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After a Stressful Day at Work

  Kindness isn’t only for others, we can, and should, show ourselves kindness also. One way we can do that is to take special care after a stressful and demanding day at work. There are simple and effective ways to do this. But you are the “you” expert; you are the only one that can determine what will work best for you. It is crucial to create a clear separation between your professional and personal life. Switching off from work-related thoughts and tasks is essential to recharge and rejuvenate. This is especially important after a tough day. For many of us working from home, this can be more difficult. If you don’t have a commute from work to home, invent one. Turn off your computer, leave your area, change your clothes – even though you are not moving to a new physical location there are ways to “leave” your workplace behind for the day. These routines will help you automatically reset and detach from work. Engaging in physical activity after work can help release built-up ...
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Talking to Irate Callers

  One of the challenges you will face in our industry is dealing with irate callers. It's natural for people to become upset from time to time, but it's important to stay calm and present a professional and empathetic disposition when interacting with them. Let’s review some ways to help you maintain your composure in those trying conditions. Apply Active Empathetic Listening: When a caller is in a difficult position and begins to lose their composure, let them vent their dissatisfaction . It's important to them to know that someone is hearing what they are saying and cares about what is happening to them. Using empathetic language such as, "I understand how frustrating this is for you," can help diffuse the hostility and create an atmosphere in which you are able to provide assistance to them. Paraphrasing their statements can help build rapport and show that you genuinely care about addressing their issues. Remain Calm: It is easy to feel defensive when ...
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Not Funny!

 “Have you heard the one about the guy who posed as an employee and asked for his automatic deposit to go to his new bank? He bilked a guy out of months pay!” - Nope not a joke, a real-life tragedy and it happens every day. In a small company, this would be easy to detect, but in a mid-sized company, it could easily fly under the radar. As soon as we figure out one scam, there are three or four new ones to take its place. “Please sign this document” emails seem to be the next fraud, and they have the potential to do huge damage.  Most small business owners have something going on at any given time that requires a signature. If we are expecting such an email, this one could be a gotcha!  If you receive an email that doesn’t look or sound quite right, if a sentence is awkward, or a logo looks a little “off”, DON’T OPEN IT.  Your boss is not likely to ever ask you to buy a gift card for him or her. The IRS or any institution will not ask you for your personal informatio...
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May 5th is Password Day

  Changing passwords may be the bane of our existence! Only if you have been hacked can you know the misery of making changes after the fact – knowing you could have prevented the whole nightmare if you had been more diligent. Part of the problem stems from remembering those passwords, and the fear of typing one incorrectly. We have so many accounts to protect - our banks, internet accounts, credit cards, stores, social media accounts, it’s daunting. How do we keep it all straight – AND change those passwords at least once a year. Experts say our passwords should be about 14 characters long, and should include both upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols.  How will we ever remember a dozen different passwords with those criteria? Try creating memorable sentences then assign the first letter of each word in the sequence to create a password. For example - We have 3 dogs - 2 Yorkies & 1 lovable MUTT, becomes Wh3d-2Y&olM4. When January rolls around change ...
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Let Your Love Guide Your Way

 In the vast landscape of careers, it's easy to get lost in the pursuit of success. We often find ourselves chasing titles, salaries, and promotions, forgetting that the key to a fulfilling career lies in following our passions. Let your inspirations guide your way, for when you align your interests with your work, magic happens. Think about what you truly treasure about your job. Is it the challenge of problem-solving, the joy of connecting with others, or the satisfaction of creating something new? Whatever it may be, that is your compass, pointing you towards a path that leads to a brighter future. It's a known fact that when we are captivated with something, we learn faster and retain more information. So why not leverage this to your advantage? Instead of dreading the daily grind, find ways to infuse your work with the things that energize you. Whether it's incorporating your creative side into a project or using your delight in connecting with people to build stronger...
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You Are The Star Of The Show In The World Of Customer Service

 In the world of customer service, our role is not merely to answer calls and respond to inquiries. We are the frontline representatives of our company, the face and voice that clients interact with. Each interaction is an opportunity to make a positive impact, to provide support, and to leave a lasting impression. But what happens when we, as humans, are not at our best? When our personal struggles and frustrations threaten to color our interactions with negativity? Acting becomes our superpower. Yes, you read that right. We, the customer service professionals, are masters of the art of acting. Just like a skilled performer on stage, we have the ability to step into our roles, leaving our personal challenges and emotions behind, and deliver a stellar performance for every caller. Imagine you’ve had a rough morning. Your car broke down on the way to work, or you were late because the bus decided to skip your stop, or the caller you just spoke to vented their frustrations on you for...
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Never Stop Learning

  Learning new skills not only brings numerous practical benefits, but the process of learning itself offers a wealth of advantages and can have a transformative impact on your life. Gain Confidence: One of the greatest benefits of learning is the confidence it instills within us. Each new accomplishment becomes a stepping stone towards personal growth and development. Whether it's mastering a musical instrument, learning a new language, or acquiring technical expertise, the sense of achievement gained from learning enhances our self-esteem and enables us to tackle challenges with renewed vigor. Fight Anxiety: Learning acts as a powerful weapon against anxiety. Engaging in intellectual pursuits and acquiring new knowledge diverts our attention from negative thoughts and worries. It allows mind to focus on something constructive and positive, effectively reducing stress and anxiety levels. Engage Your Mind: A love of learning keeps our minds engaged and active. It ignites a se...
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