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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.

 Through Expivia Digital, Tom works with contact center leaders on CCaaS platform selection, AI implementations, and NICE Studio and integration services. 

Same honest, vendor-neutral advice you hear on the Call Center Geek podcast, applied directly to your specific operational challenges. 

Schedule a consultation at ExpiviaDigital.com to discuss your contact center technology strategy. 

Click here:

expiviadigital.com

Follow Tom: @tlaird_expivia
Join our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeek
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/
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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!

 Through Expivia Digital, Tom works with contact center leaders on CCaaS platform selection, AI implementations, and NICE Studio and integration services. 

Same honest, vendor-neutral advice you hear on the Call Center Geek podcast, applied directly to your specific operational challenges. 

Schedule a consultation at ExpiviaDigital.com to discuss your contact center technology strategy. 

Click here:

expiviadigital.com

Follow Tom: @tlaird_expivia
Join our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeek
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/
Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geek
Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/
Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel

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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.

 Through Expivia Digital, Tom works with contact center leaders on CCaaS platform selection, AI implementations, and NICE Studio and integration services. 

Same honest, vendor-neutral advice you hear on the Call Center Geek podcast, applied directly to your specific operational challenges. 

Schedule a consultation at ExpiviaDigital.com to discuss your contact center technology strategy. 

Click here:

expiviadigital.com

Follow Tom: @tlaird_expivia
Join our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeek
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/
Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geek
Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/
Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel

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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.

 Through Expivia Digital, Tom works with contact center leaders on CCaaS platform selection, AI implementations, and NICE Studio and integration services. 

Same honest, vendor-neutral advice you hear on the Call Center Geek podcast, applied directly to your specific operational challenges. 

Schedule a consultation at ExpiviaDigital.com to discuss your contact center technology strategy. 

Click here:

expiviadigital.com

Follow Tom: @tlaird_expivia
Join our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeek
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/
Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geek
Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/
Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel

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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.

 Through Expivia Digital, Tom works with contact center leaders on CCaaS platform selection, AI implementations, and NICE Studio and integration services. 

Same honest, vendor-neutral advice you hear on the Call Center Geek podcast, applied directly to your specific operational challenges. 

Schedule a consultation at ExpiviaDigital.com to discuss your contact center technology strategy. 

Click here:

expiviadigital.com

Follow Tom: @tlaird_expivia
Join our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeek
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/
Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geek
Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/
Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel

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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.

 Through Expivia Digital, Tom works with contact center leaders on CCaaS platform selection, AI implementations, and NICE Studio and integration services. 

Same honest, vendor-neutral advice you hear on the Call Center Geek podcast, applied directly to your specific operational challenges. 

Schedule a consultation at ExpiviaDigital.com to discuss your contact center technology strategy. 

Click here:

expiviadigital.com

Follow Tom: @tlaird_expivia
Join our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeek
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/
Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geek
Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/
Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel

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𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙤𝙤𝙢 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙄𝙩 𝙃𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙙"
NICE's remarkable team flew Tom to New Jersey at the White Eagle Hall,  to step into "The Room Where It Happened," their exclusive video series that casts a spotlight on the pulse and prospects of Customer Experience (CX). There, Tom's own audio narrative brought to life what we regard as one of our most compelling podcast episodes and one of our all time personal favorites!

In "The Room Where It Happened," our podcast dives into the transformative role of AI in contact centers, showcasing its capacity to streamline traditional roles and pave the way for innovative practices. Tom provides insight into the future of quality assurance and the unique opportunities AI presents for BPOs to differentiate themselves. The discussion culminates powerfully, drawing from Tom's tenure at Expivia, demonstrating how integrating AI with a focus on people can greatly enhance staff retention and customer relations, paralleling the influential outcomes crafted in history's most notable CX rooms.

 Through Expivia Digital, Tom works with contact center leaders on CCaaS platform selection, AI implementations, and NICE Studio and integration services. 

Same honest, vendor-neutral advice you hear on the Call Center Geek podcast, applied directly to your specific operational challenges. 

Schedule a consultation at ExpiviaDigital.com to discuss your contact center technology strategy. 

Click here:

expiviadigital.com

Follow Tom: @tlaird_expivia
Join our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeek
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/
Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geek
Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/
Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel

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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.

 Through Expivia Digital, Tom works with contact center leaders on CCaaS platform selection, AI implementations, and NICE Studio and integration services. 

Same honest, vendor-neutral advice you hear on the Call Center Geek podcast, applied directly to your specific operational challenges. 

Schedule a consultation at ExpiviaDigital.com to discuss your contact center technology strategy. 

Click here:

expiviadigital.com

Follow Tom: @tlaird_expivia
Join our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeek
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/
Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geek
Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/
Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel

Send us a text

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.

 Through Expivia Digital, Tom works with contact center leaders on CCaaS platform selection, AI implementations, and NICE Studio and integration services. 

Same honest, vendor-neutral advice you hear on the Call Center Geek podcast, applied directly to your specific operational challenges. 

Schedule a consultation at ExpiviaDigital.com to discuss your contact center technology strategy. 

Click here:

expiviadigital.com

Follow Tom: @tlaird_expivia
Join our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeek
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/
Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geek
Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/
Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel

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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 #cx

 Through Expivia Digital, Tom works with contact center leaders on CCaaS platform selection, AI implementations, and NICE Studio and integration services. 

Same honest, vendor-neutral advice you hear on the Call Center Geek podcast, applied directly to your specific operational challenges. 

Schedule a consultation at ExpiviaDigital.com to discuss your contact center technology strategy. 

Click here:

expiviadigital.com

Follow Tom: @tlaird_expivia
Join our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeek
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/
Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geek
Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/
Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel