It is possible to earn income while operating your own business by starting a call center business.You can rent an office space if you want to run a call center from your home.It's easier to manage a call center from home because it can be expanded into a full-staffed office later.
Step 1: Determine the type of call center you want to start.
Do you want to make outbound, inbound, or web-enabled calls?Depending on the type of businesses you approach for contracts and the types of work you want to do, the call center you operate may be different.Taking orders, answering questions or providing tech support are some of the things that inbound calls might involve.Setting up appointments is one of the things that will be involved in outbound calls.You can also take surveys.Telemarketing is advertising a product or service by telling potential customers about special discounts.A web-enabled service helps clients when they press a "talk" or "call" button on a website and the call comes through the computer.Customers may want more information before placing an order.
Step 2: There are local and state requirements.
Contact your state's Office of Finance and Taxation.If you want to start a business, you need to file all the necessary paperwork and pay applicable fees.If you are starting your business from home, you need to check your town's restrictions.
Step 3: A business plan is needed.
Depending on what type of call center you are starting, this may be different.The business plan will include projected sales over specific periods of time, marketing activities and investments, expenses, cost of equipment, and employee salaries and benefits.For more information, see Write a Business Plan.As your business grows, this plan will be a good reference.A detailed business plan will help you determine what you need financially.Preparing a business plan shows you are serious about the endeavor, and it can help you secure capital with agencies such as the Small Business Administration or with private investors.
Step 4: Invest in the right equipment.
The items may include computers, office supplies, headsets, phones, telephone lines and a high-speed internet connection.Call center software can be expensive, so make sure you research all your options.Unless your client provides it, purchase software that will allow you to easily manage incoming and outgoing calls, track data and keep a call log.Virtual Call Center by Five9 is one of the things you can check out.There is a separate telephone line dedicated to the call center business.Expansion may require multiple lines.
Step 5: Contact businesses and other call centers look for clients by outsourcing their work.
There are different pay scales and requirements for each company.Pick a company based on what you think you can handle and the money you want to make.Start by contacting the inside sales department of large local companies that sell a variety of products or services.
Step 6: Call center companies may want to research online for at- home help.
Search online for work-from- home customer service, telephone sales, survey takers, or tech support.Arise, LiveOps and Working Solutions are some of the companies that hire this type of service.
Step 7: Network and advertise.
Set up a business page on Facebook and take out small print ads.Your professional reputation will be enhanced by a website describing your services.The Call Center Network Group (CCNG), the Association of Customer Contact Professionals (ACCP), and the Chamber of Commerce are some of the professional organizations that you can join.
Step 8: .
You can advertise in your local paper as well as on Craig's List.You can find out what salaries are paid at other call centers.Look for people with call center experience who have good conversation skills.
Step 9: Go to a bigger building.
Once you have enough business to hire more employees, you won't want to work out of your house.It is possible to lease space in a building that does not have a lot of noise, has flexible floor space to expand with your company, and has reliable internet and phone connections.
Step 10: Think about focusing on niche markets.
You might want to operate a call center for doctors' offices, software corporations, or telecommunications providers.You can offer discounts for referrals if you target these markets.