Author: Nathan Robinson

7 Ways to Improve the Quality of Your Customer Service Hires
Service Business

7 Ways to Improve the Quality of Your Customer Service Hires

- by Nathan Robinson

Hiring new people is a critical component of growing a business. And when it comes to your customer service team, you need to focus on getting the best quality people to be the face of your company. They’ll be representing your company in front of clients, vendors, and other stakeholders. A bad hire can make all the difference between a positive experience for customers and a disaster that damages your brand’s reputation. Here are some tips to ensure that everyone on your team has what it takes to deliver great customer service:

Use Background Checks for Everyone

You don’t want someone with a history of violence fielding your customer service phone calls. You also don’t want someone who is known to be a liar or has committed fraud to be responsible for providing customer service. Doing a quick background check for everyone can help you mitigate some of these issues by ensuring that you don’t hire someone with a violent or deceptive background. And using them for everyone means that there can be no complaints about discrimination.

Be Clear on What you Want

It’s important to be clear on your wants and needs if you want to improve the quality …

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Common Communication Problems with Distributed Teams
Business and Products

Common Communication Problems with Distributed Teams

- by Nathan Robinson

Many industries require in and out-of-office work to deliver their products or services. This business model is common in construction, media, oil and gas, and manufacturing. However, the rise of remote work has also caused traditional in-office positions to be carried out by distributed teams.

The format of distributed teams can lead to specific communication challenges that require tailored solutions. 

Defining Distributed Teams

Distributed teams are a distinct business model that is often confused with other types of arrangements. For example, companies that work with external contractors are not distributed. This is because contractors perform work that is not integral to the company’s business model. Additionally, contractors are not obligated to follow company policies and procedures like employees. 

While some distributed teams are remote, not all remote teams are distributed. Distributed workers are out-of-office for the purpose of completing their work. A manager who visits several construction sites to check on progress as part of their normal job duties is a typical example. Companies based in multiple locations also have a distributed workforce.

Communication Problems in Distributed Teams

The defining qualities of distributed teams lead to communication issues. Since all distributed team members are employees, they must complete their …

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When Making Cuts, Leave These Items Until the Very End
Financial Mathematics Example

When Making Cuts, Leave These Items Until the Very End

- by Nathan Robinson

The time comes for every successful business to make some hard decisions about cutting costs. Truly successful companies get over those times and move on to better things. But every business owner has that moment of truth realization that things are not going as well as they had hoped. In that moment of realization, they know that something has to be done, and fast.

At such a time, it is easy to do the wrong thing and cut the wrong program. They make that decision in a moment of panic. That is a recipe for disaster. First, you have to stop the bleeding before looking for a permanent cure. In the case of a business emergency, that usually involves securing the capitol to keep the ship afloat during a difficult phase. 

The first thing you should know is that there is no need for panic. You can find resources. Start here to learn about the various types of loans that are available for different sized emergencies and that will fit credit profiles that have a few scars. One mistake doesn’t need to be the end of your business endeavors. Use it as a learning experience and get the resources you …

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Top 5 Questions You Should Ask a Dryer Duct Cleaning Company
Service Business

Top 5 Questions You Should Ask a Dryer Duct Cleaning Company

- by Nathan Robinson

Dryer ducts are a critical part of any home, but if they aren’t properly maintained they can lead to serious problems. These issues can range from minor annoyances to serious health concerns, so it’s important to know what to ask when hiring a dryer duct cleaning company. In this post, we’ll walk through the top 5 questions you should ask a dryer duct cleaning company before you hire them. 

Ask for the cleaning process 

You should always inquire about the company’s method for cleaning the dryer before agreeing to let them service your ducts. You should be aware of how a company intends to clean your machine if you’re the customer. An expert, a reliable company like Mr. B will be able to outline the cleaning process and give you an idea of how they’ll finish the job. 

Ask for the length of the cleaning process 

The question of how long it will take to clean the dryer is a good question to ask during a consultation. On a typical home dryer system, cleaning dryer duct lines can take up to an hour to finish. This means that properties with more than one standard dryer, such as multi-dryer homes, apartment …

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Tips for Finding the Right Manufacturer 
Business and Products

Tips for Finding the Right Manufacturer 

- by Nathan Robinson

If you’re a business looking for a manufacturer, you’ve likely taken some preliminary steps to get started. Prepping your product conception early on saves time and money in the long run. By engaging in things like market research, competitive intel, and branding, you’re well on your way to selecting a manufacturer.

 Manufacturers Are Not All Created Equal

A competent manufacturer or supplier has the capacity to provide products at a high-volume inventory. Most suppliers specialize in manufacturing only one product. For instance, you may have a glass manufacturer who only makes glass jars and a box manufacturer who supplies your packaging. Working with multiple manufacturers to complete a product is common. The key is finding a manufacturer who can provide quality products at scale. 

 The Differences Between Domestic and Overseas Manufacturers

Choosing a domestic or overseas manufacturer depends on many factors. You can determine which option is best for your business by answering a few questions:

What is your budget?

  1. What is your market?
  2. Which materials will your product be made of?
  3. Is your product easily shipped?

 Benefits of Local Sourcing

There are many benefits to opting for local sourcing or domestic production. Local sourcing ensures the …

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