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cover art for The Orchid Black Dirt Podcast by Jim Barnish, Jr. A Pass to pitch using a positive escalation with Richard Blank

Podcast guest appearances. Richard Blank Costa Rica's Call Center

The Orchid Black Dirt Podcast by Jim Barnish, Jr. A Pass to pitch using a positive escalation with Richard Blank



A new kind of Business Podcast built to Grow Smart & Maximize Business Value. Have you ever wondered why other podcasts ask the same questions over and over again, expecting the same answers? And have you ever wondered why you only ever hear the same answers...? Not on THIS show!


The Dirt is about getting real with businesses about the true state of their companies and going clear down to the dirt in solving their core needs as a business. Dive deep with your host Jim Barnish as we uncover The Dirt with some of the world's leading brands.


Episode 17: Bootstrapping his way from just a desk and a single account to a large successful call center in Costa Rica, Founder and CEO Richard Blank joins Jim Barnish on this episode to share his insight on effective communication strategies, investing in his teams, and the power of positive escalation.

With a track record for successful sales and training programs, Richard walks us through his key communication strategies that are beneficial not just for landing a sale, but also for every relationship in life. They discuss soft skill training instead of just hitting the sales goals; his “buffer boomerang technique” that keeps conversations constructive; “positive escalation” that builds relationships and pipelines, and boosts morale among teams; and how to hone your listening skill with “phonetic, micro expression reading.


https://youtu.be/aofHSv9Vnxk?si=N8jwTrWOVedm9KdU


Orchid Black’s approach is centered on transformative leadership that not only envisions but actively realizes tangible returns. From the outset, we harness strategic and operational expertise to convert potential into prosperity. As we integrate into your team, our seasoned fractional executives drive impactful change focused on enhancing your business’s bottom line. Our commitment is deeply rooted in a shared success model — we only triumph when you do.

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  • Author your Brand Podcast. Surfing, Bilingualism, and Non-Voice Omnichannel Support with Richard Blank

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    The Author Your Brand show takes a deep dive into becoming a best selling author, sometimes without writing a word. The host, Doug Crowe, interviews CEO’s of multi-million dollar firms, successful entrepreneurs, and “slightly” famous people. Guests include the former CMO of Starbucks Asia, the Inventor of GPS (who sold the company he founded for $6.6 Billion) & NYT bestselling authors. This daily LIVE show uncovers the mindset of these visionaries & their success tipsIn a lively podcast interview hosted by Doug Crowe, Richard Blank, founder and operator of Costa Rica's Call Center (CCC), a thriving call center in Costa Rica, shares his passion for surfing, bilingualism, and the challenges of operating a call center in a global market. Richard explains the high-quality services his call center provides to clients across North America, Central America, and Europe, emphasizing the importance of bilingual, college-educated agents dedicated to specific campaigns.The conversation then turns to the benefits and drawbacks of non-voice omnichannel support, as Doug and Richard discuss the value of personal engagement when it comes to creating a rapport with customers that extends beyond the immediate transaction. This interview will be relevant to anyone interested in call center operations, customer support, and building lasting customer relationships.Understanding Call Center Contracts and ComplianceOne seat for one month is my minimum contract. But if it were my own personal opinion, I like odd man outs. I'd prefer three seats for three months just to at least see. Yeah, right. And do you do any list bill stuff or the client's got to provide the list to call on? Not only does the client provide me the list, but it has to be scrubbed through the DNC because my company is inscribed in the United States that follows all U.S. business and banking laws. Okay. And for clarification, those who don't want to mention, DNC stands for do not call list, which I'm not sure if that actually works or not. They should know because I know a lot of people that have been hit for that. And so you have to be very careful.AI vs. Human Touch in Customer ServiceThe pros and the cons. I think when people have these non-voice omni-channel supports, which are chats and emails, which could be generated and used, fine, that saves time and can move things forward. But how about this? You've been a client a long time somewhere and you'd like to speak with somebody. And if no one speaks with you or their office hours are better, you're in a queue a long time. When you finally get someone, you're going to pop. And there's a very good chance you're gonna curse, you're gonna scream, and you're just gonna let it out. And so these relationships cost a lot of money to build. And as much as AI can assist you, it really won't put the ball in the end zone because me and you talking about your dog or your trip to Egypt, or your being a magician, or these fun things that both you and I do in lives with pinballs in Costa Ricas, your AI will not catch that. And that's where the situation is going to be.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8awjWIfJAchttps://youtu.be/CCbCZ-gi8e0https://youtu.be/eFZHKjI4aA8
  • The Amsterdam Talk podcast with your host ROD. Betting on yourself with Richard Blank

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  • Amplifying Leadership Podcast by Tara Lehman. Twin Life Coaching & Business Services guest Richard Blank

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    Our Amplifying Leadership podcast is where we talk about all the ways to make leadership great through our guest stories, tips, information, wins and challenges too! We will discuss all aspects of leadership and how to build great leaders or leaders-to-be. From communication, authenticity, growth, learning from mistakes, to understanding our different points of view, this podcast will broaden your horizons and allow you to hear from other leaders who you just may resonate with too. Enjoy!In this episode, Richard Blank a speaker, trainer, CEO of Costa Rica’s Call Centre, and I talk about many communication topics from conflict management, to the art of speech, empathy, and much more! Enjoy!Richard Blank appeared in an episode of the Amplifying Leadership podcast titled "From Cubical to Leadership". The podcast covers topics such as: Communication, Change management, Building teams and employees, and Professional development. https://youtu.be/5O61NBkqUbAhttps://youtu.be/vTPLnd48FCQhttps://youtu.be/_xbWJ3n8s5Ahttps://youtu.be/rKqxIZnMnqMhttps://youtu.be/LxD-d_8YLHohttps://youtu.be/_LavDP4y-5khttps://youtu.be/1j-GLTQ70XQExpectations and DisappointmentsI get disappointed more than I do angry. And I expect the most of people. So I give them the benefit of the doubt. And the majority of the people stepped up to the plate and shined and shed some skin and really showed me the best.Leadership Authenticity and Strategic CommunicationBecause if I kicked and cried like a baby in front of a hundred people, they'd laugh at me. They wouldn't respect. On the flip side, my friend, I'm also a human being. So I want them to see the passionate, true side of a man that's fighting for this. And so I'm not like what you see in the movies or out of Hollywood. I will sit down and break bread with you. I will play pinball together. And I'll not correct your grammar, but I'll make suggestions to make your rhetoric more diplomatic and strategic. I will power up your vocabulary, replace words like help and use assistant guide and LinkedIn and say for my clarification compared to, excuse me, we can, Tara, we can readjust tones. And so by doing so, these individuals will be able to have that much more balance in their work. Perspective on Learning ChallengesI put fear into perspective. You, my friend, studied French as I Spanish, as they did English, amongst other languages. So why don't we say that learning a second language is 10 times harder than any account that I'm going to put you on. Right. Okay. Okay. To me, you're like, yeah, you're right. I know I'm right. So everyone calms down. Strategic Connection-Building
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  • ADRIENNE BARKER SPEAKS No Prep Needed guest CEO Richard Blank. An expert in the Business Process Outsourcing Industry.

    21:41|
    Our Mission. Business Essential Skills Education. Dedicated to empowering our clients with the skills, knowledge, and support they need to succeed in the global business worldADRIENNE BARKER SPEAKS, No Prep Needed is recorded in Daytona Beach, Florida, with superstar guests from all over the world.Adrienne offers a candid conversation with zero prep.  We go live, and each conversation features an honest talk with real professionals.  The entire show is REAL!  We shine together, cry together, and offer the viewer conversations to help fuel your professional and personal life's success.  Effective Communication Strategies for Business Success w/ Richard Blankhttps://youtu.be/HFjBxDm5PKQhttps://youtu.be/t5g0XeWzitghttps://youtu.be/Kb_XiNxQNDEhttps://youtu.be/b18p4Cx0OUEhttps://youtu.be/lwl7e7-Vu7Yhttps://youtu.be/1zGpADZMLSEhttps://youtu.be/Dyf9B3UaEHwhttps://youtu.be/Kb9v6dIWJs8https://youtu.be/0pSneFpZJCEHave you ever wondered what it takes to master the art of communication in the call center industry? Summary:In a captivating podcast episode, host Adrienne Barker sits down with Richard Blank, the CEO of Costa Rica's Call Center, to delve into the secrets of effective communication within the bustling world of call centers. Richard imparts his wisdom on creating personalized experiences, navigating cultural differences, and leaving a lasting impression on clients. Mr. Blank provides strategic advice on tailoring communication to resonate with diverse North American audiences and underscores the importance of thorough research before reaching out to potential clients. Furthermore, Richard tackles the issue of monotonous language in call centers, offering innovative solutions to foster dynamic and engaging interactions among team members. Key Takeaways:Personalized interactions are crucial for success in the call center industry. Understanding cultural nuances can lead to more effective communication. Making a memorable first impression is key to building lasting relationships. Adapting communication styles for different regions can improve client engagement. Conducting due diligence is essential before contacting prospects. Overcoming the challenge of repetitive language can invigorate workplace communication. Richard's insights have a significant impact on improving business interactions. 
  • The Zennurgy Podcast by Zen Ase. An electromagnetic transfer of energy with Richard Blank

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    34:59|
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    17:44|
    Success is about moments...When it worked podcast shares the experts who over came the odds to forge success on their own terms. Listen as Julian Leahy shares with us the key moments that changed everything for them.Cost Savings Of Using Offshore TelemarketersWe are considered near shore because of our distance to the United States the agents that we have here are bilingual spanish and english which in the United States spanish could be the most spoken language in the next 10 years and also in regards to our cost savings you can get a turnkey agent here for salary benefits, hr telecom and overhead for the same price you would be paying an hourly agent in the United States.https://youtu.be/s5O_Zr6tElIIt's Different When Telesales Agents Really Enjoy The JobMost of the agents in the States believe that call center and telemarketing jobs are transitional or they look down on it. I don't know why because many people earn a living making and receiving calls.In Costa Rica they find a second language stimulating and so they're constantly looking to increase their english skills and thus their marketability.So by making these calls in the United States they really find it fascinating and so what we try to do is to cultivate and grow their second language skills by expanding their vocabulary by explaining certain genres that we have.Incorporating Soft Sales SkillsWe are also serious about incorporating certain soft skills that some people claim that we've lost today because most people are chatting or sending emails.I prefer to speak with somebody. I think there's a much better chance to retain that client to get a referral, possibly an upsell and even worst case scenario if someone is not doing business with you. Maybe through an exit interview they can tell you ways in which you could improve or what your competition did in order to earn their business.Positive EscalationThe best thing about making an outbound call to a business is a positive escalation let's just say hypothetically I'm trying to get in touch with you but there's an individual that will be answering and filtering this call prior to transfer what I like to do is to find out the plethora of information about your company we could find about anniversaries or promotions or the company culture but this is the thing this individual that assisted me prior to transferring to you I will a let them know that they were amazing and I'm going to talk about them so when I do get transferred I'm going to let you know that you have the most amazing people at your organization.I'll do it verbally but then at the end of the call I will write you something as a follow-up and mention this individual as well in writing so the Richard circle comes where if I call your company back first they're going to know me they're going to thank me so much for talking about them to the boss and adding to my momentum they cannot wait to transfer the call to you and you're going to see the relationship I have with your company prior to any sort of contracts so I think you might take our good faith and our intentions much more into consideration compared to somebody just trying to angle their way in there for a sale with you.1. Interpersonal Communication Conflict Management Strategy2. Phonetic Micro Expression reading for mastering verbal tell signs.3. The Famous Buffer-Boomerang Technique