Advice from a Call Center Geek is a weekly podcast with a focus on all things call center and contact center. We discuss topics such as call center operations, hiring, culture, technology, and training and have fun doing it! Please post a review on Itunes if you find our podcast of value. This w…
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Listeners of Advice from a Call Center Geek! that love the show mention: customer,The Advice from a Call Center Geek! podcast is a must-listen for anyone in the call center industry, whether they are well-established or just starting out. Hosted by Tom Laird, this podcast covers a wide range of topics related to customer support, operations, training, and more. Tom does an incredible job of leading conversations that provide valuable insights and information for listeners. I highly recommend listening and subscribing to this podcast.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the breadth of topics covered. Tom explores various aspects of call center management and provides practical advice and tips for success. Whether you're a frontline representative or a CEO, there's something in this podcast for everyone. Tom's candid perspective and genuine knowledge about the industry make each episode engaging and informative.
Another great aspect of this podcast is Tom's willingness to share his expertise and help others in the industry. He goes above and beyond to respond to questions and provide advice, even reaching out on LinkedIn personally. This level of engagement and generosity is invaluable for listeners seeking guidance in their own call center endeavors.
A minor drawback of this podcast may be its focus solely on call centers. While it offers valuable insights for call center professionals, those outside of the industry may not find it as applicable to their own work. However, even if you don't run a call center, there are still valuable lessons on team management and thinking outside the box that can be applied more broadly.
In conclusion, The Advice from a Call Center Geek! podcast is an excellent resource for anyone in the call center industry looking to expand their knowledge and improve their skills. Tom Laird delivers value on every episode through his expertise and openness. Whether you're an executive or just starting out, this podcast will provide valuable insights that can help you succeed in your role. I highly recommend giving it a listen!
Send us a text Everyone's rushing to add Auto QA. But most are thinking too small. In this episode, I break down what most platforms get wrong, why scoring calls is just the beginning, and what to look for if you actually want impact, not just another dashboard. Before you build your own or sign a contract, listen to this. It'll change how you see QA, coaching, and the real future of AI in your contact center. Tom Laird's 100% USA-based, AI-powered contact center. As the only outsourcing partner on the NICE CXone Customer Executive Council, Expivia is redefining what it means to be a CX tech partner. Learn more at expiviausa.com. Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Send us a textIn this episode of the Advice from a Call Center Geek podcast, we unveil our highly anticipated 2025 Geek Gauge CCaaS Rankings. We break down the comprehensive analysis of the top 19 Contact Center as a Service platforms, showing which vendors truly lead the pack in 2025. Using a groundbreaking approach that combines ChatGPT's analytical capabilities with Deep Research, we've evaluated each platform across 18 critical criteria. Whether you're considering a CCaaS migration, evaluating your current vendor, or just keeping tabs on the industry, this vendor-neutral assessment provides the clarity you need to make informed decisions. From AI capabilities to cost transparency, integration ecosystems to operational excellence try to cover it all. Don't miss this essential guide to the current CCaaS landscape, where technology meets practical real-world application through the eyes of AI. Tom Laird's 100% USA-based, AI-powered contact center. As the only outsourcing partner on the NICE CXone Customer Executive Council, Expivia is redefining what it means to be a CX tech partner. Learn more at expiviausa.com. Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Send us a textIn 2025, outsourcing isn't just about price, it's about AI, partnership, tech, and long-term CX strategy. In this episode, Tom Laird breaks down exactly what to look for in a modern contact center outsourcing partner and how to build an RFP that separates real CX tech players from the fluff.From AI expectations and data transparency to platform flexibility and agent experience, this is your blueprint for setting the bar higher and finding a partner who can actually meet it. Tom Laird's 100% USA-based, AI-powered contact center. As the only outsourcing partner on the NICE CXone Customer Executive Council, Expivia is redefining what it means to be a CX tech partner. Learn more at expiviausa.com. Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Send us a textEPISODE DESCRIPTION:Are your post-call surveys actually providing meaningful insights, or just creating a dangerous illusion of customer understanding?In this eye-opening episode of Advice from a Call Center Geek, we tackle the uncomfortable truth about those NPS and CSAT metrics your executive team loves so much. The shocking reality? Only 1 in 20 customers actually completes these surveys, yet companies continue making major strategic decisions based on this minuscule, heavily biased sample.After examining the latest research and industry data, we're ready to challenge everything you thought you knew about customer feedback collection. This episode breaks down:Why survey response rates have plummeted to a dismal 5% and what this means for data reliabilityHow extreme response bias creates a distorted picture of your actual customer experienceThe fundamental flaws in survey methodologies that no amount of tweaking can fixWhy AI-powered sentiment analysis across 100% of interactions represents the future of customer insightsPractical steps to transition your contact center to more reliable feedback mechanismsWhether you're a contact center director, CX professional, or operations manager, this episode delivers the wake-up call your customer experience strategy desperately needs. Stop making decisions based on feedback from just 5% of your customers and discover how to capture the complete voice of your customer base. Discover exceptional, AI-driven contact center outsourcing with Expivia. Visit expiviausa.com or message me in Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Send us a textTraditional contact center metrics like Average Handle Time and Customer Satisfaction scores have served the industry well for decades. But as AI transforms how we serve customers, through virtual agents, agent assistance tools, auto-quality assurance, and intelligent summarization, yesterday's KPIs are no longer enough.In this groundbreaking episode, we explore the new measurement framework required for AI-powered contact centers. We'll dissect traditional metrics, introduce essential new KPIs for measuring AI effectiveness, and provide a practical roadmap for evolving your measurement approach.Whether you're just beginning your AI journey or already operating a sophisticated digital-first contact center, this episode delivers actionable insights on:Virtual agent performance metrics beyond simple containmentMeasuring effective human-AI collaborationTracking the complete customer journey across AI and human touchpointsCalculating the true ROI of your AI investmentsJoin me as we redefine what success looks like in the age of AI-powered customer experience. Discover exceptional, AI-driven contact center outsourcing with Expivia. Visit expiviausa.com or message me in Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Send us a textMost QA programs score agents but don't actually develop them—and that's the problem. In this episode, we break down how to move beyond compliance-based QA and use real call insights to coach smarter, faster, and better.You'll learn:✅ Why high QA scores don't always mean high performance✅ How to shift from traditional QA to coaching-driven QA✅ The power of Auto QA tools like OttoQa.com for real-time coaching insights✅ How micro-coaching leads to faster, more effective agent developmentStop grading agents and start developing them. Tune in and discover how to turn QA insights into coaching gold! Discover exceptional, AI-driven contact center outsourcing with Expivia. Visit expiviausa.com or message me in Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Send us a textIn this thought-provoking episode of Advice from a Call Center Geek, we dive deep into one of the most contested questions in customer service technology:Can artificial intelligence truly demonstrate empathy, and how do we meaningfully measure it? While tech companies tout their AI's emotional intelligence capabilities, we'll cut through the marketing hype to examine what empathy really means in customer interactions.We'll explore practical examples from call centers where AI handles emotionally charged situations, comparing them with human responses to similar scenarios. Through real case studies and expert insights, we'll break down the components of empathy, from emotional recognition to appropriate response selection - and assess how AI systems measure up against these criteria.Rather than accepting the binary "AI can/cannot be empathetic" debate, we'll examine the nuanced reality of how AI systems process and respond to emotional cues. We'll discuss concrete metrics used in call centers to evaluate emotional intelligence, whether applied to human agents or AI systems, and question whether these measurements truly capture the essence of empathy.This episode challenges both AI skeptics and enthusiasts to reconsider their assumptions. For call center leaders and CX professionals, we'll provide actionable frameworks to evaluate AI solutions beyond the buzzwords, helping you make informed decisions about implementing emotionally intelligent automation in your customer service operations. Discover exceptional, AI-driven contact center outsourcing with Expivia. Visit expiviausa.com or message me in Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Send us a textTired of the AI hype cycle? In this straight-shooting episode, we're diving into what's actually happening with AI in customer experience operations right now. Not what vendors are promising, not what futurists are predicting, but the real deal from someone in the trenches. You'll discover what's genuinely working, what's still smoke and mirrors, and most importantly, how to build your roadmap for 2025. We're unpacking real implementation stories, revealing common pitfalls, and sharing the frameworks you need to evaluate what's right for your organization. Key takeaways: The truth about current AI capabilities in CX (no sugar coating) Which use cases are delivering real value today Critical steps to prepare your team and infrastructure A practical framework for your 2025 planningThe mistakes you can't afford to makeWhether you're just starting your AI journey or trying to optimize your current operations, this episode gives you the unfiltered insights and actionable steps you need to move forward with confidence. Time to cut through the noise and get real about AI in CX. Discover exceptional, AI-driven contact center outsourcing with Expivia. Visit expiviausa.com or message me in Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Send us a textAs we wrap up another year, it's time for our highly anticipated ACG 2025 Predictions Episode! In this special forecast, we'll dive deep into the future of technology and customer experience, sharing valuable insights from the entire Expivia team. What groundbreaking technologies will reshape the CX landscape? How will AI continue to evolve in the customer service space? What new challenges and opportunities await contact centers in 2025? Join us as we break down our expert predictions and analyze the trends that will define the industry over the next 12 months.Drawing from our hands-on experience and industry expertise, we'll explore everything from emerging digital solutions to shifting customer expectations. Whether you're a CX professional, technology enthusiast, or business leader, you won't want to miss these critical insights into what's coming in 2025! Discover exceptional, AI-driven contact center outsourcing with Expivia. Visit expiviausa.com or message me in Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Send us a text(I apologize for the poor audio on this episode, we had a mic failure, but the content is awesome so I hope you still find value!)In this episode of the ACG podcast we explore the future of contact center outsourcing in 2025. We dive into what a modern BPO RFP should include, moving beyond buzzwords like 'white glove service' and 'scalability' to focus on the advanced capabilities and innovations shaping next-gen outsourcing.If you're planning to outsource your contact center operations, this session will provide actionable insights to help you make informed decisions and unlock the full potential of your partnerships. Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead in the evolving world of customer experience. Discover exceptional, AI-driven contact center outsourcing with Expivia. Visit expiviausa.com or message me in Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Send us a text The way contact centers approach Quality Assurance is undergoing a major transformation, and AI is at the heart of it. In this episode, we explore how advanced tools are enabling intent analysis, uncovering customer behavior patterns, and streamlining QA processes to deliver more meaningful insights. Learn how solutions like OttoQa are helping contact centers move beyond traditional scoring models, driving smarter evaluations, and creating better customer outcomes. If you're looking to future-proof your QA strategy, this conversation is a must-listen. Discover exceptional, AI-driven contact center outsourcing with Expivia. Visit expiviausa.com or message me in Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Send us a text Black Friday and Cyber Monday are almost here, bringing the year's biggest sales rush! For contact centers, this is the Super Bowl of customer service, and preparation is everything. In this episode of ACG, we dive into updated best practices to help your team stay ahead, deliver exceptional customer experiences, and handle the holiday sales frenzy like pros. Whether you're looking to optimize staffing, fine-tune your processes, or leverage AI tools to manage the madness, we've got you covered. Get ready to crush this year's holiday sales season! Discover exceptional, AI-driven contact center outsourcing with Expivia. Visit expiviausa.com or message me in Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Send us a textIn this episode of ACG, we explore how small and medium-sized businesses can harness authentic artificial intelligence to transform their contact centers without overspending. With a flood of so-called "AI" products in the market, we help you distinguish genuine solutions from the fakes to ensure you're investing wisely. Learn how focusing on Knowledge Management Systems, smart integrations, and agent-level AI tools can deliver immediate ROI. Whether you're facing challenges with lower interaction volumes or cost barriers, this episode offers practical strategies to help you compete with industry giants and boost customer satisfaction. Tune in for actionable insights that make real AI accessible and effective for SMBs.o1 Discover exceptional, AI-driven contact center outsourcing with Expivia. Visit expiviausa.com or message me in Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Send us a textJoin me for an exciting episode where I take a deep dive into the heart of my latest book, False Hustle. Many contact centers and CX leaders are unknowingly sabotaging their own success by focusing on misguided efforts to appear productive.In this episode, I'll be sharing insights on how to break the cycle of false hustle and transform customer experience from the ground up. We'll explore how to strike the perfect balance between the efficiency of AI and the irreplaceable human touch.Tune in for:Practical strategies to improve your contact centerReal-world examples of CX transformationActionable advice to make your customer service a genuine powerhouse of satisfaction and loyaltyWhether you're a contact center pro or just curious about the future of CX, this conversation is one you won't want to miss Discover exceptional, AI-driven contact center outsourcing with Expivia. Visit expiviausa.com or message me in Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Send us a Text Message.In this episode of "Advice from a Call Center Geek," we dive into the challenging world of dealing with angry customers. Discover five powerful, actionable techniques that can transform heated interactions into opportunities for building customer loyalty. Perfect for contact center managers and agents alike, this episode covers:The Empathy + Action ComboThe Interruption BusterThe Ownership ApproachThe Reframing TechniqueThe Calm Questioning MethodLearn how to diffuse tension, regain control of the conversation, and turn frustrated customers into satisfied ones. Packed with real-world examples and practical tips, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their customer service game. Tune in to transform the way you handle difficult customer interactions! Discover exceptional, AI-driven contact center outsourcing with Expivia. Visit expiviausa.com or message me in Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Send us a Text Message. Did you ever ask yourself what the high-end contact centers are doing differently? In this ACGpodcast, we dive deep into the cutting-edge technologies that set elite customer service operations apart from the rest. This is how we are developing our strategic plan for Expivia.From AI-powered chatbots to advanced analytics, we explore the tools and strategies that are revolutionizing the way top companies interact with their customers. Whether you're a business owner looking to upgrade your customer service or a tech enthusiast curious about the future of communication, this podcast offers invaluable insights into the world of high-tech contact centers.Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Send us a Text Message.The contact center industry is evolving, and with that evolution, contact centers of all types are starting to learn valuable lessons.In this episode, we'll dive into how the BPO landscape is changing, what these changes mean for customers, and the latest AI tools you should be asking for in your outsourcing RFPs.Don't let the title fool you, this episode is essential for anyone running a contact center.If you are looking for USA outsourced customer service or sales support, we here at Expivia would really like to help you support your customers.Please check us out at expiviausa.com, or email us at info@expivia.net!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Send us a Text Message. Join us as we dive into the journey of founding and growing OttoQa, a cutting-edge AI-powered Customer Experience (CX) company. In this episode, we'll share our firsthand experiences, lessons learned, and the challenges we faced in building a fully automated QA platform. Discover the strategies and insights that helped us innovate in the CX industry, the role of AI in transforming quality assurance, and tips for aspiring entrepreneurs. Whether you're a CX professional, tech enthusiast, or entrepreneur, this podcast is packed with valuable takeaways to inspire and inform your journey. Tune in to explore the future of AI in CX with OttoQa! If you are looking for USA outsourced customer service or sales support, we here at Expivia would really like to help you support your customers.Please check us out at expiviausa.com, or email us at info@expivia.net!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Send us a Text Message.What if you could transform your call center's efficiency and agent performance overnight? This episode guarantees you'll walk away with actionable insights on crafting the ultimate QA forms for both voice and chat channels. We'll guide you on defining the crucial goals for your QA forms, such as enhancing agent performance, ensuring compliance, and extracting valuable customer interaction insights. With the collective wisdom from examining hundreds of QA forms, we'll provide practical tips to structure your forms for maximum impact. Whether you're running a large or small contact center, these insights will significantly enhance your training and performance evaluation processes. Don't miss these transformative strategies to elevate your call center operations and deliver exceptional customer experiences!If you are looking for USA outsourced customer service or sales support, we here at Expivia would really like to help you support your customers.Please check us out at expiviausa.com, or email us at info@expivia.net!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
In this ACG episode, we dive into the transformative impact of AI on customer service QA. Hosted by Tom Laird, the CEO of Expivia Interaction Marketing Group and OttoQa, this session explores how ChatGPT and Claude 3 enhance call analysis and agent performance monitoring. Discover effective system prompting and its role in refining quality assurance for consistency and high accuracy, with standards reaching 96-97.5%. Learn the nuances of differentiating between sales and retention calls, assessing customer sentiment, and how these insights lead to clear communication. This guide offers practical steps for integrating AI Auto QA into your business, enabling detailed data analysis and report generation. Ready to elevate your quality assurance strategies with AI? Tune in to find out how.If you are looking for USA outsourced customer service or sales support, we here at Expivia would really like to help you support your customers.Please check us out at expiviausa.com, or email us at info@expivia.net!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Are you overwhelmed by the relentless push to overhaul your contact center with AI? Let's clear the air about the real impact of AI in this industry. My recent talks reveal a surprising fact: many companies are not rushing into AI as believed. In reality, few have a detailed plan or have started implementation.Join me in a practical journey as we create a roadmap for incorporating technology thoughtfully in your contact center. Drawing from my latest engagements in Philadelphia and Miami, we'll focus on using what you already have efficiently and investing wisely, not hastily. We advocate a thoughtful approach to innovation, ensuring you adopt AI at a manageable pace, suited to your business needs. This discussion is about building a strong foundation for growth, stepping into AI with confidence and a well-defined strategy for success.If you are looking for USA outsourced customer service or sales support, we here at Expivia would really like to help you support your customers.Please check us out at expiviausa.com, or email us at info@expivia.net!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Tune into our latest ACG podcast episode, "Will Auto QA Platforms End the Era of Traditional CX Analytics?" where we dive into the world of customer experience analytics. We'll explore and compare the tools and techniques behind both Auto QA platforms and traditional analytics methods. This friendly chat is packed with insights about how each approach handles customer data and what makes them unique. Join Tom as he unravels the complexities and discuss the future possibilities of integrating or balancing these technologies in the world of customer experience management. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just curious about the latest trends, this episode is for you! If you are looking for USA outsourced customer service or sales support, we here at Expivia would really like to help you support your customers.Please check us out at expiviausa.com, or email us at info@expivia.net!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Join Tom in this insightful podcast episode recorded at the HDI Philly event held at Princeton University. Delve into groundbreaking strategies and cutting-edge technologies, including AI, to revolutionize your service desk operations. Drawing from his leadership at Expivia, where he expanded the team to over 600 professionals, and his innovative work at OttoQA, Tom shares advanced methods that enhance operational efficiency and elevate customer satisfaction. Explore the latest trends, tools, and best practices reshaping service desks across industries. Whether you aim to optimize your current operations or completely transform your service approach, this episode offers expert advice and actionable insights to propel you to the forefront of industry excellence.If you are looking for USA outsourced customer service or sales support, we here at Expivia would really like to help you support your customers.Please check us out at expiviausa.com, or email us at info@expivia.net!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Dive into the transformative journey of OttoQa, where we've uncovered the profound impact of prompts in elevating customer experience (CX) quality assurance (QA) processes. This podcast (taken from a Linkedin Live Event) brings the insights and methodologies from our extensive experience directly to you, focusing on the art and science of crafting effective prompts for QA automation.Explore a rich discussion on both the fundamental and advanced strategies that have revolutionized our approach to prompts. This episode is designed not just to share knowledge but to inspire action. We encourage listeners to experiment with these techniques in their operations, building confidence in the technology and its application before making any significant investments or deployments.Whether you're aiming to refine your CX prompting strategies or are curious about their potential to transform your service center, this podcast serves as your guide to unlocking the power of effective prompting. Join us in discovering the methods that have not only propelled our journey forward but also have the potential to redefine the landscape of customer service excellence.If you are looking for USA outsourced customer service or sales support, we here at Expivia would really like to help you support your customers.Please check us out at expiviausa.com, or email us at info@expivia.net!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
This podcast is based on the presentation I delivered in Miami at the "CX Under the Sun Event" to more than 100 CX professionals who are just beginning their journey with CX AI transformation.During the presentation, I share my views on what is considered "real" regarding AI in the current market, what to be cautious about, and how to initiate AI integration within your organizations.You won't find any unnecessary content or theoretical discussions here. It's all about the essential tools you should start exploring now and the reasons these tools need further development, regardless of what you might hear from AI technology providers.DM me on Linkedin if you would like the deck from this talk!If you are looking for USA outsourced customer service or sales support, we here at Expivia would really like to help you support your customers.Please check us out at expiviausa.com, or email us at info@expivia.net!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
As we step into 2024, the realms of Customer Experience (CX), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and contact centers are poised at the brink of transformative change. Let's explore the exciting, realistic predictions that are shaping the future of these industries. These are part prediction and part wish list for what I would like 2024 to become.If you are looking for USA outsourced customer service or sales support, we here at Expivia would really like to help you support your customers.Please check us out at expiviausa.com, or email us at info@expivia.net!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Join me, Tom Laird, and John Coulter from Five Star Call Centers, as we journey into a conversation on "Advice from a Call Center Geek."
This podcast episode of "Advice from a Call Center Geek", titled "AI Tools in CX: The Truth about ROI," delves into the practical aspects and return on investment (ROI) of AI technologies in the context of contact centers. It critically examines various AI tools like large language model chatbots, analytics, agent assist, and auto quality assurance, discussing their suitability, cost implications, and impact on customer experience for different sizes of contact centers. The episode provides insights into the evolving AI landscape, emphasizing the need for contact centers to carefully assess the real value and applicability of AI solutions in their operations.If you are looking for USA outsourced customer service or sales support, we here at Expivia would really like to help you support your customers.Please check us out at expiviausa.com, or email us at info@expivia.net!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Welcome back to "Advice from a Call Center Geek," the podcast dedicated to enhancing your contact center operations! In today's episode, we dive into the often confusing world of technology for small contact centers. With the holiday season approaching and AI becoming a buzzword, we aim to clarify and simplify your tech choices.Key Points Discussed:Bridging Contact Center Operations and AI: We explore how AI is shaping the industry, moving beyond the hype to practical applications, especially for smaller centers.Technology for Small Contact Centers: We focus on contact centers with under 100 seats, discussing how to select the right tools without getting overwhelmed by sales pitches for unnecessary tech.Practical Advice: We offer actionable insights on platforms suitable for different sizes of contact centers, from micro setups to those nearing 100 seats. This includes a detailed look at CCaaS and UCaaS platforms, and when each is appropriate.Budget-Friendly Solutions: We discuss cost-effective alternatives for quality assurance, knowledge management, and other essential tools, emphasizing the use of AI and tools like ChatGPT to automate processes.Hardware Recommendations: Practical tips on choosing computers, headsets, and operating systems that offer the best value for money.This episode is not just about technology trends; it's about making informed decisions that truly benefit your contact center. Tune in for an insightful journey through the maze of contact center tech!If you are looking for USA outsourced customer service or sales support, we here at Expivia would really like to help you support your customers.Please check us out at expiviausa.com, or email us at info@expivia.net!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
In this episode of "Advice from a Call Center Geek," we jump into expert tips for setting up a successful contact center, drawing from our experiences at Expivia.Learn about optimal team structures, effective management ratios, and strategies that foster efficiency and customer satisfaction. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to enhance their contact center operations, offering practical advice and insights that can transform your approach to customer service.If you are looking for USA outsourced customer service or sales support, we here at Expivia would really like to help you support your customers.Please check us out at expiviausa.com, or email us at info@expivia.net!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
In this episode of "Advice from a Call Center Geek," we dive into a topic that's known for stirring up plenty of debates and strong feelings: CcaaS platforms. I'm eager to offer my perspective on what's happening in the world of these providers right now. We'll explore the various aspects that make this topic so controversial and why opinions vary widely in the industry. My aim is to provide you with a detailed understanding of the current landscape, drawing from my experiences and observations in the field.We're gearing up to launch OttoQA, the game-changing QA automation tailored for smaller contact centers. But here's the twist — we want you in our inner circle before anyone else. Sign up at ottoqa.com with your email, and you'll dive deep into our exclusive Discord, join insightful industry AMAs, and be first in line for beta testing when Otto rolls out. Be part of our pre-launch excitement and help shape the next big thing in QA!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Imagine navigating the rapid changes in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How do BPOs need to adapt and evolve to stay competitive in this AI-driven landscape? That's what we're discussing in this enlightening episode, drawing insights from a seminar at the Google campus and exploring the potential of technology to revolutionize contact centers.With a focus on enhancing customer experience (CX), we delve into how technology can be a gamechanger. From backfilling headcount to reducing average handle time, we explore how becoming CX partners for clients can transform your business. We also examine how analytics can provide a deeper understanding of customer sentiment and how gamification can add value to the customer journey.Are you ready for the future of BPO technology? We discuss how BPOs need to become proficient in the latest tools to offer value to customers. From leveraging features like auto summarization and Agent Assist to understanding the impact of chat GPT and its new voice capabilities, we cover it all. We also highlight the significance of automated voice services in increasing customer engagement. Tune in, stay updated, and remain competitive in this ever-evolving industry.We're gearing up to launch OttoQA, the game-changing QA automation tailored for smaller contact centers. But here's the twist — we want you in our inner circle before anyone else. Sign up at ottoqa.com with your email, and you'll dive deep into our exclusive Discord, join insightful industry AMAs, and be first in line for beta testing when Otto rolls out. Be part of our pre-launch excitement and help shape the next big thing in QA!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
This episode is less theory and more "What you need to do!"This audio recording is from the LinkedIn Audio Event we hosted on Friday, November 3, 2023. It's an in-depth discussion that covers all the preliminary steps you should consider before embarking on your journey into Artificial Intelligence. We also explore the various tools that can significantly enhance your experience and effectiveness in the field. Additionally, the conversation includes insights into some of the most exciting and innovative tools that we anticipate will emerge in the AI landscape soon. This episode is aimed at providing you with a comprehensive understanding of how to get started with AI and the technologies that could play a crucial role in shaping your experience.We're gearing up to launch OttoQA, the game-changing QA automation tailored for smaller contact centers. But here's the twist — we want you in our inner circle before anyone else. Sign up at ottoqa.com with your email, and you'll dive deep into our exclusive Discord, join insightful industry AMAs, and be first in line for beta testing when Otto rolls out. Be part of our pre-launch excitement and help shape the next big thing in QA!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
In this episode of Advice from a Call Center Geek, we take you into the keynote speech that Tom gave at the Google Complex in Boulder Colorado to a group of contact center outsourcing company leaders which was sponsored by NICE, Google, and Outsource Consultants.We've transitioned Expivia from just being a "contact center outsourcer" to embracing our role as a "CX technology partner" and give the full case study about this in this episode.The shift in perspective?It's not just about answering calls and chats anymore; it's about leveraging technology to enhance customer experience.Key takeaways:• Adapting to Change: Reframing our identity alleviates the fear that comes with evolving business landscapes.• Tech Investments Then: It used to be about direct ROI and customer value for each tech buy. • Tech Investments Now: We view technology holistically. Not every tool will promise immediate ROI, but together, they drive value and competitive advantage. • The Reality of Agent Assist: While I grapple with its direct profitability, it's undeniable that it's becoming an industry norm, crucial for winning new business.As we continue this journey, our focus remains: Balancing tech investments to ensure both our growth and enhanced customer value.If you are a BPO, 2024 will be a huge year to think through these changes.We're gearing up to launch OttoQA, the game-changing QA automation tailored for smaller contact centers. But here's the twist — we want you in our inner circle before anyone else. Sign up at ottoqa.com with your email, and you'll dive deep into our exclusive Discord, join insightful industry AMAs, and be first in line for beta testing when Otto rolls out. Be part of our pre-launch excitement and help shape the next big thing in QA!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Ready for a peek into the AI-driven future of contact centers? Dive in with our special guest, Robbert Dijkstra of Deepdesk. Discover how AI transforms both the agent and customer experience in digital mediums like chat. Robbert shares how automation not only boosts productivity but also reduces repetitive tasks for agents.Grasp the crucial role of data in shaping large language models. When integrated with customer interactions and context, the results are a stellar customer experience.Delve into the upcoming trends in language models for contact centers and the tech advancements businesses can embrace.We're gearing up to launch OttoQA, the game-changing QA automation tailored for smaller contact centers. But here's the twist — we want you in our inner circle before anyone else. Sign up at ottoqa.com with your email, and you'll dive deep into our exclusive Discord, join insightful industry AMAs, and be first in line for beta testing when Otto rolls out. Be part of our pre-launch excitement and help shape the next big thing in QA!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Here is a quick min-pod on some initial thoughts on the 350 million dollar purchase of LiveVox by NICE.This is essentially a union of two firms where one's strengths balance out the other's limitations.The Cxone Dialer is mediocre, and certainly not a standout in the industry, whereas CXone continues to be the industry front-runner for inbound CcaaS.On the other hand, LiveVox boasts an outstanding outbound service with a vast portfolio of outbound clients. However, they've struggled to gain momentum in the inbound CX domain.In my opinion, this merger is a strategic move for both companies. Relying solely on outbound strategies in today's regulatory environment is challenging, and I believe LiveVox was aware of this.On the Cxone side, they now have arguably the best outbound platform in the market.#ccaas #cxone #callcenter #contactcenter #callcentergeek #cxWe're gearing up to launch OttoQA, the game-changing QA automation tailored for smaller contact centers. But here's the twist — we want you in our inner circle before anyone else. Sign up at ottoqa.com with your email, and you'll dive deep into our exclusive Discord, join insightful industry AMAs, and be first in line for beta testing when Otto rolls out. Be part of our pre-launch excitement and help shape the next big thing in QA!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Ready to transform crisis into opportunity? In this episode, we promise to arm you with practical strategies and cutting-edge tools to navigate the choppy waters of crisis management in contact centers. We use our insights and experiences to illuminate the potential of modern Customer Experience tools to mitigate such crises. With our guidance, you'll learn about setting up minimalistic self-service websites, deploying AI chatbots to deliver vital information, and strategizing to handle customer complaints effectively. We don't stop there! Harnessing social media during crisis communications can significantly make a difference. Listen as we unfold various social media strategies, right from TikTok Lives, Q&A sessions, to effective email campaigns. We also delve into the mechanics of adjusting IVR systems, routing calls to BPOs, and utilizing analytics. We shine light on the importance of maintaining consistent messaging for an enhanced customer experience. By the end, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to not just survive a crisis, but to leverage it for growth. So sit back, and let's change the game of crisis management together!We're gearing up to launch OttoQA, the game-changing QA automation tailored for smaller contact centers. But here's the twist — we want you in our inner circle before anyone else. Sign up at ottoqa.com with your email, and you'll dive deep into our exclusive Discord, join insightful industry AMAs, and be first in line for beta testing when Otto rolls out. Be part of our pre-launch excitement and help shape the next big thing in QA!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Ready to unlock the secrets of automated QA in your contact center? This episode is brimming with insights about using chatGPT to revolutionize your QA, promising to transform how you approach your work. We walk side by side with you, through the labyrinth of user accounts and databases, right up to crafting prompts for a form from a client. Ever wondered how to ask the most effective questions and generate impactful call evaluation outputs? Your search ends here. We navigate the crucial waters of quantifiable metrics, systems to rate calls using binary points and CSAT scores, and the power of leveraging a confidence score for each assessment. As we round up our discussion, we lift the veil on how AI can categorize call transcripts and the potential scalability of a SaaS model for larger companies. We touch upon our exciting, upcoming Discord, and share the success of our MVP. Delving into the importance of alpha and beta testing, we also explain the immense benefits of employing chat gbt to automate QA. Whether you're seeking to enhance your QA system or merely curious, this episode promises a treasure trove of actionable insights. Buckle up and join us on this journey!We're gearing up to launch OttoQA, the game-changing QA automation tailored for smaller contact centers. But here's the twist — we want you in our inner circle before anyone else. Sign up at ottoqa.com with your email, and you'll dive deep into our exclusive Discord, join insightful industry AMAs, and be first in line for beta testing when Otto rolls out. Be part of our pre-launch excitement and help shape the next big thing in QA!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Dive into our mini podcast on our new value add OttoQA! Discover how we're reshaping the landscape of QA for call centers with fewer than 50 agents. Say goodbye to spreadsheet hassles and embrace AI-driven efficiency. Plus, find out how you can become an integral part of our journey as an Alpha and Beta partner. Don't miss this quick but informative listen.We're gearing up to launch OttoQA, the game-changing QA automation tailored for smaller contact centers. But here's the twist — we want you in our inner circle before anyone else. Sign up at ottoqa.com with your email, and you'll dive deep into our exclusive Discord, join insightful industry AMAs, and be first in line for beta testing when Otto rolls out. Be part of our pre-launch excitement and help shape the next big thing in QA!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
In "Revolutionizing Call Centers with ChatGPT Prompts," we unveil the power of AI in redefining call center operations. This episode is a goldmine for managers and supervisors, as we share the best prompts to optimize and streamline your operations.Dive deep with us into the crux of Overall Operations to decipher key performance metrics and understand their implications. Learn how Workforce Management can be demystified with the Erlang C formula and ChatGPT. Uncover the transformative potential of targeted Training simulations based on real-world scenarios. Enhance agent responsiveness with the Agent Assist system, drawing from the most common queries and challenges. Explore the nuances of Analytics, using ChatGPT to identify trends, bottlenecks, and areas ripe for improvement. Delve into QA to understand how to ensure consistent, top-tier service quality. And finally, discover the art of Coaching, using AI insights to provide pinpointed feedback for agent growth. This isn't just about harnessing AI but maximizing its potential for tangible results. We're giving away the best prompts to supercharge your contact center. Tune in, apply, and witness the transformation!If you are looking for USA outsourced customer service or sales support, we here at Expivia would really like to help you support your customers.Please check us out at expiviausa.com, or email us at info@expivia.net!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Episode 200!Dive into the evolving landscape of AI in the contact center QA space with our next Advice from a Call Center Geek podcast! Chris Mounce of EvaluAgent® returns to go head-to-head with our host Tom Laird in a riveting debate. Can AI truly automate scorecards, or are we still testing the waters? How do we ensure quality in AI-powered QA, and how should we interpret and leverage the data it generates? Discover the most practical AI use-cases in QA right now. We're peeling back the curtain on how organizations are capitalizing on the low-hanging fruit of AI implementation as it relates to QA.If you are looking for USA outsourced customer service or sales support, we here at Expivia would really like to help you support your customers.Please check us out at expiviausa.com, or email us at info@expivia.net!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Envision a reality where Artificial Intelligence (AI) commandeers your customer service. Consider AI not merely conducting routine transactions but also enhancing intricate and emotionally nuanced dialogues with your customers.Is this a far-off dream or a prevailing reality?We dive into this and much more in our recent "Advice from a Call Center Geek!" podcast episode with customer experience maestro and influencer, James Dodkins.We embark on a journey through the realm of 'autonomous enterprises', where businesses are leveraging AI and automation to revolutionize customer interactions and maximize operational efficiency.Looking ahead at the future of call centers, we discuss an interesting contradiction - the level of expertise required to substitute AI and automation could paradoxically increase the status of call center agents. There are some truly thought-provoking discussion points here.We conclude the hour-long episode by deliberating on the role of trust in the era of AI.This episode is a must-listen if you're contemplating the implications of AI on customer experience!If you are looking for USA outsourced customer service or sales support, we here at Expivia would really like to help you support your customers.Please check us out at expiviausa.com, or email us at info@expivia.net!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Ever wondered how your contact center could save significant costs while keeping up with the QA process? Brace yourself for an enlightening discussion and AMA where we unravel the potential of AI in transforming Quality Assurance in your contact center. We'll take you through our early journey of automating QA processes, sharing our experiments with chat GPT and how its possible for any contact center to start to think through the process of using AI for QA.If you are looking for USA outsourced customer service or sales support, we here at Expivia would really like to help you support your customers.Please check us out at expiviausa.com, or email us at info@expivia.net!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
You are just a click away from transforming your contact center from a drab workspace to a vibrant one; come join me, Tom Laird, as we revolutionize your call center experience. I promise to share the secrets to creating a positive and effort-driven culture, where attitude and effort outweigh resumes. I'm excited to share insights from my own journey of managing a contact center, making it a more desirable place to work, and how we can adopt these practices to revamp any workplace culture. This episode is a treasure-chest of practical tips. Learn about changing your hiring process that prioritizes culture, and the innovative ways to motivate and promote your agents. I'll share the importance of rewarding the best agents, not just the longest tenured, and creating an environment that values the agents who align with it. We'll also explore the critical role of culture in organizations, with a focus on building a strong team of agents who truly embody that culture.If you are looking for USA outsourced customer service or sales support, we here at Expivia would really like to help you support your customers.Please check us out at expiviausa.com, or email us at info@expivia.net!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Imagine having the power to reshape customer experience in your call center with artificial intelligence. What if you could emulate the behaviour of your most effective agents, optimize IVR, manage workforces, and even facilitate self-service with AI? Get ready to explore how AI is transforming the world of customer service, as we delve into these possibilities and much more. From digital twins to generative chatbots, we bring you the inside scoop on how AI models are revolutionizing customer interactions.Moving on from AI's current impact, we'll also step into the future trends that are shaping the contact center universe. Ever thought about AI translating customer conversations in real time or using augmented and virtual reality applications in your call center? Perhaps you've considered the potential of blockchain technology to bolster your customer data security? We'll dissect these trends, discussing their potential and how they can be harnessed for your business. Whether you're interested in improving agent feedback, optimizing call routing or exploring the advantages of a cloud-based system, this episode is packed with insights. So buckle up and get ready for a deep-dive into the world of AI in call centers.If you are looking for USA outsourced customer service or sales support, we here at Expivia would really like to help you support your customers.Please check us out at expiviausa.com, or email us at info@expivia.net!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Ever wondered how the hustle and bustle of your favorite restaurant correlates with the operations of a call center? Picture yourself at a bustling eatery as we break down the ins and outs of call center metrics in relatable terms. We'll be interpreting essential terms like incoming calls, cue calls, and abandoned calls in an easy-to-digest format, perfect for those just venturing into the industry.Now, imagine the chefs at a restaurant, working tirelessly to keep up with the flurry of orders. This is akin to the pressures of metric conversion in service industries, and we'll carefully explore strategies to prevent burnout. We'll discuss key metrics and KPIs like occupancy, average handle time, average talk time, and average queue time. We'll also analyze the longest delay, a crucial element in customer satisfaction, akin to the longest time a patron had to wait for their food!As we bring it all together, we'll elaborate on how requests from clients can impact metrics such as handle time, and guide you on making decisions that uphold the interests of both your customer and client. Refused calls, working time, occupancy, average handle time, and average profit margin - all these elements will be addressed. Regardless of your background in the call center industry, this episode promises to enhance your understanding of call center metrics and KPIs. Tune in to gain pivotal insights that will elevate your call center's operational efficiency and customer service quality.If you are looking for USA outsourced customer service or sales support, we here at Expivia would really like to help you support your customers.Please check us out at expiviausa.com, or email us at info@expivia.net!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Are you struggling with coaching your call center agents effectively? Join us as we explore five popular coaching methods and share personal experiences on how to structure agent coaching sessions for maximum results. With insights on the GROW method, the Oscar method, and more, you'll learn how to help your agents take control of their calls and elevate their performance.This episode is packed with valuable discussions on various coaching models, including the GROW, OSKAR, COACH, CLEAR, and STEPPPA models. We delve into the importance of setting achievable goals, examining the reality of the situation, and creating a plan of action. Alongside this, we emphasize the significance of role playing and having a non-confrontational back and forth with the agent to enhance their training.GROW Model: The GROW Model stands for Goal, Reality, Options, and Will. It's a simple yet powerful framework for structuring coaching conversations. The coach helps the agent to define a clear Goal, understand the current Reality, explore various Options, and finally commit to a course of action (Will).OSKAR Model: OSKAR stands for Outcome, Scaling, Know-How, Affirm and Action, and Review. It's a solution-focused model of coaching. The emphasis is on what is working well and how to do more of it, rather than focusing on problems.COACH Model: This model stands for Connect, Outcome, Awareness, Course, and Highlight. It emphasizes building a connection, setting clear outcomes, creating awareness, choosing a course of action, and highlighting what was learned.CLEAR Model: The CLEAR Model stands for Contracting, Listening, Exploring, Action, and Review. It starts with contracting or setting the terms of engagement, followed by listening and exploring to understand the current situation, and then moves to action and review.STEPPPA Model: STEPPPA stands for Subject, Target, Emotion, Perception, Plan, Pace, and Action. This model is particularly useful in helping individuals with goal setting and taking action to achieve their objectives.Join us at the "Advice from a Call Center Geek" LinkedIn Group, where we share Call Center Operations Tips and Tactics! Connect with industry experts, ask questions, and get the answers you need. All posts are reviewed to ensure no sales or spamming. Click the link now and level up your call center game!"Click here to Join!ACG Call Center Tips and Tactics Linkedin Group!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
This episode of ACG was taken from the Linkedin Live Audio Even that we did with followers on June 13, 2023.Some of the topics brought up were:What is the internal lift to implement tools like speech analytics?Plusses and minuses of moving to the cloud?What ratios should contact center management be?What are some of the best practices for routing in the IVR?What are some of the overall best practices for CX in the IVR?A lot of value here as these are all done in a conversational AMA format Join us at the "Advice from a Call Center Geek" LinkedIn Group, where we share Call Center Operations Tips and Tactics! Connect with industry experts, ask questions, and get the answers you need. All posts are reviewed to ensure no sales or spamming. Click the link now and level up your call center game!"Click here to Join!ACG Call Center Tips and Tactics Linkedin Group!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Ready for a game-changing episode that will skyrocket your contact center's customer experience? Join us as we unveil 10 tips on maximizing your platform, from leveraging analytics to engaging your employees in creative ways.Discover the power of using an effort multiplier to incentivize attendance and workforce intelligence to keep your service levels top-notch. We'll share practical examples from our own BPO, Expedia Interaction Marketing Group, and offer insights on enhancing both security and analytics in your call center. Plus, learn how AI customer call sentiment analysis can give you an edge in understanding and improving customer interactions.In addition to those cutting-edge tactics, we'll discuss employee engagement strategies like digital suggestion boards, leadership groups, and offsite knowledge sharing. Your call center's success is our priority, so don't miss out on this treasure trove of actionable tips and unique insights to elevate your game. Tune in now and start transforming your customer experience today!Join us at the "Advice from a Call Center Geek" LinkedIn Group, where we share Call Center Operations Tips and Tactics! Connect with industry experts, ask questions, and get the answers you need. All posts are reviewed to ensure no sales or spamming. Click the link now and level up your call center game!"Click here to Join!ACG Call Center Tips and Tactics Linkedin Group!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel
Hubie Brown is a renowned basketball coach known for his impactful strategies and insight. When I attended one of his clinics, the title was "Cool Things I Want to Talk About to Help You With Your Teams." It featured 10 random, yet valuable, pieces of advice to improve a team's performance.As I prepare my live talks for this spring and summer, I've decided to create a podcast inspired by Hubie Brown's approach.In this episode, I'll share 10 useful tips to enhance your contact center without a specific theme. These tips will help you optimize your contact center operations and provide a better experience for both your agents and customers.Value everywhere here.Join us at the "Advice from a Call Center Geek" LinkedIn Group, where we share Call Center Operations Tips and Tactics! Connect with industry experts, ask questions, and get the answers you need. All posts are reviewed to ensure no sales or spamming. Click the link now and level up your call center game!"Click here to Join!ACG Call Center Tips and Tactics Linkedin Group!Follow Tom: @tlaird_expiviaJoin our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeekConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geekLinkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel