Smart business owners recognize whistleblowers as allies, not snitches. While it can be frustrating to learn of unethical behavior, whistleblowers present an opportunity for greater transparency and honesty in your organization. Unfortunately, though, they are too often seen as traitors who sell out their colleagues. Because of this, many employees have a very real fear… Read more »
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10 Times the Show Parks and Rec Inspired Entrepreneurs
Great television has a way of bringing people together. Through the years, we’ve all stood around a coffee pot or watercooler rehashing our favorite moments from a newly aired episode. The best television shows go even further: they inspire us in unexpected ways. No one tuning into NBC’s Parks and Rec, starring Amy Poehler and… Read more »
5 Warning Signs You’re Losing Qualified Leads
Every salesperson, no matter their industry, knows the value of nursing a qualified lead. It’s more art than science, but the careful handling of a prospect can result in a win for both client and salesperson alike. With an increasingly global world, competition is becoming increasingly international. The world is the prospect’s oyster, with no… Read more »
BEWARE! Long Hold Times Can Turn Customers into Zombies
“Your call is important to us. Please hold while we assist other customers.” Is there anything more frightening than these dreaded words? It can be horrifying to watch the minutes slowly slip away from you, with no way of knowing how much longer you’ll be forced to hold. It’s the stuff of nightmares. If there’s… Read more »
5 Simple Strategies to Uncover What Your Customers Really Want
Sometimes knowing what your customers really want can seem as easy as predicting the future. Other times, you may spend a lot of time and money developing a product or service and there is little response from customers. How can you uncover what products or services your customers really want from you? Use these five… Read more »
How Outsourcing Order Taking Can Increase Your Profit
When a customer calls a business, they are looking for a personal connection. Speaking with a knowledgeable representative helps the customer feel confident about their purchase. For many businesses, time spent speaking with customers and taking orders is vital to their company’s success. In addition to building connections with their customers, it provides them with… Read more »
The Truth Behind Multitasking: Productivity’s #1 Killer
Everyone multitasks. It’s something we do without much thought. That thoughtlessness is why multitasking is actually a productivity killer. Check out this infographic that details the truth about multitasking, how it’s actually destroying productivity, and what you can do to get back on track. There really are some great alternatives to multitasking that are actually… Read more »
Five Benefits of Having a Virtual Receptionist That May Change Your Perspective
It’s a conundrum of every small business owner: do I hire more help or shoulder the long hours myself? While it’s normal to put in extra time in the early stages of your company’s life, growth demands additional help. Whether you’re just starting out, hoping to expand, or are looking for ways to become a… Read more »
Four Tips to Shift From Reactive to Proactive Customer Service
You care about your customers and want to keep them satisfied. How can you guarantee, though, that you’re offering exceptional customer service every time you interact with a customer? The key lies in understanding the difference between reactive and proactive customer service. If you’re not sure you know why a proactive approach is the best… Read more »
Handling The Flood of Incoming College Students With an Answering Service
Each fall, millions of new and returning students flood the campuses of colleges and universities across the nation. Dorms are moved into, dining halls are full and classrooms that lay dormant a few weeks earlier are now bustling. Even the most organized and highly-esteemed schools can find their administrative teams overwhelmed by the sheer number… Read more »