to find the right employees for your customer service department.

Ideal Traits for a Customer Service Representative

For most organizations, a great customer service agent is a people-person. This simply means that the person is comfortable in engaging with other people regardless of their race or background.

When hiring a customer service representative, it’s also important to look for an individual who is resilient and positive. This person is capable of coping and overcoming difficult situations with the client without losing his/her cool and/or comprising the quality of customer service.

 

Finding the Right Employees

Having the right employees for the job doesn’t just happen. Companies who have mastered it have come up with a meticulous process starting from the placement of ads down to the job interview.

The interview is an important part of the process. Hence, the questions should be carefully crafted to filter out only the best candidates. They must also reflect your company’s values.

Phone Skills for Flawless Customer Service

Phone Skills for Flawless Customer Service

Blog/ Customer Service

Talking to customers on the phone is not an easy task. When you’re not seeing the face of the person you’re taking to, your message can be easily misinterpreted. This can be tricky especially when your job involves helping customers and ensuring their pleasant experience with your company.

To help you improve your phone conversation with your customers, we have listed the top three skills for a flawless customer service:

  1. Use a positive tone
    Having that enthusiastic and attentive tone while talking to the customer can make them feel more comfortable. From greeting to ending the conversation, it’s important to use a positive tone. Even if the customer sounds irritated, you have to maintain that professional, calm, and friendly tone. Doing that can actually help calm an irate customer.
  1. Use your customer’s name
    As soon as you get your customer’s name, use it. If you’re unsure on how to pronounce it, ask him/her (they’ll appreciate it). Using your customer’s name during the phone conversation can help your customer feel more at ease. It’s also a way of showing them that they matter.
  1. Finish the conversation on the right note
    Before you hang up, make sure the customer understands the information you passed along. It’s also a good gesture to offer information they may need in the future such as numbers to call if they experience certain problems. Ending conversations this way creates lasting positivity.

More Call Center Help Articles:

  1. 3 Ways to Build a Culture of Customer Service
  2. Engaging with Millennials
  3. Customer Service Skills Every Agent Should Have
  4. The Evolution of Call Centers
  5. How a Medical Answering Service Can Benefit Your Practice

3 Ways to Build a Culture of Customer Service

3 Ways to Build a Culture of Customer Service

Blog

Customer service is not just a department. It goes beyond the rules and policies that are set in place to make sure that customers get the best experience with your brand. It’s a philosophy that should be embraced by every employee in your organization.

Creating a Culture of Customer Service

The key to creating a culture of customer service is making a choice in becoming customer-focused. The best companies have meticulously created policies and procedures that are customer-focused and turned it into a culture. And all employees, not just the front desk, are taught and trained for this culture. Creating a culture of customer service in your company won’t be a walk in the park but the time and effort you’ll spend on it will be worth it.

The following ways can help you get started:

  1. Get the right people
    Everyone in the company must be committed to your service values. It can be challenging to create a culture of service if you don’t have the right people to work with.

 

  1. Make sure everyone has a base of knowledge to work from
    You cannot empower your people to do the right thing if they don’t have the base of knowledge to work from. So, make sure everyone understands the basics and undergoes the basic training for customer service. This helps them understand your vision in delivering your products/service.

 

  1. Provide feedback
    Customer service triumphs and missteps are opportunities for growth. Provide feedback to individual employees and use success stories as examples for teaching.

Engaging with Millennials

Engaging with Millennials

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If you’ve been paying attention to current marketing strategies, you will notice that they are usually targeted towards a certain group – the millennials. They are men and women who are born between 1980s and 2000s.

Answering Service Arizona

Why the millennials?

In the U.S. alone, there are over 80 million millennials, which represents over 25% of the population. On top of that, data show that they have an annual spending power of over $600 billion. It was predicted that by 2020, this purchasing power will reach over $1 trillion.

With that massive spending power, it no longer come as a surprise that millennials are the main focus of marketers these days.

How to engage them?

Millennials are known for being digital savvy. You’d think it would be very easy to find them. However, this trait can make it challenging for marketers as the Internet provides a wealth of information. To engage with them, there are two things you have to bear in mind – authenticity and social proof.

So how to engage them?

  1. Consider creating mobile-friendly content
    Over 90% of millennials own a smartphone. Thus, it’s just imperative to create content that’s mobile friendly.
  1. Focus on brand authenticity
    As mentioned earlier, millennials value authenticity. They are very sensitive to traditional advertising tactics. They usually go for brands that delivers a clear and accurate message for the product/service.
  1. Reach out through blogging and social media
    When done right, both blogging and social media can enhance your relationship with the millennials. These platforms help you speak directly to them, show your company’s values and personality.

Rising Trend of Self Service

Rising Trend of Self Service

Blog/ Customer Service

If you’ve been paying attention on existing business practices, you may have noticed the growing popularity of self-service solutions (SSS).

What are self-service solutions?

The birth of self-service solutions has made it possible for businesses to achieve their productivity and efficiency goals. The self-service technology is widely utilized now. In fact, you can find it being used in almost every industry including banking, shopping, and customer service. It comes in various forms including e-support, click-to-callback, self check-outs, and virtual agents, like we have at Contact One in Tucson.

 

Why is it becoming popular?

There are several reasons why self-service solutions are on the rise today. These include:

  • Consumers’ preference on uninterrupted interaction
    Self-service solutions are empowering customers. It enables them to purchase, request, or trade without direct interaction with a representative of the company they’re dealing with.

 

  • Unique customer experience
    Businesses who are successful in retaining customers are those who are able to provide them with pleasant and unique experience. Self-service technology enables them to do that. It enables customers in a way that they’re able to learn and utilize available data.

 

  • Helps build the customers’ trust
    Self-service solutions provide customers with better experience, which in turn, create better reputation for the organization. This creates opportunities for gaining loyal customers.