Category: Tech

Businesses that place more emphasis on their customer service experience are much more likely to see better profits than a company who lets their customer service drop off. This comes from a straightforward idea that people want to be heard and cared for. It is a basic human need that a business can easily provide by ramping up their customer service efforts.

Every business can provide excellent customer service no matter what size their company is. You do not have to be a large corporation to use these tips and tools. From start-ups to small businesses, all companies can benefit from their customer service efforts without spending all of their capital. Here is how to create an excellent customer service experience for your customers.

1. Make the Right First Impression

From the moment that your customer walks into your store, your employees should know how to greet them in a way in which they feel comfortable and cared for. This goes for online businesses as well. Although a live, smiling face won’t greet your customers, they can have a great online experience through original web copy and an easy-to-navigate website.

2. Follow Up

Just like making a good first impression, you must also leave a lasting impact on your customers. This can be done through emails, birthday wishes, Christmas cards, member rewards, and sending out exclusive coupons. Small gestures like these can go a long way in the eyes of your customers.

3. Go Above And Beyond

One way to service your customers is to go above and beyond what your competitors are doing. Some companies provide free tea or coffee for their customers. Others pamper their customers by giving them hot towels and allowing them to relax in meditation rooms. Whatever works for your company and sets you apart will help you stand out and keep loyal clients in the end.

4. Bring More People Into Your Store

If you have a space available that can be rented out during times that you are not usually open for business, do it. Some companies will host movie nights in their stores or provide a place for charity events. These events often attract more people than just your regular customers. It is a great way to be known in your community, and once you are a seen as an essential part of the city, you will see an influx of customers coming in that may not have heard of you before.

5. Respond on Yelp

Yelp and customer review pages on your website should be responded to, no matter what the review is. If a customer leaves a positive review, remember to thank them and maybe let them know when a sale is coming up on an item that they like. It is also equally important to respond to negative reviews. It can make the difference between saving or losing a customer for life.

6. Ensure There’s a Way for Customers to Reach You

Customers want to be able to reach the business that they buy products or services from. So it is essential to have a phone line where your clients and customers can call to speak to a customer service representative. If you cannot afford to have a customer service line open 24/7, then you must set up a voicemail system, and it is also imperative that you call your customers back as soon as you can. If you cannot call them back immediately, be sure to let them know when your office hours are and when the best time to call back will be. With Global Call Forwarding, you can get a virtual phone number that is equipped with voicemail, sequential forwarding for when some employees are out of office, and call recording, which is an excellent tool for learning which customer service techniques work best.

7. Work With What You’ve Got

If you have a smaller business, then you can use that to your advantage. While larger companies have to rely on large customer service teams and automated emails, a smaller company can pick up the phone and speak to their customers directly. They can also send personalized emails and send letters, when needed.

The new iPhone XS and XR have finally dropped and with them, an abundance of security features. Thanks to the latest iOS update, iOS 12, your phone is safer than ever. In addition to the new OLED displays, aerospace-grade aluminum bands, and the professional “portrait mode” camera feature, there are great, new ways to protect your information. Smartphone security features have always been a point of pride by Apple, and with their latest innovations, they have clearly been a priority. Here are some of the latest updates you can expect to find on your iPhone.

Limits On Ad Tracking

If you’ve ever wondered why a website displays banner ads for a new toaster, car, or clothing items every time you’ve been searching the internet for a new toaster, car, or piece of clothing, then you’ve witnessed targeting ads. It is easy for a website to find out a bit of information on you every time you log on. Luckily, Safari on iOS has been blocking third-party cookies for some time. However, the new iPhones have an additional feature; now Safari can block social media sharing icons and comment boxes that automatically identify you and plug in your information. The new iPhones are also putting up a bigger fight against Facebook. Before, if you were logged into your Facebook account in your browser, any site could track who you are if they used a Facebook Share button, even if you decided not to share the page. Now, the browser is able to recognize when a website is tracking you and you can choose to block the tracker or not. This traffic-restricting tech will also be available on the new macOS.

Video Chat Will Be Safer

iPhone uses encryption for your privacy in everything from your texts to your pictures. Data cannot be read without a facial scan, fingerprint, or passcode. Now, FaceTime chats can’t be spied on either. All chats and videos sent between iPhones can’t be stopped and spied on by hackers, in fact, Apple can’t even gain access to them. Even now that Apple has updated FaceTime to include group chats for up to 31 people at once, encryption will be still be activated.

Stronger Password Protection

Safari already uses a tool where it suggests strong passwords and will keep them safe in a storage system. Apple claims that this tool will be stronger than ever in iOS 12. Your Safari browser will also recognize when you use the same password and login information for multiple accounts and advise that you change one. And you won’t have to worry about juggling all of these different passwords since iCloud will keep them all safe and linked between all of your devices.

Emergency Location Sharing

If you find yourself in an emergency where you need to dial 911, your iPhone will automatically share your location with the emergency operator. This is an extremely important feature that could save lives when timing is everything, or it can’t be vocalized for some reason. This is also important for people who find themselves in emergency situations while in unfamiliar places.

Better Hacking Security

The new iPhone is prepared for hacking criminals and law enforcement agents trying to hack into your information. Previously, if your phone was not unlocked for seven days the security would block attempts at entry. Now if your phone is not unlocked for one hour it will be prepared to block attempts at data retrieval from persons trying to crack your codes.

Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication is commonplace for many secure websites such as those that deal with your money. A two-factor authentication means that you would need a code from your phone in addition to your username and password for entry into the site. This is a great inconvenience to a hacker, but it could also be annoying for you if you just want a faster entry into your information. This next great security update uses AutoFill to automatically fill-in your passcode on sites that you visit frequently. So not only are you doubly protected, but you also don’t need to add in double the information.

Developing a global mindset and having cultural competency are the fundamental elements of having a successful business in the global and domestic marketplaces. In order to thrive in today’s integrated labor force, employees, expatriates, and their managers must know how culture can impact business practices and everyday communication. The global business market has become very diverse and, as a result of technology, there are no more tangible borders and impossible transportation/ exportation problems. The only intangible border that exists between multiple countries now is the communication barrier.

Differences, even if subtle, are common across all cultures, and are even evident across state lines in the US. There are differences in the ways that people talk, the ways they walk, and even how they eat their pizza. As a person entering into the global business field, you must expand your awareness of multicultural communication in order to take advantage of the opportunities and avoid things that may present challenges when doing business.

What is Globalization?

Globalization has been and will continue to be the creator of a new and ever-changing international business landscape. Globalization has served as the object tethering societies together no matter how far away in the world they actually are. People now work and communicate across cultures daily with immense simplicity, like they never have before.

As great as globalization may seem, it does come with its challenges. Globalization adds work for managers who have to take on the responsibility of handling the operations of not only their local business, but a global business as well. There is a need for managers to not only have the correct amount of education, experience, and competency, but they must also be able to conduct themselves properly in a setting where there are differences in societal norms and beliefs.

The Importance of Observing Cultural Differences

If a manager is not able to understand such cultural differences, then a corporate partnership or business relationship will essentially be ruined. Misunderstandings between different cultures can become costly for businesses if they are not conducting themselves properly in international territories. When the management is effective in different parts of the world it typically means that they have an awareness, respect, and understanding of the way multiple cultures think, act, and do.

In order to communicate in a cross-cultural manner, the management must be highly aware and prepared beforehand of the best ways to communicate with global business partners. Many corporations have become globalized already and the task of management has grown in difficulty and complexity. Furthermore, managers must now make decisions keeping in mind the issues of other countries. They are in charge of informing their employees and training their employees to be empathetic towards cross-cultural issues. If a manager and her team are not sympathetic to another culture’s issues, there will be disastrous and costly consequences that will affect the reputation of the corporation.

If intercultural business can be conducted properly, then a wide range of options become available for a company. Globalization has seen the growth of many companies beyond what any business was capable of before. Businesses that are successful in intercultural communications gain an advantage over their competition because they can more seamlessly flow into global expansions.

To understand the link between communication and culture, you must first understand that it is culture that influences how one communicates. It is not just language; there are also other characteristics, values, and traits that belong to certain cultures that need to be understood and respected. Culture and communication go hand-in-hand because it cultivates the way people interact, not just what they say.

To become successful in an international business landscape, steps must be taken to understand their language, products, and food. Those are givens, but you must also think about their values, such as what is considered right and wrong. Everyday norms must also be understood, such as how one conducts themself at dinners, in the office, and at home? Where people live and how they live is also important to consider when entering a person’s office or home. Each country is different from another, but doing your research on these key components will help you and your business to become successful in any country in the global marketplace.

When dialing a number manually, delays are typically caused by the phone continuously ringing while the caller does not answer and by the actual action of dialing the number. These problems are why researchers came up with a solution known as predictive dialing. If you have heard of robo dialers or auto dialers then you may also have heard of predictive dialers. Predictive dialers work in a similar way to autodialers with some slight differences between the two.

How Does the Predictive Dialer Work

A predictive dialer begins with a long list of telephone numbers that it is programmed to automatically dial. If a call is answered, then the call will be switched over to a human agent; this usually occurs within 3 seconds of answering. This is to minimize time wasted on humans placing phone calls one at a time. The predictive dialer uses an advanced algorithm to send out these calls at a rate that is meant to minimize the time that an agent waits to speak to the customer. The algorithm changes based on the number of agents available, so the possibility of someone answering and not being connected to an agent is also minimized.

Predictive dialers can also screen for voicemails and busy signals. These predictive dialers call multiple numbers at a time and use call metrics to predict the best time to send the call so that an agent will be available to answer. The intention is to maximize the number of calls that get connected to an agent in a day. An agent can possibly manually dial a customer and wait about one minute before getting an answer. The predictive dialer, however, calls several numbers at the same time and only those that are answered with a “Hello” will take up the agent’s time. The predictive dialing formula usually lasts about three seconds before an agent is connected with a customer on the other line.

The History of the Predictive Dialer

These dialers began nearly 30 years ago to make it easier for the banking industry to pursue debt collections. Predictive dialers began as hardware, but they are now available as an easy-to-set-up software. Many companies choose to use predictive dialing software for the reduction of up-front costs and IT expenses; they provide excellent cost savings, while the technology can be immensely time-saving. Another reason many companies choose to use predictive dialing software is that it is easily integrated into Customer Relation Management systems or CRMs.

When predictive dialers are working flawlessly, they provide agents with a constant flow of phone calls. Telemarketers and customer service agents can save a lot of time because manually dialing takes up to 30 seconds per call, and there is no guarantee that the phone call will be answered. Predictive dialers don’t just call multiple lines at once; the metrics can even calculate how long the answered phone call will most likely last. That way, agents can finish one phone call and immediately be switched to the next caller.

Who Uses Predictive Dialing?

Many companies take advantage of predictive dialing services. As previously mentioned debt collection agencies started the predictive phone call hardware and still use it today. Other businesses that use predictive dialing software tend to be in customer-service, market research, or telemarketing.

Not every company will find that predictive dialing is right for them. If your company is focused on creating customer relationships rather than quickly collecting a debt, getting fast answers, or solving an issue, then predictive dialers won’t work well. The mission for predictive dialers is to have a high turn-around; not to discuss important details on high-cost products and services.

However, if your company is in the business of selling everyday products or services, then you might find predictive calling a very effective way to see results. Agent productivity is especially effective when choosing to use predictive dialing software.

The drawbacks of high volume calling do not allow enough time to find out any real information. Although the efficiency of agents rises and the number of calls increases, there is a lack of background information that can be found. This means that agents will not be able to prioritize leads. The FCC has also banned auto dialers that do not have pre-authorized approval by the people the company is attempting to reach.

Without profit, there is no business, and without customers, there is no profit. Customers are the sole provider of a business’ measure of success. Successful businesses know that their customers are their #1 priority in making a business work. Not only do you have to have new customers, it is even more important to keep the customers you already have. That is why customer loyalty is so important.

Small businesses and startups may struggle with their execution of customer service because of a lack of resources or time. So how is a small business supposed to face off against a large corporation? The answer is loyal customers. A loyal customer that has a satisfied relationship with a business and will often frequent the business, and go above and beyond for the business, too. Loyal customers often bring friends with them to their favorite stores and promote their favorite stores on social media. When you have created enough loyal customers over time, your business will be a success.

If you’re not convinced why you should be going out of your way to build relationships with the customers you already have, here’s a list of things a loyal customer can do for your business.

Loyal Customers Stick Around

Once you have a customer’s loyalty, you will find that they won’t visit your website a few times and then never come back, or stop into your shop and then you never see them again. A loyal customer truly appreciates what is at the core of your business, it resonates with them. If things are not going well in the business, your loyal customers will keep showing up and give your business the benefit of the doubt.

They Frequent Your Store More Often

A loyal customer may come to your store more often than they would need to, just because they like being there. If you own a restaurant and you have the same man come in every day with lunch, sometimes with friends and sometimes just alone, there is a reason he returns every day. He probably enjoys the food, but he also probably really enjoys being on a first-name basis with everyone who works there. He can come in and everyone says hello to him and remembers his name and his favorite order. He feels special at the restaurant because he is appreciated there. When a customer feels appreciated, then that is when you have created a loyal relationship.

Loyal Customers Have Your Back

Your customers probably shop other places when they have to for other things they need or when they are in a pinch. But they always have your back. Most people eat fast food at some point or another, and you probably have your favorite fast food place that you think is better than everywhere else. So if you end up at Wendy’s and you really love McDonald’s, you’re not going to run around the next day and talk about your Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger; you’ll still be lamenting about how you’re craving a Big Mac right now.

They Offer Amazing Feedback

Since you have established a good relationship with your customers, you can now ask them for favors. Returning customers make for great focus groups and usually have a lot of opinions about your products and services. You know that they are satisfied with your business, but they might have some handy suggestions you’ve never thought of before. Don’t be shy about mentioning a customer satisfaction survey – the ones most likely to take it are your loyal customers because they don’t want your business to go anywhere. Your loyal customers will always give feedback that will ensure that your business stays afloat because that’s their aim, too.

They Will Promote You

As mentioned before, loyal customers will talk about your product often, which then brings in more customers. Word-of-mouth is a powerful marketing tool because when a suggestion is made by a person that we trust, we are much more likely to go with their suggestion. An easy way to create word of mouth from your loyal customers on social media is to create a hashtag with your business name. Without fail, your loyal customers will post themselves wearing, drinking, eating, or whatever it is they do with your product, with the right hashtag in the photo.

To drive sales to your business, you need to be sure that you are marketing to the correct audience. And as your customers change and grow you will also need to make changes and adjustments to your marketing techniques. One way to do this is to create a buyer persona. Having a target audience is great, but having a buyer persona will give your team a clear focal point to help them build the best marketing campaigns for your target customers.

If you’re unfamiliar with the term “buyer persona” it is merely a tool to find out more about your customer. It is a detailed representation that includes the ideal customer demographic background, hobbies, career, and personal interests. To find out about these details, you will need to do some in-depth marketing research on your existing customers. Here are some tips on finding the ideal buyer persona.

Collect Data

Find data on your buyer persona through your social media presence and website. Get the data on all of the emails they open and don’t open, which page of your site has the most clicks, and analyze the results of survey data. Each aspect of this data is a part of your customer’s digital behavior.

Use Google Analytics

Google Analytics is a great tool that will give you information about the activity on your website. It works for social media posts as well, it will track the movement of your audience and show you how your posts are performing. There are several other social media analytics tools available that you can use to analyze your social media presence outside of Google Analytics, including Quintly, Followerwonk, and ViralWoot.

Define the Buyer Persona

After you’ve collected all the data, you can now ask yourself who the customer is. Start by asking specific questions such as, “how old is the customer?” “What is her/ his salary?” “What does she value?” Once you have covered a list of specific questions, you can ask the broader questions like “who is the ideal customer?” This should combine all the answers you have found through the previous answers. Once you have seen the specific personality of your ideal customer, you can now market to them on a personal level.

Discover The Way Your Buyer Persona Finds Your Business

Now that you are aware of your ideal buyer persona you can ask yourself what brought your buyer persona to discover your business? Did they Google your business and find it through an organic search? Were they referred to by a friend? Or did they stumble across your social media presence? These details will help you to identify the marketing channels that will best serve you.

Once you have discovered your buyer persona, you can use this persona to personalize your marketing strategy. Not every customer you receive from your target marketing will be the exact match to the buyer persona. You will find that only aspects of your buyer persona match your audience, but the audience will nonetheless feel that you are directly addressing them because they fit at least some part of the mold. You can also create multiple buying personas if your product is broad enough to reach people in different age groups, occupations, and interests.

With this information, you can create targeted ads, personalized email messages, and blog content that they will be interested in responding to. Once you have reached your customers on a personal level, they will turn into loyal consumers of your product.

Not only will you be providing content that your buyer persona will want and respond to, but you can also begin to learn more about your customer and their buying process. Once you have found what triggers their purchasing decisions, you will see an instant improvement in your inside sales. And at the end of the day, the most important thing is making a purchase and providing your customer with the items that they want and need.