Wednesday, April 14, 2010

People Who Need People

Ask a few people what they think about a fully automated automated voice system as a customer service tool.

Chances are they'll say "not much." There is no more annoying, limiting, and easily dismissed customer service trend than the automated response system with no access to a live human. You know the "robo-calls" and "robo-answers" I'm talking about: branching decisions, each indicated by a number on a keypad, lead the caller through computer-generated recording after computer-generated recording, "world without end, amen."

People need people, and that includes your customers.

There is nothing wrong with an automated response system, provided that a customer is able to get the help he needs. Unfortunately, all too often, he cannot. That's why at Teledirect, we don't just provide you your own 1-800 toll free number or ring to number. We make sure it leads to a live human being.

Sure, some tasks are well-suited to automated response. That's why we offer DirectIVR, our speech-enabled, on-demand Interactive Voice Response system. But we never leave you without the option of a human backup. That's why DirectIVR is 100% backed by our 24/7 call center. As a Teledirect client, you never have to trap a caller.

People have been at the heart of everything we do at Teledirect.com since we started as an answering service back in 1988. Since then, within 20 seconds, Teledirect clients have had the option of presenting a live, cheerful, human being, ready to offer assistance.

Or, the client can request sorting via automated voice menus prior to one-on-one interaction. Then, our services open into a world of lead-tracking, provision of needed information, real-time reporting, and hot transfer of leads back to our clients, plus much more.

Have a look at our service packages at Teledirect.com - Seminar Edge, Work The Lead, and Pay Per Lead/Fill The Lot. Each makes it amazingly simple to handle everything from reservation systems to the needs of a thriving auto dealership, all using our highly trained customer service staff and a simple script development interface. We've learned the tough lessons about what works and what doesn't in a script, and you get our best practices as a starting point.

You just fill in your custom information, grab an available 800 number or ring to number, and get started with an instant sales force of real, live human beings without the cost of a dedicated customer service staff.

Then get that 800 number out there. Whether it means taking orders for your product, taking reservations for a meeting, or taking information for sales appointments, we've got you covered.

Monday, April 5, 2010

The Edge You Need In Today's Auto Market

First, The Bad News

New vehicle sales and leases have fallen from 16.9 million units in 2005 to 13.2 million in 2008, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. BTS doesn't have figures for 2009, but estimates are in the 10.4 million unit range - including the effect of a massive auto-sector bailout and the cash-for-clunkers program. Well over a third of your market has simply disappeared.

It's been a bloodbath.

Now, The Good News

The good news is that you are reading this. That means you are still in business, and still looking for ways to get and keep an edge. The auto sector is shaking out, from automakers to dealerships to used vehicle sales. Lots that survive will be the ones that use every possible tool to get the biggest piece of the shrinking pie.

That's why we created Pay Per Lead, Teledirect's live lead capture and appointment setting system.

Pay Per Lead: Some Great News

Pay Per Lead provides you with free toll-free numbers and ring to numbers, and once your customer calls, we really get to work. We provide the ideal customer service experience using a script you customize yourself, gather customer information, compile it for your use, and even provide directions to your dealership - or dealerships. You pay per lead, not per connected minute or per employee hour.

You get your leads by fax, e-mail, or online. You also get sales reports and real time lead reports so you can stay on top of your business 24/7.

Turning Great News Into Great Business

Getting started with Pay Per Lead is easy. Set up your account, grab a toll free number or ring to number, and edit the customer service script. Your script can be as specialized as your business, or can be as close to the starter script as you like.

Sign up to automatically hire an army of courteous customer service specialists, armed with modern tools and techniques. Visual customers can get Mapquest directions. "Old-fashioned" customers can get directions by voice. And you get the information you need to get back in touch with each lead.

Be That Guy

Tough times are going to leave the landscape littered with closed dealerships. But the survivors will be the innovators: leaner, smarter, and ready to do business for years to come.

Be that guy, with Pay Per Lead.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Don’t Leave Money on the Table. Work the Lead.

In this age of instant gratification, customers who need answers to questions will move on to the next if they can’t immediately get the answer they’re seeking. If you’re in a very competitive business the early bird will get the worm.

Using a Call Center to interface with your potential customer in real time whether your business has its doors open or not will help the customer to perceive your business as responsive to his or her needs, a feeling that will help set you ahead of the rest of the herd in the eyes of the potential customer, and raise the perceived value of your product. Whether that customer uses a phone or the web to contact your company, responsiveness is the key to capturing their business.

Here at TeleDirect we’ve developed a set of tools called Work the Lead. This web-based suite of tools allows you to set up scripts that our representatives will follow on your behalf. Those scripts can be altered at any time to reflect real time changes in your product line, in your sales force, in your locations, etc. You’ll have immediate access to your data from any cellphone or online computer, which will allow you to follow up easily. We’ve tried to cover all the bases, both from your point of view, and from your potential customer’s point of view, to create a seamless funnel that brings the qualified customer right to the answer he or she seeks, and that brings the prequalified customer directly to the person in your organization best equipped to help them.

You'll also be able to set up campaigns, track ROI, and other sales tasks, all in one place using tools that are intuitive to use and easy to learn. We've also set up videos to help you learn to use them.

Working with the script you develop, the call center can answer most of the initial questions a potential customer will have. Not only will this script be used via incoming phone leads, we’ve also developed a web based suite of tools that includes a real time chat, and instant email response system, so that customers will have a response within 20 seconds.

Using a Call Center allows your sales force to work more effectively, and gives your potential customers a positive initial experience. That's a win-win for all.

Realizing Potential

Potential customers won’t reach their potential for you if your business doesn’t give them an easy toll-free way to contact you and an immediate response when they do.

If your business uses the right Call Center, your ratio of conversions of leads into customers will be much higher than if you leave it to chance, or to a traditional answering service, whose answer for everything is “We’re just the answering service, ma’am.”

Using TeleDirect you'll set up your online account, snag a toll free number for your potential customers to call, set up your scripts, and know that your potential customers will receive great quality customer service 24/7/365.

Set up a free account and see how it works. You’ll be able to configure your account and your script so that every step of the customer’s experience is within your control, including the capture of the customer information most important for your business, and answers for the most commonly asked customer questions. Once the script is set up, you’ll be able to configure the lead, reservation or order management. Multiple locations? No problem. You can also mark the status of your orders, and update appointments all online from any location.

TeleDirect's software system provides you with a complete order entry system, a seminar registration system, and complete lead management including appointment setting. It’s been designed to streamline every step of the setup process, making it easy for you to tailor the call-in process to the needs of your customers. There’s an easy to access FAQ if you need help with any step of the setup.

Once you’ve configured your account you’ll have a good idea if it will work for you. At that point you’ll be able to fund your account, grab a working toll-free number or ring-to number for your potential customers to call, and put the system to work for your customers. The system will automatically tie the phone number to your custom script and lead management system.

Listening to the potential customer’s story is part of our customer service. The customer will be given step-by-step directions to the nearest location at no additional cost to you, but with huge benefits for you and your customers.

Give TeleDirect a spin. Your customers will be glad you did.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Upcoming Webinars

TeleDirect’s full service on demand call center can help your business. Find out what you need to know when considering an outsourcer. Join us at our upcoming webinars by registering at the links below.

Work The Lead Webinars:
Lead Capture, Appointment Setting, Order Entry, Live Transfer, On Call

Date: Thursday, March 11th
Time: 11am PST/ 12 pm MST/ 1 pm CST/ 2 pm EST
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/689252002

Date: Thursday, April 8th
Time: 11am PST/ 12 pm MST/ 1 pm CST/ 2 pm EST
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/281119882


On Demand Pledge Webinar:
Real Time Call Reports, Script Changes, Pledge Data

Date: Thursday, April 15th
Time: 11am PST/ 12 pm MST/ 1 pm CST/ 2 pm EST
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/558618690


Seminar Edge Webinar:
Seminar Registration, RSVP Services, Attendance Reports, Drip Leads

Date: Thursday, March 18th
Time: 11am PST/ 12 pm MST/ 1 pm CST/ 2 pm EST
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/861353755


Operational Webinars:
CSR Quality Control, Tracking Progress and Communications

Date: Thursday, March 25th
Time: 11am PST/ 12 pm MST/ 1 pm CST/ 2 pm EST
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/831852794

Date: Thursday, April 22th
Time: 11am PST/ 12 pm MST/ 1 pm CST/ 2 pm ESThttps://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/720538442

We look forward to your attendance!

Call our business consultants
800-480-5745
TeleDirect Call Centers™
www.teledirect.com

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

February Webinars

Utilize TeleDirect to track your ROI. Learn about the “5 Things to Consider When Considering an Outsourcer”. Join us at our upcoming webinars by registering at the links below.

Work The Lead Webinar:
Lead Capture, Appointment Setting, Order Entry, Live Transfer, On Call

Date: Thursday, February 11th
Time: 11am PST/ 12 pm MST/ 1 pm CST/ 2 pm EST
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/757533994


On Demand Pledge System Webinars:
Real Time Call Reports, Script Changes, Pledge Data

Date: Thursday, February 18th
Time: 11am PST/ 12 pm MST/ 1 pm CST/ 2 pm EST
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/705745930


Operational Webinar:
CSR Quality Control, Tracking Progress and Communications

Date: Wednesday, February 17th
Time: 11am PST/ 12 pm MST/ 1 pm CST/ 2 pm EST
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/556611547


We look forward to your attendance!

Call our Business Consultants
800-480-5745
TeleDirect Call Centers™
www.teledirect.com

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

January Webinars

Why use TeleDirect? Find out how our call center software separates us from the competition. Join us at our enlightening webinars.

Register at the links below, and feel free to invite anyone who would benefit from the webinars as well.

Work The Lead Webinar:
Lead Capture, Appointment Setting, Order Entry, Live Transfer, On Call

Date: Thursday, January 14th
Time: 11am PST/ 12 pm MST/ 1 pm CST/ 2 pm EST
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/493138954


On Demand Pledge System Webinar:
Real Time Call Reports, Script Changes, Pledge Data

Date: Thursday, January 21st
Time: 11am PST/ 12 pm MST/ 1 pm CST/ 2 pm EST
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/811649890


Operational Webinar:
CSR Quality Control, Tracking Progress and Communications

Date: Thursday, January 28th
Time: 11am PST/ 12 pm MST/ 1 pm CST/ 2 pm EST
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/199120354


We look forward to your attendance!