We can learn a lot about life – and about customer service – when we go to the movies. While inspirational films like Forrest Gump and The Blind Side can motivate us to be better human beings, even less critically-acclaimed movies can inspire us to do better. While not exactly an Oscar winner, the 2003… Read more »
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What We Can Learn From Famous Movie Phone Calls
In an age where email and text messages rule our communications, it’s easy to forget how important the phone call was and still is. While we might chat with friends over text or email, our most important business is still typically conducted over the phone. The art of the phone call, though, is something that… Read more »
Why Your Cell Phone Shouldn’t Be Your Business Line
In 21st century America, we live our lives on our smartphones. We pay our bills, catch up with loved ones, adjust our thermostat and even order groceries from our devices. It’s easy to assume that our business calls, emails, and texts should also be funneled through this singular, personal smartphone. This is especially true in… Read more »
Automated vs Live Answering: Which is Best for Your Business?
Technology has afforded business owners with a lot of luxuries. Before the invention of the computer or smartphone, we relied upon things like typewriters, rolodexes and adding machines to keep our businesses running. There was also no alternative to hiring a receptionist; if there was no one around to pick up the phone when it… Read more »
10 Things Small Business Owners Can Be Grateful for This Season
Small business owners know the value of reflection. Self-awareness is critical to success, and taking an honest look at our goals, achievements, setbacks and challenges can help prepare us for what lies ahead. Even more important, though, is the need for gratitude. It’s easy to lose focus on how good you have it when you’re… Read more »
Create a Healthy Business Culture with This Important Tool
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 »
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 »