Qwest hosted a wonderful Business Partner show 01/13-01/14. We were grateful to be able to attend this year to reconnect with a few of our customers. It is also great to catch up with those of you who we have known for many years in the industry and meet newer faces.
Qwest was very generous this year and gifted Flip Video cameras to the business partners. We recorded some of our adventure and have for you here.
The hot topic of discussion this year was Cloud Computing. We are excited and curious to see what the business channel does with that product this year.
There was also a lot of buzz about social media which is very exciting for us. It was great to be able to brain storm ideas for agents looking forward to launching a program this year, in addition to hearing the success of such agents as TBI with the social media solution.
We heard a lot of Agents talk about the shift in telecom as we know it. Technology is breathing a new life into this economy and we are glad to be a part of this transition.
Hats off to QBPP for bringing the Partners together with encouragement, enthusiasm and the always funny host.
@QwestQBPP #QMP11
Showing posts with label Telecom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Telecom. Show all posts
Friday, January 14, 2011
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Tis the Season! 25 Days to Save
As we are celebrating the holiday season, our book host is offering a discount on our printed books through 12/25/10 via the online store at: http://stores.lulu.com/clerecomm . Be sure to also check the site for the daily December promotions as well – a different promotion each day at: http://www.lulu.com/holiday_coupons/
$5 off
any 5 paperback books
Coupon code:
SAVEFIVE
Through 12/20/10
$5 off
any 5 paperback books
Coupon code:
SAVEFIVE
Through 12/20/10
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Interview with Partnerpedia about our Social Media Books
Partnerpedia Views with author Hollie Clere on her book Social Media in Telecommunications 12345
September 07, 2010
By Vanessa Ho
To listen to the podcast, click here
In this episode of Partnerpedia Views we are talking with Hollie Clere, author of "Social Media in Telecommunications," a guide that equips agents and telecom companies in the launch, development and processes for adding Social Media to their online presence, support offerings and customer engagements.
Hollie also is the founder and owner of Clere Communications, a company that helps telecommunication agents grow their business.
Hollie has been involved in the telecommunications industry for over 13 years. She started her company over seven years ago supporting Agent Business Partners in back office needs.
We talked to Hollie about her book "Social Media in Telecommunications" and what led her to write it and include Partnerpedia in its chapter on "Looking at Social Networking Platforms and Tools." As well, Hollie offers some tips she gives in the book.
"Social Media in Telecommunications" is available either as an e-book or in print on the Clere Communication's website and can be ordered here: http://www.clerecomm.com/Book.html
September 07, 2010
By Vanessa Ho
To listen to the podcast, click here
In this episode of Partnerpedia Views we are talking with Hollie Clere, author of "Social Media in Telecommunications," a guide that equips agents and telecom companies in the launch, development and processes for adding Social Media to their online presence, support offerings and customer engagements.
Hollie also is the founder and owner of Clere Communications, a company that helps telecommunication agents grow their business.
Hollie has been involved in the telecommunications industry for over 13 years. She started her company over seven years ago supporting Agent Business Partners in back office needs.
We talked to Hollie about her book "Social Media in Telecommunications" and what led her to write it and include Partnerpedia in its chapter on "Looking at Social Networking Platforms and Tools." As well, Hollie offers some tips she gives in the book.
"Social Media in Telecommunications" is available either as an e-book or in print on the Clere Communication's website and can be ordered here: http://www.clerecomm.com/Book.html
Friday, June 4, 2010
Sneak Peek at the book “Social Media in Telecommunications”
I have found that with Telecom; there are specific social media spaces that were more effective than others. I felt the strong desire to help those in the Telecom Industry develop their branding, find useful tools and sites where other Telecom businesses are present and utilize tools that will help them market their companies in a new way. The process can be rewarding and fruitful, but has taken me time to determine which sites my clients or prospects may be visiting, how to best contact them, and which sites would become home to personal contacts vs. business contacts.
“Social Media in Telecommunications” is a guide to help Telecommunications companies sift through the grey and become successful in Social Media.
CHAPTERS & TOPICS:
► SUMMARY OF SOCIAL MEDIA
✔ WHAT IS SOCIAL NETWORKING?
✔ THINGS TO CONSIDER IN TODAY’S MARKET
✔ WHAT IS BRANDING?
► INS AND OUTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA FOR TELECOM
✔ WHAT DOES SOCIAL NETWORKING LOOK LIKE IN TELECOM?
✔ WHY SHOULD YOU CONNECT?
✔ WHERE DO YOU CONNECT?
► CONNECTING THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA
✔ HOW DO I SECURE MY USERNAME ON MULTIPLE SITES?
✔ WHAT DO YOU DO AFTER YOU CONNECT?
✔ HOW DO YOU MEET OTHERS?
✔ WHAT IS THE BEST ETIQUETTE FOR ONLINE COMMUNICATIONS?
► TOOLS AND BUILDING PROFILE CONNECTIONS
✔ HOW DO I MANAGE SEARCHES AND MULTIPLE SOCIAL NETWORKING PLATFORMS?
✔ HOW DO I FIND CUSTOMERS?
✔ HOW DO YOU ADVERTISE TO YOUR CONNECTIONS?
✔ HOW DO I GET RECOMMENDATIONS?
► DEFINING YOUR SCOPE AND BUSINESS PLAN
✔ IMPORTANT TIPS ABOUT YOUR LISTINGS
✔ HOW DO I KNOW THIS IS RIGHT FOR ME?
✔ HOW CAN YOU TRACK OF BUSINESS DERIVED FROM SOCIAL NETWORKING?
✔ HOW CAN YOU PLAN SOCIAL MEDIA POLICIES FOR YOUR COMPANY?
✔ MILESTONES
► LOOKING AT SOCIAL NETWORKING PLATFORMS AND TOOLS
✔ LINKED IN
✔ BLOGGING
✔ MYSPACE
✔ PARTNERPEDIA
✔ YOUTUBE
✔ XEESM
✔ GOOGLE ALERT
✔ SLIDESHARE
► KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER
A few brief Tips from the book:
Always take time to think through your marketing and goals
Discover what social media sites your customers have presence
Never bash a competitor, vendor, partner or individual
Stay consistent with your profile language, images, colors and logos
Utilize tools to help you manage these sites
Develop a daily schedule to manage these tools, and fulfill your marketing and prospecting goals
Be aware of who is presenting information about your company online
Establish and utilize keywords to maximize functionality and visibility on all sites
. . . You will need to read the book to get the rest of the information . . .
We are open to comments, so please let us know if you are interested in writing a recommendation for us to post on the website.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
What is the skill you value most in Telecom Back Office/Project Management Support?
In a small poll I conducted on LinkedIn, I asked the question, “What is the skill you value most in Back Office/Project Management Support?”
85% of the answers voted for Active Communication
14% Order Paperwork Efficiency
Not one voted for:
Thorough Documentation
Customer Experience
Timeliness of Deliverables
I think all 5 are important, and I must say that if I could only choose one, it would probably be Active Communication.
• What are your thoughts?
• Are there items that you feel should have been added to this list?
• What are the 5 top PM qualities you look for?
http://polls.linkedin.com/poll-results/47456/euylr
Please feel free to provide feedback through LinkedIn or this forum.
14% Order Paperwork Efficiency
Not one voted for:
Thorough Documentation
Customer Experience
Timeliness of Deliverables
I think all 5 are important, and I must say that if I could only choose one, it would probably be Active Communication.
• What are your thoughts?
• Are there items that you feel should have been added to this list?
• What are the 5 top PM qualities you look for?
http://polls.linkedin.com/poll-results/47456/euylr
Please feel free to provide feedback through LinkedIn or this forum.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Information on the book: "Social Media in Telecommunications"
Check out this SlideShare Presentation about our book:
ISBN: 978-0-557-43768-9
Only $29.95
"Guide to help Telecommunications companies sift through the grey and become successful in Social Media." by: Hollie Clere
Only $29.95
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Announcing Book Release “Social Media in Telecommunications”
Clere Communications is announcing Book Release of “Social Media in Telecommunications” by Hollie Clere:
It is a guide to help Telecommunications companies sift through the grey and become successful in Social Media.ISBN: 978-0-557-43768-9
Only $29.95
"Guide to help Telecommunications companies sift through the grey and become successful in Social Media." by: Hollie Clere
Only $29.95
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Spiff Program Can Cause Hardships for Customers
Many carriers offer a spiff program where the Agents can quickly input minimal data to process an order, then get paid a decent spiff & be on their way. Downfall to this is; the amount of time it takes the carrier to then process the order – in which the customer & agent ultimately suffer.
A spiff isn’t always ALL it is cracked up to be when you sacrifice the quality of implementation for your customer. Look at the life cycle of an average order: Let’s say it takes about 30 days to get a standard T1 order processed, scrubbed, keyed, FOC received, circuit delivered, then turn up is ready to schedule. If you add another lesion in the mix between your PM and the customer, you are waiting for them to communicate with the customer, phone tag, questions, documents to be signed, more questions, then the process will finally begin . . . you are looking at a two week delay to your already 30 day interval. Sure, if you establish this with your customer ahead of time – you should be ok, but if you have a high priority order – what do you do when service is delayed due to mediation process?
Good rule of thumb in cases such as this – if it is worth it to you to get paid a few $100 for an order upfront rather than rely on your tried and true methods of order processing, feel free. We encourage the engagement of the spiff & would prefer all of our partners get the most money possible for each deal. We just suggest that instead of entering the minimum required information document- then hoping it all goes well; you should continue to engage your PM from initiation to mediate the communication, process and updates on the project daily so the order gets processed in the quickest, most efficient manner. You and your customer can not afford time lost between phone calls. Be sure that you & your PM have developed the action plan prior to the request getting submitted, finalize all paperwork so the order gets processed quickly. Only you & your PM can achieve success in the delivery of these types of orders.
A spiff isn’t always ALL it is cracked up to be when you sacrifice the quality of implementation for your customer. Look at the life cycle of an average order: Let’s say it takes about 30 days to get a standard T1 order processed, scrubbed, keyed, FOC received, circuit delivered, then turn up is ready to schedule. If you add another lesion in the mix between your PM and the customer, you are waiting for them to communicate with the customer, phone tag, questions, documents to be signed, more questions, then the process will finally begin . . . you are looking at a two week delay to your already 30 day interval. Sure, if you establish this with your customer ahead of time – you should be ok, but if you have a high priority order – what do you do when service is delayed due to mediation process?
Good rule of thumb in cases such as this – if it is worth it to you to get paid a few $100 for an order upfront rather than rely on your tried and true methods of order processing, feel free. We encourage the engagement of the spiff & would prefer all of our partners get the most money possible for each deal. We just suggest that instead of entering the minimum required information document- then hoping it all goes well; you should continue to engage your PM from initiation to mediate the communication, process and updates on the project daily so the order gets processed in the quickest, most efficient manner. You and your customer can not afford time lost between phone calls. Be sure that you & your PM have developed the action plan prior to the request getting submitted, finalize all paperwork so the order gets processed quickly. Only you & your PM can achieve success in the delivery of these types of orders.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Clere Communications is a “Social Media Academy Empowered Partner”
The first graduating class of the Social Media Academy Channel Empowerment Program received their “diplomas” after completing a rigorous six week program and passing a final exam.
Apr 08, 2010 – Happy resellers posted ”virtual high-fives” across their social media spaces and set off to engage their customers and vendors in a more social and comprehensive manner. This program was sponsored by Qwest, EMC and Partnerpedia to improve the social media awareness of their channels . . .Read the full article: Click Here
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Monday, July 13, 2009
Telecom Challenge
In these uncertain economic times, Agents are challenged with how to bring in new business, maintain existing customer bases, and hit carrier commitment levels. The other challenge is the surge in Social Network Marketing, time and budgeting all of the above. How do you overcome these obstacles?
The Telecom Challenge
(1) Give a little to gain a lot - what does this look like? Giving that time is disappearing, bills are increasing and customers are thinning out, you need to invest in client management. Client management is constant contact with your customers assuring them that you are there for them during these economic times. Invite them to an account review to ensure that their services are up to date and contracts are under the best promotions. Contact them when new promotions are released, but involved in their day to day. Be an advocate on a higher level.
(2) How can someone achieve this when time is so thin and budget is low? Outsourcing this service will provide a great buffer for you & the client. By providing a team of people who are there to support you, your customers and their needs. In fact, we have an entire process dedicated to help you achieve this. If you haven't taken a look at our new support offerings, you should consider them.
(3) Flat rate packages keep you from questioning time vs reward. We have launched a few new plans that are offered on a flat rate basis that will help you budget long term your Client Management Services vs your Back Office/Pm Services. Contact a Representative today to see what this may look like for you. You will be pleased at the affordable package rates.
(4) Some Partners have gone back to the drawing board. When you consider your sales volume, your carrier contracts vs. time, some partners have gone back to project managing & placing their own orders. What they have not seen is the decrease in visibility in the marketplace. As they have been working on projects - they haven't been in the field managing customers, increasing sales and hitting carrier commitments. Press in & continue to allow your Back Office Support to provide those services for you. It will pay for its self in the long run. No matter how small or large the deal, if your core gifting is in sales - you will spend more time in paperwork and management then you would if you were in the field selling. We continue to offer support for Agents, Partners and Auditors. It is our core & what we pride our selves in.
Consider these as Challenges for your business. Do you have what it takes to give a little to gain all of the things your business is committed on providing for your Customer Support Experience? It isn't about just getting an order in the system, it is about long term relationship building and maintenance.
The Telecom Challenge
(1) Give a little to gain a lot - what does this look like? Giving that time is disappearing, bills are increasing and customers are thinning out, you need to invest in client management. Client management is constant contact with your customers assuring them that you are there for them during these economic times. Invite them to an account review to ensure that their services are up to date and contracts are under the best promotions. Contact them when new promotions are released, but involved in their day to day. Be an advocate on a higher level.
(2) How can someone achieve this when time is so thin and budget is low? Outsourcing this service will provide a great buffer for you & the client. By providing a team of people who are there to support you, your customers and their needs. In fact, we have an entire process dedicated to help you achieve this. If you haven't taken a look at our new support offerings, you should consider them.
(3) Flat rate packages keep you from questioning time vs reward. We have launched a few new plans that are offered on a flat rate basis that will help you budget long term your Client Management Services vs your Back Office/Pm Services. Contact a Representative today to see what this may look like for you. You will be pleased at the affordable package rates.
(4) Some Partners have gone back to the drawing board. When you consider your sales volume, your carrier contracts vs. time, some partners have gone back to project managing & placing their own orders. What they have not seen is the decrease in visibility in the marketplace. As they have been working on projects - they haven't been in the field managing customers, increasing sales and hitting carrier commitments. Press in & continue to allow your Back Office Support to provide those services for you. It will pay for its self in the long run. No matter how small or large the deal, if your core gifting is in sales - you will spend more time in paperwork and management then you would if you were in the field selling. We continue to offer support for Agents, Partners and Auditors. It is our core & what we pride our selves in.
Consider these as Challenges for your business. Do you have what it takes to give a little to gain all of the things your business is committed on providing for your Customer Support Experience? It isn't about just getting an order in the system, it is about long term relationship building and maintenance.
Friday, June 5, 2009
TEM Solutions
Telecom Expense Management is the art of managing carrier invoices on a monthly basis. We can help with some of your small to medium size accounts. With access to customer invoices, we can validate carrier charges, identify any billing issues and make corrections to any errors on a monthly basis. We fully implement corrections and credits on the customers’ behalf. We ensure all changes through completion and guarantee if there is an error, it is rectified.
Our goal is to help you & your customer manage and maintain communication expenses on a monthly basis. You will never have to deal with the dispute process with the carriers moving forward. Most of an organizations communication expenses are related to monthly billing with the telecommunications provider(s). This includes all voice, data, Internet and long distance services.
We require access to view the accounts and a Letter of Authorization, providing us with permission to pursue credits and correct the accounts on the customers' behalf
· We granularly comb through every aspect of a customer's account with each carrier
· We have relationships with most of the large carriers across the United States which has given us the ability to build relationships with the billing teams, order centers and product validation groups
· We have the ability to recover credits for up to 24 months with most carriers
· Our Implementation Staff is in house and is seasoned in process and order management
Each month the customer will receive . . .
· A financial analysis of what is paid - specifically noting if any disputes have been submitted to the carrier for billing errors.
· Reports tailored to customers' internal accounts payable reporting
No matter the size of your customer, we have a solution for you. We also work with TEM providers with database applications for large opportunities as well.
Our goal is to help you & your customer manage and maintain communication expenses on a monthly basis. You will never have to deal with the dispute process with the carriers moving forward. Most of an organizations communication expenses are related to monthly billing with the telecommunications provider(s). This includes all voice, data, Internet and long distance services.
We require access to view the accounts and a Letter of Authorization, providing us with permission to pursue credits and correct the accounts on the customers' behalf
· We granularly comb through every aspect of a customer's account with each carrier
· We have relationships with most of the large carriers across the United States which has given us the ability to build relationships with the billing teams, order centers and product validation groups
· We have the ability to recover credits for up to 24 months with most carriers
· Our Implementation Staff is in house and is seasoned in process and order management
Each month the customer will receive . . .
· A financial analysis of what is paid - specifically noting if any disputes have been submitted to the carrier for billing errors.
· Reports tailored to customers' internal accounts payable reporting
No matter the size of your customer, we have a solution for you. We also work with TEM providers with database applications for large opportunities as well.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Clere Comm Interview with TA
Click this link to hear our audio interview with TA:
http://www.telecomassociation.com/vendor/clerecomm/media/TA_Introduces_Clerecomm1.mp3
http://www.telecomassociation.com/vendor/clerecomm/media/TA_Introduces_Clerecomm1.mp3
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Going GREEN in TELECOM
How can we go Green in Telecom?
Today, people are growing more & more concerned with conservation, carbon footprint, energy efficiency & further protecting the planet. Telecommunication companies have also jumped onto "Go Green". What does this really look like in Telecom & how can we - as business owners make a change in our businesses? Or is this marketing that just makes us "feel good"?
What are Telecom Providers starting to consider?
There is a lot of talk buzzing about reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. Large providers throughout the world are making preparations to take specific actions to improve energy consumption in their "highest energy-consuming" facilities. If you search online, some companies have actually posted their "Carbon Footprint" publically to show measures of their concerns & efforts to reduce it. Some are considering power resources such as solar or wind-powered facilities.
In research I have seen, here are viable ways your company can "Go Green" with IT . . .
Recycle used equipment - seek the rules in local and national laws, research companies with specifically approved licenses to refurbish & reuse existing phone systems, mobiles or IT equipment. Be sure to research & implement the best ways to protect your company information as the equipment you recycle should be whipped clean of anything private or proprietary.
Paperless Office - invest in the equipment and backup/remote backup necessary to ensure limited to no paper/ink materials are utilized on a daily basis. This transition will take time & money, but you can eventually scan all of your paper folders into electronic versions & come close to eliminating the need to paper documents. Most important thing to note is you MUST MUST MUST back up all of your electronic data & files to a local & remote backup source. You should carefully research these options. In most cases, you will have an initial investment, a monthly investment on backup services, but then little to no investment in paper/folders/ink/etc.
Recycle Office Supplies - paper products are most used in offices, which is a great place to start recycling. Consider investing in a shredder & recycle all paper materials you would normally throw in the trash. Like I mentioned previously - be aware of confidential information & the proper ways to destroy that information. Ever considered toner or ink cartriges? Many Office Supply Stores are now providing options to recycle these supplies - some actually have incentives for discounts based on quantity. Other companies offer services which give you the ability to reuse your ink/toner cartridges by getting them refilled. It is a cost effective way to reuse a product. Even consider purchasing recycled products instead of newly manufactured products.
Energy Efficient Lighting - There are light bulbs & different light sources that are supposed to product bright light without the use of as much energy. Consider in investing in the change to these bulbs. They are a bit more expensive, but are made to last longer.
It makes since - really - for everyone to be more aware of the resources that are available & ways to utilize those resources.
Clerecomm uses all 4 of the options noted above - though we will never be a "true" paperless office until the carriers eliminate the need for paper agreements, we are as close as we can be to it. We encourage you at ways to consider how your business supplies are resourced & if you own a large office, building or multiple locations, consider the investment on how to "Go Green" with renewable resources.
Today, people are growing more & more concerned with conservation, carbon footprint, energy efficiency & further protecting the planet. Telecommunication companies have also jumped onto "Go Green". What does this really look like in Telecom & how can we - as business owners make a change in our businesses? Or is this marketing that just makes us "feel good"?
What are Telecom Providers starting to consider?
There is a lot of talk buzzing about reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. Large providers throughout the world are making preparations to take specific actions to improve energy consumption in their "highest energy-consuming" facilities. If you search online, some companies have actually posted their "Carbon Footprint" publically to show measures of their concerns & efforts to reduce it. Some are considering power resources such as solar or wind-powered facilities.
In research I have seen, here are viable ways your company can "Go Green" with IT . . .
Recycle used equipment - seek the rules in local and national laws, research companies with specifically approved licenses to refurbish & reuse existing phone systems, mobiles or IT equipment. Be sure to research & implement the best ways to protect your company information as the equipment you recycle should be whipped clean of anything private or proprietary.
Paperless Office - invest in the equipment and backup/remote backup necessary to ensure limited to no paper/ink materials are utilized on a daily basis. This transition will take time & money, but you can eventually scan all of your paper folders into electronic versions & come close to eliminating the need to paper documents. Most important thing to note is you MUST MUST MUST back up all of your electronic data & files to a local & remote backup source. You should carefully research these options. In most cases, you will have an initial investment, a monthly investment on backup services, but then little to no investment in paper/folders/ink/etc.
Recycle Office Supplies - paper products are most used in offices, which is a great place to start recycling. Consider investing in a shredder & recycle all paper materials you would normally throw in the trash. Like I mentioned previously - be aware of confidential information & the proper ways to destroy that information. Ever considered toner or ink cartriges? Many Office Supply Stores are now providing options to recycle these supplies - some actually have incentives for discounts based on quantity. Other companies offer services which give you the ability to reuse your ink/toner cartridges by getting them refilled. It is a cost effective way to reuse a product. Even consider purchasing recycled products instead of newly manufactured products.
Energy Efficient Lighting - There are light bulbs & different light sources that are supposed to product bright light without the use of as much energy. Consider in investing in the change to these bulbs. They are a bit more expensive, but are made to last longer.
It makes since - really - for everyone to be more aware of the resources that are available & ways to utilize those resources.
Clerecomm uses all 4 of the options noted above - though we will never be a "true" paperless office until the carriers eliminate the need for paper agreements, we are as close as we can be to it. We encourage you at ways to consider how your business supplies are resourced & if you own a large office, building or multiple locations, consider the investment on how to "Go Green" with renewable resources.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
The Telecom Audit
In this ever changing economy, the nation is seeking freedom from financial burden, release from painful debts and security in the workplace. As we travel down a road of unparalleled oddities, we need to refocus our visions, models and core strengths in Telecommunications, in a different direction for our customers.
Focusing on the Telecom Audit, there are many broad practices which should become fine tuned and refurbished. An audit isn't just a onetime occurrence that sparks possible migration to other carriers, contract renegotiations or increase in spend (in some cases). Develop and market your business as a Customer Care Organization focused on inventory management and cost reduction for your customer. Become their true, single point of contact by engaging with them on a higher level.
The Telecom Audit should be focused on these core items:
* location/inventory management
* validity of contract vs. tariff vs. invoice vs. customer service records
* taxation compliance
* terms and condition clauses
* validity of packages / grandfathered products
* terms of service
* technology changes
* historical review back 24 months
The list can continue, but you understand that the review is more than an apples to apples MRC review, rather an apple to fruit salad list of items. This requires further digging that could result in savings and credits for the customer. Derived from the savings and credits, consider the fee for the time associated with conducting the audit and how that should be negotiated with the customer. Billing errors can occur on any carrier invoice, with any size business, so don't leave out your small to medium sized customers. Also consider the language of the agreement you negotiate to ensure your time is accurately compensated. We can work with the agent to craft the agreement so your fees don't end up higher than the recovery.
We have worked with Agents, Brokers and Business Partners on projects with spend from as small as $1K/month spend to $3M/month spend, recovering an average of 15% on billing errors in historical audits, optimization for long term savings, and inventory management. At times, credits can go back as far as two years, depending on the terms and conditions with the carrier.
We recommend outsourcing the service to companies specifically trained in how to implement a full granular audit. They will know what to look for, how to project and manage the changes, renegotiate contracts, manage inventory and recover credits for your customer. Logically, if your team isn't trained on how to perform a thorough granular audit, it makes since to budget time to bring in those who have practiced these skills for years.
Moving forward, develop a plan to revisit your base every six to twelve months, with a fresh vision of long term savings and credits for your customers. By presenting the extra added value of pursuing credits and long term saving options to your customer, you increase their trust in your service, delivery and most importantly remind them of your presence on a more frequent basis. Retaining those relationships are crucial to maintaining the stability of your base. Equipping your best business practices that offer proven customer experience options, are processes that any Telecommunication Consultant should consider.
Focusing on the Telecom Audit, there are many broad practices which should become fine tuned and refurbished. An audit isn't just a onetime occurrence that sparks possible migration to other carriers, contract renegotiations or increase in spend (in some cases). Develop and market your business as a Customer Care Organization focused on inventory management and cost reduction for your customer. Become their true, single point of contact by engaging with them on a higher level.
The Telecom Audit should be focused on these core items:
* location/inventory management
* validity of contract vs. tariff vs. invoice vs. customer service records
* taxation compliance
* terms and condition clauses
* validity of packages / grandfathered products
* terms of service
* technology changes
* historical review back 24 months
The list can continue, but you understand that the review is more than an apples to apples MRC review, rather an apple to fruit salad list of items. This requires further digging that could result in savings and credits for the customer. Derived from the savings and credits, consider the fee for the time associated with conducting the audit and how that should be negotiated with the customer. Billing errors can occur on any carrier invoice, with any size business, so don't leave out your small to medium sized customers. Also consider the language of the agreement you negotiate to ensure your time is accurately compensated. We can work with the agent to craft the agreement so your fees don't end up higher than the recovery.
We have worked with Agents, Brokers and Business Partners on projects with spend from as small as $1K/month spend to $3M/month spend, recovering an average of 15% on billing errors in historical audits, optimization for long term savings, and inventory management. At times, credits can go back as far as two years, depending on the terms and conditions with the carrier.
We recommend outsourcing the service to companies specifically trained in how to implement a full granular audit. They will know what to look for, how to project and manage the changes, renegotiate contracts, manage inventory and recover credits for your customer. Logically, if your team isn't trained on how to perform a thorough granular audit, it makes since to budget time to bring in those who have practiced these skills for years.
Moving forward, develop a plan to revisit your base every six to twelve months, with a fresh vision of long term savings and credits for your customers. By presenting the extra added value of pursuing credits and long term saving options to your customer, you increase their trust in your service, delivery and most importantly remind them of your presence on a more frequent basis. Retaining those relationships are crucial to maintaining the stability of your base. Equipping your best business practices that offer proven customer experience options, are processes that any Telecommunication Consultant should consider.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Does Outsourcing Support Services make sence?
What are advantages of OUTSOURCING Back Office Support?
Businesses STRUGGLE with these key items:
· Budget
· Business Loans
· Equipment Expenditure Needs
· Telecom Costs
· Office Space needs
· Benefits for Employees
· Salaries
· Overhead vs. Profit
In this market, with the economy changing so frequently and drastically, it just makes since to outsource services. Outsourcing will CHANGE:
· Budget – you budget ONLY for the support you need
· Business Loans – loans won’t need to be taken out to pay for salaries or equipment
· Equipment – the outsource has all of their own, computers, routers, printer, toner, paper, etc.
· Telecommunication costs – the outsourced team has all of their own phones, phone lines, internet, headset, etc
· Office Space – the outsourced is remote, no office space required
· Benefits – the outsourced is responsible for their own taxes, medical, dental, vision, life insurance & 401K
· Salaries – there are no salaries - you only pay for time actually worked
· Overhead vs. Profit – we don’t calculate any percentage of your commissions for our compensation, we will only invoice you for time actually worked.
Outsourcing will help you GAIN:
· More time for sales
· A support team that you don’t have to train
· A support team that helps you diverse into multiple carriers markets
· Experienced
· 1099 support is a tax benefit
Businesses STRUGGLE with these key items:
· Budget
· Business Loans
· Equipment Expenditure Needs
· Telecom Costs
· Office Space needs
· Benefits for Employees
· Salaries
· Overhead vs. Profit
In this market, with the economy changing so frequently and drastically, it just makes since to outsource services. Outsourcing will CHANGE:
· Budget – you budget ONLY for the support you need
· Business Loans – loans won’t need to be taken out to pay for salaries or equipment
· Equipment – the outsource has all of their own, computers, routers, printer, toner, paper, etc.
· Telecommunication costs – the outsourced team has all of their own phones, phone lines, internet, headset, etc
· Office Space – the outsourced is remote, no office space required
· Benefits – the outsourced is responsible for their own taxes, medical, dental, vision, life insurance & 401K
· Salaries – there are no salaries - you only pay for time actually worked
· Overhead vs. Profit – we don’t calculate any percentage of your commissions for our compensation, we will only invoice you for time actually worked.
Outsourcing will help you GAIN:
· More time for sales
· A support team that you don’t have to train
· A support team that helps you diverse into multiple carriers markets
· Experienced
· 1099 support is a tax benefit
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Project Management or Administrative Services
When considering how to fulfill Back Office or Project Management needs, one will review experience, budget and time. When housing a full time employee you consider your bottom line, training, supplies, benefits, ramp up and office space.
The support we offer is tailored to our customers' needs. Outsourcing provides many freedoms and growth opportunities to any business.
We have experience with multiple Telecommunication Providers offering Analog, Voice T1's, ISDN BRI, DSL, ISDN PRI, Frame Relay, DS1, DS3, OC3, Dedicated, ATM, Internet, Ethernet, Long Distance and more.
We offer you and your customer:
* Extensive knowledge of Telecom Products and Services
* Pricing and contracts
* Order Management and Order Delegation
* Professional Start to Finish Project Management
* Proactive Problem Resolution
* Industry Resources to "Get the Job Done"
* Administrative / Back Office Support
* Account Optimization Audits
* Repair / Support Assistance
* Commissions Management
* RFP Negotiation
* Billing resolution
* Many other services that fit your business structure
Types of Associates:
* Project Manager/Provisioner
* Administrator/Back Office Support
* Business Audit Representative
* Data Entry Representative
* Commissions Management Representative
We have many package options, so call today to see which package and services that work best for your company.
The support we offer is tailored to our customers' needs. Outsourcing provides many freedoms and growth opportunities to any business.
We have experience with multiple Telecommunication Providers offering Analog, Voice T1's, ISDN BRI, DSL, ISDN PRI, Frame Relay, DS1, DS3, OC3, Dedicated, ATM, Internet, Ethernet, Long Distance and more.
We offer you and your customer:
* Extensive knowledge of Telecom Products and Services
* Pricing and contracts
* Order Management and Order Delegation
* Professional Start to Finish Project Management
* Proactive Problem Resolution
* Industry Resources to "Get the Job Done"
* Administrative / Back Office Support
* Account Optimization Audits
* Repair / Support Assistance
* Commissions Management
* RFP Negotiation
* Billing resolution
* Many other services that fit your business structure
Types of Associates:
* Project Manager/Provisioner
* Administrator/Back Office Support
* Business Audit Representative
* Data Entry Representative
* Commissions Management Representative
We have many package options, so call today to see which package and services that work best for your company.
Telecommunication Consulting and Products
Communication Consulting
We have relationships with Professional Consultants that are seasoned in the Communications Industry. Not only can we support you in Telecommunication Services, but we also can assist in Communications Network optimization and corresponding expenses. We have developed relationships with other companies in the Communications Industry on the local, national and international level, to save money on equipment, support, managed services, interconnect rates, website and hosting, phone systems, cabling and equipment leasing solutions.
Our job is to discover the best solution. We want to help optimize your productivity and business efficiency.
Telecommunication Products
We have very strong relationships with multiple Telecommunication companies and Partners. Through these relationships, we have experience with services from nearly 45 different carriers. A few of these services include Analog, Voice T1's, ISDN BRI, DSL, ISDN PRI, Frame Relay, DS1, DS3, OC3+, Dedicated, ATM, Internet, Long Distance, Wireless, Satellite, Ethernet and more.We do not have Master Agency with Any Carrier, so we are not partial to any specific carriers.
We have relationships with Professional Consultants that are seasoned in the Communications Industry. Not only can we support you in Telecommunication Services, but we also can assist in Communications Network optimization and corresponding expenses. We have developed relationships with other companies in the Communications Industry on the local, national and international level, to save money on equipment, support, managed services, interconnect rates, website and hosting, phone systems, cabling and equipment leasing solutions.
Our job is to discover the best solution. We want to help optimize your productivity and business efficiency.
Telecommunication Products
We have very strong relationships with multiple Telecommunication companies and Partners. Through these relationships, we have experience with services from nearly 45 different carriers. A few of these services include Analog, Voice T1's, ISDN BRI, DSL, ISDN PRI, Frame Relay, DS1, DS3, OC3+, Dedicated, ATM, Internet, Long Distance, Wireless, Satellite, Ethernet and more.We do not have Master Agency with Any Carrier, so we are not partial to any specific carriers.
Telecommunications Auditing
We can provide an audit of all communication related expenses.
In this audit, we analyze:
* How competitive are vendors’ rates
* Accuracy of billing
* Most cost effective solution
On average, we discover and recover billing errors that average 15% to 30% on each monthly Telecommunications invoice. Our goal is to reduce monthly communication expenses. Most of an organizations communication costs are 60% of their monthly budgeted expenses. This includes all voice, data and long distance services, networking and communication devices. With a thorough audit of each bill, we can recommend the reduction, elimination or consolidation of those expenses. Then, with your approval we will implement these changes. The goal is to save as much money as possible with a solution that makes sence.
We do not have Master Agency with Any Carrier, so we are not partial to propose any specific providers.
You will receive . . .
* A full itemized inventory of each location/account detail.
* Detailed descriptions of the function of each communication service.
* A financial analysis of current rates vs. new reduced rates after the recommended savings were implemented.
We require the most recent invoices and bills for all local, Internet and long distance service, current communication equipment bills, a letter of authorization to view the account (required by each telecommunications carrier) and a meeting to discuss your current communications infrastructure.
What we offer:
* Professional Start to Finish Project Management
* Extensive knowledge of Telecom Products and Services
* Order Management and Order Delegation
In this audit, we analyze:
* How competitive are vendors’ rates
* Accuracy of billing
* Most cost effective solution
On average, we discover and recover billing errors that average 15% to 30% on each monthly Telecommunications invoice. Our goal is to reduce monthly communication expenses. Most of an organizations communication costs are 60% of their monthly budgeted expenses. This includes all voice, data and long distance services, networking and communication devices. With a thorough audit of each bill, we can recommend the reduction, elimination or consolidation of those expenses. Then, with your approval we will implement these changes. The goal is to save as much money as possible with a solution that makes sence.
We do not have Master Agency with Any Carrier, so we are not partial to propose any specific providers.
You will receive . . .
* A full itemized inventory of each location/account detail.
* Detailed descriptions of the function of each communication service.
* A financial analysis of current rates vs. new reduced rates after the recommended savings were implemented.
We require the most recent invoices and bills for all local, Internet and long distance service, current communication equipment bills, a letter of authorization to view the account (required by each telecommunications carrier) and a meeting to discuss your current communications infrastructure.
What we offer:
* Professional Start to Finish Project Management
* Extensive knowledge of Telecom Products and Services
* Order Management and Order Delegation
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