Renewable Energy Call Centre

[Rrab]

Hi all - I have been interested in starting a call centre offering renewable energy for a few months now and I am really struggling to find anything online about getting this started. I have found a really good office space in a great location but I need to know exactly what is it I need from phones, systems, legal, where to source what we offer etc.

Please don't hit me with the 'you know nothing about it so how can you start a business' - that's why I'm here for guidance, not looking to start up the business tomorrow I already run a few small businesses so am aware this isn't something that happens overnight.

Thanks all!

 

[webgeek]

Look at irtsurveys.co.uk and their related project websites. They do franchising for infrared thermal imaging / infrared thermography.

The reason I'm recommending, they do a lot with renewables, energy efficiency, etc and have posts about a lot of related reading you might find beneficial.

Running a call centre is just a matter of getting an automatic call distribution system, or VOIP system, depending on how old school you want to be... The hard part is figuring out what services to offer and how to deliver on them

 

[Mike_Cartwright]

Hi, Rrab. I commend you for having the courage to finally start your own business! It takes a lot of guts to step up to the plate and say "I'm going to start my own".

For call centers, the basics would be:

• A reliable phone system - you can go for physical phones or virtual phones that you can just install without the need for bulky physical devices.
• A CRM, ERP or any system that where your agents can access, edit, and store customer details including notes, customer info, follow-up schedules, etc.
• A CTI software - CTIs connect your CRM or data software with your phone system. This software ensures that all calls that come in and go out are recorded and logged real-time. We're currently using a tool called Tenfold where we're provided with click-to-dial, a floating UI (we no longer need to access numerous windows when assisting customers or handling calls), real-time data and analytics. It also makes sure that we don't work with duplicate records. Nothing is worse than working with bad data.
• An HR department, accounting, management - make sure you have a department dedicated for particular concerns. Getting these in order would get your business sailing as smoothly as possible.
• Clients - If you don't have clients yet, it's a good idea to look for them while you're finalizing everything with your call center. Do you know where you could get in touch with potential clients?