Work At Home Telecommuting As A Call Center Agent

Work At Home Telecommuting As A Call Center Agent
If you are looking online for jobs you can do at home, you
will undoubtedly have come across many home business
opportunities where you get to do work such as affiliate
marketing or joining an MLM program. Opportunities and
advice on starting your own home business are advertised
all over the Internet, however, real jobs you can do at
home are nigh on impossible to locate.

Why is this? Well, for a start, not all jobs are suitable
for home based employment so the opportunities for working
at home are reduced. Another reason is that employers have
been slow to catch on to the idea of employing staff to
work at home. Instead of considering the massive savings
they could make in terms of office space, lighting, heating
and so on, employers focus on the fact that they will be
unable to directly supervise their staff members. If staff
are paid by results, they have a better chance of finding
jobs where they can work from home than if they were paid a
set hourly rate.

All these things combine to limit the number of work at
home jobs available. Demand for work at home jobs
currently far exceeds the supply. There are, however, a
couple of areas where real work at home jobs are becoming
more plentiful; one area where the number of jobs at home
on offer are increasing is in call-center work.

Anyone who has needed to contact a company's Customer
Service Department and has been routed to a call-center
will know that many of them are based overseas but there is
a less well-known trend for hiring more local call-center
staff. Between 2000 and 2007 the number of home-based
call-center employees in the USA tripled. According to
research conducted by Yankee Group there are more than
670,000 work at home phone agents employed in the USA and
Canada alone.

Working at home as a call-center agent has many of the
advantages of running your own home business including the
obvious ones such as flexible working hours and no
commuting. You are, however, an employee just as much as
if you were working in your employer's building and your
earning potential is dictated by how much work the employer
provides. Home-based call-center workers are normally
contractors who are paid for the actual number of minutes
they spend on the phone to customers. Working hours,
although flexible, have to be sanctioned by the employer,
so you can't just decide to change your hours without
giving any notice.

Hourly rates of pay for work at home call-center staff are
not particularly high and depend upon the type of work
undertaken. For example if your job is to simply take down
customer orders over the phone, you will not earn as much
as you would providing technical support or in a position
requiring sales skills.

When considering the rates of pay for a home-based
call-center agent job, you need to take into account that
by working at home, you will be saving money. For example,
you won't have to pay for fares or fuel, you won't have to
maintain a working-clothes wardrobe and, if you are a
parent (as most people who want to work at home are), you
won't have to pay expensive child-care fees. Despite the
comparatively low rates of pay, telecommuting as a
call-center agent is worth considering if you want a job
where you can work at home.

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To find sources of legitimate telecommuting work, visit
Elaine Currie's Work At Home Directory at
http://www.huntingvenus.com while you are there, pick up a
free copy of Ezine Article Writing - 10 Steps To Success
at:
http://www.huntingvenus.com/free_ezine_articles_writing_eboo
k.shtml

The Art of Selling a Deadline

The Art of Selling a Deadline
The old adage is true, "Time is money, don't waste it."
This particularly holds true in a business environment
where the bottom line is either your shareholder's friend
or foe.

You've been given a project to pull together data from
several departments within your organization. How can you
convey the urgency and deadlines to someone in another
department who isn't directly affected by this project?
Managing this challenge will be half the battle for you.

The key to this dilemma is communication. Given the
deadlines that you have been given, the knee-jerk reaction
is to bark orders at your co-workers. Resist the urge to
order others around. Doing so will only creates resistance
to the project. It's a natural reflex to show defiance
when someone communicates in this manner. Remember the
sage and ageless advice your grandmother gave you: "You can
catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar."

Communicate your project and what is needed from your
co-workers. If your project is due on October 15th, ask
your co-workers for the information a few days prior so
that there is room for unexpected and last minute issues.
If your co-worker is unable to meet a particular deadline,
be flexible and provide a few alternate dates for them.
Once you have confirmed the date and information that is
needed, verify what time of day it needs to be turned in to
you. For example, by noon on October 15th, or by close of
business October 15th, etc. As a closer, ask the employee
if they would like to have a reminder email or phone call.
Most will say no, but it will again demonstrate your need
for timely information, and illustrate that you want to be
helpful without feeling "pushy".

What happens if your co-worker(s) miss a deadline? This
doesn't grant authority for you to stand in their doorway
and rant! By blaming, you may escalate the discussion into
something more than just a late piece of the project. Now
it's a character defect that's being debated - something
taken far more personally and potentially damaging to
interdepartmental communication. Instead, take a moment to
call the person rather than email them.

People have a harder time making excuses if you speak to
them directly. If they aren't there leave a voice mail. If
you happen to catch them on the phone, take an apologetic
tone and tell them you haven't received the information and
you are worried you deleted it or it never made it's way to
you (although you may suspect that they just didn't send
it.) Most of the time, co-workers will let you know they
dropped the ball and simply didn't get the info to you as
previously agreed. Your initial tone and method of
communication has resulted in your co-worker feeling
accountable and more receptive to you.

If it just isn't possible to reach them by phone, send an
email with the same approach as above. When they confess
they haven't completed their piece in time, take the
opportunity to ask for a firm date when they will commit to
having it ready. The subtle confrontation will bring a
level of discomfort which will no doubt serve as a reminder
to get your project done by the due date next time!

Remember, extreme communication tactics don't usually work.
A tactful approach that conveys a willingness to help the
project along is the winning ingredient in this dilemma.

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Linda Finkle, CEO of INCEDO GROUP, works with innovative
leaders around the world who understand that business needs
a new organizational growth style. These innovative leaders
know that powerful cross-functional communication is the
highest priority and the strongest strategy for building
organizational effectiveness. To find out more, visit:
http://www.IncedoGroup.com

Are You Too Nice?

Are You Too Nice?
Most women and a lot of men were brought up to be nice. We
are taught by society not to show anger and often to
subjugate our needs to everyone else’s. On top of
that, women often blame themselves when things are not
right, and take things personally.

As a business owner, this behavior does not serve you, and
in fact it limits you.

Here are a few truths to consider – perhaps as daily
affirmations:
- When a prospect says ‘no’, they are saying no
to the product, not to me
- When a customer speaks to me in anger, they are angry at
the situation, not at me – they need my help
- When a vendor does not give me the service they promised,
it is ok to be angry and I need to get reparations
- It is helpful to my employees to give them clear
direction and hold them accountable
- It is not acceptable for clients to abuse me
- Asking for the sale does not make me pushy, it makes me a
savvy business person
- It is ok to make mo’ney – I can do a lot of
good with it

When clients or prospective clients are not interested in
your product, or if they are unhappy, it is not because
they don’t like you. Women have a strong desire to
be liked by everyone and it is just not necessary in order
to succeed in business. You can be well-liked by everyone
and your business fail miserably because you are consumed
with trying to make sure everyone is happy instead of doing
business.

If you allow your true personality to come through, a lot
of people will like you, but not everyone, and that’s
ok. You don’t have to ‘do’ anything
specific – just be yourself and the right people will
be attracted to doing business with you. Being respected
is much more important in business – assuming you are
in your business to make mo’ney. In fact, the more
outgoing, independent and outrageous you are, the more you
will be noticed and the more business opportunities will
present themselves.

Many people do not have good conflict resolution skills.
If you are able to remove yourself personally from a
negative situation and resolve the problem, you will be a
hero and highly respected. If, on the other hand, you
become emotional (hurt, angry, explosive, withdrawn) you
are not helping anyone!

Sometimes you will be cheated or otherwise taken advantage
of. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people out there who
do not back up their claims. It is ok to be angry! It is
also ok to express your anger. You can say, for example,
“I am angry about this. You promised ABC and did not
deliver it. Here is what I want you to do about
it…”

If you have employees, then you are a boss – act like
one! Your employees want to know what is expected of them.
Some need more direction and management than others and
they all need appreciation. However, not everyone will be
the right employee for you, and if you have any problems,
you need to handle them – soon. You may even need to
fire someone, which does not feel nice, but if the employee
is not doing well, you are not doing them any favors
keeping them around, and you may be sabotaging your entire
operation.

Strong boundaries in business are just as important as
strong boundaries in your personal life. To be happy at
work, be true to yourself. If you do not want clients
calling you on your cell, don’t put the number on
your business card. If you don’t want to work
nights, then don’t! If you are not true to yourself,
you will resent your work and maybe even your clients.

You can be nice, but when being too nice damages your
potential and your happiness, you need to reevaluate and
make changes. Your happiness is just as important as
others’!

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Audrey Burton, Small Business Coach, is “The
Tigress”. Get her FREE Special Report,
“Closing the Sale is Not Complicated!” and her
FREE monthly email newsletter at
http://www.TigressCoaching.com .

Business Networking: Three Tips to Make it Easier and More Successful

Business Networking: Three Tips to Make it Easier and More Successful
It's that time of year again. Peer to peer networking is
an important part of business or career development, and
December provides more networking opportunities than any
other month. Does the thought of mixing and mingling with
strangers fill you with dread? It doesn't need to. Just
keep these five tips in mind:

1. The most important of all networking skills is
listening. Instead of worrying about what you can talk
about, think about what you can ask others to talk about.
Simply ask people about themselves and listen respectfully
and attentively to the answer. Too many people feel nobody
ever listens to them, and if you provide both opportunity
and audience you'll be amazed at how easy the conversation
becomes.

People love to talk about themselves, but remember that you
are networking for a reason. If you are scouting for
business, try to keep the conversation about business. Ask
them about their business or their job or their company,
and then mentally make notes that can help you decide
whether to follow up with them later or not.

2. Small talk can lead to big talk. Sometimes we are so
worried about breaking into conversation groups that we
miss the first opportunity to meet people: the food table!
While you're in line for breakfast or other refreshments,
start a conversation about the food. By the time you both
reach the end of the line, you'll be ready to join the
general buzz.

3. Once you are in a group, small talk can also be useful
in beginning a useful dialogue. Not sure what topics to
introduce? Here's a great tip: scan the newspaper before
you go to the event. Find something intriguing, cute, funny
or amazing (not controversial or horrifying) and if there's
a lull in the conversation just bring it up as something
you read in the paper that morning. This is a great way to
involve others and create a friendly environment.
Relationships can blossom easily in such a setting.

4. Remember that networking can be one step in developing
clients, but it is NOT a selling situation. There's nothing
worse than having someone back you into a corner at a
networking event and try to sell you their services. Don't
be that person. Concentrate on making connections, and
follow up later on those that look like good prospects for
your services.

5. Please don't waste your networking opportunities by
spending time with people you see every day at work. I know
this is tempting because it's easy --- but it's not
networking. The idea is to meet new people.

Most important, go to business or career networking events
with an open mind and an intention to enjoy the event and
the company. The rest will take care of itself. Happy
Networking!

----------------------------------------------------
Helen Wilkie is a professional keynote speaker, workshop
leader and author. If you'd like more of her advice on
networking, visit
http://www.mhwcom.com/pages/sowinggrowingaudio.html While
you are on Helen's site, subscribe to "Communi-keys" ---
Helen will send you her free e-book, "23 Ideas You Can Use
Right Now to Communicate and Succeed in Your Business
Career!"

How To Build A Success Business In A Short Time

How To Build A Success Business In A Short Time
Building a business isn’t that easy, and if you ask
most people they will say the same thing in less they are
just out to make a quick buck and take your hard earned
money from you. When it comes to building a successful
business there is no easy button, and it’s not as
easy as 1, 2, and 3. If you want to run a business that is
going to make you money for year’s not just months
then here is how you do it in the shortest amount of time.

First you must build up your name, and your reputation. Now
this doesn’t happen over night, and will take a bit
of time. There is however ways you can speed up the
process. One of those ways is by building a custom website
that talks about yourself, and tells people a story about
how you got started, and how you can help people earn an
income online.

Secondly you need to talk to people. Even if you hate the
phone in order to build up a strong customer relationship
you must speak with people on the phone. Get to know them,
and ask them questions like you would if you where
interviewing someone. This will quickly help you build up a
solid name and reputation for yourself.

Next you must give people value. Nobody wants another
useless e-book taking up space on his or her hard drive.
Honestly how many e-books have you read in your lifetime?
Give people something that will truly help them succeed.
Valuable information will go much further then a junky
e-book will, and people will trust you since you give them
such good information.

That brings us to our next part. Building up trust with
people is huge. If people don’t trust you how do you
expect them to buy from you time after time after time?
They wont it’s that simple. If people cannot trust
you they will not buy from you, and that means little or no
money for you.

So how do you build up trust? Again by giving away valuable
information that actually works, and helps people. So put
all of these things together, and before you know it you
will have a successful business on your hands earning you
money each and every month. Give value, speak with people,
and build up trust with them. You do that, and you will
soon find success.

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Chris Rohrer has been working online for over 3 years, and
has been helping people make extra money working online. To
learn more about Chris and how he can help you visit
http://www.arbtrader.net

Coffee in the Office – The Pour ‘n’ Serve Coffee Brewer

Coffee in the Office – The Pour ‘n’ Serve Coffee Brewer
There are an enormous variety of office coffee machines
available these days. They come in all shapes and sizes,
serving a wide variety of hot and cold beverages at many
different budget levels.

Management really need to consider their options and it can
be a difficult decision how to best serve their staff and
visitors with a decent cup of tea or coffee.

This article is about the humble pour and serve coffee
brewer, a simple, cheap and often overlooked way of solving
corporate beverage needs.

The pour and serve coffee brewer, or sometimes called a
pour over coffee machine have been around for as long as
offices have. Put a filter paper in the basket, add fresh
coffee and pour a jug of fresh cold water in the machine
and away you go. Five minutes later you have a jug of
delicious fresh brewed coffee available to thirsty staff.

Although you can pick up one of these types of machines for
as little as £20, the best choice is to go for a
‘proper’ commercial quality machine typically
in the region of £200 or more. These machines are
usually made of stainless steel, have two jugs, two
hotplates and a more powerful boiler. They usually stand
alone and do not require any plumbing.

The good news is that most coffee companies provide
commercial coffee brewers to companies and organisations on
a FREE LOAN basis so there is usually no capital outlay
whatsoever.

In addition technical service is provided free of charge
together with free delivery of coffee and ancillary
supplies. The only commitment in these types of offers is
to purchase the coffee used in the machine from the
supplier. Sometimes the company will insist of a minimum
purchase of coffee supplies per month to make it worth
their while, but even this small commitment is not always
the case.

Coffee is usually supplied in cases of 40, 50 or even 80
sachets of portion controlled coffee with the filter papers
included in the box. Just open the sachet and empty the
whole contents into the filter basket - it couldn’t
be simpler.

Most coffee companies will also offer to supply ancillary
items such as cream pots, sugar sticks, plastic cups,
stirrers, biscuits and other items as well as a large
choice of different coffees to choose from including
decaffeinated.

Perhaps the biggest drawback of such a system is that you
can only serve coffee. Staff or visitors that prefer tea or
chocolate will go disappointed or have to revert to the
kettle. However it is possible to brew a jug of hot water
through the machine and keep hot on the hotplate for tea
drinkers to use, but practically this can prove difficult
as the filter basket has to be washed thoroughly between
brews which can prove prohibitive in a busy office.

For the open plan office the traditional pour over coffee
brewer can be an excellent and surprisingly low cost
option. With perhaps one machine for every 10-15 staff in
their own little area of the office the humble coffee
brewer is often an important and cherished addition to the
working environment.

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For more information about coffee and coffee making
equipment visit http://www.cafebar.co.uk