Questions from Subscribers; Answers from Call Center Cafe
January 27, 2006
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In this week's Newsletter we answer more questions from December's subscriber survey. We asked, What is your most challenging Call Center question?

Your answers appear in this and future newsletters. We will also be posting questions and answers on a new CallCenterCafe.com page.

If you have a Call Center Question, please email ask@callcenter cafe.com. Your answer may appear in our next newsletter!

reviews
Question:

I have 16 representatives on my team, and all their reviews are due at the same time. Is there a way to make the review writing process easier?

Answer:

This is a great question. We recommend conducting brief Monthly Reviews throughout the year to keep you and your representatives up to date on their performance. Not only will having archived monthly reviews make your annual review writing easier, it will also give you and your team members a time each month to talk about performance, successes and areas of opportunity.

Austin
Question:

I'm having a very difficult time with my four CSR, getting them to practice the "best practices" that I have put in place. They have not been supervised for 3 years and have falling into some really bad habits. They also have terrible attitudes towards the company. Any suggestions?

Answer:

We'd like to make a a few suggestions for you on this issue. First, take a look at the following articles:

Next, think about your Performance Management system and your current best practices.
  • What are the consequences to the agents for their bad habits?
  • How do the agents know when they are performing in a manner that is not in line with your best practices?
  • Are their methods in place to communicate the best practices?

The answers exist in the levels of communication, involvement and management you have in place. If you want to learn more about Performance Management Processes that can effect the performance and attitudes of your employees...

Question:

I work in a call center that used to be a strictly service center. We now try to uncover client needs and make referrals to our telesales Associates. How can we provide traditional service center employees with the skills they need to be effective sales people?

Answer:

Somewhere along the way sales got a bad rap. I’m sure all of us can relate to having dealt with a salesperson that made us uncomfortable, pressured us into making a decision, or even mislead us about the product or service.

We have all survived a contract we didn’t want or have things in our house that we were lured into buying only to be disappointed in their performance or usability.

However, some of us may be able to recall a good sales experience in which a conscientious salesperson made us feel positive about our purchase. In these instances, customer service made all the difference. During a good sales experience, I feel as though the salesperson really listened to me, understood my needs and provided a solution that would satisfy those needs. Great customer service skills really drive an outstanding sales experience and that is an invaluable trait to pass on to your Call Center customer service representatives.

To your success!