“Multi-channel communication” is the 21st century version of multimedia communication for the contact center. Or is it? In fact, I think it is a potentially confusing term depending on who the audience is and their perspective. According to dictionary.com, the noun has many definitions, including several that are relevant to contact centers: a route through… Read More »
We define seven key areas when considering contact center support functions. While the nature of these functions can vary greatly based on factors such as size, number of sites, type of business and business goals, culture, and other organizational roles and responsibilities, any center should be able to point to these functions and know how… Read More »
Does your inbox fill with invitations to webinars on social networking? Mine sure does. Everyone seems to be talking about it. Why? Americans spend nearly a quarter of their time online on social networking sites and blogs, up from 15.8 percent just a year ago. (Source: Nielsen) Facebook boasts 500 million users and reportedly is… Read More »
Whenever someone mentions process optimization, I always think of Henry Ford and the Model T. Old man Ford figured out that a “well-oiled” assembly line produced superior cars at substantially lower costs than custom-built automobiles. It was a win-win scenario for the company and the customer. The contact center can be a great place to… Read More »
Call center professionals spend a healthy chunk of their time pouring over the daily, weekly, and monthly stacks of management reports to discern what’s going right – or wrong – with their centers. Many overlook one of the most valuable sources of information – the “Voice of the Employee.” The call center front line has… Read More »
Call center technology selection and implementation can be a painstaking affair. Defining requirements. Developing a Request for Proposal (RFP). Entertaining the vendors and sifting through all of the responses. Gaining buy-in from all the decision makers. Negotiating contacts. Developing and executing installation, testing, and production plans. If we spend so much time preparing for the… Read More »
Most companies manage projects by checking boxes on a project plan. They declare victory when the new system is in production, process changes are implemented, or the organization charts are redrawn. While it’s all fine and well to celebrate milestones, they ought to save the ticker tape parade for a time when their projects demonstrate… Read More »