Call Center Blurbs is Moving

I've been traveling on a rough road for the past few months and writing has been hampered with other responsibilities.  The posts, as you've all noticed, have been erratic.  

But because of new opportunities, I'm glad to say that I'm back on track.  I've managed to plan my posts and have scheduled it accordingly which will start in the next few weeks.  So, I thought it would be great to have a new look and home for the new and improved Call Center Blurbs blog. Aaah yes, the blog is moving!

Image courtesy of Sesame Ellis' Flickr PhotostreamHere is a list of what to expect while I move things around:

1. NEW DOMAIN NAME. (CALLCENTERBLURBS.COM). When I started this blog in 2005 and wrote for KnowMoreMedia in 2006, I kept my existing sub-domain within SquareSpace (callcenterph.squarespace.com).  I bought the callcenterblurbs.com domain and just forwarded it since. I've decided to keep it and removed the forwarding service.  It's easier and for branding purposes, it's easier to remember.  After 3 months, the sub-domain will no longer exist.
2. CONTENT TO BE MERGED.  All my content will be moved to its new home.  I'll keep the original title and date it was posted for the next 3 months but will include only the first paragraph or probably an introduction and link to the new permalink.  After the 3 month deadline, all content will be found in the new domain. 
3. NO MORE DISCUSSION FORUM.  I wanted to create a community within my blog by providing a discussion forum but that didn't work out well.  Managing the spam comments has been a chore. What I will do is link to other great call center forums on the web for you to join.
4. ADVICE COLUMN REVAMP. This is a tricky one. I haven't finalized my plans as of yet.  Since I have work with Pilipinas Bulletin and will also get an online advice column in another website, I'm not sure if there is a need to keep it.  But, then again, I'm still getting emails from readers and would love to keep the format.  Let's see how this goes. 
5. MULTIMEDIA CONTENT.  I'll be sharing a lot of resources on the industry, not only through the written word but also share videos, podcasts and on-demand webinars.  Why get tied to just one form right? 

I'm excited about the new developments and happy that I can continue my passion.  I look forward to seeing you all in our new home soon! 

Pilipinas Bulletin: My Journey to the World of Print

My writing world is expanding and I am going to enter the world of print. 

I've been fortunate enough to be given the chance to write for Pilipinas Bulletin, a newspaper that launched a few months ago.  Branded as the "Country's National Transrail Newspaper", they distribute around 20,000 copies to MRT stations in the afternoon.  I was told that they will expand to the LRT stations as well. 

As a contributor, I've been given free reign on what the format should be.  It could be the usual article form or I could decide to make it a "Dear Ate Jam" column.  My first article is due soon and I was given the choice to submit weekly or monthly.  I could do it every two weeks and depending on the response from my readers, I can make it more frequent. 

So, if you happen to pick up an issue while you ride the MRT to work, drop me a note and send me an email at callcenterph (at) gmail (dot) com.  I would love to hear your suggestions and what you want me to write about as I start my journey. 

Pilipinas Bulletin is published Monday to Friday by King's Visions Printing & Publications, Inc.

Praebeo Resources: A Different Way of Doing Executive Search

Here is an update on Praebeo today.  They've opened up their BPO Executive Search division. 

Okay, so it's another head hunter amongst the dozen (even more) of recruitment firms in the Philippines, so what's new?

The managing partners of the company has been in the industry since it penetrated the market years back and because of their experience, they noticed one missing ingredient --- matching based on the needs of the client AND the candidate.  Headhunters normally match candidates based on qualifications or skill set and experience. That's the problem - it stops there.  What happens after placement is that the candidate then resigns after a few months leaving the company to look for a replacement. Goodbye investment.

With Praebeo, they take this into consideration.  Their database is growing and they take the time to meet the candidates and ask for their career goals.  Ask what is important to them and would make them move and stay (other than compensation).  As for the client, an orientation and specific questions are asked on the expectations of the role, environment and culture is included. Sometimes, even the superior is asked of his expectations and management style to check if there is a fit.

With this approach, it is a "win-win" situation for both parties.

They are currently looking for candidates to add to their database, so you can submit your resume' to bpo@praebeoresources.com.  For potential clients, you can also contact them through the same email.

Praebeo Resources

A human resources company, Praebeo Resources is one of the newest recruitment firms that focuses on BPO companies here in the Philippines. 

It is the first of its kind in the country that offers online call center training within a virtual classroom environment.  No it's not run on a WBT or CBT platform but 100% done live on the Internet.  They've partnered with ProFora to make this possible. 

They boast of offering their clients customized recruiting and staffing solutions, shorter hiring time, lower hiring cost and reduced attrition.  For their talent pool, the benefits include career matching and satisfaction monitoring, talent management and personalized negotiation.

Its vision is to revolutionize the hiring process of BPOs and other industries through its screening, training and talent management systems.

Their first class will run for 4 weeks this coming May 12, 2009.  If you are interested in getting a job in the industry and experience their unique training method to give you that edge, you can email your resume' to recruitment@praebeoresources.com.  You can also call 63.2.2152283 to go through the assessment and be registered for the class.

Call Center Show: Mumbai Calling

This post has been moved to its new home.  Read the full post here. 

Mumbai Calling. A call center shown in HBO Signature (Asia).