iPod accessories

Driving with the iPod earphones clapped to your ears can be a wee bit dangerous - you block out other ambient sounds that may signal danger. Thank goodness for Apple thinking out of the box and coming up with the idea of integrating iPod to your car; members of iPod Addicts Anonymous now have the blissful option of listening to their iPods on their car stereo while dodging traffic. There are a slew of options available for the iPod addict with a car:

1. iStuff iPod Car Charger: This car accessory is great for long trips when you simply have to have your iPod playing your music collection. The charger plugs into the 12v cigarette lighter socket. Also handy when you’re on the road and have forgotten to charge your iPod’s batteries.

2. Arkon Vent Mount Kit: Bad roads can rattle your iPod’s internal whatnots so seat your iPod on this mount kit to keep it secure.

3. Pama In Car Audio Cassette Adaptor: If your car plays only casette tapes, then this accessory will upgrade it to modern times in a snap. Insert the cassette, push play on your iPod, and enjoy.

The holidays are typically a time we think about spending money, not cutting expenses. But let's face it, you're going to have to pay for all those shiny new packages under the tree (or whatever holiday icon you choose to celebrate).

You've heard all the standard ways to cut costs: don't buy Starbucks, take a bag lunch, and so forth. But you can get a lot more creative with slicing and dicing the way you divvy up your financial pie. Some of these trimming tips may be familiar to you and some may be new, but if you follow through on them, you're sure to shake loose a few more dollars that can be spent on whatever you value the most.

1. Watch out for shipping costs when buying via the Internet. Use the Internet to comparison shop, then pick up the item locally.

2. If you see something in a catalog that you want to buy, wait a week before ordering to see if you still really want it. (But don't wait too long or your holiday gift may not make it under the tree in time.)

3. When traveling, look online for ideas and/or coupons before you go. Once on site, ask the locals for low-cost favorite spots, a la Rachael Ray.

4. Try a vacation at home. See and do the things you've always meant to do and save on hotel costs. The holidays are a perfect time to enjoy local festivities.

5. Send free e-cards and save on postage.

6. Give your time or services instead of "things" for gifts.

7. Go gray. If you hate sitting with gloppy color on your head and paying an arm and a leg for the privilege, you should know that as the baby boomers age, gray is "in."

8. If you own a house, shift your higher-rate credit card debt to a lower-rate line of credit. Deduct the interest on your tax return.

9. If you own a house, use a home equity loan to pay off auto loans. The interest is tax-deductible.

10. Pay your mortgage payment biweekly instead of monthly--you'll save on interest costs and pay off your mortgage sooner.

11. Pay extra premium payments when paying your mortgage. As above, you'll save interest payments and be able to pay off your mortgage sooner.

12. Pay cash when possible--psychologically it's harder to spend cash than using credit cards, and you'll save on interest charges.

13. Set up one checking account for regular recurring expenses and another for bigger-ticket items. (Only buy if you've saved enough.)

14. Check with state or federal governments to see if you have money owed to you. To find out more about claims in your state, go to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators' Web site.

15. If you've inherited an IRA, understand how to stretch out the tax deferral by taking the correct minimum required distribution.

16. Don't get divorced.

17. Quit smoking.

18. Save all your change and use it to buy gifts next year.

19. Go to matinee movies instead of movies at night.

20. Stop buying clothes that are "dry clean only." Learn to iron.

21. Plan parties where everyone brings something.

22. Have cocktails at home and then go out; have dessert at home.

23. Order vegetarian when you're out.

24. Look up phone numbers in the phone book instead of paying for directory assistance.

25. Sell stuff you don't need or use anymore on eBay.

26. Shop resale shops or estate sales.

Feminine Office Furniture

Female entrepreneurs are fast increasing in numbers as startup businesses all across the United States are significantly being managed by women. With this development, offices are now getting a makeover. Gone are the days of bulky and monolithic office furniture but sleek and stylish furniture is now becoming the standard.

In light of these facts, most furniture retailers are vying for the ladies’ corner offices by expanding furniture lines and designing new products with a feminine flair.

According to Astrid Oyo, manager of Swedish furniture retailer IKEA’s North American business division, these career driven women are voicing their needs in a clear and concise way. Office furniture has long been designed to cater man and his manly duties. To a man, a desk is a desk, end of story. In feminine eyes however, office furniture are valuable investments that define the progressive path their company is taking.

Office Depot, the largest office supplies retailer in the Unites States, have struck partnerships with office furniture makers Broyhill and Sharper Image Corp. to specifically produce a vast array of office desks, office desks and many other items that would be favorable to female consumers.

Christopher Lowell is an interior decorator and a television personality which won a Daytime Emmy Award for the Christopher Lowell Show. He was hired by Office Depot in 2003 to redesign desks, antique hutches and decorative shelves and display new highly modern design.

According to the information from the Center for Women’s Business Research, more women are in control of companies and how they look. Statistics show that the number of privately held firm that are headlined by women at least a 51 percent stake grew 42.3 percent from 1997 to 2006, almost twice the 23.8 percent growth for all private businesses during that same period.

Offices are now upgrading to a new look. If ever you happen to visit an office that’s highly modern and exclusive, it would be safe to say that perhaps a women is behind the arrangement.

There are now more than 27 million people who work at home doing freelance, freelance webdesigner, freelance graphic artist, freelance web developer, freelance writer or at least part-time, according to a survey by the International Data Corp. The number grows about eight percent each year. It is no doubt that more and more people prefer the home-office set up than the traditional eight to five job in the office, where you had to reach through commute. The problem with a home-office work is that most people who opt for this ignore the need for acquiring the right office furniture, especially when it comes to seating.

An office chair if not the most, is an important office furniture you will ever purchase. Injuries — from stiff necks to severe conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome — are related to computer work, and your seating furniture. According to Ellen Kolber, a New York-based ergonomic consultant, a chair is very crucial in an office environment. A firmly cushioned chair on rollers that has adjustable everything: seat height and tilt, back angle, and arm rests, is the ideal piece. She also added that a chair should help you maintain good alignment.

This proves the suggestion that ergonomic office furniture like a chair can benefit employees who experience back or body pain while sitting at work. The same applies to a person who works full-time or part-time at home. It does not matter where you work, but what aids you, or what furniture you use in your job. The problem remains when you choose a wrong chair: health problems due to sitting without support. Remember that a human body is not designed to sit in one place in that position for a very long period of time.

However, you can stay strain-free while sitting and working in front of the computer. Just follow the tips on the healthy way to sit:

• The keyboard must be below the work surface and tilted slightly downward, so the wrists are positioned naturally in a straight alignment.
• The elbows should be angled at 90-degrees or greater. Any position below the recommended elbow angle can cause discomfort after a few hours.
• The top of the computer screen should be angled or tilted to meet the eye (eye-level position) when you look at the computer monitor straight ahead.
• Feet should be flat on the floor or on a footrest if they don’t reach. This prompts balance and even body circulation.
• The seat height should put thighs parallel to the floor. Make sure the knees are level with or slightly below the hips.
• In case you will be receiving phone calls while typing, then you will need a headset for that. It stresses body faster like no other when you sandwich the phone between the head and the shoulder.

Investing in a good ergonomic chair and observing the healthy way to sit are your most precious weapons in preventing stress and injury to invade the office – especially when you want your home-office environment completely comfortable like home.

VIDEOCONFERENCING IS SINGING ITS A SMALL WORLD AFTERALL...

Working on a call center allows you to speak with people from all walks of life and from all corners of the world.

The workforce are not just merely your contemporaries or even your fellowmen but its a multi cultural arena. Some Board Members,Quality Coaches and Trainers are maybe in the States or in China or India(call center booming in said locations is another topic to blog though).

Going back ,I just want to feature how technology ,most especially video conference,works wonders when having to meet with clients and bosses. It's the most interactive way intellecommunication technologies with the video and audio transmissions in both various locations.

Some put it as visual collaborations,I simply call it video conferencing. The most common form would be when you chat with someone in the internet with a web cam. From most tv commercials ,its bringing family of overseas workers together and put their lips on the monitor or do their "flying kisses". This is the most affordable example of video conferencing but you still have to log in and encode some things while doing the chat. Or the kisses you send when you use your mobile phones.I guess we now have that called as 3GP tech.

But how about those physically challenged?

Maybe we could improve the line through sign languages. This would be great if we too can put it as an alternative branch in the call center industry. Most calls as we call it-relay calls a.k.a "go ahead" calls(because you will always say go ahead to prompt the person on the other line) eats a lot of our average handling and talk time.

With videoconferencing,it will be very beneficial to clients and business process outsourcing companies. We can use sign language while the other one hears the spoken language. One more example is VOIP.In my old BPO ,we use VOIP than AVAYA headphones when taking and calling outside.Its already in the desktop and you need not leave your station or office.Talk about efficiency!

Videoconferencing will also be one great way of doing presentations and dialogues in business, education,government and even in medical practice if possible. Maybe somehow,someday,sometime,it will come to a point where we can all be face to face even if we are worlds apart.

Yesterday was the final straw of eating 2 ricemeals, chewing gum and truffle chocolates while on my graveyard shift. Why? because yesterday was the day,and I say D DAY for dying.

As I was on my way to work,I thought the it was all the symptoms of motion sickness. Nausea-close to vomitting,wet scalp and hair and dizziness. Add the feeling when you see black silhoutte,fast heartbeat and numb arms.

I informed the center that I will not be able to go to work even if I travell far enough yesterday. You see,in our line of business,pay day and weekends are critical working days. But in this case,I bet my body tells me to come to a halt.

140/100 was the initial reading when i stepped in the Delos Santos Medical Center-STI clinic at Megamall. Thanks to denying me service Healthway Clinic At the Shangri-la Mall,my BP rose while walking or because of anger. They even said "Cut off na po ma'am ng Family Medicine doctor namin" What an excuse!!!Can I sue them? Next time.

Going back,The Mega Clinic put me in the treatment room and after a couple of minutes told me that my MAXI care Health card can not cover the room and board plus the Calcibloc.I was just thinking,what's the use of the MAXI care Clinic inside the Mega Clinic afterall?

Anyways,enough of the whining. Calcibloc was dropped under my tongue.The nurse reminded me not to swallow it after 5 minutes so that the blood vessels can absorb it quickly.And like a magic potion,every after 30 mins. my pressure slowly slowly improving.

Now,I have more Mathematics in mind.2 blood pressure checks a day,2 apples for the shift,1 liter water,and more ton of optimism amidst the mad world around us.

What are the most important thing inside a call center agent's bag? handkerchief,company i.d.,purse,cards,comb,toothbrush and toothpaste and

A LIP BALM

Working in the wee hours needs a lot of hydration-drinking mineral or purified water that is with ample supply from the company,applying lotion on your skin or just the mere addiction of putting on your lip balm-lip moisturizers.

There are expensive brands like that of Burt's Beeswax ,Blistex,Carmex,Nivea but the most common is the petroleum based mint,choco or cherry flavored ChapStick.

I personally use the Mint one.Its more natural and smells lightly better than the fruity and fancy ones.Menthol is an ingredient that leaves a tingling and cooling effect to treat dry lips.The soothing effect leaves chapped lips addicted to the sticks.

How many lip balms have I purchase this year?I think 3 to 4 sticks.It's lesser than that if only my sons don't roll it up and bite it as lollipops.

Here are some lip balm etiquettes....

1.Don't get addicted-applying as often as you need to seem to create addiction for the gesture.Try to think of how much you can do with a dollar worth.

2. Never share-it's like you kissing someone else! If they need to apply yours,let them use their fingertip and apply to their lips.Not directly apply the balm fron the roller.Yucky..

3.After applying the lip balm,stay away from licking your lips because that makes it slower to heal those chapped lips.

4.Dont make it your oral fixation-self explanatory and subjective...BOTTOMLINE IS, ITS A NECESSITY MORE THAN A HABIT OR TURNING IT TO ADDICTION.

Secretary's Desk

A notable desk in the office would be the secretary desk. This simple piece of office furniture is not just any table---it serves as the connecting bridge to the boss' office to the rest of the other employees. Hence, picking the right secretary desk is more critical than one thinks. First of all, it must be spacious enough to hold in all of the necessary stuff that a secretary needs---they should all be within reach. Having the secretary comfortable will mean a lot too because the secretary does the most tedious jobs to endure the harmonious schedule of the boss.

The secretary's desk must be in accordance with the personality of the boss. The key here is to have an organized secretary desk because it reflects the kind of organization that the boss has. It should be enough to accommodate the essential work flow systems of the secretary, so her table should not just be like any other normal office desk. It must have a lot of compartments and it must immediately give the impression that the workplace is well-run and that it is able to complete all its tasks in the given period of time.

Remember that aside from the reception area, the secretary also receives a lot of guests. In fact, important guests of the boss. So give ample consideration to the workstation of the secretary and her well-being in that area. This piece of office furniture can be impressive when it is neatly divided into compartments such as having an area that is entirely devoted to office stationary items, business cards, and office notes. Allow this kind of space when considering the kind of secretary desk for the office secretary.

Allot another area that is conducive for answering important business calls and for taking down notes, or having a directory that is within reach. Consider having a computer as well since everything is almost reliant on computers nowadays. This is very vital to the secretary because all the important details must be within her reach. Allow customizing extra compartments for the keyboard, the mouse and others too. Remember these things well because the secretary's job is hard enough already, so opt for the perfect secretary desk for her.

All prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including KY jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medical purposes; Liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition; Life-support and life-sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs; Items used to augment the body for medical or cosmetic reasons such as mastectomy products, prosthetic breasts, bras or shells containing gels, saline solution, or other liquids; and, Gels or frozen liquids needed to cool disability or medically related items used by persons with disabilities or medical conditions.

We are now not limited in the amount or volume of these items when we travel now or when we bring in as carry-on bag.But if these items are in containers larger than three ounces, they advise us to : Separate these items from the liquids, gels, and aerosols in your quart-size and zip-top bag. Declare you have the items to one of our Security Officers at the security checkpoint. Present these items for additional inspection once reaching the X-ray. These items are subject to additional screening.

Also keep in mind that soda or coffee bought at the airport are not allowed to be boarded

BREASTMILK on the go

I saw an article about Sea Princee Prieto being hailed as the "Idol ng Breastfeeding" Maybe because she has a hectic schedule with all her artsy fartsies and yet committed herself to breastfeeding her child for 6 more months.

Question, so how do you call a mother who works in a call center and breastfeeds a 3 year old and one year old up until now???? Answer:a MOTHER and no idolatry at all! How did I survive?It's plain commitment,love and practicallity.

If you believe in the numerous benefits that breastfeeding gives both te mother and the child,like the tie that bonds and all the antibodies for the kid,you would bear the pain when they drink from you.If you admit you are one hell of a mammal(where I guess the word Mama was derived from),then you are aware of your responsibility to feed.Sometimes not just your child but others e.g. your spouse LOL!

One thing interesting about breastfeeding and working is that you get to choose wearing a disposable breast pad or a cloth washable one. Pigeon disposable breastpads and Gerber cloth breast pads are both important tool for me at work.

Pigeon has boxes of 8 12 24 or so i remember.I always bring 2 pairs just in case.But Gerber has only 2 pairs though more expensive it lasts longer.

With regards to breast pump,I tried bringing the plastic pump by Babyflo and not the expensive mechanical by AVENTI or others.But with just 2 minutes personal breaks from the industry,it's hard pumping at work.Will there come a time that mothers have an extra AUXillary code or break for too personal things???

A thought to ponder!

A HEADS up ON HEADSETS

When you work in the Call center industry,you have your soft assets or soft tools for the call-health,presence of mind and voice. But the work is possible because of your tools-the computer,sometimes a hard phone and most especially a Headset.

Headsets mean a call can be answered efficiently and more on productivity, because your hands are free.You can press the keys on the keyboard, document the call while talking and doing other tasks,even stretching

Headsets also mean there's no more need to get the phone and hold it or place it between your shoulder and jaw.

My first ever headset was an Avaya Encore Ultra II NC Binaural Headband Headsets with Noise Canceling MicAvaya Encore Ultra II NC Binaural Headband Headsets with Noise Canceling Mic

The headset is binaural meaning it is worn as a headband with sound in both ears .The earpieces are covered with soft cushion .If it is just with one ear piece,it is called mono aural.

The Avaya Encore comes with a green pouch when I used it. It has control on how low or high pitched you want to hear the customer calling.The microphone tube can be adjusting how far or near it is to your mouth.This entails how you would sound to the customer.If your mouth is too close, you sound garbling or unclear.Best thing to do,one good tip from my trainer, is to place 2 fingers between your mouth and cheek and the mic..

Here are other AVAYA binaural headband Headset models.They just differ with regards to the ear cushions-either it comes with a soft foam or a leatherette.Also some has transparent voice tube or microphone compared to a solid black one. It also differs if it has a noise cancelling mic that allows no other noises around but just the sound between your voice and the customer..

Ever wonder what call center agents are looking at while trying to help you? Agents have only the tools they need to access your account, and nothing more.

"There's a manual that they follow, that tells them exactly what can and cannot be done in every case. They log into several programs when they come to work. First, the program that sends them the calls. Then, there's the work station program. Here is where they make notes, and open cases. If something needs to be done, like moving funds into the correct account, waiving a late fee, they just open a case and it's done by the back office guys. They also log into a program that pulls up scans of all of the customer's documents and files (the number of customers who think they run out to a filing cabinet with the documents of several million customers is also hilarious) And if it's something that needs approval, they can put the customer on hold and connect to a supervisor in the US (who are really just better paid agents with a touch more authority.)"

When I go to work I always take an ordinary bus ride then take the MetroRail Transit(MRT) at the GMA station.

It is best to take the coach when you feel you need to pro actively breeze within few minutes allotment.And when it rains cats and dogs,MRT is the most suitable mode of transportation to take into consideration. You can never be late with 30 mins in the MRT Not that I dread buses but hey there is one good thing riding it. Some buses gets you up and warmed up listening to music of local radio stations. Sometimes it plays real music. Sometimes just an addition to the noise pollution. Today,on a rainy day,I'm all geared up as I heard this over the radio...

HOMEWARD BOUND

I'm sittin' in the railway station got a ticket for a destination. On a tour of one night stands my suitcase and guitar in hand. And every stop is neatly planned for a poet and a one man band. Homeward bound I wish I was homeward bound. Home where my thought's escaping home where my music's playing. Home where my love lies waiting silently for me. Every day's an endless stream of cigarettes and magazines. And each town looks the same to me for movies and the factories. And every stranger's face I see reminds me that I long to be

Homeward bound...

But all my words come back to me in shades of mediocrity. Like emptiness and harmony I need someone to comfort me.

Homeward bound...

We've gotta say, we're having real trouble figuring out exactly which MP3 player the bright green "Mini Aluminum Pocket Clipper" is trying to copy: the lack of a symbol for the play button, coupled with a badly Photoshopped logo on the back has us really muddled! The second example, the iQ Sound 2GB Clip-on Aluminum MP3 Player with FM -- at least tries to improve upon its "source of inspiration," whatever that device may be.

MY NEWEST FLOOR SUPPORT

GN 2025 NC headsets are the most suitable headsets right now.or just because it is what I am using at the moment .

They have a wide array of sound quality and you can hear yourself while you are talking to the customer, It is durable even if you accidentally dropped it on the floor. but hey, take a little bit caution because this honey costs 16 grand which might be deducted at your separation pay once damaged or scratched.

It is comfortable to wear with the foam leatherette cushion on the earphones and a rubber -plastic to metal pivots on its side.

It has a cancelling microphone boom but chewing is still prohibited whenever you are on a phone,remember?

We wear it like a head band with foam somewhat leatherette ear cushion No wonder some call center men(referring not just the gender) now wear headbands when pushing their hair away their faces hahaha

It has a technology called Peakstop that protects sudden loud sound or noises.

My headset is connected with an adapter called GN netcom Jabra.

It has a detachable stand that looks like a fairy's wand but thats where you hang the headset while on break. It can also be used for making wishing and wands for good calls.

This little bingo reduces background noises by its technology through filtering out the surrounding noises.

It has a volume adjustment keeping the incoming calls at the level you want to set.

It allows us to set our preferred settings with regards to the incoming calls and that's where you truly say you have the authority and call control but limit on excusing yourself with the call or avoiding the call. Remember that is one ground for termination.

The Jabra has a mute button on the left and a headset or hard phone setting atop the volume control.

So far,using the GN netcom gadgets allows me to hear okay and service the call with quality.

Its a skateboard like, feet rest... its The Webble seems to be the bastard child of an foot-rest and a skateboard, and is likely to bring along with it some of the later street attitude into the office environment of the former.

The webble™ breaks new ground with its ultra smooth gliding motion that gets your legs moving while you work. Departing from the static, almost orthopedic aesthetic of so many foot rests, the webble’s iconic shape invites a smile and encourages your feet to go for a ride. No detail left behind, we even added a patent pending spring suspension and self-braking mechanism to keep your office mates from zooming away with your webble™.

Available as a Ferrari red model with anti-skip racing stripes, or as the Webble AIR with a mesh and style matching the iconic Aaron chair, the weebles includes a suspension system, and a self-breaking mechanism to minimize the dreaded "skateboard-in-your-shins" office incidents. And I having worked in animation studios where some young creative types were actually using their skateboards as rolling footrests, I can tell you that having brakes on those things will come in handy.

With every other A-lister raving about the iPhone, I can’t help but feel happy for everyone who got themselves a unit. I mean come on, these people deserve some credit as they went through hell, with some even camping out Apple stores days before launch, just to be one of the first to own Apple’s newest, much anticipated product.
So here’s a little something for all of you lucky, proud new owners of an iPhone:

"Hello MOTO:Motorola c261 for the tight budgetted and people who believes that Memories are meant to last ,no printiing and copying to be further done"

Let me talk about one gadget I can afford to carry along the long travel at EDSA amidst all polution, the snatchers and hold-upers This is the phone true to its essence of being mobile And the cellphone which I could gladly brag buying out of my call center salary.

My Motorola c261!!!

Other agents may be able to buy the fancy and higher versions of camera phone or video phone, blue tooth capable or with infrared and MP3 players Or what have you's with their 13th month pay or with all the niches in advertisements or whatever which way..

But for me, I bought the Motorola c261 in a very minimal budget from my Maternity Leave Subsidy .

It looks expensive but as much as PHP 3000,yes, you're reading it right,you could have a built in VGA camera phone.

My Three Beastie boys are the key contents of the picture folder and my Beastie 1 and 2 knows how to capture the moments of their ading or the yayas. My eldest even took a snapshot of the kid who kicked soil through his eyes. You see, he wanted me to confront that kid so now,seeing the picture, I know who to talk to and beat.Revenge!!!

Kidding aside,the pictures can be send through Multi Media Messaging Service (MMS). Texts with photos may be sent too.

The pictures may not be printed or saved in a memory card/chip, but you could send a PHP5 or so Most of the pictures can be downloaded and thus can be applied as your Wall paper or screen saver.

You can also do Instant Messaging (IM) via Wireless Village IM and chat with your friends or business partners in real time monitoring.

The Internet Access also is enableb through GPRS Class 8. Games can be downloaded as well as Polyphonic Ring tones

And when your hands are on the go, you can enable a speakerphone when you want to make a call Or when the Beasties want to talk to their Papa-in-Dreads all at the same time,,it makes it fun and loving to be all closer together. It's our own way of having a conference call.

The unit is so thin as the Razor and is rubberized. My youngest puts the unit in his mouth. Maybe he's thinking it's a popsicle or a slice of a pork chop. See how water and saliva proof it can be too?

The screen's wide and the the colors of the pictures are so vibrant. The back lights can be used as our home's flashlight during the night or when it is well charged during brown outs!

If need be,it can be a reflector when walking in dark places,like the moviehouse or when me and Husband- in- Dreads bring it to a concert to steal photos...Guards!!!

These phone comes in black casing only and has a flipping charger horns. Can you imagine what I mean?

Anyways,I said it once and I say it again, Indeed, Motorola c261 is for the tight budgetted and people who believes that Memories are meant to lasts, no printing and copying "

I have transferred offices,oh make that Call Centers and I've been a trainee for two months now.

What subject matter are we focusing so much in? Customer Service and the Service Mentality that one has to psyche himself in.It is a basic tool,not a gift, a person who wants to work in the Call Center or Service industry,most especially those who want to join the bandwagon of saying,"I'm a Call Center Representative ,Call Center Agent,or a Customer Service Specialist or what title there is,needs to equip and set his mind on.

It is what the client says it is.

It is how you make an impact on what you did for a customer or basically being responsible with a task assuring quality service to a customer. Bottom line is,amidst the different markets and niches that companies and corporations are in now, quality customer service is the sole ingredient of attracting and retainig customers. It sets one apart from the rest.It is not the low prices as a factor for competition,or the quality of the product ,but how the company representative served the client, good or bad,face to face or on the phone. Yeah, that got me thinking that as a CCS for that matter,I am the frontliner of the company.It is a make or break for the company I work in if I answer the phone sounding boring or with enthusiasm But for the newbies ,what really is the life in this industry....

Let's start from the very begginning...(sounds a familiar tune)

APPLICATION PROCESS

How does one get into the industry?

With advertisements everywhere,from the newspapers to the tarpaulins along EDSA,one best way and most common to recruit through employee refferral, Some big time ,pioneer centers offer as high as P150k for a managerial position .Call it friend to friend pirating with a bonus you both negotiate with...Going back,I remember during the job fair,I ran through a series of exam: Abstract Reasoning,Subject Verb Agreement,Reading Comprehensions,Paragraph Reading,Computer Technical Skills and Identifyng the Icons on a desktop..Don't worry no more essay writing. What's more important is how you will answer the questions during the initial and final interview.Some call centers would even record your voice.They try to listen if you have a neutral accent, not really American sounding but an accent that can be understood and no provincial slips .

What's so interesting in answering the interview questions?

They will be asking why you to expound on what is written in your resume, So one tip would be to have a concise,updated and very precise curriculum vitae. Just put bullet points on the highlights of your career. Basic question is"How do you want me to call you?"No they are not asking for your phone number ,landline or cellphone,but they are asking for your name.And don't say that when they ask you about how did you get your name,"it was given by my parents"or "my friends called me that".This question is not just a test on how creative you can be but how conversational you can get down to the smallest topic.Point is,let's get you talking!

Next stop why did you choose to work for their center? Most would answer "because I want to be part of the booming industry". I'm not really sure if it pertains to the trend or the "growing" industry or they just want to use that phrase.Just be part of the growth.Then utter some gorgeous word of mouth about the company plus your career growth and plans. At least you have a goal and you are focused even before you applied in their company. It's not really hard selling yourself but you indeed is confident,competent and self -reliant!

If a interviewer asks you "how can you get to our office from your house?" most people answer step by step,as in literally with steps. "I step out of the house,walk to the first block ,then step on a bus,step down the bus,walk to the building and wait for my turn"..Best answer would just be about what mode of transportation you take to get in here and how long the travel time would be. No more specifications on your itineraries but to them, travel time means how reliable you could be at times.

Then they will ask you if you are okay with graveyard shifts,working during holidays,not the usual weekend dayoffs. Many would answer "I'm okay with that" but no plans of continuing or not so aware how safe they would be able to travel. My God,t hink of the people from Laguna who would die to work fo a call center in Novaliches.Talk about a 3 am shift and sleeping at the office instead or the travel time and hazard pay .Talk about the determination.Whoo!

But the best part is when they tell you to count from one to twenty..Tip:try not to sound like the Count in Sesame Street but count like how the American kids in that show sounds.Or try this in it's simplest form,one that I could simplify for you..Pardon me,but this does not even comes close to phonetics.

Call Centre’s Green Call

More and more people are becoming aware of our environmental responsibilities and have treated it with utmost importance. There are a lot of environmentalists programs that teach or conduct seminars on how to prevent such things that cause problems in the environment and increase the awareness in the society.

We all know the “Reduce, reuse and recycle” slogan that has been going around for years, the constant reformulation of fuels for cars to produce less smoke, and water conservation, these prove how essential it is to protect our environment. As of present time, going green is becoming a popular trend among industries particularly the office furniture world. Using earth-friendly materials or recycled products help with the improvement of our environment by minimizing waste.

Companies like Interior Concepts who engage in manufacturing and designing office furniture for call centers and educational facilities have a whole policy covering how they provide solutions that are friendly to the environment and the responsibilities it comes along with. They are promoting the use of recycled materials to help preserve natural resources and can thus be passed on to the next generations.

Another point they made from acquiring recycled materials was how it can sustain profits for it can be purchased more economically than brand new materials. The company’s policy also states the use of enough materials and human resources to produce a product will of course prevent from over utilizing and wasting of their capital goods. They also deliver their products wrapped in blankets. When it comes to delivery, they try to reduce the amount of shipments by shipping products that are mostly assembled already. By doing so, they lessen the amount of fuels they use. Most of their fabrics too are Green-e certified.

By using mostly recycled materials, they are promoting sustainability and conserving the natural resources needed in manufacturing. Interior Concepts truly takes pride in their dedication to being the environment friendly innovators of furniture.

Call Center Agent's Reality Check

The call center industry is well regarded now as one that can provide employment to the increasing population of jobless Filipinos. Not only that the industry can promise employment but a competitive compensation, tempting fresh graduates to take the seat as a call center agent. But despite of the clear future that the call center career could offer, there is always a consequence upon looking on the other side. Check this article from Alexia Rodriguez of Contact News Magazine, the leading magazine of the outsourcing industry.

Call centers' health hazards

Long hours of work, permanent night shifts, incredibly high work targets and loss of identity are the dark clouds that threaten to mar the 'sunshine' call center industry in the Philippines.

Results of a survey conducted by the Department of Health among 50 people working in call center firms showed that call center work ranked high for attrition due to health reasons, sleeping disorders, voice loss, ear problems, digestive disorders and eyesight problems.

The survey was undertaken to identify the health problems of call center employees at an early stage, to identify the needs of women, mothers and young workers, to assess the risks perceived, to suggest risk reduction measures, and to review the health status of employees.

Call center agents Health problems

About 30 to 40 percent of the employees working in call centers had complained of eye problems due to poor lighting conditions and intensive computer use. Soreness, dryness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, headache -- all these put together is labeled as computer vision syndrome. This problem is more acute with the team leaders who need to come in early and go home late.

Digestive disorders are also common among employees call centers, according to the DOH survey. Thirty-four percent of employees had complaints of this type, as revealed by the Human Resources managers.

It was also pointed out that employees are facing the possibility of losing their voice. In its chronic form, it is characterized by inability to speak, pain, croakiness of voice, irritating cough, poor vocal power, inability to modulate and breathing difficulties -- all due to intensive verbal interaction with clients, given the odd timing and nature of work that roots people to a chair nine hours a day, reading pre-scripted conversations on the phone endlessly.

Employees have also been complaining of hearing problems due to exposure to high intensity sound from headsets and high sound levels from regular work.

Other issues were related to loss of identity, isolation, drug abuse, work pressure due to long hours of work, permanent night shift, and high work targets.

Negative work attitude

Symptoms of the burnout syndrome, which include chronic fatigue, insomnia and complete alteration of the 24-hour biological rhythm of the body, are routine cause for sickness absenteeism, the DOH survey said.

Chronic levels of stress affect the heart, endocrine system and also lead to sleep disorders.

Although most such cases do not require treatment or medication, they need guidance on physical and mental coordination to cope with a job that requires hyper-alert efficiency.

The DOH underscored the need to implement policies concerning work shifts, especially prolonged night work, and the importance of pre-employment and periodic medical examinations. It also cited the need for counseling sessions to tackle the stress on the job.

In a paper entitled "A Philippine Case Study - Examining Health and Safety in Contact Centers," Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) Executive Director Dulce Estrella-Gust said the two popular health hazards of working nightshifts is still obesity and nicotine dependency.

OSHC, a unit of the Department of Labor and Employment conducted its own survey of a number of call center companies recently and they validated what the industry has been suspecting for years, that call center agents are prone to smoking and over-eating.

"Call center agents are exposed to a lot of stress so they turn to smoking or they eat," says Dr. Estrella-Gust.

The OSHC issues policies to reduce work-related injuries, illnesses and even deaths. As part of its current program, Dr. Estrella-Gust and her people conduct trainings to all call center human resource managers on reducing occupational risk in the business process outsourcing field.

Call Center Agent Stress management

The call center executives, on the other hand, have more responsibility and accountability. They need to be disciplined to do well in the job. The supervisors always concentrate on performance and achieving targets. They do not have the time or the interest to go deep into these matters to find out the reasons for some of their employees' behaviors.

Unacceptable behaviors will cause disturbance to others and, overall, will affect productivity. Sleeping while on duty, reading novels and playing games on the computer during working hours brings down productivity: quality suffers.

According to DOLE-OSHC, the HR representatives and professional counselors jointly have a role to bring behavioral changes starting from the training days. Continuous education and counseling will help to prevent or mitigate such problems.

Psychologists say that behavioral/practica l approaches to stress management include exercise and eating a healthy, balanced diet, which includes diverse selections from the basic food groups. In addition, they recommend that the excessive use of alcohol, caffeine and sugar be avoided, as this contributes to fatigue and mood swings. It is also important to allow the body to rest and replenish itself to help the body develop resistance against future stress.

Progressive muscle relaxation is an active form of relaxation, where you contract each major muscle group of your body for about five seconds before loosening the contraction.

Some of the more passive relaxation approaches include listening to music, reading, and using saunas and hot tubs to relieve tension. Techniques used to relax the mind include meditation and visual imagery.

In the meantime meditation teaches you how to clear the mind of stressful and distracting thoughts by focusing the mental energy on your breathing. Visual imagery is designed to help the individual visualize himself/herself coping effectively with a stressor that was previously experienced as overwhelming.

Night work can be hazardous to your health and the demands of working in a stressful environment is a mental and physical strain on your general well being. Dr. Estrella-Gust advise nighttime workers to work on getting enough sleep, eating the right foods and keeping an active, social connection with family and friends. "Recognition of workers' problems in call centers is the first step," she says.

Due to the evolution of the office furniture, modular office furniture has now become the trend when it comes to choosing what is best for your workplace. One must be aware that cubicles and modular office furniture are basically the same, but different in terms only. Many people, however, do not understand the scope of the decision that they are making when it comes to purchasing “modular office furniture”. After all, even if it seems like choosing a few cubicles will not do any harm, with the wrong one, it could be possible. Hence, here are a few guidelines that will prove to be helpful when it comes to modular office furniture for your office.

To start with, loyalty for your selected office furniture retailer is a must since it is basically the determining factor for the quality of your modular office furniture. Even if it may seem like they all look alike, the materials used differ such as the hardware and the panels that are never supposed to get mixed up with each other. Just think of it this way: when your company grows, the next time that you need to purchase modular office furniture, all your decisions will be based from the first one that you have made.

There are two main types of modular office furniture, and they are the panel-mounted and the freestanding. Most systems today is panel-mounted, meaning, that the wall panels act as the basis of the system, and that office desks and file cabinets can be mounted directly on to them. On the other hand, the freestanding systems furniture use separate panels that are strategically placed around the furniture. Depending on the nature of your business or daily task, these two have its own advantages. While panel-based systems offer greater design flexibility and can be implemented with other office peripherals, they can also serve as the main provider of privacy for an employee. Freestanding can be easily installed and reconfigured so this is most ideal for offices that are temporarily adjusting to their new place, etc.