Current Call Center Articles

• Why Call Centers Fail: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Outsourcing Customer Service
  Fri, Nov 13 2009
  The trend of outsourcing customer service is catching on, primarily because organizations can save precious human and financial resources in the process. But some call centers are shooting themselves in the foot by neglecting the very benefits that consumers count on. Here are five common call center mistakes and how to avoid them.
• Seven Roles for Telemarketing Calls Within a Marketing Mix
  Thu, Nov 12 2009
  There remain a number of distinct roles for telemarketing within todays marketing mixes.
• Call Center Outsourcing Trends: How Outsourcing Call Center Functions Drive Business 2.0
  Tue, Oct 20 2009
  As businesses begin to understand how outsourcing call center functions can save precious operating resources, the latest trends in the industry should shift from customer service to lead generation. Heres a glimpse into next-generation call center outsourcing operations and their potential to drive Business 2.0 into a new mindset.
• PPC Management Offers New Practice-Building Strategy for Attorneys
  Tue, Sep 22 2009
  Law firms can use Adwords management strategies to build client rosters without violating laws that regulate where and how attorneys can practice law.
• Mobile Text Can Breathe New Life into a Telemarketing Approach
  Mon, Sep 21 2009
  Adding mobile techniques to telemarketing calls can revive a telemarketing campaign. While there are still regulations to followed, companies can breathe new life into telemarketing exploits by reaching out to the ever-growing number of mobile phone users and employing up-to-the-minute tactics.
• Old School and New School Working Together: Telemarketing and the Web
  Thu, Sep 10 2009
  Telemarketing and Internet marketing both gather different types of information, and can be used together to make each one more effective.
• Call Center Outsourcing: Customer Service Vendors Integrate CRM Data with Success
  Thu, Sep 03 2009
  The call center outsourcing industry is poised to make 2009 a banner year. As new trends in customer relationship management (CRM) integrate with customer service outsourcing activities, companies become leaner and prospect relationships become personal. Heres more on the convergence of CRM with customer service outsourcing and what it could mean in a challenging economy.
• Why Most Telemarketing Calls Fail: 4 Ways to Make Them Airtight
  Thu, Aug 20 2009
  Telemarketing calls have earned such a bad reputation simply because so many companies blow the opportunity. Without a clearly defined purpose and added value, theres no reason for the customer to hear the pitch. Heres more on why most telemarketing calls fail and how to set a fix in place.
• The Art of Appointment Setting: Making No a Good Thing
  Thu, Aug 20 2009
  Superior appointment setting services seek, above all, to get prospects to say "yes" to a meeting. But "no" answers can also be used to good effect, helping marketers better understand what their prospects want--and do not want.
• Monitoring A New Threat to Telemarketing Calls
  Tue, Jul 28 2009
  A possible new regulatory challenge to telemarketing calls could add yet another hoop for telemarketers to jump through. In todays increasingly regulated and restricted telemarketing field, knowing the rules is half the battle. Any company that uses telemarketing sales techniques needs to be aware of this coming change.
• Scientific Sales: Why Telemarketing Sales Companies Should Employ the Scientific Method
  Thu, Jul 16 2009
  The scientific method is one of the most important intellectual developments of all time. It only makes sense that companies should employ it in sales campaigns. Using these methods can systematically evaluate and improve telemarketing calls.
• 5 Ways Outsourcing Call Center Services Ups Profit Potential
  Wed, Jul 08 2009
  Outsourcing call center services is expected to become much more popular through 2014. Why? The best-practices and compliance issues related to managing an in-house call center have become too complex. Delegating these activities to an expert third party frees up valuable resources that are already stretched paper-thin. Here are five ways outsourcing makes that happens.
• Telemarketing Sales: 5 Tips for Making the Cold Call Effective Again
  Mon, Jun 22 2009
  Just as the speculation of the cold calls demise reached a fevered pitch, next-generation marketers offered new insights into telemarketing sales. When done right, first contacts to qualified prospects can mean a windfall in response. Heres more on the rebirth of the cold call and five ways to make it a contributing factor in building a brand.
• The Economic Impact of Call Centers in Distressed Communities
  Tue, Jun 16 2009
  Hiring a North American call center can have an impact beyond the quality of customer service.
• Tactics for Targeted Telemarketing Sales
  Thu, Jun 04 2009
  The right tactics allow telemarketing companies to overcome the many challenges facing telemarketing callers today. By using refined audience targeting and tailoring calls to specific clients, telemarketing companies can help any business increase sales. Navigating todays risk-filled telemarketing environment requires strict adherence to new laws and these best practices.
• Telemarketing Calls and Internet Marketing Are a Profitable Combination
  Thu, May 21 2009
  Telemarketing has earned a bad reputation, but its gained a powerful ally: the Web. Using Internet responses to generate lists for telemarketing calls can freshen up those old call lists and help businesses reach a relevant audience. Together, telemarketing calls and Internet marketing make a powerful team, one truly greater than the sum of its parts.
• Call Center Services: Fact, Fiction, and Finding Focus
  Tue, May 19 2009
  Although many business realize that they must make the call center a part of their brand strategy, most are unsure of how to make that happen. Call centers can pose a liability if not implemented properly. Heres more on separating fact from fiction and how to evaluate call center services.
• Appointment Setting Services: Reaping the Benefits of Outsourcing to Experts
  Thu, Apr 30 2009
  As business activities become increasingly specialized, the outsourcing trend has taken on new significance for lean businesses. Appointment setting services are no exception. Organizations can ride the expertise of a third-party provider and increase the ROI of virtually every campaign. Heres how to benefit and how to buy.
• How to Choose an Overseas Telemarketing Firm Without Getting Soaked
  Mon, Apr 20 2009
  Outsourcing your telemarketing campaign to an overseas company can be a great way to save money. Before you start your quest for cutting costs and lowering overhead, its important to read these six tips.
• The Challenge and Opportunity of Telemarketing Laws
  Mon, Apr 13 2009
  While telemarketing laws have posed new challenges, there are also opportunities for telemarketing companies which can adapt to these laws. From building on previous relationships to raising the professionalism bar, companies can take away helpful tips for continuing telemarketing campaigns in spite of tough new laws regulating telemarketing. Boosting sales is always a priority, and these tactics help keep it that way.
• Appointment Setters: Dont Underestimate the Work-At Home Crowd
  Wed, Apr 01 2009
  A capable appointment setter can work effectively out of a home office. However, its important to verify the quality of the work being done, as opposed to hiring an appointment setter who does more home than work.
• Top Tips for Laser Precision in Appointment Setting
  Mon, Mar 30 2009
  Appointment setting with a purpose should be the goal of any lean business looking to maximize results from third-party, outsourced call services. Strategy, training, measurement, and examination all play a vital role in a process that might mean the difference between satisfactory and fantastic. Heres a brief rundown of how the top appointment setters get to the top and stay there.
• Four Telemarketing Targeting Tips for Selling in a Recession
  Fri, Mar 27 2009
  Many companies cut back on marketing when tough times strike, but this isnt always the best place for trimming fat. By using better targeting to get more out of telemarketing calls, companies can boost sales, which is especially helpful during a recession. These four tips help companies get more out of telemarketing sales.
• Telemarketing Sales: Five Tips to Help Smart Businesses Make Each Contact Count
  Fri, Mar 13 2009
  While many CEOs believe that telemarketing sales are strictly a numbers game, marketing-savvy professionals know better. Best practices in the industry can drive numbers up exponentially. In fact, there are a host of tricks and techniques that will not only increase ROI, but make customers for life. Here are five tips for increasing front and back-end sales with every communication attempt.
• Appointment Setting Best Practices
  Fri, Mar 13 2009
  Expert appointment setters, though they may vary widely in style and personality, usually have mastered several important sales techniques. Look for this mastery when hiring an appointment setting firm.
• Dial up Customer Satisfaction: Use a Live Answering Service to Competitive Advantage
  Mon, Mar 09 2009
  Smart companies are using the current economic downturn to outmaneuver competitors in every way possible. Heres a simple idea that saves money and delivers return on investment: hire a live answering service.
• Successful Telemarketing Sales: Seven Key Elements of the Training Challenge
  Fri, Feb 13 2009
  An oft overlooked cost of developing a telemarketing staff is the extensive training involved; here are seven key elements involved in that training. From learning how to appropriately speak with professional clients to following a script without sounding like it, there are many skills that professional telemarketing callers need to gain before making that first phone call.
• Successful Telemarketing Sales: Seven Key Elements of the Training Challenge
  Fri, Feb 13 2009
  An oft overlooked cost of developing a telemarketing staff is the extensive training involved; here are seven key elements involved in that training. From learning how to appropriately speak with professional clients to following a script without sounding like it, there are many skills that professional telemarketing callers need to gain before making that first phone call.
• Outsourcing Your Call Center: When to Implement this Valuable Strategy
  Thu, Feb 05 2009
  There comes a time in the life cycle of many businesses when the question must be answered: continue handling customer service calls in-house or used an outsourced call center? While its certainly no easy decision to make, taking stock of resource allocation and examining strategic direction are benchmarks that can help.
• Four Ways Telemarketing Calls Shorten Any Sales Cycle
  Thu, Jan 22 2009
  From establishing name recognition to cleaning up bad customer data, telemarketing professionals are an invaluable resource for increasing sales. Telemarketing calls have changed a lot over the years. There are at least four ways telemarketing calls can be used to shorten a sales cycle, even in complex markets.
• Appointment Setters Take Advantage of Convergent Technologies
  Thu, Jan 15 2009
  Appointment setters have ironically become trend setters in the business-to-business and business-to-consumer industries. Convergent technologies are increasing the abilities of appointment setting professionals exponentially, allowing personalized communications that cater to a variety of industries and interests. Heres more on the intersection of high-tech and customer interaction that catalyzes business synergy.
• Telemarketing Services Help Companies Stay on Offense during a Downturn
  Thu, Jan 08 2009
  Using telemarketing to stay on offense can mitigate the effects of a downturn and boost growth in the long term. When competitors are cutting costs on marketing and customer service, companies that aggressively take up their slack can cash in. Telemarketing services help businesses stay in touch with--and gain--loyal customers.
• How to Choose an Answering Service
  Fri, Dec 19 2008
  Answering services enable a business to communicate with their customers at all times, even when the office is closed. Customers typically dont distinguish between companies and their answering services, so there are a few important things to consider before hiring one.
• Professionalism is the Key to Successful Telemarketing
  Fri, Dec 19 2008
  Attention to quality in telemarketing services will make telemarketing calls more effective
• Answering Service Tips
  Fri, Dec 19 2008
  When a customer calls a business there is a certain level of professionalism expected. A harsh tone may alienate customers, making them choose to take their business elsewhere. The following tips help keep customers happy on the other end of the line and should be followed by any answering service.
• Appointment Setting Services Deliver That Important Face-to-Face
  Fri, Dec 19 2008
  Appointment setting services leave the initial contacts to the experts, enabling a business to concentrate on what it does best: closing the deal.
• Telemarketing Calls That Establish a Passionate Business Relationship
  Fri, Dec 19 2008
  Telemarketing calls should have one primary goal: to create synergy between businesses and customers that establishes a meaningful relationship and facilitates sales. Find out why telemarketing for the sake of the numbers game can actually hurt return on investment (ROI), increase turnover, and--worst case scenario--attract a hefty fine for chronic violators.
• How to Choose an Answering Service
  Tue, Dec 16 2008
  Answering services enable a business to communicate with their customers at all times, even when the office is closed. Customers typically dont distinguish between companies and their answering services, so there are a few important things to consider before hiring one.
• The Call Center: Critical to Handling Challenges and Saving Sales
  Mon, Dec 08 2008
  A good inbound call center is worth its weight in gold. This critical customer touch-point conveys the character of a business. Despite the bad reputation that early call centers earned, new technology, new techniques, and outsourcing have made call centers into the valuable assets they are today.
• Why Outsource Telemarketing Services? Just Add Up the Costs
  Thu, Nov 20 2008
  The true cost saving of outsourcing telemarketing services goes beyond the cost of telemarketing labor and equipment.
• Tribute to a Top Notch Appointment Setter
  Wed, Nov 05 2008
  Top notch appointment setters work hard and get results, and deserve a thank you.
• Seven Tips to Help a Business Choose an Answering Service
  Mon, Nov 03 2008
  Seven tips can help choose a business answering service provider.
• Buy or Build: Getting the Most Sales Leverage from Telemarketing Services
  Tue, Oct 07 2008
  Outside telemarketing companies can provide ready-made telemarketing services which can limit costs and get products into the market much more quickly
• Appointment Setting Is Not a Brainless Task
  Tue, Oct 07 2008
  Appointment setting services can be a valuable part of a successful sales program, but can hurt their clients if theyre unprofessional.
• Finding High Quality Telemarketing Services
  Mon, Sep 29 2008
  Telemarketing companies help business of all sizes prospect for new customers to inform them about products and services offered.
• Outsourcing for Call Centers
  Wed, Jul 23 2008
  Most businesses agree the process of buying and maintaining business services is difficult. There are many advantages relating to outsourcing for call center services, but you must first prepare for the process. Read the following information before making your decision.
• The Benefits of Outsourcing Your Call Center
  Fri, Jul 18 2008
  What level of service do your customer's deserve? Call center services have the expertise to handling inbound and outbound calls with efficiency. Read the following article explaining the benefits of working with an outsourced call center service.
• Generate Leads with Outsourced Telemarketing Services
  Thu, Jul 17 2008
  Do you need more help generating leads? Did you know outsourcing for telemarketing services can help? Read the following article to find out how.
• Make Money by Outsourcing Call Center Services
  Wed, Jul 16 2008
  Would you like to make more money? Read the following article to realize how you can make more money by outsourcing for call center services.
• Use Telemarketing Services for Your Charity Efforts
  Thu, Jun 12 2008
  Did you know you can achieve positive public relations and help others at the same time? By using telemarketing services to collect donations for chosen charities, you can make a difference in the world and ameliorate public perception of your company. Read the following articles to debunk popular misconceptions.
• Choosing Your Business-to-Business Telemarketer
  Mon, May 12 2008
  Other businesses know what it takes to be successful. This why you must choose wisely in regards to your own b2b telemarketing service. Read the following information to help get started.
• Cold Calling with Confidence
  Tue, Apr 15 2008
  Are you afraid of cold calling? Most relief can be supplied by outsourcing your telemarketing efforts, but it is not wise to completely hide from the efforts. Read the following article to help you become better prepared to take the plunge.
• A Telemarketer's Guide to Customer Likes and Dislikes
  Wed, Mar 12 2008
  Telemarketing is a tough job, but someone has to do it. Don't make it a tough job for your customers. Read the following article to find out what they want and what they don't want.
• How to Alter Call Center Perceptions
  Wed, Mar 12 2008
  Negative perceptions about telemarketing is a reality. Perceptions can be changed. Read the article for suggestions on how to alter peoples' thoughts about telemarketing and call centers.
• A Guide in Operating Your Lead Cycle
  Thu, Feb 28 2008
  Your company's lead cycle needs attention. Do you have an efficient method set in place? Read the following article for suggestions on how to streamline your leads cycle.
• Great Telemarketing Services Offer Great Telemarketers
  Wed, Feb 27 2008
  Are you looking to hire telemarketers in-house or searching for a telemarketing services vendor? Great companies are such because they hire and train great employees. Read how great telemarketers are found and made.
• What to Consider Before Outsourcing Telemarketing Services
  Mon, Jan 21 2008
  Many business choose to outsource for telemarketing services. Complement your wise decision with insights regarding maintaining a profitable relationship with your vendor.
• Telemarketing Insights to Keep You on the Phone
  Fri, Jan 18 2008
  Are you having trouble getting on the phone? Hesitance is not uncommon in telemarketing, but you must do something about it. Read the following article to help you stay positive and maintain on the phone.
• Consider Outsourcing for Your Telemarketing Campaign
  Wed, Dec 05 2007
  Are you interested in using a telemarketing campaign to supplement your marketing efforts? Companies are met with the decision to take on the endeavor in-house or to outsource. Read the following article to help you make the right decision.
• What Offshore Call Centers Rather Not Talk About
  Wed, Jul 25 2007
  Some are having success with offshore call centers and some are not. Read about why the latter will not talk.
• Changes in the Call Center Industry
  Thu, Jul 05 2007
  Do you want to stay informed on the call center industry? Read the following about changes that have occurred.
• What are Call Centers?
  Thu, Jun 14 2007
  Do you have questions about call centers? Read about what they do and how they can help your business.
• Business-to-Business Lead Checklist
  Tue, Jun 05 2007
  Does your telemarketing campaign encompass other businesses? Read this checklist to generate more leads.
• Use WebRings to Generate Leads
  Fri, May 25 2007
  Are you looking to attract more leads? Find out how WebRings can help.
• Choosing the Right Call Center
  Fri, May 11 2007
  Are you wondering how to choose the right call center for your business? Read the following article to make sure your venture is a success.
• About Call Center Service Pricing
  Wed, Apr 25 2007
  Are you curious about call center pricing? Find out what you want to know.
• Improve Call Center Training
  Sun, Dec 17 2006
  Do know how to implement better call center training? Read how proper training leads to success.
• Revenue Model- Profit from Pain
  Mon, Dec 04 2006
  Are you looking to make a profit with your call center? Read how to change your call center to a profit center.
• About Online Chat Services
  Fri, Dec 01 2006
  Is your business using online chat? Learn how this service is convenient for customers and profitable for your business.
• Call Center Services FAQ
  Mon, Oct 09 2006
  Do you have questions about call center services? Get your questions answered.
• Answering Services FAQ
  Tue, Oct 03 2006
  Do you have questions about answering services. Find your answers in the article.
• Appointment Setting FAQ
  Tue, Sep 19 2006
  Do you have questions about appointment setting? Get all your questions answered in the article.