Unstoppable Leadership Spotlight by Jaclyn Strominger. Telesales expert secrets with Richard Blank.
Are you a visionary leader navigating the challenges of growing a cohesive team, work ethics, and culture or an entrepreneur working to scale your business and create unstoppable growth? The "Unstoppable Leadership Spotlight: Influential Leaders and Their Game-Changing Insights" podcast is searching for CEOs, VPs, and leaders who are ready to share their stories, challenges, and transformative insights with a global audience. On the "Unstoppable Leadership Spotlight" podcast, we dive deep into the journeys of influential leaders like you, exploring the highs and lows, the challenges and triumphs, and the game-changing insights that have shaped your success. Think you'd be...
At "Unstoppable Leadership Spotlight," I work with entrepreneurs who are starting their business and who have been in business for 10+years. From CEOs and VPs to trailblazing Inventors, High powered Real estate professionals, Mortgage Brokers and High Achieving professional who are ready to level up and be unstoppable. Our podcast is your gateway to discovering the game-changing strategies and leadership insights that drive success.
Richard Blank emphasizes the significance of speaking the local language to build rapport and respect with team members.
Creating a positive corporate culture is paramount for enhancing employee morale and productivity, as demonstrated by Richard's leadership style.
Richard advocates for emotional intelligence and empathy as essential qualities for effective leadership and team management.
The importance of appreciating long-term employees cannot be overstated, as their loyalty and experience contribute significantly to organizational success.
Richard's unique approach to leadership involves gamification and fostering a fun environment, which cultivates employee engagement.
Leadership requires maturity and impulse control, enabling leaders to guide their teams effectively through challenges.
https://youtu.be/9FZaYHIuyUc
Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ
Jaclyn Strominger, Unstoppable Leadership Spotlight, Richard Blank, Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing Call Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,call centre, contact centre, contact center,trend, trending
Our Mission:
As a High Achiever Success Coach, my mission is to propel ambitious individuals to their peak performance in both business and life. I am committed to mentoring and guiding high achievers to transcend their limits, take bold leaps forward, and realize their fullest potential.
By fostering a culture of confidence and excellence, I empower professionals to harness their potential, elevate their aspirations, and achieve profound success. My passion lies in witnessing these transformations and celebrating each milestone, as high achievers not only reach but exceed their goals, becoming confident leaders and innovators in their fields.
Join Us on This Journey: Be Our Next Guest
Whether you're a leader aiming to elevate your career, an entrepreneur seeking inspiration, or an innovator looking to make your mark, "Unstoppable Leadership Spotlight" offers you the insights and inspiration you need to soar. Tune in to our episodes and unlock the strategies that will propel you to the next level.
Together, let's break barriers, shatter limits, and create a future of unparalleled success.
Unlocking Potential, Inspiring Boldness, and Leading with Purpose
Jaclyn Strominger:
Hello! I'm Jaclyn, a High-Performance Leadership Coach dedicated to empowering CEOs, entrepreneurs, and professionals to achieve unparalleled growth and lead with unwavering purpose.
My Journey
Since college, I developed this inner drive & purpose. Finding this in myself, has led me to develop my passion to help others not only find their passion, but go for excellence. I am committed to helping others realize their full potential. I developed skills which I use to help others break barriers and achieve greatness.
My Skills
High-Performance Coaching
Leadership Development
Business Strategy & Growth
Transformational Leadership
Networking Strategy
Executive Communication
Strategic Planning & Vision Mapping
Energy Leadership Index (ELI) Assessments
Personal Branding
Team Building & Collaboration
Mindset & Confidence Coaching
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Development
Problem-Solving & Decision-Making
My Approach
I believe in creating a personalized coaching experience that blends empathy with strategic insight. By leveraging your unique strengths and addressing your challenges, I design actionable strategies that drive growth, ignite boldness, and instill a deep sense of purpose in your leadership journey.
Achievements
Successfully coached over 100 professionals, leading to significant personal and professional growth.
Spearheaded leadership workshops that have transformed organizational cultures.
Recognized for innovative approaches in leadership development and high-performance coaching.
Professional Goals
My mission is to continue empowering leaders to unlock their full potential, fostering environments where boldness and purpose drive success. I aim to expand my reach, impacting more professionals and organizations through transformative coaching and leadership development programs.
Services
One-on-one high-performance leadership coaching
Executive workshops and seminars
Strategic business growth consulting
Networking strategy development
Transformational leadership programs
Why I Do What I Do
I am driven by the impact that empowered leadership can have on individuals and organizations. Knowing first hand what a leader can and can't do for a career, confidence and beyond, fuels my passion. Along with seeing my clients soar!
Richard’s journey in the call center space is filled with twists and turns. When he was 27 years old, he relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose.
Mr. Richard Blank holds a bachelors degree in Communication and Spanish from the University of Arizona and a certificate of language proficiency from the University of Sevilla, Spain. A Keynote speaker for Philadelphia's Abington High School 68th National Honors Society induction ceremony. In addition, inducted into the 2023 Hall of Fame for Business. Giving back to Abington Senior High School is very important to Mr. Blank. As such, he endows a scholarship each year for students that plan on majoring in a world language at the university level.
Costa Rica’s Call Center (CCC) is a state of the art BPO telemarketing outsource company located in the capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica. Our main focus has been, and will always be to personally train each and every Central America call center agent so that we may offer the highest quality of outbound and inbound telemarketing solutions and bilingual customer service to small and medium sized international companies, entrepreneurs as well as fortune 500 companies.
We encourage you to visit one of our call centers on your next personal vacation or business trip to Central America’s paradise, Costa Rica. While you are here, we would recommend taking an extra day of your trip to visit breathtaking virgin beaches, play golf next to the ocean, try your luck at deep sea fishing, explore tropical jungles, climb volcanos or just relax in natural hot springs. Come and see for yourself why call center outsourcing in Costa Rica is a perfect solution for your growing company and a powerhouse in the BPO industry.
https://costaricascallcenter.com/en/outbound-bpo-campaigns/
#jaclynstrominger #UnstoppableLeadership Spotlight #RichardBlank #CostaRica #CallCenter #Outsourcing #Telemarketing #BPO #Sales #Entrepreneur #B2B #Business #Podcast #Gamification #CEO #trend #trending #listennow #subscribe #podcastclip #podcastvideo #videopodcasting #podcastguest
The Deadly Frog (normal difficulty). Army Men skin gameplay.
Hypercharge: Unboxed is a classic-style third- and first-person shooter inspired by Toy Story, Small Soldiers, and Army Men. It focuses on wave-based shooting with defense building mechanics. You must complete Sergeant Max Ammo's mission and prevent the HYPER-CORE from being destroyed.
--- Main features:
- Single Player: Sometimes humans can get in the way. That's why we've designed smart Player Bots that will cover your six, collect resources, and help build defenses.
- Co-op and PvP: Fight evil hordes of armed toys with up to four players in cooperative mode or betray your little allies and face off in several classic competitive modes.
- Progression: Choose your preferred difficulty and earn medals, unlock unique action figures, and customize your head, skin, and weapon. If you really want to show off, create a prestigious title with the Name Generator.
- Big guns: You may be small, but you pack a big punch. Explode, melt and even disintegrate any toy that gets in your way.
- Wave-based Hybrid: Not a fan of Tower Defense? Don't worry, Hypercharge is not a traditional TD game. Combines wave-based shooting with a simple defense build. Collect special buildable cards and build turrets, traps and walls.
Follow us on our social networks for more exclusive content:
- https://ArmyMen.com.ar
- https://facebook.com/armymenvideogames
- https://instagram.com/armymenchannel
- https://twitter.com/armymenchannel
- https://discord.com/invite/VfbqahDyUB
"The Army Men Videogames Channel" is a YouTube channel specialized exclusively in the Army Men franchise and thematic derivatives of it, run by some of the most loyal and knowledgeable fans in the world.
Some of our most important activities are the design of Army Men video games, unique modifications of existing games and MODs for other games.
#Hypercharge #HyperchargeUnboxed #ArmyMen
Watch how young women are breaking barriers and building bold futures. Through the Link Women Project, supported by LinkedIn India, Plan India, and UN Women Asia and the Pacific and the Pacific, are helping young women overcome challenges like limited mobility, digital exclusion, and restrictive gender norms. After a successful completion of Phase I, we are excited to start the Phase II in which we aim to empower 5,000 young women across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh with: Employability and soft skills Artificial Intelligence and cyber safety Entrepreneurship and digital tools Our goal: meaningful careers, economic independence, and stronger, inclusive communities. This is what real change looks like — led by women, supported by community, and powered by opportunity. UN Women UN Women India UN Women Asia and the Pacific LinkedIn India
The Mighty Widow Woman & The Rebellius Princess VS Green & Tan Army Men, in a large toy store called "The Palace of Toys". Can the action figures against the plastic soldiers?
The Rebellius Princess and The Mighty Widow Woman (normal difficulty).
Hypercharge: Unboxed is a classic-style third- and first-person shooter inspired by Toy Story, Small Soldiers, and Army Men. It focuses on wave-based shooting with defense building mechanics. You must complete Sergeant Max Ammo's mission and prevent the HYPER-CORE from being destroyed.
--- Main features:
- Single Player: Sometimes humans can get in the way. That's why we've designed smart Player Bots that will cover your six, collect resources, and help build defenses.
- Co-op and PvP: Fight evil hordes of armed toys with up to four players in cooperative mode or betray your little allies and face off in several classic competitive modes.
- Progression: Choose your preferred difficulty and earn medals, unlock unique action figures, and customize your head, skin, and weapon. If you really want to show off, create a prestigious title with the Name Generator.
- Big guns: You may be small, but you pack a big punch. Explode, melt and even disintegrate any toy that gets in your way.
- Wave-based Hybrid: Not a fan of Tower Defense? Don't worry, Hypercharge is not a traditional TD game. Combines wave-based shooting with a simple defense build. Collect special buildable cards and build turrets, traps and walls.
"The Army Men Videogames Channel" is a YouTube channel specialized exclusively in the Army Men franchise and thematic derivatives of it, run by some of the most loyal and knowledgeable fans in the world.
Some of our most important activities are the design of Army Men video games, unique modifications of existing games and MODs for other games.
Follow us on our social networks for more exclusive content:
- https://ArmyMen.com.ar
- https://facebook.com/armymenvideogames
- https://instagram.com/armymenchannel
- https://twitter.com/armymenchannel
- https://discord.com/invite/VfbqahDyUB
#Hypercharge #HyperchargeUnboxed #ArmyMen
Threads of Enlightenment podcast. Host Ken Primus interviews expat CEO Richard Blank
Threads of Enlightenment: Unlocking Your Best Self, is your gateway to discovering life-changing principles of self-development and growth. We dive into inspiring stories of resilience, healing, and transformation. From overcoming devastating challenges like mental illness, substance abuse, and financial loss to learning how to embrace your inner power, this podcast celebrates the indomitable human spirit. Tune in to learn actionable steps for overcoming fear and achieving your desired outcome. Whether you're battling anxiety or looking for guidance on personal growth, Threads of Enlightenment is here to inspire your journey.
From Philly to Costa Rica: Watch how one man's bold move at 51 transformed his life and opened doors to unexpected dreams. Richard shares his inspiring journey of leaving Philadelphia behind to embrace a new chapter in Costa Rica, proving it's never too late to reinvent yourself.
After building a successful life, Richard now explores new passions including writing children's books, art, and music. His story shows how stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to extraordinary opportunities and personal growth.
Discover how this former Philadelphia native found purpose through giving back, creating a scholarship for language students, and embracing a simpler, more fulfilling lifestyle. Richard's journey reminds us that success isn't just about material wealth - it's about gratitude, continuous learning, and having the courage to follow your dreams, no matter your age.
Join us for an authentic conversation about second chances, finding happiness in unexpected places, and the wisdom that comes from embracing both life's challenges and opportunities. Perfect for anyone considering a major life change or seeking inspiration to pursue their dreams.
From leaving Philadelphia to building a thriving 150-person company in Costa Rica, this is the story of how taking a leap of faith led to creating something extraordinary. After working in call centers for 4 years, I saw an opportunity to build something different - a company focused on advanced communication, conflict management, and genuine human connection. Unlike massive corporate call centers, we've created an environment where employees aren't just numbers - they're part of a community where mentorship, growth, and second chances matter. With pinball machines, arcade games, and a culture that values personal development, we've proven that sometimes the best business decisions come from following an unconventional path. Join me as I share my 16-year journey of building a company that puts people first, the challenges of international business ownership, and why leaving my comfort zone in Philly was the best decision I ever made.
Richard's leap of faith led to a life-changing adventure. Hear how this man from Philadelphia found love, purpose, and success after moving to Costa Rica on a whim. Richard shares his journey of learning Spanish, embracing a new culture, and building a thriving business. Discover the power of stepping out of your comfort zone and following your dreams. Richard discuss overcoming fears, seizing opportunities, and finding fulfillment in unexpected places. Get inspired to take your own leap of faith and create the life you've always wanted.
Discover practical wisdom about cultural adaptation, language learning, and the courage it takes to chart your own path. Richard's story demonstrates how taking calculated risks and staying true to your passions can create a life more fulfilling than you ever imagined.
Whether you're dreaming of living abroad, learning a new language, or simply seeking inspiration to make a bold life change, this episode offers valuable insights and motivation. Richard's journey shows that with dedication, cultural sensitivity, and an open heart, you can create success anywhere in the world.
Takeaways
Time is valuable and should be respected
Compliments have the power to change someone's state
Embracing new experiences and taking risks can lead to personal growth
Learning a new language opens doors and allows for deeper connections
Following your passion can lead to a fulfilling and meaningful life. Becoming a disciple and practicing discipline in daily life is powerful and trains the mind.
Giving back to the community that has enriched your life is important.
Simplicity and gratitude are key to finding happiness and fulfillment.
Success is built on a million thank yous and the support of mentors and loved ones.
Embrace challenges and setbacks as part of the journey and learn from them.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
02:02 - Serving Mankind: Purpose and Impact
04:06 - Family Background and Influence
09:28 - School Experience: Lessons and Growth
17:16 - Genesis of Spanish: Origins and Development
22:05 - Falling in Love: Personal Journey
27:18 - Adapting to Costa Rican Culture and Lifestyle
32:47 - Becoming a Disciple: Spiritual Growth
35:30 - Richard's Business Journey: Starting Out
41:10 - Employee Departure: Values and Expectations
43:15 - Unique Qualities: What Sets Us Apart
47:40 - Richard’s Heartbeat: Core Values
48:40 - Life After Retirement: Richard’s Plans
52:45 - Outro
54:07 - End
Family Upbringing and Its Impact
And when you walk in the space of being present, you notice things. So Richard, one of the things that we do here at Threads of Enlightenment, and I told you we go back in that time machine, You have done much, and I can't wait to get into all of that as we move through your life. One of the things that we do is revisit our starting point, if you will, that starting point and location, and we call it the family. We have mom and dad strangers, and you are a stranger, and you are put into this pod, as they say. And mom and dad is about to deposit some data into you based on their culture, their perception, all of these different things, their programming, their And they're going to begin to put some data information into you so that they want to help you out, as they say, so you can be that good man and that young man on this planet. What was your family like?
Richard's High School Spanish Adventure
That's a wonderful question. And before I tell you about my Renaissance period, I have to compliment your smooth move. My man, I love that last story. Hey man, one of the best things I did. Looking great. Would you put on some of the car? I mean, that's my man. Making moves. That was one of my smooth movements. We all definitely did learn something. Kind of like Mike DeMone with Rat and Fast Times at Richmond. Hi, Ken just taught us. I love it. Anyway. So I'm back in Northeast Philly at my proud Abington High School. And all of my friends were going to be doctors and lawyers and engineers and architects. And they had a plan. I had no plan except sports and girls and goofing around. But my favorite class was Spanish. And I don't know about you, but sometimes you got to get the like wake up call. And I got the chills. I said, if I'm the only one. that could speak Spanish out of all my friends. A, I could speak to the girls over there, you know, because they speak Spanish. And B, I might be able to get a job or put se habla espanol on a business card, which gives me an angle. But it wasn't the cute pat on the head parlor trick. My parents thought it was fleeting or a passing moment. The difference was the dedicated practice. I was not the best student. All right, let's be real. But the one class that I did above and beyond was Spanish. It wasn't cramming. It wasn't copying notes. It wasn't study groups. No, man, I was doing the Mr. Miyagi Danielson kicking on the beach. Really, no joke. I was watching the movies, reading the books. And I said, this is good. And I can build on it. And it's flexible because it's everywhere. There's tons of Spanish speakers in Philly and in the world. And every time that I would do my 5%, 7%, one word, maybe a sentence.
Richard's Philosophy: Pay It Forward with Compliments
That's quite simple. On the top of my list is paying it forward with sincere compliments. I don't need to be at one place at one time, one time a year. I can do it all day long. Compliment someone's hair, how they make a sandwich for you with extra pickles. Or somebody takes their time to do something right. It's very easy to give them reinforcements It moves them forward. It moves me forward. It's free. And it sticks. Because that could be the one thing that person needed that day to start that engine. Or really just to get them over the end zone and have a touchdown. And so I look for the thing that's not common, that's unique. So I'm paying closer attention than most that just glance over others. And so it's most importantly for me to make someone feel better about themselves that day. At least one thing out of 10, I can find that's good about them.
And I don't know about you, but sometimes you got to get the like wake up call. And I got the chills. I said, if I'm the only one. that could speak Spanish out of all my friends. A, I could speak to the girls over there, you know, because they speak Spanish. And B, I might be able to get a job or put se habla espanol on a business card, which gives me an angle. But it wasn't the cute pat on the head parlor trick. My parents thought it was fleeting or a passing moment. The difference was the dedicated practice. I was not the best student. All right, let's be real. But the one class that I did above and beyond was Spanish. It wasn't cramming. It wasn't copying notes. It wasn't study groups. No, man, I was doing the Mr. Miyagi Danielson kicking on the beach. Really, no joke. I was watching the movies, reading the books. And I said, this is good. And I can build on it. And it's flexible because it's everywhere. There's tons of Spanish speakers in Philly and in the world. And every time that I would do my 5%, 7%, one word, maybe a sentence. The positive reinforcement that I got from a bilingual Spanish speaker, it was like a Mario coin. It wasn't a thousand, but it added up. They said, Richard, go, go, go, go. Here's a couple more words. Richard, let me balance your bike on the grammar here. Let me help you here. All I kept doing was expanding the base, expanding that base and growing. And so by the time I graduated, I had an intermediate level.
https://youtu.be/3a237rFKdlw
https://youtu.be/xxPBm_B-H-0
https://youtu.be/Mf648Pc9uNU
https://youtu.be/h8tRuPqNNDY
https://youtu.be/kh-S4pV3bws
Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ
Ken Primus, Threads of Enlightenment podcast, Richard Blank, Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing Call Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,call centre, contact centre, contact center,trend, trending
Richard’s journey in the call center space is filled with twists and turns. When he was 27 years old, he relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose.
Mr. Richard Blank holds a bachelors degree in Communication and Spanish from the University of Arizona and a certificate of language proficiency from the University of Sevilla, Spain. A Keynote speaker for Philadelphia's Abington High School 68th National Honors Society induction ceremony. In addition, inducted into the 2023 Hall of Fame for Business. Giving back to Abington Senior High School is very important to Mr. Blank. As such, he endows a scholarship each year for students that plan on majoring in a world language at the university level.
Costa Rica’s Call Center (CCC) is a state of the art BPO telemarketing outsource company located in the capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica. Our main focus has been, and will always be to personally train each and every Central America call center agent so that we may offer the highest quality of outbound and inbound telemarketing solutions and bilingual customer service to small and medium sized international companies, entrepreneurs as well as fortune 500 companies.
We encourage you to visit one of our call centers on your next personal vacation or business trip to Central America’s paradise, Costa Rica. While you are here, we would recommend taking an extra day of your trip to visit breathtaking virgin beaches, play golf next to the ocean, try your luck at deep sea fishing, explore tropical jungles, climb volcanos or just relax in natural hot springs. Come and see for yourself why call center outsourcing in Costa Rica is a perfect solution for your growing company and a powerhouse in the BPO industry.
https://costaricascallcenter.com/en/outbound-bpo-campaigns/
#KenPrimus #ThreadsofEnlightenmentpodcast #RichardBlank #CostaRica #CallCenter #Outsourcing #Telemarketing #BPO #Sales #Entrepreneur #B2B #Business #Podcast #Gamification #CEO #trend #trending #listennow #subscribe #podcastclip #podcastvideo #videopodcasting #podcastguest
Threads of Enlightenment podcast. Host Ken Primus interviews expat CEO Richard Blank
Threads of Enlightenment: Unlocking Your Best Self, is your gateway to discovering life-changing principles of self-development and growth. We dive into inspiring stories of resilience, healing, and transformation. From overcoming devastating challenges like mental illness, substance abuse, and financial loss to learning how to embrace your inner power, this podcast celebrates the indomitable human spirit. Tune in to learn actionable steps for overcoming fear and achieving your desired outcome. Whether you're battling anxiety or looking for guidance on personal growth, Threads of Enlightenment is here to inspire your journey.
From Philly to Costa Rica: Watch how one man's bold move at 51 transformed his life and opened doors to unexpected dreams. Richard shares his inspiring journey of leaving Philadelphia behind to embrace a new chapter in Costa Rica, proving it's never too late to reinvent yourself.
After building a successful life, Richard now explores new passions including writing children's books, art, and music. His story shows how stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to extraordinary opportunities and personal growth.
Discover how this former Philadelphia native found purpose through giving back, creating a scholarship for language students, and embracing a simpler, more fulfilling lifestyle. Richard's journey reminds us that success isn't just about material wealth - it's about gratitude, continuous learning, and having the courage to follow your dreams, no matter your age.
Join us for an authentic conversation about second chances, finding happiness in unexpected places, and the wisdom that comes from embracing both life's challenges and opportunities. Perfect for anyone considering a major life change or seeking inspiration to pursue their dreams.
From leaving Philadelphia to building a thriving 150-person company in Costa Rica, this is the story of how taking a leap of faith led to creating something extraordinary. After working in call centers for 4 years, I saw an opportunity to build something different - a company focused on advanced communication, conflict management, and genuine human connection. Unlike massive corporate call centers, we've created an environment where employees aren't just numbers - they're part of a community where mentorship, growth, and second chances matter. With pinball machines, arcade games, and a culture that values personal development, we've proven that sometimes the best business decisions come from following an unconventional path. Join me as I share my 16-year journey of building a company that puts people first, the challenges of international business ownership, and why leaving my comfort zone in Philly was the best decision I ever made.
Richard's leap of faith led to a life-changing adventure. Hear how this man from Philadelphia found love, purpose, and success after moving to Costa Rica on a whim. Richard shares his journey of learning Spanish, embracing a new culture, and building a thriving business. Discover the power of stepping out of your comfort zone and following your dreams. Richard discuss overcoming fears, seizing opportunities, and finding fulfillment in unexpected places. Get inspired to take your own leap of faith and create the life you've always wanted.
Discover practical wisdom about cultural adaptation, language learning, and the courage it takes to chart your own path. Richard's story demonstrates how taking calculated risks and staying true to your passions can create a life more fulfilling than you ever imagined.
Whether you're dreaming of living abroad, learning a new language, or simply seeking inspiration to make a bold life change, this episode offers valuable insights and motivation. Richard's journey shows that with dedication, cultural sensitivity, and an open heart, you can create success anywhere in the world.
Takeaways
Time is valuable and should be respected
Compliments have the power to change someone's state
Embracing new experiences and taking risks can lead to personal growth
Learning a new language opens doors and allows for deeper connections
Following your passion can lead to a fulfilling and meaningful life. Becoming a disciple and practicing discipline in daily life is powerful and trains the mind.
Giving back to the community that has enriched your life is important.
Simplicity and gratitude are key to finding happiness and fulfillment.
Success is built on a million thank yous and the support of mentors and loved ones.
Embrace challenges and setbacks as part of the journey and learn from them.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
02:02 - Serving Mankind: Purpose and Impact
04:06 - Family Background and Influence
09:28 - School Experience: Lessons and Growth
17:16 - Genesis of Spanish: Origins and Development
22:05 - Falling in Love: Personal Journey
27:18 - Adapting to Costa Rican Culture and Lifestyle
32:47 - Becoming a Disciple: Spiritual Growth
35:30 - Richard's Business Journey: Starting Out
41:10 - Employee Departure: Values and Expectations
43:15 - Unique Qualities: What Sets Us Apart
47:40 - Richard’s Heartbeat: Core Values
48:40 - Life After Retirement: Richard’s Plans
52:45 - Outro
54:07 - End
Family Upbringing and Its Impact
And when you walk in the space of being present, you notice things. So Richard, one of the things that we do here at Threads of Enlightenment, and I told you we go back in that time machine, You have done much, and I can't wait to get into all of that as we move through your life. One of the things that we do is revisit our starting point, if you will, that starting point and location, and we call it the family. We have mom and dad strangers, and you are a stranger, and you are put into this pod, as they say. And mom and dad is about to deposit some data into you based on their culture, their perception, all of these different things, their programming, their And they're going to begin to put some data information into you so that they want to help you out, as they say, so you can be that good man and that young man on this planet. What was your family like?
Richard's High School Spanish Adventure
That's a wonderful question. And before I tell you about my Renaissance period, I have to compliment your smooth move. My man, I love that last story. Hey man, one of the best things I did. Looking great. Would you put on some of the car? I mean, that's my man. Making moves. That was one of my smooth movements. We all definitely did learn something. Kind of like Mike DeMone with Rat and Fast Times at Richmond. Hi, Ken just taught us. I love it. Anyway. So I'm back in Northeast Philly at my proud Abington High School. And all of my friends were going to be doctors and lawyers and engineers and architects. And they had a plan. I had no plan except sports and girls and goofing around. But my favorite class was Spanish. And I don't know about you, but sometimes you got to get the like wake up call. And I got the chills. I said, if I'm the only one. that could speak Spanish out of all my friends. A, I could speak to the girls over there, you know, because they speak Spanish. And B, I might be able to get a job or put se habla espanol on a business card, which gives me an angle. But it wasn't the cute pat on the head parlor trick. My parents thought it was fleeting or a passing moment. The difference was the dedicated practice. I was not the best student. All right, let's be real. But the one class that I did above and beyond was Spanish. It wasn't cramming. It wasn't copying notes. It wasn't study groups. No, man, I was doing the Mr. Miyagi Danielson kicking on the beach. Really, no joke. I was watching the movies, reading the books. And I said, this is good. And I can build on it. And it's flexible because it's everywhere. There's tons of Spanish speakers in Philly and in the world. And every time that I would do my 5%, 7%, one word, maybe a sentence.
Richard's Philosophy: Pay It Forward with Compliments
That's quite simple. On the top of my list is paying it forward with sincere compliments. I don't need to be at one place at one time, one time a year. I can do it all day long. Compliment someone's hair, how they make a sandwich for you with extra pickles. Or somebody takes their time to do something right. It's very easy to give them reinforcements It moves them forward. It moves me forward. It's free. And it sticks. Because that could be the one thing that person needed that day to start that engine. Or really just to get them over the end zone and have a touchdown. And so I look for the thing that's not common, that's unique. So I'm paying closer attention than most that just glance over others. And so it's most importantly for me to make someone feel better about themselves that day. At least one thing out of 10, I can find that's good about them.
And I don't know about you, but sometimes you got to get the like wake up call. And I got the chills. I said, if I'm the only one. that could speak Spanish out of all my friends. A, I could speak to the girls over there, you know, because they speak Spanish. And B, I might be able to get a job or put se habla espanol on a business card, which gives me an angle. But it wasn't the cute pat on the head parlor trick. My parents thought it was fleeting or a passing moment. The difference was the dedicated practice. I was not the best student. All right, let's be real. But the one class that I did above and beyond was Spanish. It wasn't cramming. It wasn't copying notes. It wasn't study groups. No, man, I was doing the Mr. Miyagi Danielson kicking on the beach. Really, no joke. I was watching the movies, reading the books. And I said, this is good. And I can build on it. And it's flexible because it's everywhere. There's tons of Spanish speakers in Philly and in the world. And every time that I would do my 5%, 7%, one word, maybe a sentence. The positive reinforcement that I got from a bilingual Spanish speaker, it was like a Mario coin. It wasn't a thousand, but it added up. They said, Richard, go, go, go, go. Here's a couple more words. Richard, let me balance your bike on the grammar here. Let me help you here. All I kept doing was expanding the base, expanding that base and growing. And so by the time I graduated, I had an intermediate level.
https://youtu.be/3a237rFKdlw
https://youtu.be/xxPBm_B-H-0
https://youtu.be/Mf648Pc9uNU
https://youtu.be/h8tRuPqNNDY
https://youtu.be/kh-S4pV3bws
Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ
Ken Primus, Threads of Enlightenment podcast, Richard Blank, Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing Call Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,call centre, contact centre, contact center,trend, trending
Richard’s journey in the call center space is filled with twists and turns. When he was 27 years old, he relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose.
Mr. Richard Blank holds a bachelors degree in Communication and Spanish from the University of Arizona and a certificate of language proficiency from the University of Sevilla, Spain. A Keynote speaker for Philadelphia's Abington High School 68th National Honors Society induction ceremony. In addition, inducted into the 2023 Hall of Fame for Business. Giving back to Abington Senior High School is very important to Mr. Blank. As such, he endows a scholarship each year for students that plan on majoring in a world language at the university level.
Costa Rica’s Call Center (CCC) is a state of the art BPO telemarketing outsource company located in the capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica. Our main focus has been, and will always be to personally train each and every Central America call center agent so that we may offer the highest quality of outbound and inbound telemarketing solutions and bilingual customer service to small and medium sized international companies, entrepreneurs as well as fortune 500 companies.
We encourage you to visit one of our call centers on your next personal vacation or business trip to Central America’s paradise, Costa Rica. While you are here, we would recommend taking an extra day of your trip to visit breathtaking virgin beaches, play golf next to the ocean, try your luck at deep sea fishing, explore tropical jungles, climb volcanos or just relax in natural hot springs. Come and see for yourself why call center outsourcing in Costa Rica is a perfect solution for your growing company and a powerhouse in the BPO industry.
https://costaricascallcenter.com/en/outbound-bpo-campaigns/
#KenPrimus #ThreadsofEnlightenmentpodcast #RichardBlank #CostaRica #CallCenter #Outsourcing #Telemarketing #BPO #Sales #Entrepreneur #B2B #Business #Podcast #Gamification #CEO #trend #trending #listennow #subscribe #podcastclip #podcastvideo #videopodcasting #podcastguest
Threads of Enlightenment podcast. Host Ken Primus interviews expat CEO Richard Blank
Threads of Enlightenment: Unlocking Your Best Self, is your gateway to discovering life-changing principles of self-development and growth. We dive into inspiring stories of resilience, healing, and transformation. From overcoming devastating challenges like mental illness, substance abuse, and financial loss to learning how to embrace your inner power, this podcast celebrates the indomitable human spirit. Tune in to learn actionable steps for overcoming fear and achieving your desired outcome. Whether you're battling anxiety or looking for guidance on personal growth, Threads of Enlightenment is here to inspire your journey.
From Philly to Costa Rica: Watch how one man's bold move at 51 transformed his life and opened doors to unexpected dreams. Richard shares his inspiring journey of leaving Philadelphia behind to embrace a new chapter in Costa Rica, proving it's never too late to reinvent yourself.
After building a successful life, Richard now explores new passions including writing children's books, art, and music. His story shows how stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to extraordinary opportunities and personal growth.
Discover how this former Philadelphia native found purpose through giving back, creating a scholarship for language students, and embracing a simpler, more fulfilling lifestyle. Richard's journey reminds us that success isn't just about material wealth - it's about gratitude, continuous learning, and having the courage to follow your dreams, no matter your age.
Join us for an authentic conversation about second chances, finding happiness in unexpected places, and the wisdom that comes from embracing both life's challenges and opportunities. Perfect for anyone considering a major life change or seeking inspiration to pursue their dreams.
From leaving Philadelphia to building a thriving 150-person company in Costa Rica, this is the story of how taking a leap of faith led to creating something extraordinary. After working in call centers for 4 years, I saw an opportunity to build something different - a company focused on advanced communication, conflict management, and genuine human connection. Unlike massive corporate call centers, we've created an environment where employees aren't just numbers - they're part of a community where mentorship, growth, and second chances matter. With pinball machines, arcade games, and a culture that values personal development, we've proven that sometimes the best business decisions come from following an unconventional path. Join me as I share my 16-year journey of building a company that puts people first, the challenges of international business ownership, and why leaving my comfort zone in Philly was the best decision I ever made.
Richard's leap of faith led to a life-changing adventure. Hear how this man from Philadelphia found love, purpose, and success after moving to Costa Rica on a whim. Richard shares his journey of learning Spanish, embracing a new culture, and building a thriving business. Discover the power of stepping out of your comfort zone and following your dreams. Richard discuss overcoming fears, seizing opportunities, and finding fulfillment in unexpected places. Get inspired to take your own leap of faith and create the life you've always wanted.
Discover practical wisdom about cultural adaptation, language learning, and the courage it takes to chart your own path. Richard's story demonstrates how taking calculated risks and staying true to your passions can create a life more fulfilling than you ever imagined.
Whether you're dreaming of living abroad, learning a new language, or simply seeking inspiration to make a bold life change, this episode offers valuable insights and motivation. Richard's journey shows that with dedication, cultural sensitivity, and an open heart, you can create success anywhere in the world.
Takeaways
Time is valuable and should be respected
Compliments have the power to change someone's state
Embracing new experiences and taking risks can lead to personal growth
Learning a new language opens doors and allows for deeper connections
Following your passion can lead to a fulfilling and meaningful life. Becoming a disciple and practicing discipline in daily life is powerful and trains the mind.
Giving back to the community that has enriched your life is important.
Simplicity and gratitude are key to finding happiness and fulfillment.
Success is built on a million thank yous and the support of mentors and loved ones.
Embrace challenges and setbacks as part of the journey and learn from them.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
02:02 - Serving Mankind: Purpose and Impact
04:06 - Family Background and Influence
09:28 - School Experience: Lessons and Growth
17:16 - Genesis of Spanish: Origins and Development
22:05 - Falling in Love: Personal Journey
27:18 - Adapting to Costa Rican Culture and Lifestyle
32:47 - Becoming a Disciple: Spiritual Growth
35:30 - Richard's Business Journey: Starting Out
41:10 - Employee Departure: Values and Expectations
43:15 - Unique Qualities: What Sets Us Apart
47:40 - Richard’s Heartbeat: Core Values
48:40 - Life After Retirement: Richard’s Plans
52:45 - Outro
54:07 - End
Family Upbringing and Its Impact
And when you walk in the space of being present, you notice things. So Richard, one of the things that we do here at Threads of Enlightenment, and I told you we go back in that time machine, You have done much, and I can't wait to get into all of that as we move through your life. One of the things that we do is revisit our starting point, if you will, that starting point and location, and we call it the family. We have mom and dad strangers, and you are a stranger, and you are put into this pod, as they say. And mom and dad is about to deposit some data into you based on their culture, their perception, all of these different things, their programming, their And they're going to begin to put some data information into you so that they want to help you out, as they say, so you can be that good man and that young man on this planet. What was your family like?
Richard's High School Spanish Adventure
That's a wonderful question. And before I tell you about my Renaissance period, I have to compliment your smooth move. My man, I love that last story. Hey man, one of the best things I did. Looking great. Would you put on some of the car? I mean, that's my man. Making moves. That was one of my smooth movements. We all definitely did learn something. Kind of like Mike DeMone with Rat and Fast Times at Richmond. Hi, Ken just taught us. I love it. Anyway. So I'm back in Northeast Philly at my proud Abington High School. And all of my friends were going to be doctors and lawyers and engineers and architects. And they had a plan. I had no plan except sports and girls and goofing around. But my favorite class was Spanish. And I don't know about you, but sometimes you got to get the like wake up call. And I got the chills. I said, if I'm the only one. that could speak Spanish out of all my friends. A, I could speak to the girls over there, you know, because they speak Spanish. And B, I might be able to get a job or put se habla espanol on a business card, which gives me an angle. But it wasn't the cute pat on the head parlor trick. My parents thought it was fleeting or a passing moment. The difference was the dedicated practice. I was not the best student. All right, let's be real. But the one class that I did above and beyond was Spanish. It wasn't cramming. It wasn't copying notes. It wasn't study groups. No, man, I was doing the Mr. Miyagi Danielson kicking on the beach. Really, no joke. I was watching the movies, reading the books. And I said, this is good. And I can build on it. And it's flexible because it's everywhere. There's tons of Spanish speakers in Philly and in the world. And every time that I would do my 5%, 7%, one word, maybe a sentence.
Richard's Philosophy: Pay It Forward with Compliments
That's quite simple. On the top of my list is paying it forward with sincere compliments. I don't need to be at one place at one time, one time a year. I can do it all day long. Compliment someone's hair, how they make a sandwich for you with extra pickles. Or somebody takes their time to do something right. It's very easy to give them reinforcements It moves them forward. It moves me forward. It's free. And it sticks. Because that could be the one thing that person needed that day to start that engine. Or really just to get them over the end zone and have a touchdown. And so I look for the thing that's not common, that's unique. So I'm paying closer attention than most that just glance over others. And so it's most importantly for me to make someone feel better about themselves that day. At least one thing out of 10, I can find that's good about them.
And I don't know about you, but sometimes you got to get the like wake up call. And I got the chills. I said, if I'm the only one. that could speak Spanish out of all my friends. A, I could speak to the girls over there, you know, because they speak Spanish. And B, I might be able to get a job or put se habla espanol on a business card, which gives me an angle. But it wasn't the cute pat on the head parlor trick. My parents thought it was fleeting or a passing moment. The difference was the dedicated practice. I was not the best student. All right, let's be real. But the one class that I did above and beyond was Spanish. It wasn't cramming. It wasn't copying notes. It wasn't study groups. No, man, I was doing the Mr. Miyagi Danielson kicking on the beach. Really, no joke. I was watching the movies, reading the books. And I said, this is good. And I can build on it. And it's flexible because it's everywhere. There's tons of Spanish speakers in Philly and in the world. And every time that I would do my 5%, 7%, one word, maybe a sentence. The positive reinforcement that I got from a bilingual Spanish speaker, it was like a Mario coin. It wasn't a thousand, but it added up. They said, Richard, go, go, go, go. Here's a couple more words. Richard, let me balance your bike on the grammar here. Let me help you here. All I kept doing was expanding the base, expanding that base and growing. And so by the time I graduated, I had an intermediate level.
https://youtu.be/3a237rFKdlw
https://youtu.be/xxPBm_B-H-0
https://youtu.be/Mf648Pc9uNU
https://youtu.be/h8tRuPqNNDY
https://youtu.be/kh-S4pV3bws
Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ
Ken Primus, Threads of Enlightenment podcast, Richard Blank, Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing Call Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,call centre, contact centre, contact center,trend, trending
Richard’s journey in the call center space is filled with twists and turns. When he was 27 years old, he relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose.
Mr. Richard Blank holds a bachelors degree in Communication and Spanish from the University of Arizona and a certificate of language proficiency from the University of Sevilla, Spain. A Keynote speaker for Philadelphia's Abington High School 68th National Honors Society induction ceremony. In addition, inducted into the 2023 Hall of Fame for Business. Giving back to Abington Senior High School is very important to Mr. Blank. As such, he endows a scholarship each year for students that plan on majoring in a world language at the university level.
Costa Rica’s Call Center (CCC) is a state of the art BPO telemarketing outsource company located in the capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica. Our main focus has been, and will always be to personally train each and every Central America call center agent so that we may offer the highest quality of outbound and inbound telemarketing solutions and bilingual customer service to small and medium sized international companies, entrepreneurs as well as fortune 500 companies.
We encourage you to visit one of our call centers on your next personal vacation or business trip to Central America’s paradise, Costa Rica. While you are here, we would recommend taking an extra day of your trip to visit breathtaking virgin beaches, play golf next to the ocean, try your luck at deep sea fishing, explore tropical jungles, climb volcanos or just relax in natural hot springs. Come and see for yourself why call center outsourcing in Costa Rica is a perfect solution for your growing company and a powerhouse in the BPO industry.
https://costaricascallcenter.com/en/outbound-bpo-campaigns/
#KenPrimus #ThreadsofEnlightenmentpodcast #RichardBlank #CostaRica #CallCenter #Outsourcing #Telemarketing #BPO #Sales #Entrepreneur #B2B #Business #Podcast #Gamification #CEO #trend #trending #listennow #subscribe #podcastclip #podcastvideo #videopodcasting #podcastguest
Threads of Enlightenment podcast. Host Ken Primus interviews expat CEO Richard Blank
Threads of Enlightenment: Unlocking Your Best Self, is your gateway to discovering life-changing principles of self-development and growth. We dive into inspiring stories of resilience, healing, and transformation. From overcoming devastating challenges like mental illness, substance abuse, and financial loss to learning how to embrace your inner power, this podcast celebrates the indomitable human spirit. Tune in to learn actionable steps for overcoming fear and achieving your desired outcome. Whether you're battling anxiety or looking for guidance on personal growth, Threads of Enlightenment is here to inspire your journey.
From Philly to Costa Rica: Watch how one man's bold move at 51 transformed his life and opened doors to unexpected dreams. Richard shares his inspiring journey of leaving Philadelphia behind to embrace a new chapter in Costa Rica, proving it's never too late to reinvent yourself.
After building a successful life, Richard now explores new passions including writing children's books, art, and music. His story shows how stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to extraordinary opportunities and personal growth.
Discover how this former Philadelphia native found purpose through giving back, creating a scholarship for language students, and embracing a simpler, more fulfilling lifestyle. Richard's journey reminds us that success isn't just about material wealth - it's about gratitude, continuous learning, and having the courage to follow your dreams, no matter your age.
Join us for an authentic conversation about second chances, finding happiness in unexpected places, and the wisdom that comes from embracing both life's challenges and opportunities. Perfect for anyone considering a major life change or seeking inspiration to pursue their dreams.
From leaving Philadelphia to building a thriving 150-person company in Costa Rica, this is the story of how taking a leap of faith led to creating something extraordinary. After working in call centers for 4 years, I saw an opportunity to build something different - a company focused on advanced communication, conflict management, and genuine human connection. Unlike massive corporate call centers, we've created an environment where employees aren't just numbers - they're part of a community where mentorship, growth, and second chances matter. With pinball machines, arcade games, and a culture that values personal development, we've proven that sometimes the best business decisions come from following an unconventional path. Join me as I share my 16-year journey of building a company that puts people first, the challenges of international business ownership, and why leaving my comfort zone in Philly was the best decision I ever made.
Richard's leap of faith led to a life-changing adventure. Hear how this man from Philadelphia found love, purpose, and success after moving to Costa Rica on a whim. Richard shares his journey of learning Spanish, embracing a new culture, and building a thriving business. Discover the power of stepping out of your comfort zone and following your dreams. Richard discuss overcoming fears, seizing opportunities, and finding fulfillment in unexpected places. Get inspired to take your own leap of faith and create the life you've always wanted.
Discover practical wisdom about cultural adaptation, language learning, and the courage it takes to chart your own path. Richard's story demonstrates how taking calculated risks and staying true to your passions can create a life more fulfilling than you ever imagined.
Whether you're dreaming of living abroad, learning a new language, or simply seeking inspiration to make a bold life change, this episode offers valuable insights and motivation. Richard's journey shows that with dedication, cultural sensitivity, and an open heart, you can create success anywhere in the world.
Takeaways
Time is valuable and should be respected
Compliments have the power to change someone's state
Embracing new experiences and taking risks can lead to personal growth
Learning a new language opens doors and allows for deeper connections
Following your passion can lead to a fulfilling and meaningful life. Becoming a disciple and practicing discipline in daily life is powerful and trains the mind.
Giving back to the community that has enriched your life is important.
Simplicity and gratitude are key to finding happiness and fulfillment.
Success is built on a million thank yous and the support of mentors and loved ones.
Embrace challenges and setbacks as part of the journey and learn from them.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
02:02 - Serving Mankind: Purpose and Impact
04:06 - Family Background and Influence
09:28 - School Experience: Lessons and Growth
17:16 - Genesis of Spanish: Origins and Development
22:05 - Falling in Love: Personal Journey
27:18 - Adapting to Costa Rican Culture and Lifestyle
32:47 - Becoming a Disciple: Spiritual Growth
35:30 - Richard's Business Journey: Starting Out
41:10 - Employee Departure: Values and Expectations
43:15 - Unique Qualities: What Sets Us Apart
47:40 - Richard’s Heartbeat: Core Values
48:40 - Life After Retirement: Richard’s Plans
52:45 - Outro
54:07 - End
Family Upbringing and Its Impact
And when you walk in the space of being present, you notice things. So Richard, one of the things that we do here at Threads of Enlightenment, and I told you we go back in that time machine, You have done much, and I can't wait to get into all of that as we move through your life. One of the things that we do is revisit our starting point, if you will, that starting point and location, and we call it the family. We have mom and dad strangers, and you are a stranger, and you are put into this pod, as they say. And mom and dad is about to deposit some data into you based on their culture, their perception, all of these different things, their programming, their And they're going to begin to put some data information into you so that they want to help you out, as they say, so you can be that good man and that young man on this planet. What was your family like?
Richard's High School Spanish Adventure
That's a wonderful question. And before I tell you about my Renaissance period, I have to compliment your smooth move. My man, I love that last story. Hey man, one of the best things I did. Looking great. Would you put on some of the car? I mean, that's my man. Making moves. That was one of my smooth movements. We all definitely did learn something. Kind of like Mike DeMone with Rat and Fast Times at Richmond. Hi, Ken just taught us. I love it. Anyway. So I'm back in Northeast Philly at my proud Abington High School. And all of my friends were going to be doctors and lawyers and engineers and architects. And they had a plan. I had no plan except sports and girls and goofing around. But my favorite class was Spanish. And I don't know about you, but sometimes you got to get the like wake up call. And I got the chills. I said, if I'm the only one. that could speak Spanish out of all my friends. A, I could speak to the girls over there, you know, because they speak Spanish. And B, I might be able to get a job or put se habla espanol on a business card, which gives me an angle. But it wasn't the cute pat on the head parlor trick. My parents thought it was fleeting or a passing moment. The difference was the dedicated practice. I was not the best student. All right, let's be real. But the one class that I did above and beyond was Spanish. It wasn't cramming. It wasn't copying notes. It wasn't study groups. No, man, I was doing the Mr. Miyagi Danielson kicking on the beach. Really, no joke. I was watching the movies, reading the books. And I said, this is good. And I can build on it. And it's flexible because it's everywhere. There's tons of Spanish speakers in Philly and in the world. And every time that I would do my 5%, 7%, one word, maybe a sentence.
Richard's Philosophy: Pay It Forward with Compliments
That's quite simple. On the top of my list is paying it forward with sincere compliments. I don't need to be at one place at one time, one time a year. I can do it all day long. Compliment someone's hair, how they make a sandwich for you with extra pickles. Or somebody takes their time to do something right. It's very easy to give them reinforcements It moves them forward. It moves me forward. It's free. And it sticks. Because that could be the one thing that person needed that day to start that engine. Or really just to get them over the end zone and have a touchdown. And so I look for the thing that's not common, that's unique. So I'm paying closer attention than most that just glance over others. And so it's most importantly for me to make someone feel better about themselves that day. At least one thing out of 10, I can find that's good about them.
And I don't know about you, but sometimes you got to get the like wake up call. And I got the chills. I said, if I'm the only one. that could speak Spanish out of all my friends. A, I could speak to the girls over there, you know, because they speak Spanish. And B, I might be able to get a job or put se habla espanol on a business card, which gives me an angle. But it wasn't the cute pat on the head parlor trick. My parents thought it was fleeting or a passing moment. The difference was the dedicated practice. I was not the best student. All right, let's be real. But the one class that I did above and beyond was Spanish. It wasn't cramming. It wasn't copying notes. It wasn't study groups. No, man, I was doing the Mr. Miyagi Danielson kicking on the beach. Really, no joke. I was watching the movies, reading the books. And I said, this is good. And I can build on it. And it's flexible because it's everywhere. There's tons of Spanish speakers in Philly and in the world. And every time that I would do my 5%, 7%, one word, maybe a sentence. The positive reinforcement that I got from a bilingual Spanish speaker, it was like a Mario coin. It wasn't a thousand, but it added up. They said, Richard, go, go, go, go. Here's a couple more words. Richard, let me balance your bike on the grammar here. Let me help you here. All I kept doing was expanding the base, expanding that base and growing. And so by the time I graduated, I had an intermediate level.
https://youtu.be/3a237rFKdlw
https://youtu.be/xxPBm_B-H-0
https://youtu.be/Mf648Pc9uNU
https://youtu.be/h8tRuPqNNDY
https://youtu.be/kh-S4pV3bws
Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ
Ken Primus, Threads of Enlightenment podcast, Richard Blank, Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing Call Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,call centre, contact centre, contact center,trend, trending
Richard’s journey in the call center space is filled with twists and turns. When he was 27 years old, he relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose.
Mr. Richard Blank holds a bachelors degree in Communication and Spanish from the University of Arizona and a certificate of language proficiency from the University of Sevilla, Spain. A Keynote speaker for Philadelphia's Abington High School 68th National Honors Society induction ceremony. In addition, inducted into the 2023 Hall of Fame for Business. Giving back to Abington Senior High School is very important to Mr. Blank. As such, he endows a scholarship each year for students that plan on majoring in a world language at the university level.
Costa Rica’s Call Center (CCC) is a state of the art BPO telemarketing outsource company located in the capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica. Our main focus has been, and will always be to personally train each and every Central America call center agent so that we may offer the highest quality of outbound and inbound telemarketing solutions and bilingual customer service to small and medium sized international companies, entrepreneurs as well as fortune 500 companies.
We encourage you to visit one of our call centers on your next personal vacation or business trip to Central America’s paradise, Costa Rica. While you are here, we would recommend taking an extra day of your trip to visit breathtaking virgin beaches, play golf next to the ocean, try your luck at deep sea fishing, explore tropical jungles, climb volcanos or just relax in natural hot springs. Come and see for yourself why call center outsourcing in Costa Rica is a perfect solution for your growing company and a powerhouse in the BPO industry.
https://costaricascallcenter.com/en/outbound-bpo-campaigns/
#KenPrimus #ThreadsofEnlightenmentpodcast #RichardBlank #CostaRica #CallCenter #Outsourcing #Telemarketing #BPO #Sales #Entrepreneur #B2B #Business #Podcast #Gamification #CEO #trend #trending #listennow #subscribe #podcastclip #podcastvideo #videopodcasting #podcastguest
This battlefield comes preheated. Stay out of the oven!. The Mighty Widow in her formidable armor doing what she can against Major Evil forces
Hypercharge: Unboxed is a classic-style third- and first-person shooter inspired by Toy Story, Small Soldiers, and Army Men. It focuses on wave-based shooting with defense building mechanics. You must complete Sergeant Max Ammo's mission and prevent the HYPER-CORE from being destroyed.
--- Main features:
- Single Player: Sometimes humans can get in the way. That's why we've designed smart Player Bots that will cover your six, collect resources, and help build defenses.
- Co-op and PvP: Fight evil hordes of armed toys with up to four players in cooperative mode or betray your little allies and face off in several classic competitive modes.
- Progression: Choose your preferred difficulty and earn medals, unlock unique action figures, and customize your head, skin, and weapon. If you really want to show off, create a prestigious title with the Name Generator.
- Big guns: You may be small, but you pack a big punch. Explode, melt and even disintegrate any toy that gets in your way.
- Wave-based Hybrid: Not a fan of Tower Defense? Don't worry, Hypercharge is not a traditional TD game. Combines wave-based shooting with a simple defense build. Collect special buildable cards and build turrets, traps and walls.
"The Army Men Videogames Channel" is a YouTube channel specialized exclusively in the Army Men franchise and thematic derivatives of it, run by some of the most loyal and knowledgeable fans in the world.
Some of our most important activities are the design of Army Men video games, unique modifications of existing games and MODs for other games.
Follow us on our social networks for more exclusive content:
- https://armymen.com.ar
- https://facebook.com/armymenvideogames
- https://instagram.com/armymenchannel
- https://twitter.com/armymenchannel
- https://discord.com/invite/VfbqahDyUB
#Hypercharge #HyperchargeUnboxed #ArmyMen
This battlefield comes preheated. Stay out of the oven!. The Mighty Widow in her formidable armor doing what she can against Major Evil forces
Hypercharge: Unboxed is a classic-style third- and first-person shooter inspired by Toy Story, Small Soldiers, and Army Men. It focuses on wave-based shooting with defense building mechanics. You must complete Sergeant Max Ammo's mission and prevent the HYPER-CORE from being destroyed.
--- Main features:
- Single Player: Sometimes humans can get in the way. That's why we've designed smart Player Bots that will cover your six, collect resources, and help build defenses.
- Co-op and PvP: Fight evil hordes of armed toys with up to four players in cooperative mode or betray your little allies and face off in several classic competitive modes.
- Progression: Choose your preferred difficulty and earn medals, unlock unique action figures, and customize your head, skin, and weapon. If you really want to show off, create a prestigious title with the Name Generator.
- Big guns: You may be small, but you pack a big punch. Explode, melt and even disintegrate any toy that gets in your way.
- Wave-based Hybrid: Not a fan of Tower Defense? Don't worry, Hypercharge is not a traditional TD game. Combines wave-based shooting with a simple defense build. Collect special buildable cards and build turrets, traps and walls.
"The Army Men Videogames Channel" is a YouTube channel specialized exclusively in the Army Men franchise and thematic derivatives of it, run by some of the most loyal and knowledgeable fans in the world.
Some of our most important activities are the design of Army Men video games, unique modifications of existing games and MODs for other games.
Follow us on our social networks for more exclusive content:
- https://armymen.com.ar
- https://facebook.com/armymenvideogames
- https://instagram.com/armymenchannel
- https://twitter.com/armymenchannel
- https://discord.com/invite/VfbqahDyUB
#Hypercharge #HyperchargeUnboxed #ArmyMen #ActionFigures #ToyWar
The B2B Influence Podcast. The Importance of Relationship-Building in Telesales with Richard Blank
Are you a leader making waves in the B2B marketing space? The B2B Influence podcast is an exclusive platform designed to spotlight exceptional individuals driving innovation, growth, and transformation in industries that market to small and mid-sized businesses. This is your opportunity to share your story, showcase your achievements, and connect with a highly engaged audience of industry peers and decision-makers.
At The B2B Influence Podcast, we showcase the brilliance, values, and strategies of B2B industry leaders who are shaping the future. Our podcast spotlights trailblazers who are redefining how businesses market to small and mid-sized companies, setting new standards in innovation, transparency, and growth. Whether you’re a marketing executive, a data analytics expert, or a business leader with a vision, this is the podcast for you. Join us as we celebrate the achievements of industry pioneers and uncover actionable insights to fuel your success.
In this episode of The Marketing Vanguard: Leading Voices in B2B Innovation, Paula Chiocchi interviews the President, CEO, and Bilingual Telemarketing Trainer of Costa Rica's Call Center, Richard Blank. Richard explores the crucial role of call centers in the marketing-to-sales pipeline, emphasizing the importance of human connection and empathy in telemarketing.
Richard discusses balancing inbound and outbound calls, the significance of soft skills, and the operational challenges of converting leads. He advocates for quality interactions over quantity, effective follow-up, and maintaining realistic expectations. Richard underscores the enduring value of personal connections in customer service and telemarketing.
Paula Chiocchi, president and CEO of Outward Media, Inc. (OMI), is a marketing industry veteran whose mission is to help businesses realize their full potential by effectively reaching their target audiences and converting more prospects into customers.
Advice for Selecting a Call Center
What kind of advice would you give for people in searching for a call center, whether outbound or inbound? Good cop and bad cop. Let's go bad cop first. You got to make sure that they are a company that follows all legal laws. I follow all business and banking laws in the United States with my company that's out of Florida. They in turn hire my company in Costa Rica, which follows all the labor laws here. I'm not going to be a fall guy for anybody. I'm a guest here. I have to pay the Caja. I got to do the Aguinaldo. I got to pay everything. And it costs money to run a business overseas. There's benefits to it. But then again, I'm not here to hide away. Google me
Handling Difficult Calls with Empathy
And I've also learned that if you allow somebody to vent, remember the cartoons when steam would go out of someone's ears? I do. I have a profanity rule. If they curse at you, Paula, they get a warning. They do it a second time, you can hang up. But if they're venting and they're getting it out, I'll let you do it. And then I'm going to give you some Philly guilt. I'm going to go, hey, Paolo, you done yet? You want to curse some more? And you go, Richard, I'm so sorry. I go, may we begin again? And you say, yes, we may. And then look at that sort of foundation. Now you have a client for life. And that's how you're training your people. It's maturity. Yeah. You can't take it personal. And you think about it. You're speaking to someone's worst day. Something broke. For an example, we work with a law firm. So we do level one intake coordinators for wrongful termination and disability. So imagine that extended empathy when people are calling us after they've been fired. And so we can cradle these calls. And I think those specific soft skills are the things some people might be lacking today.
Introduction and Impact of Call Centers
Hi, this is Paula Kiyoki. I'm the CEO and founder of Outward Media. We go by OMI. And this is the Marketing Vanguard Leading Voices in B2B Innovation podcast. Today, we are fortunate to have Richard Blank. Richard is the president and bilingual, I want to get this right, bilingual telemarketing trainer at the Costa Rica Call Center. Welcome, Richard. So happy to be with you and your audience today. And I was just telling Richard that I'm jealous that I haven't been to Costa Rica. So Richard's an expert in all things telemarketing, telemarketing and call centers. And so we're going to ask him a few questions today and get his expertise. Richard, at what point in the marketing to sales pipeline do you see call centers having the greatest impact? And how do you define that sweet spot between MQL and SQL? Well, I believe that A.I., a computer can never replace empathy. They can't give you a hug. And so you will use it for gathering and to make things easier, bring it to the 10 yard line, so to speak. But you and I need to bring that ball into the end zone.
https://youtu.be/bzJze5vXiuM
https://youtu.be/yIF8TGySqIA
https://youtu.be/w8aGC09Yy-4
https://youtu.be/MZT8pkqrdDo
Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ
The B2B Influence PodcastPaula Chiocchi, The Marketing Vanguard, Richard Blank, Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing Call Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,call centre, contact centre, contact center,trend, trending
As a B2B business leader and data innovator my work has led to dramatic increases in both revenue and digital marketing campaign ROI for hundreds of Fortune 2000 and midmarket firms. I’ve driven nearly $300 million in revenue for a single Fortune 500 client in one year.
My priority is to deliver more desirable business outcomes -- using accurate high-quality data to fuel success for Omni-channel digital marketing campaigns. OMI’s mission is to turn data into revenue and results. We use our database of more than 20+ million businesses and 145+ million B2BC contacts—which include email addresses and digital IDs backed by the industry’s first 95% email validity guarantee.
Since 1998, I’ve made a name for myself as an award-winning B2B marketing innovator – and the driving force behind the world’s largest SMB database.
The fast pace of business has been a constant in my career. That’s why it’s been important for me to create balance. My love of Asian art has influenced a Zen attitude that drives my approach to problem solving in both my business and my personal life. The philosophy I share with my team and business partners and clients is to speak up when something isn’t right so that, together, we can fix it.
As a military brat, I was exposed to many places, peoples and cultures. That stopped at 21 with the death of my father. Still in college, I helped my mother reengineer her life and learned self-reliance and responsibility that cannot be taught in a classroom.
Running a business is exhilarating but also filled with challenges. So, sharing my expertise and the lessons I’ve learned is important to me. I take every opportunity to mentor new entrepreneurs and those just getting started in their careers--to give them advice and encouragement and guide them on a path to success.
It’s also why I write: for our company blog, Forbes Advisory Circle, and other outlets. If you could ask me one thing, what would that be? Take a moment and message me.
Paula Chiocchi, CEO and founder of OMI, is an award-winning marketing industry veteran whose mission is to help businesses realize their full potential by effectively reaching their target audiences and converting more prospects into customers.
Under her direction, OMI provides Fortune 1000 firms and other clients fresh, accurate contact data to fuel outbound marketing initiatives and drive sales and profits. An expert and innovator in multi-channel marketing data, Paula has established OMI as a leader in comprehensive email campaign management services.
Along with her growing team, her goal is to assist clients in successfully navigating the complex email channel by offering hands-on guidance combined with the highest levels of email deliverability and marketing ROI. Paula began her career with Dun & Bradstreet and developed her skills by creating direct mail, online advertising and email campaigns for leading mortgage companies, financial institutions, telecom, software, online gaming sites, sweepstakes enterprises and e-commerce companies.
Our Story
If a business wants to grow, it needs to find new customers. Since our founding in 1998, OMI has been dedicated to empowering companies to do just that.
Connect with your ideal prospects using our high-quality B2B2C data.
Add accuracy, precision targeting, and scale to your modern digital marketing initiatives.
Our Data
Our master B2B database contains omni-channel marketing data including verified business email addresses with 95% validity, on average. Leveraging multiple data sources and proprietary matching and quality algorithms, we provide the freshest contact data in the industry to ensure you achieve optimal marketing results.
Under her direction, OMI provides Fortune 1000 firms and other clients fresh, accurate contact data to fuel outbound marketing initiatives and drive sales and profits. An expert and innovator in multi-channel marketing data, Paula has established OMI as a leader in comprehensive email campaign management services. Along with her growing team, her goal is to assist clients in successfully navigating the complex email channel by offering hands-on guidance combined with the highest levels of email deliverability and marketing ROI. Paula began her career with Dun & Bradstreet and developed her skills by creating direct mail, online advertising and email campaigns for leading mortgage companies, financial institutions, telecom, software, online gaming sites, sweepstakes enterprises and e-commerce companies.
Richard’s journey in the call center space is filled with twists and turns. When he was 27 years old, he relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose.
Mr. Richard Blank holds a bachelors degree in Communication and Spanish from the University of Arizona and a certificate of language proficiency from the University of Sevilla, Spain. A Keynote speaker for Philadelphia's Abington High School 68th National Honors Society induction ceremony. In addition, inducted into the 2023 Hall of Fame for Business. Giving back to Abington Senior High School is very important to Mr. Blank. As such, he endows a scholarship each year for students that plan on majoring in a world language at the university level.
Costa Rica’s Call Center (CCC) is a state of the art BPO telemarketing outsource company located in the capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica. Our main focus has been, and will always be to personally train each and every Central America call center agent so that we may offer the highest quality of outbound and inbound telemarketing solutions and bilingual customer service to small and medium sized international companies, entrepreneurs as well as fortune 500 companies.
We encourage you to visit one of our call centers on your next personal vacation or business trip to Central America’s paradise, Costa Rica. While you are here, we would recommend taking an extra day of your trip to visit breathtaking virgin beaches, play golf next to the ocean, try your luck at deep sea fishing, explore tropical jungles, climb volcanos or just relax in natural hot springs. Come and see for yourself why call center outsourcing in Costa Rica is a perfect solution for your growing company and a powerhouse in the BPO industry.
https://costaricascallcenter.com/en/outbound-bpo-campaigns/
#TheB2BInfluencePodcast #PaulaChiocchi #TheMarketingVanguard #RichardBlank #CostaRica #CallCenter #Outsourcing #Telemarketing #BPO #Sales #Entrepreneur #B2B #Business #Podcast #Gamification #CEO #trend #trending #listennow #subscribe #podcastclip #podcastvideo #videopodcasting #podcastguest
The Value of Personal Touch in Customer Service
And so when we used to leave very detailed voice messages, And do really good tailor made emails. We almost not only matched a conversion ratio but sometimes exceeded it because more people prefer that non voice so we almost had to make that sort of adjustment and then went into other sort of phone call so That's the way that I see it. But it is a means to an end. And people like myself, I would rather call you than text. And if I'm calling a company, I'm going to press zero so I can speak with somebody. And so I do believe that there will be a market for my type of services. I think there is, right? Yeah. Look what Hollywood did. They all hate telemarketers. Do you hate us more than used car salesmen? Look what they've done to us. But think about customer service. I had an experience recently where I bought something and it didn't get delivered and then they wouldn't answer the emails. There was no chat. There was no phone number. And it was a less expensive price than another website, but I didn't get any service. So I canceled and I paid more at a different website because there was some service involved in it. Sometimes people want to talk to somebody, at least I do.
The B2B Influence Podcast. The Importance of Relationship-Building in Telesales with Richard Blank
Are you a leader making waves in the B2B marketing space? The B2B Influence podcast is an exclusive platform designed to spotlight exceptional individuals driving innovation, growth, and transformation in industries that market to small and mid-sized businesses. This is your opportunity to share your story, showcase your achievements, and connect with a highly engaged audience of industry peers and decision-makers.
At The B2B Influence Podcast, we showcase the brilliance, values, and strategies of B2B industry leaders who are shaping the future. Our podcast spotlights trailblazers who are redefining how businesses market to small and mid-sized companies, setting new standards in innovation, transparency, and growth. Whether you’re a marketing executive, a data analytics expert, or a business leader with a vision, this is the podcast for you. Join us as we celebrate the achievements of industry pioneers and uncover actionable insights to fuel your success.
In this episode of The Marketing Vanguard: Leading Voices in B2B Innovation, Paula Chiocchi interviews the President, CEO, and Bilingual Telemarketing Trainer of Costa Rica's Call Center, Richard Blank. Richard explores the crucial role of call centers in the marketing-to-sales pipeline, emphasizing the importance of human connection and empathy in telemarketing.
Richard discusses balancing inbound and outbound calls, the significance of soft skills, and the operational challenges of converting leads. He advocates for quality interactions over quantity, effective follow-up, and maintaining realistic expectations. Richard underscores the enduring value of personal connections in customer service and telemarketing.
Paula Chiocchi, president and CEO of Outward Media, Inc. (OMI), is a marketing industry veteran whose mission is to help businesses realize their full potential by effectively reaching their target audiences and converting more prospects into customers.
Advice for Selecting a Call Center
What kind of advice would you give for people in searching for a call center, whether outbound or inbound? Good cop and bad cop. Let's go bad cop first. You got to make sure that they are a company that follows all legal laws. I follow all business and banking laws in the United States with my company that's out of Florida. They in turn hire my company in Costa Rica, which follows all the labor laws here. I'm not going to be a fall guy for anybody. I'm a guest here. I have to pay the Caja. I got to do the Aguinaldo. I got to pay everything. And it costs money to run a business overseas. There's benefits to it. But then again, I'm not here to hide away. Google me
Handling Difficult Calls with Empathy
And I've also learned that if you allow somebody to vent, remember the cartoons when steam would go out of someone's ears? I do. I have a profanity rule. If they curse at you, Paula, they get a warning. They do it a second time, you can hang up. But if they're venting and they're getting it out, I'll let you do it. And then I'm going to give you some Philly guilt. I'm going to go, hey, Paolo, you done yet? You want to curse some more? And you go, Richard, I'm so sorry. I go, may we begin again? And you say, yes, we may. And then look at that sort of foundation. Now you have a client for life. And that's how you're training your people. It's maturity. Yeah. You can't take it personal. And you think about it. You're speaking to someone's worst day. Something broke. For an example, we work with a law firm. So we do level one intake coordinators for wrongful termination and disability. So imagine that extended empathy when people are calling us after they've been fired. And so we can cradle these calls. And I think those specific soft skills are the things some people might be lacking today.
Introduction and Impact of Call Centers
Hi, this is Paula Kiyoki. I'm the CEO and founder of Outward Media. We go by OMI. And this is the Marketing Vanguard Leading Voices in B2B Innovation podcast. Today, we are fortunate to have Richard Blank. Richard is the president and bilingual, I want to get this right, bilingual telemarketing trainer at the Costa Rica Call Center. Welcome, Richard. So happy to be with you and your audience today. And I was just telling Richard that I'm jealous that I haven't been to Costa Rica. So Richard's an expert in all things telemarketing, telemarketing and call centers. And so we're going to ask him a few questions today and get his expertise. Richard, at what point in the marketing to sales pipeline do you see call centers having the greatest impact? And how do you define that sweet spot between MQL and SQL? Well, I believe that A.I., a computer can never replace empathy. They can't give you a hug. And so you will use it for gathering and to make things easier, bring it to the 10 yard line, so to speak. But you and I need to bring that ball into the end zone.
https://youtu.be/bzJze5vXiuM
https://youtu.be/yIF8TGySqIA
https://youtu.be/w8aGC09Yy-4
https://youtu.be/MZT8pkqrdDo
Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ
The B2B Influence PodcastPaula Chiocchi, The Marketing Vanguard, Richard Blank, Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing Call Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,call centre, contact centre, contact center,trend, trending
As a B2B business leader and data innovator my work has led to dramatic increases in both revenue and digital marketing campaign ROI for hundreds of Fortune 2000 and midmarket firms. I’ve driven nearly $300 million in revenue for a single Fortune 500 client in one year.
My priority is to deliver more desirable business outcomes -- using accurate high-quality data to fuel success for Omni-channel digital marketing campaigns. OMI’s mission is to turn data into revenue and results. We use our database of more than 20+ million businesses and 145+ million B2BC contacts—which include email addresses and digital IDs backed by the industry’s first 95% email validity guarantee.
Since 1998, I’ve made a name for myself as an award-winning B2B marketing innovator – and the driving force behind the world’s largest SMB database.
The fast pace of business has been a constant in my career. That’s why it’s been important for me to create balance. My love of Asian art has influenced a Zen attitude that drives my approach to problem solving in both my business and my personal life. The philosophy I share with my team and business partners and clients is to speak up when something isn’t right so that, together, we can fix it.
As a military brat, I was exposed to many places, peoples and cultures. That stopped at 21 with the death of my father. Still in college, I helped my mother reengineer her life and learned self-reliance and responsibility that cannot be taught in a classroom.
Running a business is exhilarating but also filled with challenges. So, sharing my expertise and the lessons I’ve learned is important to me. I take every opportunity to mentor new entrepreneurs and those just getting started in their careers--to give them advice and encouragement and guide them on a path to success.
It’s also why I write: for our company blog, Forbes Advisory Circle, and other outlets. If you could ask me one thing, what would that be? Take a moment and message me.
Paula Chiocchi, CEO and founder of OMI, is an award-winning marketing industry veteran whose mission is to help businesses realize their full potential by effectively reaching their target audiences and converting more prospects into customers.
Under her direction, OMI provides Fortune 1000 firms and other clients fresh, accurate contact data to fuel outbound marketing initiatives and drive sales and profits. An expert and innovator in multi-channel marketing data, Paula has established OMI as a leader in comprehensive email campaign management services.
Along with her growing team, her goal is to assist clients in successfully navigating the complex email channel by offering hands-on guidance combined with the highest levels of email deliverability and marketing ROI. Paula began her career with Dun & Bradstreet and developed her skills by creating direct mail, online advertising and email campaigns for leading mortgage companies, financial institutions, telecom, software, online gaming sites, sweepstakes enterprises and e-commerce companies.
Our Story
If a business wants to grow, it needs to find new customers. Since our founding in 1998, OMI has been dedicated to empowering companies to do just that.
Connect with your ideal prospects using our high-quality B2B2C data.
Add accuracy, precision targeting, and scale to your modern digital marketing initiatives.
Our Data
Our master B2B database contains omni-channel marketing data including verified business email addresses with 95% validity, on average. Leveraging multiple data sources and proprietary matching and quality algorithms, we provide the freshest contact data in the industry to ensure you achieve optimal marketing results.
Under her direction, OMI provides Fortune 1000 firms and other clients fresh, accurate contact data to fuel outbound marketing initiatives and drive sales and profits. An expert and innovator in multi-channel marketing data, Paula has established OMI as a leader in comprehensive email campaign management services. Along with her growing team, her goal is to assist clients in successfully navigating the complex email channel by offering hands-on guidance combined with the highest levels of email deliverability and marketing ROI. Paula began her career with Dun & Bradstreet and developed her skills by creating direct mail, online advertising and email campaigns for leading mortgage companies, financial institutions, telecom, software, online gaming sites, sweepstakes enterprises and e-commerce companies.
Richard’s journey in the call center space is filled with twists and turns. When he was 27 years old, he relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose.
Mr. Richard Blank holds a bachelors degree in Communication and Spanish from the University of Arizona and a certificate of language proficiency from the University of Sevilla, Spain. A Keynote speaker for Philadelphia's Abington High School 68th National Honors Society induction ceremony. In addition, inducted into the 2023 Hall of Fame for Business. Giving back to Abington Senior High School is very important to Mr. Blank. As such, he endows a scholarship each year for students that plan on majoring in a world language at the university level.
Costa Rica’s Call Center (CCC) is a state of the art BPO telemarketing outsource company located in the capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica. Our main focus has been, and will always be to personally train each and every Central America call center agent so that we may offer the highest quality of outbound and inbound telemarketing solutions and bilingual customer service to small and medium sized international companies, entrepreneurs as well as fortune 500 companies.
We encourage you to visit one of our call centers on your next personal vacation or business trip to Central America’s paradise, Costa Rica. While you are here, we would recommend taking an extra day of your trip to visit breathtaking virgin beaches, play golf next to the ocean, try your luck at deep sea fishing, explore tropical jungles, climb volcanos or just relax in natural hot springs. Come and see for yourself why call center outsourcing in Costa Rica is a perfect solution for your growing company and a powerhouse in the BPO industry.
https://costaricascallcenter.com/en/outbound-bpo-campaigns/
#TheB2BInfluencePodcast #PaulaChiocchi #TheMarketingVanguard #RichardBlank #CostaRica #CallCenter #Outsourcing #Telemarketing #BPO #Sales #Entrepreneur #B2B #Business #Podcast #Gamification #CEO #trend #trending #listennow #subscribe #podcastclip #podcastvideo #videopodcasting #podcastguest
The Value of Personal Touch in Customer Service
And so when we used to leave very detailed voice messages, And do really good tailor made emails. We almost not only matched a conversion ratio but sometimes exceeded it because more people prefer that non voice so we almost had to make that sort of adjustment and then went into other sort of phone call so That's the way that I see it. But it is a means to an end. And people like myself, I would rather call you than text. And if I'm calling a company, I'm going to press zero so I can speak with somebody. And so I do believe that there will be a market for my type of services. I think there is, right? Yeah. Look what Hollywood did. They all hate telemarketers. Do you hate us more than used car salesmen? Look what they've done to us. But think about customer service. I had an experience recently where I bought something and it didn't get delivered and then they wouldn't answer the emails. There was no chat. There was no phone number. And it was a less expensive price than another website, but I didn't get any service. So I canceled and I paid more at a different website because there was some service involved in it. Sometimes people want to talk to somebody, at least I do.
The B2B Influence Podcast. The Importance of Relationship-Building in Telesales with Richard Blank
Are you a leader making waves in the B2B marketing space? The B2B Influence podcast is an exclusive platform designed to spotlight exceptional individuals driving innovation, growth, and transformation in industries that market to small and mid-sized businesses. This is your opportunity to share your story, showcase your achievements, and connect with a highly engaged audience of industry peers and decision-makers.
At The B2B Influence Podcast, we showcase the brilliance, values, and strategies of B2B industry leaders who are shaping the future. Our podcast spotlights trailblazers who are redefining how businesses market to small and mid-sized companies, setting new standards in innovation, transparency, and growth. Whether you’re a marketing executive, a data analytics expert, or a business leader with a vision, this is the podcast for you. Join us as we celebrate the achievements of industry pioneers and uncover actionable insights to fuel your success.
In this episode of The Marketing Vanguard: Leading Voices in B2B Innovation, Paula Chiocchi interviews the President, CEO, and Bilingual Telemarketing Trainer of Costa Rica's Call Center, Richard Blank. Richard explores the crucial role of call centers in the marketing-to-sales pipeline, emphasizing the importance of human connection and empathy in telemarketing.
Richard discusses balancing inbound and outbound calls, the significance of soft skills, and the operational challenges of converting leads. He advocates for quality interactions over quantity, effective follow-up, and maintaining realistic expectations. Richard underscores the enduring value of personal connections in customer service and telemarketing.
Paula Chiocchi, president and CEO of Outward Media, Inc. (OMI), is a marketing industry veteran whose mission is to help businesses realize their full potential by effectively reaching their target audiences and converting more prospects into customers.
Advice for Selecting a Call Center
What kind of advice would you give for people in searching for a call center, whether outbound or inbound? Good cop and bad cop. Let's go bad cop first. You got to make sure that they are a company that follows all legal laws. I follow all business and banking laws in the United States with my company that's out of Florida. They in turn hire my company in Costa Rica, which follows all the labor laws here. I'm not going to be a fall guy for anybody. I'm a guest here. I have to pay the Caja. I got to do the Aguinaldo. I got to pay everything. And it costs money to run a business overseas. There's benefits to it. But then again, I'm not here to hide away. Google me
Handling Difficult Calls with Empathy
And I've also learned that if you allow somebody to vent, remember the cartoons when steam would go out of someone's ears? I do. I have a profanity rule. If they curse at you, Paula, they get a warning. They do it a second time, you can hang up. But if they're venting and they're getting it out, I'll let you do it. And then I'm going to give you some Philly guilt. I'm going to go, hey, Paolo, you done yet? You want to curse some more? And you go, Richard, I'm so sorry. I go, may we begin again? And you say, yes, we may. And then look at that sort of foundation. Now you have a client for life. And that's how you're training your people. It's maturity. Yeah. You can't take it personal. And you think about it. You're speaking to someone's worst day. Something broke. For an example, we work with a law firm. So we do level one intake coordinators for wrongful termination and disability. So imagine that extended empathy when people are calling us after they've been fired. And so we can cradle these calls. And I think those specific soft skills are the things some people might be lacking today.
Introduction and Impact of Call Centers
Hi, this is Paula Kiyoki. I'm the CEO and founder of Outward Media. We go by OMI. And this is the Marketing Vanguard Leading Voices in B2B Innovation podcast. Today, we are fortunate to have Richard Blank. Richard is the president and bilingual, I want to get this right, bilingual telemarketing trainer at the Costa Rica Call Center. Welcome, Richard. So happy to be with you and your audience today. And I was just telling Richard that I'm jealous that I haven't been to Costa Rica. So Richard's an expert in all things telemarketing, telemarketing and call centers. And so we're going to ask him a few questions today and get his expertise. Richard, at what point in the marketing to sales pipeline do you see call centers having the greatest impact? And how do you define that sweet spot between MQL and SQL? Well, I believe that A.I., a computer can never replace empathy. They can't give you a hug. And so you will use it for gathering and to make things easier, bring it to the 10 yard line, so to speak. But you and I need to bring that ball into the end zone.
https://youtu.be/bzJze5vXiuM
https://youtu.be/yIF8TGySqIA
https://youtu.be/w8aGC09Yy-4
https://youtu.be/MZT8pkqrdDo
Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ
The B2B Influence PodcastPaula Chiocchi, The Marketing Vanguard, Richard Blank, Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing Call Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,call centre, contact centre, contact center,trend, trending
As a B2B business leader and data innovator my work has led to dramatic increases in both revenue and digital marketing campaign ROI for hundreds of Fortune 2000 and midmarket firms. I’ve driven nearly $300 million in revenue for a single Fortune 500 client in one year.
My priority is to deliver more desirable business outcomes -- using accurate high-quality data to fuel success for Omni-channel digital marketing campaigns. OMI’s mission is to turn data into revenue and results. We use our database of more than 20+ million businesses and 145+ million B2BC contacts—which include email addresses and digital IDs backed by the industry’s first 95% email validity guarantee.
Since 1998, I’ve made a name for myself as an award-winning B2B marketing innovator – and the driving force behind the world’s largest SMB database.
The fast pace of business has been a constant in my career. That’s why it’s been important for me to create balance. My love of Asian art has influenced a Zen attitude that drives my approach to problem solving in both my business and my personal life. The philosophy I share with my team and business partners and clients is to speak up when something isn’t right so that, together, we can fix it.
As a military brat, I was exposed to many places, peoples and cultures. That stopped at 21 with the death of my father. Still in college, I helped my mother reengineer her life and learned self-reliance and responsibility that cannot be taught in a classroom.
Running a business is exhilarating but also filled with challenges. So, sharing my expertise and the lessons I’ve learned is important to me. I take every opportunity to mentor new entrepreneurs and those just getting started in their careers--to give them advice and encouragement and guide them on a path to success.
It’s also why I write: for our company blog, Forbes Advisory Circle, and other outlets. If you could ask me one thing, what would that be? Take a moment and message me.
Paula Chiocchi, CEO and founder of OMI, is an award-winning marketing industry veteran whose mission is to help businesses realize their full potential by effectively reaching their target audiences and converting more prospects into customers.
Under her direction, OMI provides Fortune 1000 firms and other clients fresh, accurate contact data to fuel outbound marketing initiatives and drive sales and profits. An expert and innovator in multi-channel marketing data, Paula has established OMI as a leader in comprehensive email campaign management services.
Along with her growing team, her goal is to assist clients in successfully navigating the complex email channel by offering hands-on guidance combined with the highest levels of email deliverability and marketing ROI. Paula began her career with Dun & Bradstreet and developed her skills by creating direct mail, online advertising and email campaigns for leading mortgage companies, financial institutions, telecom, software, online gaming sites, sweepstakes enterprises and e-commerce companies.
Our Story
If a business wants to grow, it needs to find new customers. Since our founding in 1998, OMI has been dedicated to empowering companies to do just that.
Connect with your ideal prospects using our high-quality B2B2C data.
Add accuracy, precision targeting, and scale to your modern digital marketing initiatives.
Our Data
Our master B2B database contains omni-channel marketing data including verified business email addresses with 95% validity, on average. Leveraging multiple data sources and proprietary matching and quality algorithms, we provide the freshest contact data in the industry to ensure you achieve optimal marketing results.
Under her direction, OMI provides Fortune 1000 firms and other clients fresh, accurate contact data to fuel outbound marketing initiatives and drive sales and profits. An expert and innovator in multi-channel marketing data, Paula has established OMI as a leader in comprehensive email campaign management services. Along with her growing team, her goal is to assist clients in successfully navigating the complex email channel by offering hands-on guidance combined with the highest levels of email deliverability and marketing ROI. Paula began her career with Dun & Bradstreet and developed her skills by creating direct mail, online advertising and email campaigns for leading mortgage companies, financial institutions, telecom, software, online gaming sites, sweepstakes enterprises and e-commerce companies.
Richard’s journey in the call center space is filled with twists and turns. When he was 27 years old, he relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose.
Mr. Richard Blank holds a bachelors degree in Communication and Spanish from the University of Arizona and a certificate of language proficiency from the University of Sevilla, Spain. A Keynote speaker for Philadelphia's Abington High School 68th National Honors Society induction ceremony. In addition, inducted into the 2023 Hall of Fame for Business. Giving back to Abington Senior High School is very important to Mr. Blank. As such, he endows a scholarship each year for students that plan on majoring in a world language at the university level.
Costa Rica’s Call Center (CCC) is a state of the art BPO telemarketing outsource company located in the capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica. Our main focus has been, and will always be to personally train each and every Central America call center agent so that we may offer the highest quality of outbound and inbound telemarketing solutions and bilingual customer service to small and medium sized international companies, entrepreneurs as well as fortune 500 companies.
We encourage you to visit one of our call centers on your next personal vacation or business trip to Central America’s paradise, Costa Rica. While you are here, we would recommend taking an extra day of your trip to visit breathtaking virgin beaches, play golf next to the ocean, try your luck at deep sea fishing, explore tropical jungles, climb volcanos or just relax in natural hot springs. Come and see for yourself why call center outsourcing in Costa Rica is a perfect solution for your growing company and a powerhouse in the BPO industry.
https://costaricascallcenter.com/en/outbound-bpo-campaigns/
#TheB2BInfluencePodcast #PaulaChiocchi #TheMarketingVanguard #RichardBlank #CostaRica #CallCenter #Outsourcing #Telemarketing #BPO #Sales #Entrepreneur #B2B #Business #Podcast #Gamification #CEO #trend #trending #listennow #subscribe #podcastclip #podcastvideo #videopodcasting #podcastguest
The Value of Personal Touch in Customer Service
And so when we used to leave very detailed voice messages, And do really good tailor made emails. We almost not only matched a conversion ratio but sometimes exceeded it because more people prefer that non voice so we almost had to make that sort of adjustment and then went into other sort of phone call so That's the way that I see it. But it is a means to an end. And people like myself, I would rather call you than text. And if I'm calling a company, I'm going to press zero so I can speak with somebody. And so I do believe that there will be a market for my type of services. I think there is, right? Yeah. Look what Hollywood did. They all hate telemarketers. Do you hate us more than used car salesmen? Look what they've done to us. But think about customer service. I had an experience recently where I bought something and it didn't get delivered and then they wouldn't answer the emails. There was no chat. There was no phone number. And it was a less expensive price than another website, but I didn't get any service. So I canceled and I paid more at a different website because there was some service involved in it. Sometimes people want to talk to somebody, at least I do.
The B2B Influence Podcast. The Importance of Relationship-Building in Telesales with Richard Blank
Are you a leader making waves in the B2B marketing space? The B2B Influence podcast is an exclusive platform designed to spotlight exceptional individuals driving innovation, growth, and transformation in industries that market to small and mid-sized businesses. This is your opportunity to share your story, showcase your achievements, and connect with a highly engaged audience of industry peers and decision-makers.
At The B2B Influence Podcast, we showcase the brilliance, values, and strategies of B2B industry leaders who are shaping the future. Our podcast spotlights trailblazers who are redefining how businesses market to small and mid-sized companies, setting new standards in innovation, transparency, and growth. Whether you’re a marketing executive, a data analytics expert, or a business leader with a vision, this is the podcast for you. Join us as we celebrate the achievements of industry pioneers and uncover actionable insights to fuel your success.
In this episode of The Marketing Vanguard: Leading Voices in B2B Innovation, Paula Chiocchi interviews the President, CEO, and Bilingual Telemarketing Trainer of Costa Rica's Call Center, Richard Blank. Richard explores the crucial role of call centers in the marketing-to-sales pipeline, emphasizing the importance of human connection and empathy in telemarketing.
Richard discusses balancing inbound and outbound calls, the significance of soft skills, and the operational challenges of converting leads. He advocates for quality interactions over quantity, effective follow-up, and maintaining realistic expectations. Richard underscores the enduring value of personal connections in customer service and telemarketing.
Paula Chiocchi, president and CEO of Outward Media, Inc. (OMI), is a marketing industry veteran whose mission is to help businesses realize their full potential by effectively reaching their target audiences and converting more prospects into customers.
Advice for Selecting a Call Center
What kind of advice would you give for people in searching for a call center, whether outbound or inbound? Good cop and bad cop. Let's go bad cop first. You got to make sure that they are a company that follows all legal laws. I follow all business and banking laws in the United States with my company that's out of Florida. They in turn hire my company in Costa Rica, which follows all the labor laws here. I'm not going to be a fall guy for anybody. I'm a guest here. I have to pay the Caja. I got to do the Aguinaldo. I got to pay everything. And it costs money to run a business overseas. There's benefits to it. But then again, I'm not here to hide away. Google me
Handling Difficult Calls with Empathy
And I've also learned that if you allow somebody to vent, remember the cartoons when steam would go out of someone's ears? I do. I have a profanity rule. If they curse at you, Paula, they get a warning. They do it a second time, you can hang up. But if they're venting and they're getting it out, I'll let you do it. And then I'm going to give you some Philly guilt. I'm going to go, hey, Paolo, you done yet? You want to curse some more? And you go, Richard, I'm so sorry. I go, may we begin again? And you say, yes, we may. And then look at that sort of foundation. Now you have a client for life. And that's how you're training your people. It's maturity. Yeah. You can't take it personal. And you think about it. You're speaking to someone's worst day. Something broke. For an example, we work with a law firm. So we do level one intake coordinators for wrongful termination and disability. So imagine that extended empathy when people are calling us after they've been fired. And so we can cradle these calls. And I think those specific soft skills are the things some people might be lacking today.
Introduction and Impact of Call Centers
Hi, this is Paula Kiyoki. I'm the CEO and founder of Outward Media. We go by OMI. And this is the Marketing Vanguard Leading Voices in B2B Innovation podcast. Today, we are fortunate to have Richard Blank. Richard is the president and bilingual, I want to get this right, bilingual telemarketing trainer at the Costa Rica Call Center. Welcome, Richard. So happy to be with you and your audience today. And I was just telling Richard that I'm jealous that I haven't been to Costa Rica. So Richard's an expert in all things telemarketing, telemarketing and call centers. And so we're going to ask him a few questions today and get his expertise. Richard, at what point in the marketing to sales pipeline do you see call centers having the greatest impact? And how do you define that sweet spot between MQL and SQL? Well, I believe that A.I., a computer can never replace empathy. They can't give you a hug. And so you will use it for gathering and to make things easier, bring it to the 10 yard line, so to speak. But you and I need to bring that ball into the end zone.
https://youtu.be/bzJze5vXiuM
https://youtu.be/yIF8TGySqIA
https://youtu.be/w8aGC09Yy-4
https://youtu.be/MZT8pkqrdDo
Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ
The B2B Influence PodcastPaula Chiocchi, The Marketing Vanguard, Richard Blank, Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing Call Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,call centre, contact centre, contact center,trend, trending
As a B2B business leader and data innovator my work has led to dramatic increases in both revenue and digital marketing campaign ROI for hundreds of Fortune 2000 and midmarket firms. I’ve driven nearly $300 million in revenue for a single Fortune 500 client in one year.
My priority is to deliver more desirable business outcomes -- using accurate high-quality data to fuel success for Omni-channel digital marketing campaigns. OMI’s mission is to turn data into revenue and results. We use our database of more than 20+ million businesses and 145+ million B2BC contacts—which include email addresses and digital IDs backed by the industry’s first 95% email validity guarantee.
Since 1998, I’ve made a name for myself as an award-winning B2B marketing innovator – and the driving force behind the world’s largest SMB database.
The fast pace of business has been a constant in my career. That’s why it’s been important for me to create balance. My love of Asian art has influenced a Zen attitude that drives my approach to problem solving in both my business and my personal life. The philosophy I share with my team and business partners and clients is to speak up when something isn’t right so that, together, we can fix it.
As a military brat, I was exposed to many places, peoples and cultures. That stopped at 21 with the death of my father. Still in college, I helped my mother reengineer her life and learned self-reliance and responsibility that cannot be taught in a classroom.
Running a business is exhilarating but also filled with challenges. So, sharing my expertise and the lessons I’ve learned is important to me. I take every opportunity to mentor new entrepreneurs and those just getting started in their careers--to give them advice and encouragement and guide them on a path to success.
It’s also why I write: for our company blog, Forbes Advisory Circle, and other outlets. If you could ask me one thing, what would that be? Take a moment and message me.
Paula Chiocchi, CEO and founder of OMI, is an award-winning marketing industry veteran whose mission is to help businesses realize their full potential by effectively reaching their target audiences and converting more prospects into customers.
Under her direction, OMI provides Fortune 1000 firms and other clients fresh, accurate contact data to fuel outbound marketing initiatives and drive sales and profits. An expert and innovator in multi-channel marketing data, Paula has established OMI as a leader in comprehensive email campaign management services.
Along with her growing team, her goal is to assist clients in successfully navigating the complex email channel by offering hands-on guidance combined with the highest levels of email deliverability and marketing ROI. Paula began her career with Dun & Bradstreet and developed her skills by creating direct mail, online advertising and email campaigns for leading mortgage companies, financial institutions, telecom, software, online gaming sites, sweepstakes enterprises and e-commerce companies.
Our Story
If a business wants to grow, it needs to find new customers. Since our founding in 1998, OMI has been dedicated to empowering companies to do just that.
Connect with your ideal prospects using our high-quality B2B2C data.
Add accuracy, precision targeting, and scale to your modern digital marketing initiatives.
Our Data
Our master B2B database contains omni-channel marketing data including verified business email addresses with 95% validity, on average. Leveraging multiple data sources and proprietary matching and quality algorithms, we provide the freshest contact data in the industry to ensure you achieve optimal marketing results.
Under her direction, OMI provides Fortune 1000 firms and other clients fresh, accurate contact data to fuel outbound marketing initiatives and drive sales and profits. An expert and innovator in multi-channel marketing data, Paula has established OMI as a leader in comprehensive email campaign management services. Along with her growing team, her goal is to assist clients in successfully navigating the complex email channel by offering hands-on guidance combined with the highest levels of email deliverability and marketing ROI. Paula began her career with Dun & Bradstreet and developed her skills by creating direct mail, online advertising and email campaigns for leading mortgage companies, financial institutions, telecom, software, online gaming sites, sweepstakes enterprises and e-commerce companies.
Richard’s journey in the call center space is filled with twists and turns. When he was 27 years old, he relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose.
Mr. Richard Blank holds a bachelors degree in Communication and Spanish from the University of Arizona and a certificate of language proficiency from the University of Sevilla, Spain. A Keynote speaker for Philadelphia's Abington High School 68th National Honors Society induction ceremony. In addition, inducted into the 2023 Hall of Fame for Business. Giving back to Abington Senior High School is very important to Mr. Blank. As such, he endows a scholarship each year for students that plan on majoring in a world language at the university level.
Costa Rica’s Call Center (CCC) is a state of the art BPO telemarketing outsource company located in the capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica. Our main focus has been, and will always be to personally train each and every Central America call center agent so that we may offer the highest quality of outbound and inbound telemarketing solutions and bilingual customer service to small and medium sized international companies, entrepreneurs as well as fortune 500 companies.
We encourage you to visit one of our call centers on your next personal vacation or business trip to Central America’s paradise, Costa Rica. While you are here, we would recommend taking an extra day of your trip to visit breathtaking virgin beaches, play golf next to the ocean, try your luck at deep sea fishing, explore tropical jungles, climb volcanos or just relax in natural hot springs. Come and see for yourself why call center outsourcing in Costa Rica is a perfect solution for your growing company and a powerhouse in the BPO industry.
https://costaricascallcenter.com/en/outbound-bpo-campaigns/
#TheB2BInfluencePodcast #PaulaChiocchi #TheMarketingVanguard #RichardBlank #CostaRica #CallCenter #Outsourcing #Telemarketing #BPO #Sales #Entrepreneur #B2B #Business #Podcast #Gamification #CEO #trend #trending #listennow #subscribe #podcastclip #podcastvideo #videopodcasting #podcastguest
The Value of Personal Touch in Customer Service
And so when we used to leave very detailed voice messages, And do really good tailor made emails. We almost not only matched a conversion ratio but sometimes exceeded it because more people prefer that non voice so we almost had to make that sort of adjustment and then went into other sort of phone call so That's the way that I see it. But it is a means to an end. And people like myself, I would rather call you than text. And if I'm calling a company, I'm going to press zero so I can speak with somebody. And so I do believe that there will be a market for my type of services. I think there is, right? Yeah. Look what Hollywood did. They all hate telemarketers. Do you hate us more than used car salesmen? Look what they've done to us. But think about customer service. I had an experience recently where I bought something and it didn't get delivered and then they wouldn't answer the emails. There was no chat. There was no phone number. And it was a less expensive price than another website, but I didn't get any service. So I canceled and I paid more at a different website because there was some service involved in it. Sometimes people want to talk to somebody, at least I do.
The B2B Influence Podcast. The Importance of Relationship-Building in Telesales with Richard Blank
Are you a leader making waves in the B2B marketing space? The B2B Influence podcast is an exclusive platform designed to spotlight exceptional individuals driving innovation, growth, and transformation in industries that market to small and mid-sized businesses. This is your opportunity to share your story, showcase your achievements, and connect with a highly engaged audience of industry peers and decision-makers.
At The B2B Influence Podcast, we showcase the brilliance, values, and strategies of B2B industry leaders who are shaping the future. Our podcast spotlights trailblazers who are redefining how businesses market to small and mid-sized companies, setting new standards in innovation, transparency, and growth. Whether you’re a marketing executive, a data analytics expert, or a business leader with a vision, this is the podcast for you. Join us as we celebrate the achievements of industry pioneers and uncover actionable insights to fuel your success.
In this episode of The Marketing Vanguard: Leading Voices in B2B Innovation, Paula Chiocchi interviews the President, CEO, and Bilingual Telemarketing Trainer of Costa Rica's Call Center, Richard Blank. Richard explores the crucial role of call centers in the marketing-to-sales pipeline, emphasizing the importance of human connection and empathy in telemarketing.
Richard discusses balancing inbound and outbound calls, the significance of soft skills, and the operational challenges of converting leads. He advocates for quality interactions over quantity, effective follow-up, and maintaining realistic expectations. Richard underscores the enduring value of personal connections in customer service and telemarketing.
Paula Chiocchi, president and CEO of Outward Media, Inc. (OMI), is a marketing industry veteran whose mission is to help businesses realize their full potential by effectively reaching their target audiences and converting more prospects into customers.
Advice for Selecting a Call Center
What kind of advice would you give for people in searching for a call center, whether outbound or inbound? Good cop and bad cop. Let's go bad cop first. You got to make sure that they are a company that follows all legal laws. I follow all business and banking laws in the United States with my company that's out of Florida. They in turn hire my company in Costa Rica, which follows all the labor laws here. I'm not going to be a fall guy for anybody. I'm a guest here. I have to pay the Caja. I got to do the Aguinaldo. I got to pay everything. And it costs money to run a business overseas. There's benefits to it. But then again, I'm not here to hide away. Google me
Handling Difficult Calls with Empathy
And I've also learned that if you allow somebody to vent, remember the cartoons when steam would go out of someone's ears? I do. I have a profanity rule. If they curse at you, Paula, they get a warning. They do it a second time, you can hang up. But if they're venting and they're getting it out, I'll let you do it. And then I'm going to give you some Philly guilt. I'm going to go, hey, Paolo, you done yet? You want to curse some more? And you go, Richard, I'm so sorry. I go, may we begin again? And you say, yes, we may. And then look at that sort of foundation. Now you have a client for life. And that's how you're training your people. It's maturity. Yeah. You can't take it personal. And you think about it. You're speaking to someone's worst day. Something broke. For an example, we work with a law firm. So we do level one intake coordinators for wrongful termination and disability. So imagine that extended empathy when people are calling us after they've been fired. And so we can cradle these calls. And I think those specific soft skills are the things some people might be lacking today.
Introduction and Impact of Call Centers
Hi, this is Paula Kiyoki. I'm the CEO and founder of Outward Media. We go by OMI. And this is the Marketing Vanguard Leading Voices in B2B Innovation podcast. Today, we are fortunate to have Richard Blank. Richard is the president and bilingual, I want to get this right, bilingual telemarketing trainer at the Costa Rica Call Center. Welcome, Richard. So happy to be with you and your audience today. And I was just telling Richard that I'm jealous that I haven't been to Costa Rica. So Richard's an expert in all things telemarketing, telemarketing and call centers. And so we're going to ask him a few questions today and get his expertise. Richard, at what point in the marketing to sales pipeline do you see call centers having the greatest impact? And how do you define that sweet spot between MQL and SQL? Well, I believe that A.I., a computer can never replace empathy. They can't give you a hug. And so you will use it for gathering and to make things easier, bring it to the 10 yard line, so to speak. But you and I need to bring that ball into the end zone.
https://youtu.be/bzJze5vXiuM
https://youtu.be/yIF8TGySqIA
https://youtu.be/w8aGC09Yy-4
https://youtu.be/MZT8pkqrdDo
Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ
The B2B Influence PodcastPaula Chiocchi, The Marketing Vanguard, Richard Blank, Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing Call Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,call centre, contact centre, contact center,trend, trending
As a B2B business leader and data innovator my work has led to dramatic increases in both revenue and digital marketing campaign ROI for hundreds of Fortune 2000 and midmarket firms. I’ve driven nearly $300 million in revenue for a single Fortune 500 client in one year.
My priority is to deliver more desirable business outcomes -- using accurate high-quality data to fuel success for Omni-channel digital marketing campaigns. OMI’s mission is to turn data into revenue and results. We use our database of more than 20+ million businesses and 145+ million B2BC contacts—which include email addresses and digital IDs backed by the industry’s first 95% email validity guarantee.
Since 1998, I’ve made a name for myself as an award-winning B2B marketing innovator – and the driving force behind the world’s largest SMB database.
The fast pace of business has been a constant in my career. That’s why it’s been important for me to create balance. My love of Asian art has influenced a Zen attitude that drives my approach to problem solving in both my business and my personal life. The philosophy I share with my team and business partners and clients is to speak up when something isn’t right so that, together, we can fix it.
As a military brat, I was exposed to many places, peoples and cultures. That stopped at 21 with the death of my father. Still in college, I helped my mother reengineer her life and learned self-reliance and responsibility that cannot be taught in a classroom.
Running a business is exhilarating but also filled with challenges. So, sharing my expertise and the lessons I’ve learned is important to me. I take every opportunity to mentor new entrepreneurs and those just getting started in their careers--to give them advice and encouragement and guide them on a path to success.
It’s also why I write: for our company blog, Forbes Advisory Circle, and other outlets. If you could ask me one thing, what would that be? Take a moment and message me.
Paula Chiocchi, CEO and founder of OMI, is an award-winning marketing industry veteran whose mission is to help businesses realize their full potential by effectively reaching their target audiences and converting more prospects into customers.
Under her direction, OMI provides Fortune 1000 firms and other clients fresh, accurate contact data to fuel outbound marketing initiatives and drive sales and profits. An expert and innovator in multi-channel marketing data, Paula has established OMI as a leader in comprehensive email campaign management services.
Along with her growing team, her goal is to assist clients in successfully navigating the complex email channel by offering hands-on guidance combined with the highest levels of email deliverability and marketing ROI. Paula began her career with Dun & Bradstreet and developed her skills by creating direct mail, online advertising and email campaigns for leading mortgage companies, financial institutions, telecom, software, online gaming sites, sweepstakes enterprises and e-commerce companies.
Our Story
If a business wants to grow, it needs to find new customers. Since our founding in 1998, OMI has been dedicated to empowering companies to do just that.
Connect with your ideal prospects using our high-quality B2B2C data.
Add accuracy, precision targeting, and scale to your modern digital marketing initiatives.
Our Data
Our master B2B database contains omni-channel marketing data including verified business email addresses with 95% validity, on average. Leveraging multiple data sources and proprietary matching and quality algorithms, we provide the freshest contact data in the industry to ensure you achieve optimal marketing results.
Under her direction, OMI provides Fortune 1000 firms and other clients fresh, accurate contact data to fuel outbound marketing initiatives and drive sales and profits. An expert and innovator in multi-channel marketing data, Paula has established OMI as a leader in comprehensive email campaign management services. Along with her growing team, her goal is to assist clients in successfully navigating the complex email channel by offering hands-on guidance combined with the highest levels of email deliverability and marketing ROI. Paula began her career with Dun & Bradstreet and developed her skills by creating direct mail, online advertising and email campaigns for leading mortgage companies, financial institutions, telecom, software, online gaming sites, sweepstakes enterprises and e-commerce companies.
Richard’s journey in the call center space is filled with twists and turns. When he was 27 years old, he relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose.
Mr. Richard Blank holds a bachelors degree in Communication and Spanish from the University of Arizona and a certificate of language proficiency from the University of Sevilla, Spain. A Keynote speaker for Philadelphia's Abington High School 68th National Honors Society induction ceremony. In addition, inducted into the 2023 Hall of Fame for Business. Giving back to Abington Senior High School is very important to Mr. Blank. As such, he endows a scholarship each year for students that plan on majoring in a world language at the university level.
Costa Rica’s Call Center (CCC) is a state of the art BPO telemarketing outsource company located in the capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica. Our main focus has been, and will always be to personally train each and every Central America call center agent so that we may offer the highest quality of outbound and inbound telemarketing solutions and bilingual customer service to small and medium sized international companies, entrepreneurs as well as fortune 500 companies.
We encourage you to visit one of our call centers on your next personal vacation or business trip to Central America’s paradise, Costa Rica. While you are here, we would recommend taking an extra day of your trip to visit breathtaking virgin beaches, play golf next to the ocean, try your luck at deep sea fishing, explore tropical jungles, climb volcanos or just relax in natural hot springs. Come and see for yourself why call center outsourcing in Costa Rica is a perfect solution for your growing company and a powerhouse in the BPO industry.
https://costaricascallcenter.com/en/outbound-bpo-campaigns/
#TheB2BInfluencePodcast #PaulaChiocchi #TheMarketingVanguard #RichardBlank #CostaRica #CallCenter #Outsourcing #Telemarketing #BPO #Sales #Entrepreneur #B2B #Business #Podcast #Gamification #CEO #trend #trending #listennow #subscribe #podcastclip #podcastvideo #videopodcasting #podcastguest
The Value of Personal Touch in Customer Service
And so when we used to leave very detailed voice messages, And do really good tailor made emails. We almost not only matched a conversion ratio but sometimes exceeded it because more people prefer that non voice so we almost had to make that sort of adjustment and then went into other sort of phone call so That's the way that I see it. But it is a means to an end. And people like myself, I would rather call you than text. And if I'm calling a company, I'm going to press zero so I can speak with somebody. And so I do believe that there will be a market for my type of services. I think there is, right? Yeah. Look what Hollywood did. They all hate telemarketers. Do you hate us more than used car salesmen? Look what they've done to us. But think about customer service. I had an experience recently where I bought something and it didn't get delivered and then they wouldn't answer the emails. There was no chat. There was no phone number. And it was a less expensive price than another website, but I didn't get any service. So I canceled and I paid more at a different website because there was some service involved in it. Sometimes people want to talk to somebody, at least I do.
Hypercharge: Unboxed. 3 players against a Tyrannosaurus Rex.
3 action figures (3 players) against the Tyrannosaurus Rex of the Green and Tan Army Men.
Hypercharge: Unboxed is a classic-style third-person and first-person shooter video game inspired by Toy Story, Small Soldiers and Army Men. It focuses on wave based shooting with defense building mechanics. You must complete the mission of Sergeant Max Ammo and prevent the HYPER-CORE from being destroyed.
---Main Features:
- Single Player: Sometimes humans can get in the way. That's why we've designed smart Player Bots that will cover your six, collect resources, and help build defenses.
- Co-op and PvP: Fight against evil hordes of armed toys with up to four players in co-op or betray your little allies and go head-to-head in several classic competitive modes.
- Progression: Choose your preferred difficulty and earn medals, unlock unique action figures and customize their head, skin and weapon. If you really want to show off, create a prestigious title with the Name Generator.
- Big Guns: You may be small, but you pack a big punch. Blast, melt, and even disintegrate any toy that gets in your way.
- Wave-based Hybrid: Not a fan of Tower Defense? Don't worry, Hypercharge is not a traditional TD game. Combine wave based shooting with a simple defense build. Collect special building cards and build turrets, traps and walls.
"The Army Men Videogames Channel" is a YouTube channel specialized exclusively in the Army Men franchise and its thematic derivatives, run by some of the most loyal and knowledgeable fans in the world.
Some of our most important activities are Army Men game design, unique modifications of existing games and MODs for other games.
Follow us on our social networks for more exclusive content:
- https://ArmyMen.com.ar
- https://facebook.com/armymenvideogames
- https://instagram.com/armymenchannel
- https://twitter.com/armymenchannel
- https://discord.com/invite/VfbqahDyUB
#Hypercharge #HyperchargeUnboxed #ArmyMen
ABOUT LITTLE JOSIP BROZ TITO QUEEN ELIZABETH BRITISH ROYALS FILTHY SECRET - WE DON'T TALK ABOUT MK ULTRA WAS THE MAIN RULE OF JOSIP BROZ TITO WHO HAD POLICE AND MY FATHER EXPLAIN ONE OVER AND OVER AT AGE 2 NOT 4 AS I STATED IN VIDEO https://ausertimes.blogspot.com/2025/05/about-little-josip-broz-tito-queen.html
AGE WAS 2 NOT 4. IT WAS KNOWN AS THE MAIN RULE AND JOSIP BROZ TITO DEMANDED FROM ME TO EXPLAIN ONE BACK. RULE NUMBER ONE "WE DO NOT TALK ABOUT OUR LITTLE SECRET BECAUSE IF YOU WILL, THEY WILL TAKE YOU AWAY" IS WHAT JOSIP BROZ REPEATED ME. ON MY QUESTION WHO, HIS ANSWER WAS "THEY" AND HE WAS LAUGHING ABOUT IT. HE INSISTED ME TO JUST REMEMBER ASKING WAS UNDESIRABLE SINCE I WAS BABY. RULE NUMBER TWO WAS "YOU DON'T ASK"...AND THEY REMINDED ABOUT RULE NUMBER ONE BY EXAMPLING ME WITH CHILDREN IN REAL LIFE WHO WERE INSTITUTIONALISED IN ŠMIHEL IN THE BUILDING NEXT TO WHERE FATHER IS AND IN ANOTHER FACILITY IN NOVO MESTO WHERE THEY ALSO KEPT CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS - AND THEN IN HE SHOOL WHERE I GOT TO MEET MENTALLY DISABLED CHILDREN TO WATCH THEM HOW POORLY THEY DID - WASTED...THIS WAS A REAL JOSIP BROZ TITO THE ONE NOBODY WRITES ABOUT AND LIKEWISE GOES FOR QUEEN ELISABETH/PHILLIP/ CHARLES/ ANDREW. THEY HAD AGREEMENT
KRKA VILLAGE MADE SOME INSANE PLEDGE TO JOSIP BROZ TITO BEFORE ONE PERISHED IN 1980 - VILLAGERS REPEATEDLY CURSED ME OUT INFRONT OF TITO, SO I WAS REAL GLAD WHEN I SAW PEOPLE FROM CITY MOVING IN ALTHOUGH I HAD NO CLUE ABOUT WHAT WENT ON. ENTIRE VILLAGE, BUT THERE WERE ALSO PEOPLE WHO EXPRESSED SCEPTICISM UTTERLY IN JOSIP BROZ TITO'S FACE WHAT ENRAGED MILAN KUČAN - BORUT PAHOR/TANJA FAJON ETC.
Protest against the bill to dissolve the Science Council of Japan proposed by the ruling party of the Japanese government.
(passed the House of Representatives on the same day)
Tuesday, May 13th, 12:00-
In front of the House of Representatives No. 2 Building
Organized by: Association of Scholars and Citizens Opposing the Bill to Turn the Science Council of Japan into a "Special Corporation"
Shot by Hiroshi Harada
Micah Logan presents The Common Cents Show. How to start a business in Costa Rica with Richard Blank
The Common Cents Show is a podcast dedicated to providing business and financial knowledge in an entertaining and insightful way. From expert interviews with business leaders to dissecting the latest in business trends and news, we are dedicated to helping you make valuable business judgements from sound business knowledge.
The Common Cents Show is all about Entrepreneurship and Business. Join us for weekly content and strategy.
Richard Blank's Decision to Move to Costa Rica
It was a one in a million opportunity when I was 27 years old back in August of 2000. A friend of mine who owned a center here said, Richie, come down and come and teach English for a couple months. Relax for a little bit, take a break. When I came to Costa Rica, I didn't want to leave. So after those 60 days, I went to my friend and asked if I could stay. And he said, you beat me to the punch. I was just about to offer it to you as well. And just like as you would expect, there were hugs and high fives and smiles. I worked with my friend for four years. I learned the business.
The Real Secret Behind Starting a Business
But this is the different thing. And this assisted me in my decision to start my business. I didn't do C-level. So no, I didn't understand the contracts, the labor laws and things like that and the benefits. Learned it from the inside out. Really, I was one of the very best and strongest of soldiers. I learned retention and customer support and onboarding and training, a little bit of human resources, and I even learned search engine optimization. So if you really want to think about it, a lot of the times it's not like what you're getting paid, but if you can get some experience, I did four years of it and I learned enough to be able to start my company. But the secret It wasn't the margins or the connections that you have. It's really extending empathy and giving call center agents dignity because the largest grape and what causes most attrition is people just don't feel valued and disrespected.
Understanding Tone and Cadence in Customer Interactions
Let's talk about some of that. I want to hear a piece of that. I want to function as if I was working in your center. So you're training them to hear tone, response, cadence, and a person's voice to respond to that. Is that right? Yeah, you can tell when someone's yelling at you. And you can tell in grandma's fist. So what people need to do is to slow down and severely calm down. And there are some actions. Do you want me to juggle some stuff for you? Sure, I'll give you a couple quick techniques.
https://youtu.be/1z0-Sbk-dVY
https://youtu.be/1xp9CbU_qsM
https://youtu.be/J9W-UU1J0e4
https://youtu.be/U-JmZp7z0Zk
Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ
Micah Logan, the common cents show, Richard Blank, Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing Call Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,call centre, contact centre, contact center,trend, trending
Micah Logan is a Small Business Growth Expert, Business Turnaround Specialist, Business Coach, Forbes Contributor, Award-Winning Entrepreneur, and Business Systems Architect.
Are You struggling with inconsistent profits, cash flow crunches, or operational inefficiencies?
DISCOVER the Small Business Mastery System – Your path to fixing cash flow, profits, and operational inefficiencies. Schedule your free discovery session today!
For years, we’ve helped small businesses just like yours overcome challenges and achieve lasting growth
is your business surviving or thriving?
Most small businesses face these challenges in their first 5-7 years, leaving owners overwhelmed and unsure of the next steps.
Discover how we can help your business thrive. Scroll down to learn more about the Small Business Mastery System
Millions of Small Businesses Get Stuck Because Entrepreneurs Don’t Know How to Fix Their Broken Businesses
But They Don’t Have To Stay Stuck because Entrepreneurs have no idea how to fix their broken businesses.
Is it your sales program?
Is it your marketing strategy?
Is it an employee problem?
Have you established the right metrics or Key Performance Indicators to measure how well your company is doing?
but there’s a solution.
Introducing the Small Business Mastery System – a proven two-phase framework designed to stabilize, optimize, and scale your business. Created by Micah Logan, a seasoned entrepreneur, business coach, and consultant with over 20 years of experience running and advising successful companies, this system is built on real-world insights and tested strategies.
With the TURNAROUND Framework, we’ll help you regain control, resolve critical issues, and establish a strong foundation. Then, the ALTITUDE Framework guides you to achieve sustainable growth, measurable success, and long-term scalability.
See Real Results From Business Owners Just Like You
Future Masters Chess Academy – From Leads to Growth
K&T Cleaning Services – Building Efficiency
Meet Micah your partner in business success
Micah Logan is a 20-year award-winning Entrepreneur, Forbes Contributor, and Business Coach who has helped his client achieve the following:
Generate over 2,000 leads
Add $10 million in additional revenue
Open additional locations
Assisted with Mergers and Acquisitions
Improve Revenue to Expense efficiency ratios over 30%
“I achieve these results by tailoring strategies to each business's unique challenges and strengths.”
Micah specializes in turnarounds, business growth strategy, SOP implementation, and brand direction.
Don’t spend another week feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Let’s work together to turn your business into the thriving success it deserves to be.
Book Your Strategy Call Now
Unlock Your Business Potential: Calculate Your Coaching ROI
See how investing in coaching can transform your revenue and profits with our exclusive tool designed for small business owners
The Logan Companies Business Growth Estimator
Discover the potential growth and efficiency improvements your business could achieve with our coaching services.
TURNAROUND Framework: Stabilizes and Fixes Critical Issues
The TURNAROUND Framework focuses on addressing immediate challenges, such as cash flow management, operational inefficiencies, and lead generation. This phase is designed to stabilize your business and set a strong foundation for growth. With actionable steps like aligning accountability, nurturing revenue, and realigning your team, you’ll regain control and clarity.
PHASE II
ALTITUDE Framework: Optimize and Scale for Sustainable Success
The ALTITUDE Framework builds upon the stability achieved in TURNAROUND. This phase introduces advanced strategies for scaling your business, such as leveraging metrics, innovating for growth, and empowering your team with actionable insights. It’s a comprehensive roadmap for achieving long-term success and thriving in a competitive marketplace.
Ready to take the first step? Let's start your transformation journey
The Small Business Mastery Framework is a holistic, two-phase system designed to help small business owners like you achieve consistent profitability, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth. This methodology draws on over 20 years of real-world experience in coaching, consulting, and building businesses across industries.
About Micah Logan
Micah Logan is a 20-year award-winning entrepreneur and business coach, who has built a career on ruthless consistency and an unyielding passion for entrepreneurship. Micah’s expertise spans various sectors, from health and wellness to manufacturing and franchising, positioning him as a powerhouse coach for business owners ready to scale into multiple six and seven-figure incomes.
His success record is inarguable. Micah has introduced products to international markets, negotiated global licensing agreements, established national sales organizations, and built national distribution partnerships. His trailblazing achievements have led to significant successes for his companies and measurable outcomes for his partners. His influence in the health and wellness industry is backed by five consecutive "best of" awards, and his impact in franchising was recognized with the Fran-tastic 500 award in 2021 and a top franchise influencer award in 2022.
Micah's coaching approach centers around his unique B.O.P. methodology (Blueprint, Optimize, Position). This strategy empowers business owners to craft a bulletproof blueprint that refines processes and systems, thereby eliminating inefficiencies. The optimization phase sharpens areas that need support, implements KPIs, refines brand messaging, deepens financial understanding, and sets up SOPs for scalable operations. Finally, positioning aligns the business to target the right customers with the right products and services, ensuring the brand message resonates with the business operations.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Micah demonstrated his commitment to entrepreneurship as part of a team that supported over 540 businesses through the lockdowns. This action highlighted his resolve to transform lives through business ownership.
Micah is also a contributor to Forbes.com’s Entrepreneur and Small Business sections.
If you're ready to optimize your business, refine your processes, and scale your operations, Micah Logan stands ready to guide you to success. Join him on this transformative journey, and let's turn your entrepreneurial dream into a thriving reality.
Richard’s journey in the call center space is filled with twists and turns. When he was 27 years old, he relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose.
Mr. Richard Blank holds a bachelors degree in Communication and Spanish from the University of Arizona and a certificate of language proficiency from the University of Sevilla, Spain. A Keynote speaker for Philadelphia's Abington High School 68th National Honors Society induction ceremony. In addition, inducted into the 2023 Hall of Fame for Business. Giving back to Abington Senior High School is very important to Mr. Blank. As such, he endows a scholarship each year for students that plan on majoring in a world language at the university level.
Costa Rica’s Call Center (CCC) is a state of the art BPO telemarketing outsource company located in the capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica. Our main focus has been, and will always be to personally train each and every Central America call center agent so that we may offer the highest quality of outbound and inbound telemarketing solutions and bilingual customer service to small and medium sized international companies, entrepreneurs as well as fortune 500 companies.
We encourage you to visit one of our call centers on your next personal vacation or business trip to Central America’s paradise, Costa Rica. While you are here, we would recommend taking an extra day of your trip to visit breathtaking virgin beaches, play golf next to the ocean, try your luck at deep sea fishing, explore tropical jungles, climb volcanos or just relax in natural hot springs. Come and see for yourself why call center outsourcing in Costa Rica is a perfect solution for your growing company and a powerhouse in the BPO industry.
https://costaricascallcenter.com/en/outbound-bpo-campaigns/
#MicahLogan #thecommoncentsshow #RichardBlank #CostaRica #CallCenter #Outsourcing #Telemarketing #BPO #Sales #Entrepreneur #B2B #Business #Podcast #Gamification #CEO #trend #trending #listennow #subscribe #podcastclip #podcastvideo #videopodcasting #podcastguest
Using Language and Strategy to Navigate Business
Personally, sure, speaking Spanish opens doors for me and shows respect. But guess what it also does? It's the James Bond. Sometimes I say, you're no Spico Españolo. They're like, this guy's an idiot. And so I'll sit back. And it's only for selected company. But I'll see if people are sizing me up or saying things about me. I don't need to disclose that to everybody if they have bad intentions. But for the most part, I speak Spanish. But I have used that for my own protection from time to time. And I guess when they see me and I'm a business owner and I wear a suit, you would believe that they would charge more. Let's be realistic. So what do I do? I got my main man out there. I got Ace. he goes to the place. So instead of $100, now it's $45 and transportation. Thank you. Yeah, this is great. And so you need to have the right people that know the right people.
Micah Logan presents The Common Cents Show. How to start a business in Costa Rica with Richard Blank
The Common Cents Show is a podcast dedicated to providing business and financial knowledge in an entertaining and insightful way. From expert interviews with business leaders to dissecting the latest in business trends and news, we are dedicated to helping you make valuable business judgements from sound business knowledge.
The Common Cents Show is all about Entrepreneurship and Business. Join us for weekly content and strategy.
Richard Blank's Decision to Move to Costa Rica
It was a one in a million opportunity when I was 27 years old back in August of 2000. A friend of mine who owned a center here said, Richie, come down and come and teach English for a couple months. Relax for a little bit, take a break. When I came to Costa Rica, I didn't want to leave. So after those 60 days, I went to my friend and asked if I could stay. And he said, you beat me to the punch. I was just about to offer it to you as well. And just like as you would expect, there were hugs and high fives and smiles. I worked with my friend for four years. I learned the business.
The Real Secret Behind Starting a Business
But this is the different thing. And this assisted me in my decision to start my business. I didn't do C-level. So no, I didn't understand the contracts, the labor laws and things like that and the benefits. Learned it from the inside out. Really, I was one of the very best and strongest of soldiers. I learned retention and customer support and onboarding and training, a little bit of human resources, and I even learned search engine optimization. So if you really want to think about it, a lot of the times it's not like what you're getting paid, but if you can get some experience, I did four years of it and I learned enough to be able to start my company. But the secret It wasn't the margins or the connections that you have. It's really extending empathy and giving call center agents dignity because the largest grape and what causes most attrition is people just don't feel valued and disrespected.
Understanding Tone and Cadence in Customer Interactions
Let's talk about some of that. I want to hear a piece of that. I want to function as if I was working in your center. So you're training them to hear tone, response, cadence, and a person's voice to respond to that. Is that right? Yeah, you can tell when someone's yelling at you. And you can tell in grandma's fist. So what people need to do is to slow down and severely calm down. And there are some actions. Do you want me to juggle some stuff for you? Sure, I'll give you a couple quick techniques.
https://youtu.be/1z0-Sbk-dVY
https://youtu.be/1xp9CbU_qsM
https://youtu.be/J9W-UU1J0e4
https://youtu.be/U-JmZp7z0Zk
Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ
Micah Logan, the common cents show, Richard Blank, Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing Call Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,call centre, contact centre, contact center,trend, trending
Micah Logan is a Small Business Growth Expert, Business Turnaround Specialist, Business Coach, Forbes Contributor, Award-Winning Entrepreneur, and Business Systems Architect.
Are You struggling with inconsistent profits, cash flow crunches, or operational inefficiencies?
DISCOVER the Small Business Mastery System – Your path to fixing cash flow, profits, and operational inefficiencies. Schedule your free discovery session today!
For years, we’ve helped small businesses just like yours overcome challenges and achieve lasting growth
is your business surviving or thriving?
Most small businesses face these challenges in their first 5-7 years, leaving owners overwhelmed and unsure of the next steps.
Discover how we can help your business thrive. Scroll down to learn more about the Small Business Mastery System
Millions of Small Businesses Get Stuck Because Entrepreneurs Don’t Know How to Fix Their Broken Businesses
But They Don’t Have To Stay Stuck because Entrepreneurs have no idea how to fix their broken businesses.
Is it your sales program?
Is it your marketing strategy?
Is it an employee problem?
Have you established the right metrics or Key Performance Indicators to measure how well your company is doing?
but there’s a solution.
Introducing the Small Business Mastery System – a proven two-phase framework designed to stabilize, optimize, and scale your business. Created by Micah Logan, a seasoned entrepreneur, business coach, and consultant with over 20 years of experience running and advising successful companies, this system is built on real-world insights and tested strategies.
With the TURNAROUND Framework, we’ll help you regain control, resolve critical issues, and establish a strong foundation. Then, the ALTITUDE Framework guides you to achieve sustainable growth, measurable success, and long-term scalability.
See Real Results From Business Owners Just Like You
Future Masters Chess Academy – From Leads to Growth
K&T Cleaning Services – Building Efficiency
Meet Micah your partner in business success
Micah Logan is a 20-year award-winning Entrepreneur, Forbes Contributor, and Business Coach who has helped his client achieve the following:
Generate over 2,000 leads
Add $10 million in additional revenue
Open additional locations
Assisted with Mergers and Acquisitions
Improve Revenue to Expense efficiency ratios over 30%
“I achieve these results by tailoring strategies to each business's unique challenges and strengths.”
Micah specializes in turnarounds, business growth strategy, SOP implementation, and brand direction.
Don’t spend another week feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Let’s work together to turn your business into the thriving success it deserves to be.
Book Your Strategy Call Now
Unlock Your Business Potential: Calculate Your Coaching ROI
See how investing in coaching can transform your revenue and profits with our exclusive tool designed for small business owners
The Logan Companies Business Growth Estimator
Discover the potential growth and efficiency improvements your business could achieve with our coaching services.
TURNAROUND Framework: Stabilizes and Fixes Critical Issues
The TURNAROUND Framework focuses on addressing immediate challenges, such as cash flow management, operational inefficiencies, and lead generation. This phase is designed to stabilize your business and set a strong foundation for growth. With actionable steps like aligning accountability, nurturing revenue, and realigning your team, you’ll regain control and clarity.
PHASE II
ALTITUDE Framework: Optimize and Scale for Sustainable Success
The ALTITUDE Framework builds upon the stability achieved in TURNAROUND. This phase introduces advanced strategies for scaling your business, such as leveraging metrics, innovating for growth, and empowering your team with actionable insights. It’s a comprehensive roadmap for achieving long-term success and thriving in a competitive marketplace.
Ready to take the first step? Let's start your transformation journey
The Small Business Mastery Framework is a holistic, two-phase system designed to help small business owners like you achieve consistent profitability, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth. This methodology draws on over 20 years of real-world experience in coaching, consulting, and building businesses across industries.
About Micah Logan
Micah Logan is a 20-year award-winning entrepreneur and business coach, who has built a career on ruthless consistency and an unyielding passion for entrepreneurship. Micah’s expertise spans various sectors, from health and wellness to manufacturing and franchising, positioning him as a powerhouse coach for business owners ready to scale into multiple six and seven-figure incomes.
His success record is inarguable. Micah has introduced products to international markets, negotiated global licensing agreements, established national sales organizations, and built national distribution partnerships. His trailblazing achievements have led to significant successes for his companies and measurable outcomes for his partners. His influence in the health and wellness industry is backed by five consecutive "best of" awards, and his impact in franchising was recognized with the Fran-tastic 500 award in 2021 and a top franchise influencer award in 2022.
Micah's coaching approach centers around his unique B.O.P. methodology (Blueprint, Optimize, Position). This strategy empowers business owners to craft a bulletproof blueprint that refines processes and systems, thereby eliminating inefficiencies. The optimization phase sharpens areas that need support, implements KPIs, refines brand messaging, deepens financial understanding, and sets up SOPs for scalable operations. Finally, positioning aligns the business to target the right customers with the right products and services, ensuring the brand message resonates with the business operations.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Micah demonstrated his commitment to entrepreneurship as part of a team that supported over 540 businesses through the lockdowns. This action highlighted his resolve to transform lives through business ownership.
Micah is also a contributor to Forbes.com’s Entrepreneur and Small Business sections.
If you're ready to optimize your business, refine your processes, and scale your operations, Micah Logan stands ready to guide you to success. Join him on this transformative journey, and let's turn your entrepreneurial dream into a thriving reality.
Richard’s journey in the call center space is filled with twists and turns. When he was 27 years old, he relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose.
Mr. Richard Blank holds a bachelors degree in Communication and Spanish from the University of Arizona and a certificate of language proficiency from the University of Sevilla, Spain. A Keynote speaker for Philadelphia's Abington High School 68th National Honors Society induction ceremony. In addition, inducted into the 2023 Hall of Fame for Business. Giving back to Abington Senior High School is very important to Mr. Blank. As such, he endows a scholarship each year for students that plan on majoring in a world language at the university level.
Costa Rica’s Call Center (CCC) is a state of the art BPO telemarketing outsource company located in the capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica. Our main focus has been, and will always be to personally train each and every Central America call center agent so that we may offer the highest quality of outbound and inbound telemarketing solutions and bilingual customer service to small and medium sized international companies, entrepreneurs as well as fortune 500 companies.
We encourage you to visit one of our call centers on your next personal vacation or business trip to Central America’s paradise, Costa Rica. While you are here, we would recommend taking an extra day of your trip to visit breathtaking virgin beaches, play golf next to the ocean, try your luck at deep sea fishing, explore tropical jungles, climb volcanos or just relax in natural hot springs. Come and see for yourself why call center outsourcing in Costa Rica is a perfect solution for your growing company and a powerhouse in the BPO industry.
https://costaricascallcenter.com/en/outbound-bpo-campaigns/
#MicahLogan #thecommoncentsshow #RichardBlank #CostaRica #CallCenter #Outsourcing #Telemarketing #BPO #Sales #Entrepreneur #B2B #Business #Podcast #Gamification #CEO #trend #trending #listennow #subscribe #podcastclip #podcastvideo #videopodcasting #podcastguest
Using Language and Strategy to Navigate Business
Personally, sure, speaking Spanish opens doors for me and shows respect. But guess what it also does? It's the James Bond. Sometimes I say, you're no Spico Españolo. They're like, this guy's an idiot. And so I'll sit back. And it's only for selected company. But I'll see if people are sizing me up or saying things about me. I don't need to disclose that to everybody if they have bad intentions. But for the most part, I speak Spanish. But I have used that for my own protection from time to time. And I guess when they see me and I'm a business owner and I wear a suit, you would believe that they would charge more. Let's be realistic. So what do I do? I got my main man out there. I got Ace. he goes to the place. So instead of $100, now it's $45 and transportation. Thank you. Yeah, this is great. And so you need to have the right people that know the right people.
Micah Logan presents The Common Cents Show. How to start a business in Costa Rica with Richard Blank
The Common Cents Show is a podcast dedicated to providing business and financial knowledge in an entertaining and insightful way. From expert interviews with business leaders to dissecting the latest in business trends and news, we are dedicated to helping you make valuable business judgements from sound business knowledge.
The Common Cents Show is all about Entrepreneurship and Business. Join us for weekly content and strategy.
Richard Blank's Decision to Move to Costa Rica
It was a one in a million opportunity when I was 27 years old back in August of 2000. A friend of mine who owned a center here said, Richie, come down and come and teach English for a couple months. Relax for a little bit, take a break. When I came to Costa Rica, I didn't want to leave. So after those 60 days, I went to my friend and asked if I could stay. And he said, you beat me to the punch. I was just about to offer it to you as well. And just like as you would expect, there were hugs and high fives and smiles. I worked with my friend for four years. I learned the business.
The Real Secret Behind Starting a Business
But this is the different thing. And this assisted me in my decision to start my business. I didn't do C-level. So no, I didn't understand the contracts, the labor laws and things like that and the benefits. Learned it from the inside out. Really, I was one of the very best and strongest of soldiers. I learned retention and customer support and onboarding and training, a little bit of human resources, and I even learned search engine optimization. So if you really want to think about it, a lot of the times it's not like what you're getting paid, but if you can get some experience, I did four years of it and I learned enough to be able to start my company. But the secret It wasn't the margins or the connections that you have. It's really extending empathy and giving call center agents dignity because the largest grape and what causes most attrition is people just don't feel valued and disrespected.
Understanding Tone and Cadence in Customer Interactions
Let's talk about some of that. I want to hear a piece of that. I want to function as if I was working in your center. So you're training them to hear tone, response, cadence, and a person's voice to respond to that. Is that right? Yeah, you can tell when someone's yelling at you. And you can tell in grandma's fist. So what people need to do is to slow down and severely calm down. And there are some actions. Do you want me to juggle some stuff for you? Sure, I'll give you a couple quick techniques.
https://youtu.be/1z0-Sbk-dVY
https://youtu.be/1xp9CbU_qsM
https://youtu.be/J9W-UU1J0e4
https://youtu.be/U-JmZp7z0Zk
Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ
Micah Logan, the common cents show, Richard Blank, Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing Call Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,call centre, contact centre, contact center,trend, trending
Micah Logan is a Small Business Growth Expert, Business Turnaround Specialist, Business Coach, Forbes Contributor, Award-Winning Entrepreneur, and Business Systems Architect.
Are You struggling with inconsistent profits, cash flow crunches, or operational inefficiencies?
DISCOVER the Small Business Mastery System – Your path to fixing cash flow, profits, and operational inefficiencies. Schedule your free discovery session today!
For years, we’ve helped small businesses just like yours overcome challenges and achieve lasting growth
is your business surviving or thriving?
Most small businesses face these challenges in their first 5-7 years, leaving owners overwhelmed and unsure of the next steps.
Discover how we can help your business thrive. Scroll down to learn more about the Small Business Mastery System
Millions of Small Businesses Get Stuck Because Entrepreneurs Don’t Know How to Fix Their Broken Businesses
But They Don’t Have To Stay Stuck because Entrepreneurs have no idea how to fix their broken businesses.
Is it your sales program?
Is it your marketing strategy?
Is it an employee problem?
Have you established the right metrics or Key Performance Indicators to measure how well your company is doing?
but there’s a solution.
Introducing the Small Business Mastery System – a proven two-phase framework designed to stabilize, optimize, and scale your business. Created by Micah Logan, a seasoned entrepreneur, business coach, and consultant with over 20 years of experience running and advising successful companies, this system is built on real-world insights and tested strategies.
With the TURNAROUND Framework, we’ll help you regain control, resolve critical issues, and establish a strong foundation. Then, the ALTITUDE Framework guides you to achieve sustainable growth, measurable success, and long-term scalability.
See Real Results From Business Owners Just Like You
Future Masters Chess Academy – From Leads to Growth
K&T Cleaning Services – Building Efficiency
Meet Micah your partner in business success
Micah Logan is a 20-year award-winning Entrepreneur, Forbes Contributor, and Business Coach who has helped his client achieve the following:
Generate over 2,000 leads
Add $10 million in additional revenue
Open additional locations
Assisted with Mergers and Acquisitions
Improve Revenue to Expense efficiency ratios over 30%
“I achieve these results by tailoring strategies to each business's unique challenges and strengths.”
Micah specializes in turnarounds, business growth strategy, SOP implementation, and brand direction.
Don’t spend another week feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Let’s work together to turn your business into the thriving success it deserves to be.
Book Your Strategy Call Now
Unlock Your Business Potential: Calculate Your Coaching ROI
See how investing in coaching can transform your revenue and profits with our exclusive tool designed for small business owners
The Logan Companies Business Growth Estimator
Discover the potential growth and efficiency improvements your business could achieve with our coaching services.
TURNAROUND Framework: Stabilizes and Fixes Critical Issues
The TURNAROUND Framework focuses on addressing immediate challenges, such as cash flow management, operational inefficiencies, and lead generation. This phase is designed to stabilize your business and set a strong foundation for growth. With actionable steps like aligning accountability, nurturing revenue, and realigning your team, you’ll regain control and clarity.
PHASE II
ALTITUDE Framework: Optimize and Scale for Sustainable Success
The ALTITUDE Framework builds upon the stability achieved in TURNAROUND. This phase introduces advanced strategies for scaling your business, such as leveraging metrics, innovating for growth, and empowering your team with actionable insights. It’s a comprehensive roadmap for achieving long-term success and thriving in a competitive marketplace.
Ready to take the first step? Let's start your transformation journey
The Small Business Mastery Framework is a holistic, two-phase system designed to help small business owners like you achieve consistent profitability, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth. This methodology draws on over 20 years of real-world experience in coaching, consulting, and building businesses across industries.
About Micah Logan
Micah Logan is a 20-year award-winning entrepreneur and business coach, who has built a career on ruthless consistency and an unyielding passion for entrepreneurship. Micah’s expertise spans various sectors, from health and wellness to manufacturing and franchising, positioning him as a powerhouse coach for business owners ready to scale into multiple six and seven-figure incomes.
His success record is inarguable. Micah has introduced products to international markets, negotiated global licensing agreements, established national sales organizations, and built national distribution partnerships. His trailblazing achievements have led to significant successes for his companies and measurable outcomes for his partners. His influence in the health and wellness industry is backed by five consecutive "best of" awards, and his impact in franchising was recognized with the Fran-tastic 500 award in 2021 and a top franchise influencer award in 2022.
Micah's coaching approach centers around his unique B.O.P. methodology (Blueprint, Optimize, Position). This strategy empowers business owners to craft a bulletproof blueprint that refines processes and systems, thereby eliminating inefficiencies. The optimization phase sharpens areas that need support, implements KPIs, refines brand messaging, deepens financial understanding, and sets up SOPs for scalable operations. Finally, positioning aligns the business to target the right customers with the right products and services, ensuring the brand message resonates with the business operations.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Micah demonstrated his commitment to entrepreneurship as part of a team that supported over 540 businesses through the lockdowns. This action highlighted his resolve to transform lives through business ownership.
Micah is also a contributor to Forbes.com’s Entrepreneur and Small Business sections.
If you're ready to optimize your business, refine your processes, and scale your operations, Micah Logan stands ready to guide you to success. Join him on this transformative journey, and let's turn your entrepreneurial dream into a thriving reality.
Richard’s journey in the call center space is filled with twists and turns. When he was 27 years old, he relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose.
Mr. Richard Blank holds a bachelors degree in Communication and Spanish from the University of Arizona and a certificate of language proficiency from the University of Sevilla, Spain. A Keynote speaker for Philadelphia's Abington High School 68th National Honors Society induction ceremony. In addition, inducted into the 2023 Hall of Fame for Business. Giving back to Abington Senior High School is very important to Mr. Blank. As such, he endows a scholarship each year for students that plan on majoring in a world language at the university level.
Costa Rica’s Call Center (CCC) is a state of the art BPO telemarketing outsource company located in the capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica. Our main focus has been, and will always be to personally train each and every Central America call center agent so that we may offer the highest quality of outbound and inbound telemarketing solutions and bilingual customer service to small and medium sized international companies, entrepreneurs as well as fortune 500 companies.
We encourage you to visit one of our call centers on your next personal vacation or business trip to Central America’s paradise, Costa Rica. While you are here, we would recommend taking an extra day of your trip to visit breathtaking virgin beaches, play golf next to the ocean, try your luck at deep sea fishing, explore tropical jungles, climb volcanos or just relax in natural hot springs. Come and see for yourself why call center outsourcing in Costa Rica is a perfect solution for your growing company and a powerhouse in the BPO industry.
https://costaricascallcenter.com/en/outbound-bpo-campaigns/
#MicahLogan #thecommoncentsshow #RichardBlank #CostaRica #CallCenter #Outsourcing #Telemarketing #BPO #Sales #Entrepreneur #B2B #Business #Podcast #Gamification #CEO #trend #trending #listennow #subscribe #podcastclip #podcastvideo #videopodcasting #podcastguest
Using Language and Strategy to Navigate Business
Personally, sure, speaking Spanish opens doors for me and shows respect. But guess what it also does? It's the James Bond. Sometimes I say, you're no Spico Españolo. They're like, this guy's an idiot. And so I'll sit back. And it's only for selected company. But I'll see if people are sizing me up or saying things about me. I don't need to disclose that to everybody if they have bad intentions. But for the most part, I speak Spanish. But I have used that for my own protection from time to time. And I guess when they see me and I'm a business owner and I wear a suit, you would believe that they would charge more. Let's be realistic. So what do I do? I got my main man out there. I got Ace. he goes to the place. So instead of $100, now it's $45 and transportation. Thank you. Yeah, this is great. And so you need to have the right people that know the right people.
Micah Logan presents The Common Cents Show. How to start a business in Costa Rica with Richard Blank
The Common Cents Show is a podcast dedicated to providing business and financial knowledge in an entertaining and insightful way. From expert interviews with business leaders to dissecting the latest in business trends and news, we are dedicated to helping you make valuable business judgements from sound business knowledge.
The Common Cents Show is all about Entrepreneurship and Business. Join us for weekly content and strategy.
Richard Blank's Decision to Move to Costa Rica
It was a one in a million opportunity when I was 27 years old back in August of 2000. A friend of mine who owned a center here said, Richie, come down and come and teach English for a couple months. Relax for a little bit, take a break. When I came to Costa Rica, I didn't want to leave. So after those 60 days, I went to my friend and asked if I could stay. And he said, you beat me to the punch. I was just about to offer it to you as well. And just like as you would expect, there were hugs and high fives and smiles. I worked with my friend for four years. I learned the business.
The Real Secret Behind Starting a Business
But this is the different thing. And this assisted me in my decision to start my business. I didn't do C-level. So no, I didn't understand the contracts, the labor laws and things like that and the benefits. Learned it from the inside out. Really, I was one of the very best and strongest of soldiers. I learned retention and customer support and onboarding and training, a little bit of human resources, and I even learned search engine optimization. So if you really want to think about it, a lot of the times it's not like what you're getting paid, but if you can get some experience, I did four years of it and I learned enough to be able to start my company. But the secret It wasn't the margins or the connections that you have. It's really extending empathy and giving call center agents dignity because the largest grape and what causes most attrition is people just don't feel valued and disrespected.
Understanding Tone and Cadence in Customer Interactions
Let's talk about some of that. I want to hear a piece of that. I want to function as if I was working in your center. So you're training them to hear tone, response, cadence, and a person's voice to respond to that. Is that right? Yeah, you can tell when someone's yelling at you. And you can tell in grandma's fist. So what people need to do is to slow down and severely calm down. And there are some actions. Do you want me to juggle some stuff for you? Sure, I'll give you a couple quick techniques.
https://youtu.be/1z0-Sbk-dVY
https://youtu.be/1xp9CbU_qsM
https://youtu.be/J9W-UU1J0e4
https://youtu.be/U-JmZp7z0Zk
Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ
Micah Logan, the common cents show, Richard Blank, Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing Call Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,call centre, contact centre, contact center,trend, trending
Micah Logan is a Small Business Growth Expert, Business Turnaround Specialist, Business Coach, Forbes Contributor, Award-Winning Entrepreneur, and Business Systems Architect.
Are You struggling with inconsistent profits, cash flow crunches, or operational inefficiencies?
DISCOVER the Small Business Mastery System – Your path to fixing cash flow, profits, and operational inefficiencies. Schedule your free discovery session today!
For years, we’ve helped small businesses just like yours overcome challenges and achieve lasting growth
is your business surviving or thriving?
Most small businesses face these challenges in their first 5-7 years, leaving owners overwhelmed and unsure of the next steps.
Discover how we can help your business thrive. Scroll down to learn more about the Small Business Mastery System
Millions of Small Businesses Get Stuck Because Entrepreneurs Don’t Know How to Fix Their Broken Businesses
But They Don’t Have To Stay Stuck because Entrepreneurs have no idea how to fix their broken businesses.
Is it your sales program?
Is it your marketing strategy?
Is it an employee problem?
Have you established the right metrics or Key Performance Indicators to measure how well your company is doing?
but there’s a solution.
Introducing the Small Business Mastery System – a proven two-phase framework designed to stabilize, optimize, and scale your business. Created by Micah Logan, a seasoned entrepreneur, business coach, and consultant with over 20 years of experience running and advising successful companies, this system is built on real-world insights and tested strategies.
With the TURNAROUND Framework, we’ll help you regain control, resolve critical issues, and establish a strong foundation. Then, the ALTITUDE Framework guides you to achieve sustainable growth, measurable success, and long-term scalability.
See Real Results From Business Owners Just Like You
Future Masters Chess Academy – From Leads to Growth
K&T Cleaning Services – Building Efficiency
Meet Micah your partner in business success
Micah Logan is a 20-year award-winning Entrepreneur, Forbes Contributor, and Business Coach who has helped his client achieve the following:
Generate over 2,000 leads
Add $10 million in additional revenue
Open additional locations
Assisted with Mergers and Acquisitions
Improve Revenue to Expense efficiency ratios over 30%
“I achieve these results by tailoring strategies to each business's unique challenges and strengths.”
Micah specializes in turnarounds, business growth strategy, SOP implementation, and brand direction.
Don’t spend another week feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Let’s work together to turn your business into the thriving success it deserves to be.
Book Your Strategy Call Now
Unlock Your Business Potential: Calculate Your Coaching ROI
See how investing in coaching can transform your revenue and profits with our exclusive tool designed for small business owners
The Logan Companies Business Growth Estimator
Discover the potential growth and efficiency improvements your business could achieve with our coaching services.
TURNAROUND Framework: Stabilizes and Fixes Critical Issues
The TURNAROUND Framework focuses on addressing immediate challenges, such as cash flow management, operational inefficiencies, and lead generation. This phase is designed to stabilize your business and set a strong foundation for growth. With actionable steps like aligning accountability, nurturing revenue, and realigning your team, you’ll regain control and clarity.
PHASE II
ALTITUDE Framework: Optimize and Scale for Sustainable Success
The ALTITUDE Framework builds upon the stability achieved in TURNAROUND. This phase introduces advanced strategies for scaling your business, such as leveraging metrics, innovating for growth, and empowering your team with actionable insights. It’s a comprehensive roadmap for achieving long-term success and thriving in a competitive marketplace.
Ready to take the first step? Let's start your transformation journey
The Small Business Mastery Framework is a holistic, two-phase system designed to help small business owners like you achieve consistent profitability, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth. This methodology draws on over 20 years of real-world experience in coaching, consulting, and building businesses across industries.
About Micah Logan
Micah Logan is a 20-year award-winning entrepreneur and business coach, who has built a career on ruthless consistency and an unyielding passion for entrepreneurship. Micah’s expertise spans various sectors, from health and wellness to manufacturing and franchising, positioning him as a powerhouse coach for business owners ready to scale into multiple six and seven-figure incomes.
His success record is inarguable. Micah has introduced products to international markets, negotiated global licensing agreements, established national sales organizations, and built national distribution partnerships. His trailblazing achievements have led to significant successes for his companies and measurable outcomes for his partners. His influence in the health and wellness industry is backed by five consecutive "best of" awards, and his impact in franchising was recognized with the Fran-tastic 500 award in 2021 and a top franchise influencer award in 2022.
Micah's coaching approach centers around his unique B.O.P. methodology (Blueprint, Optimize, Position). This strategy empowers business owners to craft a bulletproof blueprint that refines processes and systems, thereby eliminating inefficiencies. The optimization phase sharpens areas that need support, implements KPIs, refines brand messaging, deepens financial understanding, and sets up SOPs for scalable operations. Finally, positioning aligns the business to target the right customers with the right products and services, ensuring the brand message resonates with the business operations.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Micah demonstrated his commitment to entrepreneurship as part of a team that supported over 540 businesses through the lockdowns. This action highlighted his resolve to transform lives through business ownership.
Micah is also a contributor to Forbes.com’s Entrepreneur and Small Business sections.
If you're ready to optimize your business, refine your processes, and scale your operations, Micah Logan stands ready to guide you to success. Join him on this transformative journey, and let's turn your entrepreneurial dream into a thriving reality.
Richard’s journey in the call center space is filled with twists and turns. When he was 27 years old, he relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose.
Mr. Richard Blank holds a bachelors degree in Communication and Spanish from the University of Arizona and a certificate of language proficiency from the University of Sevilla, Spain. A Keynote speaker for Philadelphia's Abington High School 68th National Honors Society induction ceremony. In addition, inducted into the 2023 Hall of Fame for Business. Giving back to Abington Senior High School is very important to Mr. Blank. As such, he endows a scholarship each year for students that plan on majoring in a world language at the university level.
Costa Rica’s Call Center (CCC) is a state of the art BPO telemarketing outsource company located in the capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica. Our main focus has been, and will always be to personally train each and every Central America call center agent so that we may offer the highest quality of outbound and inbound telemarketing solutions and bilingual customer service to small and medium sized international companies, entrepreneurs as well as fortune 500 companies.
We encourage you to visit one of our call centers on your next personal vacation or business trip to Central America’s paradise, Costa Rica. While you are here, we would recommend taking an extra day of your trip to visit breathtaking virgin beaches, play golf next to the ocean, try your luck at deep sea fishing, explore tropical jungles, climb volcanos or just relax in natural hot springs. Come and see for yourself why call center outsourcing in Costa Rica is a perfect solution for your growing company and a powerhouse in the BPO industry.
https://costaricascallcenter.com/en/outbound-bpo-campaigns/
#MicahLogan #thecommoncentsshow #RichardBlank #CostaRica #CallCenter #Outsourcing #Telemarketing #BPO #Sales #Entrepreneur #B2B #Business #Podcast #Gamification #CEO #trend #trending #listennow #subscribe #podcastclip #podcastvideo #videopodcasting #podcastguest
Using Language and Strategy to Navigate Business
Personally, sure, speaking Spanish opens doors for me and shows respect. But guess what it also does? It's the James Bond. Sometimes I say, you're no Spico Españolo. They're like, this guy's an idiot. And so I'll sit back. And it's only for selected company. But I'll see if people are sizing me up or saying things about me. I don't need to disclose that to everybody if they have bad intentions. But for the most part, I speak Spanish. But I have used that for my own protection from time to time. And I guess when they see me and I'm a business owner and I wear a suit, you would believe that they would charge more. Let's be realistic. So what do I do? I got my main man out there. I got Ace. he goes to the place. So instead of $100, now it's $45 and transportation. Thank you. Yeah, this is great. And so you need to have the right people that know the right people.
Micah Logan presents The Common Cents Show. How to start a business in Costa Rica with Richard Blank
The Common Cents Show is a podcast dedicated to providing business and financial knowledge in an entertaining and insightful way. From expert interviews with business leaders to dissecting the latest in business trends and news, we are dedicated to helping you make valuable business judgements from sound business knowledge.
The Common Cents Show is all about Entrepreneurship and Business. Join us for weekly content and strategy.
Richard Blank's Decision to Move to Costa Rica
It was a one in a million opportunity when I was 27 years old back in August of 2000. A friend of mine who owned a center here said, Richie, come down and come and teach English for a couple months. Relax for a little bit, take a break. When I came to Costa Rica, I didn't want to leave. So after those 60 days, I went to my friend and asked if I could stay. And he said, you beat me to the punch. I was just about to offer it to you as well. And just like as you would expect, there were hugs and high fives and smiles. I worked with my friend for four years. I learned the business.
The Real Secret Behind Starting a Business
But this is the different thing. And this assisted me in my decision to start my business. I didn't do C-level. So no, I didn't understand the contracts, the labor laws and things like that and the benefits. Learned it from the inside out. Really, I was one of the very best and strongest of soldiers. I learned retention and customer support and onboarding and training, a little bit of human resources, and I even learned search engine optimization. So if you really want to think about it, a lot of the times it's not like what you're getting paid, but if you can get some experience, I did four years of it and I learned enough to be able to start my company. But the secret It wasn't the margins or the connections that you have. It's really extending empathy and giving call center agents dignity because the largest grape and what causes most attrition is people just don't feel valued and disrespected.
Understanding Tone and Cadence in Customer Interactions
Let's talk about some of that. I want to hear a piece of that. I want to function as if I was working in your center. So you're training them to hear tone, response, cadence, and a person's voice to respond to that. Is that right? Yeah, you can tell when someone's yelling at you. And you can tell in grandma's fist. So what people need to do is to slow down and severely calm down. And there are some actions. Do you want me to juggle some stuff for you? Sure, I'll give you a couple quick techniques.
https://youtu.be/1z0-Sbk-dVY
https://youtu.be/1xp9CbU_qsM
https://youtu.be/J9W-UU1J0e4
https://youtu.be/U-JmZp7z0Zk
Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ
Micah Logan, the common cents show, Richard Blank, Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing Call Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,call centre, contact centre, contact center,trend, trending
Micah Logan is a Small Business Growth Expert, Business Turnaround Specialist, Business Coach, Forbes Contributor, Award-Winning Entrepreneur, and Business Systems Architect.
Are You struggling with inconsistent profits, cash flow crunches, or operational inefficiencies?
DISCOVER the Small Business Mastery System – Your path to fixing cash flow, profits, and operational inefficiencies. Schedule your free discovery session today!
For years, we’ve helped small businesses just like yours overcome challenges and achieve lasting growth
is your business surviving or thriving?
Most small businesses face these challenges in their first 5-7 years, leaving owners overwhelmed and unsure of the next steps.
Discover how we can help your business thrive. Scroll down to learn more about the Small Business Mastery System
Millions of Small Businesses Get Stuck Because Entrepreneurs Don’t Know How to Fix Their Broken Businesses
But They Don’t Have To Stay Stuck because Entrepreneurs have no idea how to fix their broken businesses.
Is it your sales program?
Is it your marketing strategy?
Is it an employee problem?
Have you established the right metrics or Key Performance Indicators to measure how well your company is doing?
but there’s a solution.
Introducing the Small Business Mastery System – a proven two-phase framework designed to stabilize, optimize, and scale your business. Created by Micah Logan, a seasoned entrepreneur, business coach, and consultant with over 20 years of experience running and advising successful companies, this system is built on real-world insights and tested strategies.
With the TURNAROUND Framework, we’ll help you regain control, resolve critical issues, and establish a strong foundation. Then, the ALTITUDE Framework guides you to achieve sustainable growth, measurable success, and long-term scalability.
See Real Results From Business Owners Just Like You
Future Masters Chess Academy – From Leads to Growth
K&T Cleaning Services – Building Efficiency
Meet Micah your partner in business success
Micah Logan is a 20-year award-winning Entrepreneur, Forbes Contributor, and Business Coach who has helped his client achieve the following:
Generate over 2,000 leads
Add $10 million in additional revenue
Open additional locations
Assisted with Mergers and Acquisitions
Improve Revenue to Expense efficiency ratios over 30%
“I achieve these results by tailoring strategies to each business's unique challenges and strengths.”
Micah specializes in turnarounds, business growth strategy, SOP implementation, and brand direction.
Don’t spend another week feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Let’s work together to turn your business into the thriving success it deserves to be.
Book Your Strategy Call Now
Unlock Your Business Potential: Calculate Your Coaching ROI
See how investing in coaching can transform your revenue and profits with our exclusive tool designed for small business owners
The Logan Companies Business Growth Estimator
Discover the potential growth and efficiency improvements your business could achieve with our coaching services.
TURNAROUND Framework: Stabilizes and Fixes Critical Issues
The TURNAROUND Framework focuses on addressing immediate challenges, such as cash flow management, operational inefficiencies, and lead generation. This phase is designed to stabilize your business and set a strong foundation for growth. With actionable steps like aligning accountability, nurturing revenue, and realigning your team, you’ll regain control and clarity.
PHASE II
ALTITUDE Framework: Optimize and Scale for Sustainable Success
The ALTITUDE Framework builds upon the stability achieved in TURNAROUND. This phase introduces advanced strategies for scaling your business, such as leveraging metrics, innovating for growth, and empowering your team with actionable insights. It’s a comprehensive roadmap for achieving long-term success and thriving in a competitive marketplace.
Ready to take the first step? Let's start your transformation journey
The Small Business Mastery Framework is a holistic, two-phase system designed to help small business owners like you achieve consistent profitability, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth. This methodology draws on over 20 years of real-world experience in coaching, consulting, and building businesses across industries.
About Micah Logan
Micah Logan is a 20-year award-winning entrepreneur and business coach, who has built a career on ruthless consistency and an unyielding passion for entrepreneurship. Micah’s expertise spans various sectors, from health and wellness to manufacturing and franchising, positioning him as a powerhouse coach for business owners ready to scale into multiple six and seven-figure incomes.
His success record is inarguable. Micah has introduced products to international markets, negotiated global licensing agreements, established national sales organizations, and built national distribution partnerships. His trailblazing achievements have led to significant successes for his companies and measurable outcomes for his partners. His influence in the health and wellness industry is backed by five consecutive "best of" awards, and his impact in franchising was recognized with the Fran-tastic 500 award in 2021 and a top franchise influencer award in 2022.
Micah's coaching approach centers around his unique B.O.P. methodology (Blueprint, Optimize, Position). This strategy empowers business owners to craft a bulletproof blueprint that refines processes and systems, thereby eliminating inefficiencies. The optimization phase sharpens areas that need support, implements KPIs, refines brand messaging, deepens financial understanding, and sets up SOPs for scalable operations. Finally, positioning aligns the business to target the right customers with the right products and services, ensuring the brand message resonates with the business operations.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Micah demonstrated his commitment to entrepreneurship as part of a team that supported over 540 businesses through the lockdowns. This action highlighted his resolve to transform lives through business ownership.
Micah is also a contributor to Forbes.com’s Entrepreneur and Small Business sections.
If you're ready to optimize your business, refine your processes, and scale your operations, Micah Logan stands ready to guide you to success. Join him on this transformative journey, and let's turn your entrepreneurial dream into a thriving reality.
Richard’s journey in the call center space is filled with twists and turns. When he was 27 years old, he relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose.
Mr. Richard Blank holds a bachelors degree in Communication and Spanish from the University of Arizona and a certificate of language proficiency from the University of Sevilla, Spain. A Keynote speaker for Philadelphia's Abington High School 68th National Honors Society induction ceremony. In addition, inducted into the 2023 Hall of Fame for Business. Giving back to Abington Senior High School is very important to Mr. Blank. As such, he endows a scholarship each year for students that plan on majoring in a world language at the university level.
Costa Rica’s Call Center (CCC) is a state of the art BPO telemarketing outsource company located in the capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica. Our main focus has been, and will always be to personally train each and every Central America call center agent so that we may offer the highest quality of outbound and inbound telemarketing solutions and bilingual customer service to small and medium sized international companies, entrepreneurs as well as fortune 500 companies.
We encourage you to visit one of our call centers on your next personal vacation or business trip to Central America’s paradise, Costa Rica. While you are here, we would recommend taking an extra day of your trip to visit breathtaking virgin beaches, play golf next to the ocean, try your luck at deep sea fishing, explore tropical jungles, climb volcanos or just relax in natural hot springs. Come and see for yourself why call center outsourcing in Costa Rica is a perfect solution for your growing company and a powerhouse in the BPO industry.
https://costaricascallcenter.com/en/outbound-bpo-campaigns/
#MicahLogan #thecommoncentsshow #RichardBlank #CostaRica #CallCenter #Outsourcing #Telemarketing #BPO #Sales #Entrepreneur #B2B #Business #Podcast #Gamification #CEO #trend #trending #listennow #subscribe #podcastclip #podcastvideo #videopodcasting #podcastguest
Using Language and Strategy to Navigate Business
Personally, sure, speaking Spanish opens doors for me and shows respect. But guess what it also does? It's the James Bond. Sometimes I say, you're no Spico Españolo. They're like, this guy's an idiot. And so I'll sit back. And it's only for selected company. But I'll see if people are sizing me up or saying things about me. I don't need to disclose that to everybody if they have bad intentions. But for the most part, I speak Spanish. But I have used that for my own protection from time to time. And I guess when they see me and I'm a business owner and I wear a suit, you would believe that they would charge more. Let's be realistic. So what do I do? I got my main man out there. I got Ace. he goes to the place. So instead of $100, now it's $45 and transportation. Thank you. Yeah, this is great. And so you need to have the right people that know the right people.
3 action figures (3 players) against the Green and Tan Army Men, some F-14 bombers, other action figures, battery tanks, Spinners, Rubber Balls, a military air balloon and a big plane that transports troops of Plastic Soldiers, among others... Will the action figures be able to fight the plastic soldiers and other toys?
Hypercharge: Unboxed is a classic-style third-person and first-person shooter video game inspired by Toy Story, Small Soldiers and Army Men. It focuses on wave based shooting with defense building mechanics. You must complete the mission of Sergeant Max Ammo and prevent the HYPER-CORE from being destroyed.
---Main Features:
- Single Player: Sometimes humans can get in the way. That's why we've designed smart Player Bots that will cover your six, collect resources, and help build defenses.
- Co-op and PvP: Fight against evil hordes of armed toys with up to four players in co-op or betray your little allies and go head-to-head in several classic competitive modes.
- Progression: Choose your preferred difficulty and earn medals, unlock unique action figures and customize their head, skin and weapon. If you really want to show off, create a prestigious title with the Name Generator.
- Big Guns: You may be small, but you pack a big punch. Blast, melt, and even disintegrate any toy that gets in your way.
- Wave-based Hybrid: Not a fan of Tower Defense? Don't worry, Hypercharge is not a traditional TD game. Combine wave based shooting with a simple defense build. Collect special building cards and build turrets, traps and walls.
"The Army Men Videogames Channel" is a YouTube channel specialized exclusively in the Army Men franchise and its thematic derivatives, run by some of the most loyal and knowledgeable fans in the world.
Some of our most important activities are Army Men game design, unique modifications of existing games and MODs for other games.
Follow us on our social networks for more exclusive content:
- https://armymen.com.ar
- https://facebook.com/armymenvideogames
- https://instagram.com/armymenchannel
- https://twitter.com/armymenchannel
- https://discord.com/invite/VfbqahDyUB
#Hypercharge #HyperchargeUnboxed #ArmyMen
3 action figures (3 players) against the Green and Tan Army Men, some F-14 bombers, other action figures, battery tanks, Spinners, Rubber Balls, a military air balloon and a big plane that transports troops of Plastic Soldiers, among others... Will the action figures be able to fight the plastic soldiers and other toys?
Hypercharge: Unboxed is a classic-style third-person and first-person shooter video game inspired by Toy Story, Small Soldiers and Army Men. It focuses on wave based shooting with defense building mechanics. You must complete the mission of Sergeant Max Ammo and prevent the HYPER-CORE from being destroyed.
---Main Features:
- Single Player: Sometimes humans can get in the way. That's why we've designed smart Player Bots that will cover your six, collect resources, and help build defenses.
- Co-op and PvP: Fight against evil hordes of armed toys with up to four players in co-op or betray your little allies and go head-to-head in several classic competitive modes.
- Progression: Choose your preferred difficulty and earn medals, unlock unique action figures and customize their head, skin and weapon. If you really want to show off, create a prestigious title with the Name Generator.
- Big Guns: You may be small, but you pack a big punch. Blast, melt, and even disintegrate any toy that gets in your way.
- Wave-based Hybrid: Not a fan of Tower Defense? Don't worry, Hypercharge is not a traditional TD game. Combine wave based shooting with a simple defense build. Collect special building cards and build turrets, traps and walls.
"The Army Men Videogames Channel" is a YouTube channel specialized exclusively in the Army Men franchise and its thematic derivatives, run by some of the most loyal and knowledgeable fans in the world.
Some of our most important activities are Army Men game design, unique modifications of existing games and MODs for other games.
Follow us on our social networks for more exclusive content:
- https://armymen.com.ar
- https://facebook.com/armymenvideogames
- https://instagram.com/armymenchannel
- https://twitter.com/armymenchannel
- https://discord.com/invite/VfbqahDyUB
#Hypercharge #HyperchargeUnboxed #ArmyMen
3 action figures (3 players) against the Green and Tan Army Men, some F-14 bombers, other action figures, battery tanks, Spinners, Rubber Balls, a military air balloon and a big plane that transports troops of Plastic Soldiers, among others... Will the action figures be able to fight the plastic soldiers and other toys?
Hypercharge: Unboxed is a classic-style third-person and first-person shooter video game inspired by Toy Story, Small Soldiers and Army Men. It focuses on wave based shooting with defense building mechanics. You must complete the mission of Sergeant Max Ammo and prevent the HYPER-CORE from being destroyed.
---Main Features:
- Single Player: Sometimes humans can get in the way. That's why we've designed smart Player Bots that will cover your six, collect resources, and help build defenses.
- Co-op and PvP: Fight against evil hordes of armed toys with up to four players in co-op or betray your little allies and go head-to-head in several classic competitive modes.
- Progression: Choose your preferred difficulty and earn medals, unlock unique action figures and customize their head, skin and weapon. If you really want to show off, create a prestigious title with the Name Generator.
- Big Guns: You may be small, but you pack a big punch. Blast, melt, and even disintegrate any toy that gets in your way.
- Wave-based Hybrid: Not a fan of Tower Defense? Don't worry, Hypercharge is not a traditional TD game. Combine wave based shooting with a simple defense build. Collect special building cards and build turrets, traps and walls.
"The Army Men Videogames Channel" is a YouTube channel specialized exclusively in the Army Men franchise and its thematic derivatives, run by some of the most loyal and knowledgeable fans in the world.
Some of our most important activities are Army Men game design, unique modifications of existing games and MODs for other games.
Follow us on our social networks for more exclusive content:
- https://armymen.com.ar
- https://facebook.com/armymenvideogames
- https://instagram.com/armymenchannel
- https://twitter.com/armymenchannel
- https://discord.com/invite/VfbqahDyUB
#Hypercharge #HyperchargeUnboxed #ArmyMen
The finale of Hypercharge Unboxed's campaign, where we face the supreme commander of the evil toys who want to destroy the Hypercores: Major Evil. The bulk of his army is based here...
Hypercharge: Unboxed is a classic-style third- and first-person shooter inspired by Toy Story, Small Soldiers, and Army Men. It focuses on wave-based shooting with defense-building mechanics. You must complete Sergeant Max Ammo's missions and prevent the HYPER-COREs from being destroyed.
--- Key Features:
- Single Player: Sometimes humans can get in the way. That's why we've designed intelligent Player Bots that will cover your six, collect resources, and help build defenses.
- Co-op & PvP: Fight off evil hordes of armed toys with up to four players in co-op mode or betray your tiny allies and face off in various classic competitive modes.
- Progression: Choose your preferred difficulty and earn medals, unlock unique action figures, and customize your head, skin, and weapon. If you really want to show off, create a prestigious title with the Name Generator.
- Big Guns: You may be small, but you pack a punch. Explode, melt, and even disintegrate any toy that gets in your way.
- Wave-Based Hybrid: Not a fan of Tower Defense? Don't worry, Hypercharge isn't a traditional TD game. It combines wave-based shooting with simple defense building. Collect special buildable cards and build turrets, traps, and walls.
"The Army Men Videogames Channel" is a Youtube channel specializing exclusively in the Army Men franchise and thematic spin-offs thereof, run by some of the most loyal and knowledgeable fans in the world.
Some of our most important activities are the design of Army Men video games, unique modifications of existing games, and MODs for other games.
Follow us on our social networks for more exclusive content:
- https://ArmyMen.com.ar
- https://facebook.com/armymenvideogames
- https://instagram.com/armymenchannel
- https://twitter.com/armymenchannel
- https://discord.com/invite/VfbqahDyUB
#Hypercharge #HyperchargeUnboxed #ArmyMen
The finale of Hypercharge Unboxed's campaign, where we face the supreme commander of the evil toys who want to destroy the Hypercores: Major Evil. The bulk of his army is based here...
Hypercharge: Unboxed is a classic-style third- and first-person shooter inspired by Toy Story, Small Soldiers, and Army Men. It focuses on wave-based shooting with defense-building mechanics. You must complete Sergeant Max Ammo's missions and prevent the HYPER-COREs from being destroyed.
--- Key Features:
- Single Player: Sometimes humans can get in the way. That's why we've designed intelligent Player Bots that will cover your six, collect resources, and help build defenses.
- Co-op & PvP: Fight off evil hordes of armed toys with up to four players in co-op mode or betray your tiny allies and face off in various classic competitive modes.
- Progression: Choose your preferred difficulty and earn medals, unlock unique action figures, and customize your head, skin, and weapon. If you really want to show off, create a prestigious title with the Name Generator.
- Big Guns: You may be small, but you pack a punch. Explode, melt, and even disintegrate any toy that gets in your way.
- Wave-Based Hybrid: Not a fan of Tower Defense? Don't worry, Hypercharge isn't a traditional TD game. It combines wave-based shooting with simple defense building. Collect special buildable cards and build turrets, traps, and walls.
"The Army Men Videogames Channel" is a Youtube channel specializing exclusively in the Army Men franchise and thematic spin-offs thereof, run by some of the most loyal and knowledgeable fans in the world.
Some of our most important activities are the design of Army Men video games, unique modifications of existing games, and MODs for other games.
Follow us on our social networks for more exclusive content:
- https://ArmyMen.com.ar
- https://facebook.com/armymenvideogames
- https://instagram.com/armymenchannel
- https://twitter.com/armymenchannel
- https://discord.com/invite/VfbqahDyUB
#Hypercharge #HyperchargeUnboxed #ArmyMen
Hypercharge: Unboxed is a classic-style third- and first-person shooter inspired by Toy Story, Small Soldiers, and Army Men. It focuses on wave-based shooting with defense building mechanics. You must complete Sergeant Max Ammo's mission and prevent the HYPER-CORE from being destroyed.
Character: The Mighty Widow Woman
--- Main features:
- Single Player: Sometimes humans can get in the way. That's why we've designed smart Player Bots that will cover your six, collect resources, and help build defenses.
- Co-op and PvP: Fight evil hordes of armed toys with up to four players in cooperative mode or betray your little allies and face off in several classic competitive modes.
- Progression: Choose your preferred difficulty and earn medals, unlock unique action figures, and customize your head, skin, and weapon. If you really want to show off, create a prestigious title with the Name Generator.
- Big guns: You may be small, but you pack a big punch. Explode, melt and even disintegrate any toy that gets in your way.
- Wave-based Hybrid: Not a fan of Tower Defense? Don't worry, Hypercharge is not a traditional TD game. Combines wave-based shooting with a simple defense build. Collect special buildable cards and build turrets, traps and walls.
"The Army Men Videogames Channel" is a YouTube channel specialized exclusively in the Army Men franchise and thematic derivatives of it, run by some of the most loyal and knowledgeable fans in the world.
Some of our most important activities are the design of Army Men video games, unique modifications of existing games and MODs for other games.
Follow us on our social networks for more exclusive content:
- https://ArmyMen.com.ar
- https://facebook.com/armymenvideogames
- https://instagram.com/armymenchannel
- https://twitter.com/armymenchannel
- https://discord.com/invite/VfbqahDyUB
Hypercharge: Unboxed is a classic-style third- and first-person shooter inspired by Toy Story, Small Soldiers, and Army Men. It focuses on wave-based shooting with defense building mechanics. You must complete Sergeant Max Ammo's mission and prevent the HYPER-CORE from being destroyed.
Character: The Mighty Widow Woman
--- Main features:
- Single Player: Sometimes humans can get in the way. That's why we've designed smart Player Bots that will cover your six, collect resources, and help build defenses.
- Co-op and PvP: Fight evil hordes of armed toys with up to four players in cooperative mode or betray your little allies and face off in several classic competitive modes.
- Progression: Choose your preferred difficulty and earn medals, unlock unique action figures, and customize your head, skin, and weapon. If you really want to show off, create a prestigious title with the Name Generator.
- Big guns: You may be small, but you pack a big punch. Explode, melt and even disintegrate any toy that gets in your way.
- Wave-based Hybrid: Not a fan of Tower Defense? Don't worry, Hypercharge is not a traditional TD game. Combines wave-based shooting with a simple defense build. Collect special buildable cards and build turrets, traps and walls.
"The Army Men Videogames Channel" is a YouTube channel specialized exclusively in the Army Men franchise and thematic derivatives of it, run by some of the most loyal and knowledgeable fans in the world.
Some of our most important activities are the design of Army Men video games, unique modifications of existing games and MODs for other games.
Follow us on our social networks for more exclusive content:
- https://ArmyMen.com.ar
- https://facebook.com/armymenvideogames
- https://instagram.com/armymenchannel
- https://twitter.com/armymenchannel
- https://discord.com/invite/VfbqahDyUB
Can the action figures against the plastic soldiers? The Mighty Widow Woman against the Green and Tan Army Men in a large toy store called "Toy Palace".
Hypercharge: Unboxed is a classic-style third- and first-person shooter inspired by Toy Story, Small Soldiers, and Army Men. It focuses on wave-based shooting with defense building mechanics. You must complete Sergeant Max Ammo's mission and prevent the HYPER-CORE from being destroyed.
Follow us on our social networks for more exclusive content:
- https://armymen.com.ar
- https://facebook.com/armymenvideogames
- https://instagram.com/armymenchannel
- https://twitter.com/armymenchannel
- https://discord.com/invite/VfbqahDyUB
#Hypercharge #HyperchargeUnboxed #ArmyMen
Can the action figures against the plastic soldiers? The Mighty Widow Woman against the Green and Tan Army Men in a large toy store called "Toy Palace".
Hypercharge: Unboxed is a classic-style third- and first-person shooter inspired by Toy Story, Small Soldiers, and Army Men. It focuses on wave-based shooting with defense building mechanics. You must complete Sergeant Max Ammo's mission and prevent the HYPER-CORE from being destroyed.
Follow us on our social networks for more exclusive content:
- https://armymen.com.ar
- https://facebook.com/armymenvideogames
- https://instagram.com/armymenchannel
- https://twitter.com/armymenchannel
- https://discord.com/invite/VfbqahDyUB
#Hypercharge #HyperchargeUnboxed #ArmyMen
Taskyfox is a freelance website designed to connect people and businesses with competent experts for diverse tasks. You might need creative guidance, technical information, or academic counsel, but Taskyfox makes it easy to find the right freelance skills. The website focuses on easy collaboration, with clients able to work in whatever way they desire. As the network expands, Taskyfox supports freelancers and clients in building strong, positive working relationships. https://www.taskyfox.com/
This quiet backyard is filled with tough rocket launchers. Wave after wave of these killer missiles will make the soft garden breeze hell.
Hypercharge: Unboxed is a classic-style third- and first-person shooter inspired by Toy Story, Small Soldiers, and Army Men. It focuses on wave-based shooting with defense building mechanics. You must complete Sergeant Max Ammo's mission and prevent the HYPER-CORE from being destroyed.
--- Main features:
- Single Player: Sometimes humans can get in the way. That's why we've designed smart Player Bots that will cover your six, collect resources, and help build defenses.
- Co-op and PvP: Fight evil hordes of armed toys with up to four players in cooperative mode or betray your little allies and face off in several classic competitive modes.
- Progression: Choose your preferred difficulty and earn medals, unlock unique action figures, and customize your head, skin, and weapon. If you really want to show off, create a prestigious title with the Name Generator.
- Big guns: You may be small, but you pack a big punch. Explode, melt and even disintegrate any toy that gets in your way.
- Wave-based Hybrid: Not a fan of Tower Defense? Don't worry, Hypercharge is not a traditional TD game. Combines wave-based shooting with a simple defense build. Collect special buildable cards and build turrets, traps and walls.
"The Army Men Videogames Channel" is a YouTube channel specialized exclusively in the Army Men franchise and thematic derivatives of it, run by some of the most loyal and knowledgeable fans in the world.
Some of our most important activities are the design of Army Men video games, unique modifications of existing games and MODs for other games.
Follow us on our social networks for more exclusive content:
- https://ArmyMen.com.ar
- https://facebook.com/armymenvideogames
- https://instagram.com/armymenchannel
- https://twitter.com/armymenchannel
- https://discord.com/invite/VfbqahDyUB
#Hypercharge #HyperchargeUnboxed #ArmyMen #ActionFigures
This quiet backyard is filled with tough rocket launchers. Wave after wave of these killer missiles will make the soft garden breeze hell.
Hypercharge: Unboxed is a classic-style third- and first-person shooter inspired by Toy Story, Small Soldiers, and Army Men. It focuses on wave-based shooting with defense building mechanics. You must complete Sergeant Max Ammo's mission and prevent the HYPER-CORE from being destroyed.
--- Main features:
- Single Player: Sometimes humans can get in the way. That's why we've designed smart Player Bots that will cover your six, collect resources, and help build defenses.
- Co-op and PvP: Fight evil hordes of armed toys with up to four players in cooperative mode or betray your little allies and face off in several classic competitive modes.
- Progression: Choose your preferred difficulty and earn medals, unlock unique action figures, and customize your head, skin, and weapon. If you really want to show off, create a prestigious title with the Name Generator.
- Big guns: You may be small, but you pack a big punch. Explode, melt and even disintegrate any toy that gets in your way.
- Wave-based Hybrid: Not a fan of Tower Defense? Don't worry, Hypercharge is not a traditional TD game. Combines wave-based shooting with a simple defense build. Collect special buildable cards and build turrets, traps and walls.
"The Army Men Videogames Channel" is a YouTube channel specialized exclusively in the Army Men franchise and thematic derivatives of it, run by some of the most loyal and knowledgeable fans in the world.
Some of our most important activities are the design of Army Men video games, unique modifications of existing games and MODs for other games.
Follow us on our social networks for more exclusive content:
- https://ArmyMen.com.ar
- https://facebook.com/armymenvideogames
- https://instagram.com/armymenchannel
- https://twitter.com/armymenchannel
- https://discord.com/invite/VfbqahDyUB
#Hypercharge #HyperchargeUnboxed #ArmyMen
Action figures against the Green and Tan Army Men, some F-14 bombers, other action figures, battery tanks, Spinners, Rubber Balls, a military air balloon and a big plane that transports troops of Plastic Soldiers, among others... Will the action figures be able to fight the plastic soldiers and other toys?
Hypercharge: Unboxed is a classic-style third-person and first-person shooter video game inspired by Toy Story, Small Soldiers and Army Men. It focuses on wave based shooting with defense building mechanics. You must complete the mission of Sergeant Max Ammo and prevent the HYPER-CORE from being destroyed.
---Main Features:
- Single Player: Sometimes humans can get in the way. That's why we've designed smart Player Bots that will cover your six, collect resources, and help build defenses.
- Co-op and PvP: Fight against evil hordes of armed toys with up to four players in co-op or betray your little allies and go head-to-head in several classic competitive modes.
- Progression: Choose your preferred difficulty and earn medals, unlock unique action figures and customize their head, skin and weapon. If you really want to show off, create a prestigious title with the Name Generator.
- Big Guns: You may be small, but you pack a big punch. Blast, melt, and even disintegrate any toy that gets in your way.
- Wave-based Hybrid: Not a fan of Tower Defense? Don't worry, Hypercharge is not a traditional TD game. Combine wave based shooting with a simple defense build. Collect special building cards and build turrets, traps and walls.
"The Army Men Videogames Channel" is a YouTube channel specialized exclusively in the Army Men franchise and its thematic derivatives, run by some of the most loyal and knowledgeable fans in the world.
Some of our most important activities are Army Men game design, unique modifications of existing games and MODs for other games.
Follow us on our social networks for more exclusive content:
- https://armymen.com.ar
- https://facebook.com/armymenvideogames
- https://instagram.com/armymenchannel
- https://twitter.com/armymenchannel
- https://discord.com/invite/VfbqahDyUB
#Hypercharge #HyperchargeUnboxed #ArmyMen
Action figures against the Green and Tan Army Men, some F-14 bombers, other action figures, battery tanks, Spinners, Rubber Balls, a military air balloon and a big plane that transports troops of Plastic Soldiers, among others... Will the action figures be able to fight the plastic soldiers and other toys?
Hypercharge: Unboxed is a classic-style third-person and first-person shooter video game inspired by Toy Story, Small Soldiers and Army Men. It focuses on wave based shooting with defense building mechanics. You must complete the mission of Sergeant Max Ammo and prevent the HYPER-CORE from being destroyed.
---Main Features:
- Single Player: Sometimes humans can get in the way. That's why we've designed smart Player Bots that will cover your six, collect resources, and help build defenses.
- Co-op and PvP: Fight against evil hordes of armed toys with up to four players in co-op or betray your little allies and go head-to-head in several classic competitive modes.
- Progression: Choose your preferred difficulty and earn medals, unlock unique action figures and customize their head, skin and weapon. If you really want to show off, create a prestigious title with the Name Generator.
- Big Guns: You may be small, but you pack a big punch. Blast, melt, and even disintegrate any toy that gets in your way.
- Wave-based Hybrid: Not a fan of Tower Defense? Don't worry, Hypercharge is not a traditional TD game. Combine wave based shooting with a simple defense build. Collect special building cards and build turrets, traps and walls.
"The Army Men Videogames Channel" is a YouTube channel specialized exclusively in the Army Men franchise and its thematic derivatives, run by some of the most loyal and knowledgeable fans in the world.
Some of our most important activities are Army Men game design, unique modifications of existing games and MODs for other games.
Follow us on our social networks for more exclusive content:
- https://armymen.com.ar
- https://facebook.com/armymenvideogames
- https://instagram.com/armymenchannel
- https://twitter.com/armymenchannel
- https://discord.com/invite/VfbqahDyUB
#Hypercharge #HyperchargeUnboxed #ArmyMen
Dr. Laura Sicola presents Speaking to Influence Podcast. Soft speaking skills with Richard Blank.
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Richard Blank, the CEO of Costa Rica's Call Center, about the importance of communication skills and influence in the business world. They discuss the value of soft skills, such as foreign language proficiency, and the need to recognize and leverage one's unique talents. Richard challenges listeners to improve their voicemail messages and congruence between their audio and visual presence. They also talk about the importance of giving people a personalized outbound voicemail message and the impact it has on the impression they leave. He emphasizes the importance of trust, faith, and having a sense of humor in building relationships and achieving success.
Episode 215: Richard Blank - CEO Costa Rica Call Center
In this episode you will learn:
● Character during chaos is an important leadership trait.
● Promote individuals based on their strengths and redirect them to roles where they can excel.
● Express appreciation and acknowledge the contributions of team members.
● Take calculated risks and communicate with stakeholders about challenges and unique aspects of the business. Soft skills, including foreign language proficiency, are valuable and marketable skills in the business world.
● Recognize and leverage your unique talents and skills, and don't downplay their importance.
● Improve your voicemail message and ensure congruence between your audio and visual presence.
● Give a personalized outbound voicemail message to make a positive impression.
● Be the lone voice of dissent when necessary and advocate for others.
About Richard Blank: At 27 years old, Richard relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose. He has trained over 10 000 bilingual telemarketers over two decades. Richard has the largest collection of restored American Pinball machines and antique Jukeboxes in Central America making gamification a strong part of CCC culture. Richard Blank is the Chief Executive Officer for Costa Rica’s Call Center since 2008.
Do you want to be an effective communicator? This is where you'll find all sorts of resources with ideas, tips and strategies on how to master the art and science of leadership communication and influence, i.e. the ability to harness the power of the voice to master the 3s: Command the room, Connect with the audience and Close the deal in any context.
24-Hour Influence Challenge: Voicemail Edition
Now, you just took a challenge in moving down to Costa Rica 24 years ago. Let's levy a challenge to everybody else. This is an opportunity, Richard, to give a challenge for our 24-hour influence challenge of the day to challenge our audience to take one step that they can complete within 24 hours to have more influence. How would you like to challenge our listeners today? Yeah, Laura, I loved when we spoke about this before. I gave you like 20 ideas, and this is the one we chose the best. Nobody likes how they sound on their voicemail, now do they? When was the last time you changed your voicemail recording? What, 1989? And so I need for you to listen to yourself, and I want you to analyze your tone, your rate, your pitch, your duration, Maybe use a thesaurus and find some similes to power up certain vocabulary so it might become more diplomatic and strategic. And practice that over and over. Why? Because that's how you sound to people.
https://youtu.be/Xs4XRi6Ca3s
https://youtube.com/shorts/wSiTO-n9WBY
https://youtube.com/shorts/a34o4FLSPhU
https://youtu.be/h4eu6eiIoTw
Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ
Dr. Laura Sicola, Speaking to Influence Podcast, Richard Blank, Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing Call Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,call centre, contact centre, contact center,trend, trending
Some of these videos are connected to blogs or other pages on my website, https://laurasicola.com, so take a look to learn more. If you want to stay on top of the latest news in speech an leadership, sign up there to get my weekly newsletter so you don't miss a beat!
Here's to increasing your confidence, presence and influence, as the leader that you are, and the leader you KNOW you can become!
LEADERSHIP IS AN IMAGE.
The way you communicate
is the foundation.
Executive communication coaching and training with Dr. Laura Sicola helps you build the confidence, presence, and influence you need to succeed.
It’s Time to Enhance Your Executive Presence
1Step into a world where your words command respect, your confidence inspires trust, and your leadership opens doors to new opportunities.
Dr. Laura Sicola
Are you equally confident and influential whether communicating with people in business development, finance, engineering, HR, clients, or the board of directors?
Are you as persuasive and compelling whether speaking on camera, presenting to 500 people at a conference, pitching to investors, or advising your employees in a 1:1?
I am a speaker, coach and leadership communication expert who helps people hone their Vocal Executive Presence (VEP) and communication skills to project a strong, positive leadership image, develop loyal, effective teams, and create their ideal workplace culture to reach their ultimate goals.
Your technical expertise only gets you so far; after that, your success is a direct result of how effectively you can COMMUNICATE that expertise to others who do NOT have your skills and knowledge.
I have worked with everyone from executives and aspiring execs at companies like IBM, Comcast and the US Department of Commerce, to executive directors at non-profits, groups of entrepreneurs and women's/diversity initiatives.
Do you or will you lead a large team or organization? Are you getting ready for a conference presentation? A TED talk? A press conference? Or do you need to facilitate team meetings and mediate staff conflict? You tell me who your audience is, and I show you how to get your message across to them efficiently and effectively, while bringing everyone to a collective "YES."
And if you're looking for a speaker for your next event - live or virtual - and need a topic that will resonate with EVERYONE delivered by an inspiring, engaging speaker, give me a call!
Dr. Laura Sicola has over 20 years of experience teaching leaders how to command the room, connect with the audience, and close the deal.
As a cognitive linguist and communication expert, Laura empowers leaders through communication coaching, group training sessions, worldwide speaking engagements, and her book “Speaking to Influence.”
Executive Coaching
Work with Laura one-on-one or in mastery cohort groups to refine your communication skills. These executive coaching sessions help you develop a communication strategy that elevates your executive presence, aligns with your personal brand and gets results.
Group Training
Transform your team's communication capabilities with Laura's outcome-oriented, customizable group training. Topics include Speaking to Influence, Breaking the Expert's Curse, Virtual Influence, Becoming a Go-To Thought Leader, and more.
Keynote Speaking
Elevate your conference or event with a speaker who has mastered the art and science of “infotainment.” Laura balances value-packed content with humor and an interactive style that keeps the audience engaged and gives them practical skills to immediately implement.
Speaking to Influence Book
Discover the secrets to powerful and persuasive communication. With real-life examples, worksheets, and exercises, this book gives you everything needed to transform your communication style, get out of your own way, and hear “yes” more often.
Speaking to Influence Podcast
Join Laura as she interviews world-class business and industry leaders who reveal the importance of communication as an essential leadership skill on their own career journey and the (sometimes hard) lessons they learned along the way.
Online Programs and Training
Laura hosts a constantly evolving set of online courses and live group trainings on topics to help you discover your leadership voice, become a go-to thought leader, and optimize your in-person or virtual presence and engagement skills.
Want to establish your brand as a go-to thought leader?
Get Laura’s insights in this free resource that shares eight key strategies to boost your brand and elevate your thought leadership. Click the link below and begin your journey to becoming a respected and influential leader who everyone actually WANTS to hear speak!
Ultimately, Laura's mission is to guide leaders in mastering the 3 Cs of executive presence: Command the room, Connect with the audience, and Close the deal.
As a cognitive linguist and executive communication coach, Laura understands how professional interactions impact respect, trust, and buy-in, whether it’s a company meeting, a virtual conference call, a presentation to the board, or a high-stakes pitch to investors.
Using a personalized and practical approach, Laura teaches leaders how to project confidence, authority, and authenticity so they can be themselves, while still getting through to anyone.
Linguist
Laura’s background in cognitive linguistics is the cornerstone of her unique coaching approach to solving this universal challenge. She earned her Ph.D. in educational linguistics from the University of Pennsylvania and taught there from 2001-2013. Laura has a deep understanding of the science of how people learn, how speech is processed in the brain, and what creates the gap between “what you think you said,” “what they think they heard,” and most importantly, how to close that gap to get results.
Coach
As an executive communication coach, Laura works with C-suite executives, VPs, directors, business owners, and aspiring executives who want to expand their powers of influence, inspire trust, and hear “yes” more often. In one-on-one or group sessions and master classes, she teaches leaders how to identify and express their personal brands so they can communicate with clarity, confidence, and authenticity, in front of any audience.
Author
Laura is the author of Speaking to Influence: Mastering Your Leadership Voice. This insightful book draws on her extensive expertise in cognitive linguistics, education and executive coaching to provide everyone with practical tools for effective communication in personal and professional interactions alike. In the words of one Amazon reviewer, “Dr. Laura Sicola gives down-to-earth, usable advice for anyone who wants to speak with authority.” She has also published many other peer-reviewed articles and books based on her research, intended for academic audiences.
Speaker
Laura is a renowned speaker, delivering keynotes and presentations at conferences and corporate events worldwide. Her TEDxPENN talk ‘Want to Sound like a Leader? Start by Saying Your Name Right‘ has been viewed over 6.8 million times. She has spoken at hundreds of events sharing insights and practical strategies for effective leadership communication. She also loves to moderate panels and emcee events for corporate and non-profit organizations.
Connect With Laura
Ready to sharpen your communication skills and expand your influence? Reach out to Dr. Laura Sicola to learn more about personalized coaching, group training, speaking engagements, and more.
Richard’s journey in the call center space is filled with twists and turns. When he was 27 years old, he relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose.
Mr. Richard Blank holds a bachelors degree in Communication and Spanish from the University of Arizona and a certificate of language proficiency from the University of Sevilla, Spain. A Keynote speaker for Philadelphia's Abington High School 68th National Honors Society induction ceremony. In addition, inducted into the 2023 Hall of Fame for Business. Giving back to Abington Senior High School is very important to Mr. Blank. As such, he endows a scholarship each year for students that plan on majoring in a world language at the university level.
Costa Rica’s Call Center (CCC) is a state of the art BPO telemarketing outsource company located in the capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica. Our main focus has been, and will always be to personally train each and every Central America call center agent so that we may offer the highest quality of outbound and inbound telemarketing solutions and bilingual customer service to small and medium sized international companies, entrepreneurs as well as fortune 500 companies.
We encourage you to visit one of our call centers on your next personal vacation or business trip to Central America’s paradise, Costa Rica. While you are here, we would recommend taking an extra day of your trip to visit breathtaking virgin beaches, play golf next to the ocean, try your luck at deep sea fishing, explore tropical jungles, climb volcanos or just relax in natural hot springs. Come and see for yourself why call center outsourcing in Costa Rica is a perfect solution for your growing company and a powerhouse in the BPO industry.
https://costaricascallcenter.com/en/outbound-bpo-campaigns/
#DrLauraSicola #SpeakingtoInfluencePodcast #SpeakersAreLeadersMotivationPodcast #HarrySardinas #RichardBlank #CostaRica #CallCenter #Outsourcing #Telemarketing #BPO #Sales #Entrepreneur #B2B #Business #Podcast #Gamification #CEO #trend #trending #listennow #subscribe #podcastclip #podcastvideo #videopodcasting #podcastguest
Pushed My Car in a Suit: A Hilarious Client Story
yes yes all right finally tell me about a time when you had to laugh at yourself ah i love this story so i had a client in town right phil and i'm driving him to dinner and it's the rainy season and unfortunately my car ran out of gas right by the um la sabana park and I couldn't believe it. So the guy looks at me, he goes, listen, the gas station is just a block away. And he goes, I'll push it if you will. I go, are you serious? He goes, yeah, why not? And so I took my jacket off. I'm still in my suit. Got the, you know, the best on. It's a good bonding moment there. Pushed it down the street. People are honking, laughing at me. A guy on purpose would curve a little, so it splashed me.
Handling Leadership Challenges During COVID
Yes, of course, Laura. It was during COVID when all of a sudden the government said, you got to send everybody home. And so what do you do? IT needed to prepare the lifeboats. The agents mentally needed to prepare for the isolation. And my supervisors and I needed to create certain mediums to keep that communication going and that lifeline going. And so I saw some people run for the hills. I saw freshmen step up to the plate.
The Gary Technique: Trust and Perseverance
Tell me about a time when you went to bat for someone else. Who did you speak to on their behalf? Why and how? I totally remember this story when we spoke about it, Laura. I had an agent called Gary and we called the Gary technique. This guy was usually the ramper upper where I'd put him on a brand new campaign to lead the charge, show some metrics and things will look good. Once again, the lone voice with the client convincing them that this is the guy. So after a certain day or two, when the client was losing its patience or Gary wasn't, you know, hitting the home runs yet, he said, Hey, I want you to remove him and try somebody else. And I said, you haven't really given him enough time. He goes, no, I just don't have a good vibe. I go, okay. Let's give it until the end of the day. And then I'll put him on another campaign. Next thing you know, Gary ripped three appointments. And so the client calls about it goes, why? I didn't know that. Let's keep, I go, well, listen, Billy, I did speak to the other client. He's being moved, but I just got to let you know in the future, have faith in me, trust my opinion. This is my wheelhouse. I know what I'm doing. And you know, just once the people get loosey goosey and they feel comfy on the phone, then you start hitting them. And so, um, I've fallen on swords for people because I've known what they've done. And I've also made mistakes as well. Sometimes Gary was not the good fit on a certain campaign and it just wasn't the right guy. Guy can't bat a thousand. Sure. Sure. And so I'm willing to take that hit too. But the beauty of it is at the end of the day, regardless of the outcome, the fact that you might have faith in somebody else besides yourself.
Dr. Laura Sicola presents Speaking to Influence Podcast. Soft speaking skills with Richard Blank.
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Richard Blank, the CEO of Costa Rica's Call Center, about the importance of communication skills and influence in the business world. They discuss the value of soft skills, such as foreign language proficiency, and the need to recognize and leverage one's unique talents. Richard challenges listeners to improve their voicemail messages and congruence between their audio and visual presence. They also talk about the importance of giving people a personalized outbound voicemail message and the impact it has on the impression they leave. He emphasizes the importance of trust, faith, and having a sense of humor in building relationships and achieving success.
Episode 215: Richard Blank - CEO Costa Rica Call Center
In this episode you will learn:
● Character during chaos is an important leadership trait.
● Promote individuals based on their strengths and redirect them to roles where they can excel.
● Express appreciation and acknowledge the contributions of team members.
● Take calculated risks and communicate with stakeholders about challenges and unique aspects of the business. Soft skills, including foreign language proficiency, are valuable and marketable skills in the business world.
● Recognize and leverage your unique talents and skills, and don't downplay their importance.
● Improve your voicemail message and ensure congruence between your audio and visual presence.
● Give a personalized outbound voicemail message to make a positive impression.
● Be the lone voice of dissent when necessary and advocate for others.
About Richard Blank: At 27 years old, Richard relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose. He has trained over 10 000 bilingual telemarketers over two decades. Richard has the largest collection of restored American Pinball machines and antique Jukeboxes in Central America making gamification a strong part of CCC culture. Richard Blank is the Chief Executive Officer for Costa Rica’s Call Center since 2008.
Do you want to be an effective communicator? This is where you'll find all sorts of resources with ideas, tips and strategies on how to master the art and science of leadership communication and influence, i.e. the ability to harness the power of the voice to master the 3s: Command the room, Connect with the audience and Close the deal in any context.
24-Hour Influence Challenge: Voicemail Edition
Now, you just took a challenge in moving down to Costa Rica 24 years ago. Let's levy a challenge to everybody else. This is an opportunity, Richard, to give a challenge for our 24-hour influence challenge of the day to challenge our audience to take one step that they can complete within 24 hours to have more influence. How would you like to challenge our listeners today? Yeah, Laura, I loved when we spoke about this before. I gave you like 20 ideas, and this is the one we chose the best. Nobody likes how they sound on their voicemail, now do they? When was the last time you changed your voicemail recording? What, 1989? And so I need for you to listen to yourself, and I want you to analyze your tone, your rate, your pitch, your duration, Maybe use a thesaurus and find some similes to power up certain vocabulary so it might become more diplomatic and strategic. And practice that over and over. Why? Because that's how you sound to people.
https://youtu.be/Xs4XRi6Ca3s
https://youtube.com/shorts/wSiTO-n9WBY
https://youtube.com/shorts/a34o4FLSPhU
https://youtu.be/h4eu6eiIoTw
Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ
Dr. Laura Sicola, Speaking to Influence Podcast, Richard Blank, Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing Call Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,call centre, contact centre, contact center,trend, trending
Some of these videos are connected to blogs or other pages on my website, https://laurasicola.com, so take a look to learn more. If you want to stay on top of the latest news in speech an leadership, sign up there to get my weekly newsletter so you don't miss a beat!
Here's to increasing your confidence, presence and influence, as the leader that you are, and the leader you KNOW you can become!
LEADERSHIP IS AN IMAGE.
The way you communicate
is the foundation.
Executive communication coaching and training with Dr. Laura Sicola helps you build the confidence, presence, and influence you need to succeed.
It’s Time to Enhance Your Executive Presence
1Step into a world where your words command respect, your confidence inspires trust, and your leadership opens doors to new opportunities.
Dr. Laura Sicola
Are you equally confident and influential whether communicating with people in business development, finance, engineering, HR, clients, or the board of directors?
Are you as persuasive and compelling whether speaking on camera, presenting to 500 people at a conference, pitching to investors, or advising your employees in a 1:1?
I am a speaker, coach and leadership communication expert who helps people hone their Vocal Executive Presence (VEP) and communication skills to project a strong, positive leadership image, develop loyal, effective teams, and create their ideal workplace culture to reach their ultimate goals.
Your technical expertise only gets you so far; after that, your success is a direct result of how effectively you can COMMUNICATE that expertise to others who do NOT have your skills and knowledge.
I have worked with everyone from executives and aspiring execs at companies like IBM, Comcast and the US Department of Commerce, to executive directors at non-profits, groups of entrepreneurs and women's/diversity initiatives.
Do you or will you lead a large team or organization? Are you getting ready for a conference presentation? A TED talk? A press conference? Or do you need to facilitate team meetings and mediate staff conflict? You tell me who your audience is, and I show you how to get your message across to them efficiently and effectively, while bringing everyone to a collective "YES."
And if you're looking for a speaker for your next event - live or virtual - and need a topic that will resonate with EVERYONE delivered by an inspiring, engaging speaker, give me a call!
Dr. Laura Sicola has over 20 years of experience teaching leaders how to command the room, connect with the audience, and close the deal.
As a cognitive linguist and communication expert, Laura empowers leaders through communication coaching, group training sessions, worldwide speaking engagements, and her book “Speaking to Influence.”
Executive Coaching
Work with Laura one-on-one or in mastery cohort groups to refine your communication skills. These executive coaching sessions help you develop a communication strategy that elevates your executive presence, aligns with your personal brand and gets results.
Group Training
Transform your team's communication capabilities with Laura's outcome-oriented, customizable group training. Topics include Speaking to Influence, Breaking the Expert's Curse, Virtual Influence, Becoming a Go-To Thought Leader, and more.
Keynote Speaking
Elevate your conference or event with a speaker who has mastered the art and science of “infotainment.” Laura balances value-packed content with humor and an interactive style that keeps the audience engaged and gives them practical skills to immediately implement.
Speaking to Influence Book
Discover the secrets to powerful and persuasive communication. With real-life examples, worksheets, and exercises, this book gives you everything needed to transform your communication style, get out of your own way, and hear “yes” more often.
Speaking to Influence Podcast
Join Laura as she interviews world-class business and industry leaders who reveal the importance of communication as an essential leadership skill on their own career journey and the (sometimes hard) lessons they learned along the way.
Online Programs and Training
Laura hosts a constantly evolving set of online courses and live group trainings on topics to help you discover your leadership voice, become a go-to thought leader, and optimize your in-person or virtual presence and engagement skills.
Want to establish your brand as a go-to thought leader?
Get Laura’s insights in this free resource that shares eight key strategies to boost your brand and elevate your thought leadership. Click the link below and begin your journey to becoming a respected and influential leader who everyone actually WANTS to hear speak!
Ultimately, Laura's mission is to guide leaders in mastering the 3 Cs of executive presence: Command the room, Connect with the audience, and Close the deal.
As a cognitive linguist and executive communication coach, Laura understands how professional interactions impact respect, trust, and buy-in, whether it’s a company meeting, a virtual conference call, a presentation to the board, or a high-stakes pitch to investors.
Using a personalized and practical approach, Laura teaches leaders how to project confidence, authority, and authenticity so they can be themselves, while still getting through to anyone.
Linguist
Laura’s background in cognitive linguistics is the cornerstone of her unique coaching approach to solving this universal challenge. She earned her Ph.D. in educational linguistics from the University of Pennsylvania and taught there from 2001-2013. Laura has a deep understanding of the science of how people learn, how speech is processed in the brain, and what creates the gap between “what you think you said,” “what they think they heard,” and most importantly, how to close that gap to get results.
Coach
As an executive communication coach, Laura works with C-suite executives, VPs, directors, business owners, and aspiring executives who want to expand their powers of influence, inspire trust, and hear “yes” more often. In one-on-one or group sessions and master classes, she teaches leaders how to identify and express their personal brands so they can communicate with clarity, confidence, and authenticity, in front of any audience.
Author
Laura is the author of Speaking to Influence: Mastering Your Leadership Voice. This insightful book draws on her extensive expertise in cognitive linguistics, education and executive coaching to provide everyone with practical tools for effective communication in personal and professional interactions alike. In the words of one Amazon reviewer, “Dr. Laura Sicola gives down-to-earth, usable advice for anyone who wants to speak with authority.” She has also published many other peer-reviewed articles and books based on her research, intended for academic audiences.
Speaker
Laura is a renowned speaker, delivering keynotes and presentations at conferences and corporate events worldwide. Her TEDxPENN talk ‘Want to Sound like a Leader? Start by Saying Your Name Right‘ has been viewed over 6.8 million times. She has spoken at hundreds of events sharing insights and practical strategies for effective leadership communication. She also loves to moderate panels and emcee events for corporate and non-profit organizations.
Connect With Laura
Ready to sharpen your communication skills and expand your influence? Reach out to Dr. Laura Sicola to learn more about personalized coaching, group training, speaking engagements, and more.
Richard’s journey in the call center space is filled with twists and turns. When he was 27 years old, he relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose.
Mr. Richard Blank holds a bachelors degree in Communication and Spanish from the University of Arizona and a certificate of language proficiency from the University of Sevilla, Spain. A Keynote speaker for Philadelphia's Abington High School 68th National Honors Society induction ceremony. In addition, inducted into the 2023 Hall of Fame for Business. Giving back to Abington Senior High School is very important to Mr. Blank. As such, he endows a scholarship each year for students that plan on majoring in a world language at the university level.
Costa Rica’s Call Center (CCC) is a state of the art BPO telemarketing outsource company located in the capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica. Our main focus has been, and will always be to personally train each and every Central America call center agent so that we may offer the highest quality of outbound and inbound telemarketing solutions and bilingual customer service to small and medium sized international companies, entrepreneurs as well as fortune 500 companies.
We encourage you to visit one of our call centers on your next personal vacation or business trip to Central America’s paradise, Costa Rica. While you are here, we would recommend taking an extra day of your trip to visit breathtaking virgin beaches, play golf next to the ocean, try your luck at deep sea fishing, explore tropical jungles, climb volcanos or just relax in natural hot springs. Come and see for yourself why call center outsourcing in Costa Rica is a perfect solution for your growing company and a powerhouse in the BPO industry.
https://costaricascallcenter.com/en/outbound-bpo-campaigns/
#DrLauraSicola #SpeakingtoInfluencePodcast #SpeakersAreLeadersMotivationPodcast #HarrySardinas #RichardBlank #CostaRica #CallCenter #Outsourcing #Telemarketing #BPO #Sales #Entrepreneur #B2B #Business #Podcast #Gamification #CEO #trend #trending #listennow #subscribe #podcastclip #podcastvideo #videopodcasting #podcastguest
Pushed My Car in a Suit: A Hilarious Client Story
yes yes all right finally tell me about a time when you had to laugh at yourself ah i love this story so i had a client in town right phil and i'm driving him to dinner and it's the rainy season and unfortunately my car ran out of gas right by the um la sabana park and I couldn't believe it. So the guy looks at me, he goes, listen, the gas station is just a block away. And he goes, I'll push it if you will. I go, are you serious? He goes, yeah, why not? And so I took my jacket off. I'm still in my suit. Got the, you know, the best on. It's a good bonding moment there. Pushed it down the street. People are honking, laughing at me. A guy on purpose would curve a little, so it splashed me.
Handling Leadership Challenges During COVID
Yes, of course, Laura. It was during COVID when all of a sudden the government said, you got to send everybody home. And so what do you do? IT needed to prepare the lifeboats. The agents mentally needed to prepare for the isolation. And my supervisors and I needed to create certain mediums to keep that communication going and that lifeline going. And so I saw some people run for the hills. I saw freshmen step up to the plate.
The Gary Technique: Trust and Perseverance
Tell me about a time when you went to bat for someone else. Who did you speak to on their behalf? Why and how? I totally remember this story when we spoke about it, Laura. I had an agent called Gary and we called the Gary technique. This guy was usually the ramper upper where I'd put him on a brand new campaign to lead the charge, show some metrics and things will look good. Once again, the lone voice with the client convincing them that this is the guy. So after a certain day or two, when the client was losing its patience or Gary wasn't, you know, hitting the home runs yet, he said, Hey, I want you to remove him and try somebody else. And I said, you haven't really given him enough time. He goes, no, I just don't have a good vibe. I go, okay. Let's give it until the end of the day. And then I'll put him on another campaign. Next thing you know, Gary ripped three appointments. And so the client calls about it goes, why? I didn't know that. Let's keep, I go, well, listen, Billy, I did speak to the other client. He's being moved, but I just got to let you know in the future, have faith in me, trust my opinion. This is my wheelhouse. I know what I'm doing. And you know, just once the people get loosey goosey and they feel comfy on the phone, then you start hitting them. And so, um, I've fallen on swords for people because I've known what they've done. And I've also made mistakes as well. Sometimes Gary was not the good fit on a certain campaign and it just wasn't the right guy. Guy can't bat a thousand. Sure. Sure. And so I'm willing to take that hit too. But the beauty of it is at the end of the day, regardless of the outcome, the fact that you might have faith in somebody else besides yourself.
Dr. Laura Sicola presents Speaking to Influence Podcast. Soft speaking skills with Richard Blank.
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Richard Blank, the CEO of Costa Rica's Call Center, about the importance of communication skills and influence in the business world. They discuss the value of soft skills, such as foreign language proficiency, and the need to recognize and leverage one's unique talents. Richard challenges listeners to improve their voicemail messages and congruence between their audio and visual presence. They also talk about the importance of giving people a personalized outbound voicemail message and the impact it has on the impression they leave. He emphasizes the importance of trust, faith, and having a sense of humor in building relationships and achieving success.
Episode 215: Richard Blank - CEO Costa Rica Call Center
In this episode you will learn:
● Character during chaos is an important leadership trait.
● Promote individuals based on their strengths and redirect them to roles where they can excel.
● Express appreciation and acknowledge the contributions of team members.
● Take calculated risks and communicate with stakeholders about challenges and unique aspects of the business. Soft skills, including foreign language proficiency, are valuable and marketable skills in the business world.
● Recognize and leverage your unique talents and skills, and don't downplay their importance.
● Improve your voicemail message and ensure congruence between your audio and visual presence.
● Give a personalized outbound voicemail message to make a positive impression.
● Be the lone voice of dissent when necessary and advocate for others.
About Richard Blank: At 27 years old, Richard relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose. He has trained over 10 000 bilingual telemarketers over two decades. Richard has the largest collection of restored American Pinball machines and antique Jukeboxes in Central America making gamification a strong part of CCC culture. Richard Blank is the Chief Executive Officer for Costa Rica’s Call Center since 2008.
Do you want to be an effective communicator? This is where you'll find all sorts of resources with ideas, tips and strategies on how to master the art and science of leadership communication and influence, i.e. the ability to harness the power of the voice to master the 3s: Command the room, Connect with the audience and Close the deal in any context.
24-Hour Influence Challenge: Voicemail Edition
Now, you just took a challenge in moving down to Costa Rica 24 years ago. Let's levy a challenge to everybody else. This is an opportunity, Richard, to give a challenge for our 24-hour influence challenge of the day to challenge our audience to take one step that they can complete within 24 hours to have more influence. How would you like to challenge our listeners today? Yeah, Laura, I loved when we spoke about this before. I gave you like 20 ideas, and this is the one we chose the best. Nobody likes how they sound on their voicemail, now do they? When was the last time you changed your voicemail recording? What, 1989? And so I need for you to listen to yourself, and I want you to analyze your tone, your rate, your pitch, your duration, Maybe use a thesaurus and find some similes to power up certain vocabulary so it might become more diplomatic and strategic. And practice that over and over. Why? Because that's how you sound to people.
https://youtu.be/Xs4XRi6Ca3s
https://youtube.com/shorts/wSiTO-n9WBY
https://youtube.com/shorts/a34o4FLSPhU
https://youtu.be/h4eu6eiIoTw
Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ
Dr. Laura Sicola, Speaking to Influence Podcast, Richard Blank, Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing Call Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,call centre, contact centre, contact center,trend, trending
Some of these videos are connected to blogs or other pages on my website, https://laurasicola.com, so take a look to learn more. If you want to stay on top of the latest news in speech an leadership, sign up there to get my weekly newsletter so you don't miss a beat!
Here's to increasing your confidence, presence and influence, as the leader that you are, and the leader you KNOW you can become!
LEADERSHIP IS AN IMAGE.
The way you communicate
is the foundation.
Executive communication coaching and training with Dr. Laura Sicola helps you build the confidence, presence, and influence you need to succeed.
It’s Time to Enhance Your Executive Presence
1Step into a world where your words command respect, your confidence inspires trust, and your leadership opens doors to new opportunities.
Dr. Laura Sicola
Are you equally confident and influential whether communicating with people in business development, finance, engineering, HR, clients, or the board of directors?
Are you as persuasive and compelling whether speaking on camera, presenting to 500 people at a conference, pitching to investors, or advising your employees in a 1:1?
I am a speaker, coach and leadership communication expert who helps people hone their Vocal Executive Presence (VEP) and communication skills to project a strong, positive leadership image, develop loyal, effective teams, and create their ideal workplace culture to reach their ultimate goals.
Your technical expertise only gets you so far; after that, your success is a direct result of how effectively you can COMMUNICATE that expertise to others who do NOT have your skills and knowledge.
I have worked with everyone from executives and aspiring execs at companies like IBM, Comcast and the US Department of Commerce, to executive directors at non-profits, groups of entrepreneurs and women's/diversity initiatives.
Do you or will you lead a large team or organization? Are you getting ready for a conference presentation? A TED talk? A press conference? Or do you need to facilitate team meetings and mediate staff conflict? You tell me who your audience is, and I show you how to get your message across to them efficiently and effectively, while bringing everyone to a collective "YES."
And if you're looking for a speaker for your next event - live or virtual - and need a topic that will resonate with EVERYONE delivered by an inspiring, engaging speaker, give me a call!
Dr. Laura Sicola has over 20 years of experience teaching leaders how to command the room, connect with the audience, and close the deal.
As a cognitive linguist and communication expert, Laura empowers leaders through communication coaching, group training sessions, worldwide speaking engagements, and her book “Speaking to Influence.”
Executive Coaching
Work with Laura one-on-one or in mastery cohort groups to refine your communication skills. These executive coaching sessions help you develop a communication strategy that elevates your executive presence, aligns with your personal brand and gets results.
Group Training
Transform your team's communication capabilities with Laura's outcome-oriented, customizable group training. Topics include Speaking to Influence, Breaking the Expert's Curse, Virtual Influence, Becoming a Go-To Thought Leader, and more.
Keynote Speaking
Elevate your conference or event with a speaker who has mastered the art and science of “infotainment.” Laura balances value-packed content with humor and an interactive style that keeps the audience engaged and gives them practical skills to immediately implement.
Speaking to Influence Book
Discover the secrets to powerful and persuasive communication. With real-life examples, worksheets, and exercises, this book gives you everything needed to transform your communication style, get out of your own way, and hear “yes” more often.
Speaking to Influence Podcast
Join Laura as she interviews world-class business and industry leaders who reveal the importance of communication as an essential leadership skill on their own career journey and the (sometimes hard) lessons they learned along the way.
Online Programs and Training
Laura hosts a constantly evolving set of online courses and live group trainings on topics to help you discover your leadership voice, become a go-to thought leader, and optimize your in-person or virtual presence and engagement skills.
Want to establish your brand as a go-to thought leader?
Get Laura’s insights in this free resource that shares eight key strategies to boost your brand and elevate your thought leadership. Click the link below and begin your journey to becoming a respected and influential leader who everyone actually WANTS to hear speak!
Ultimately, Laura's mission is to guide leaders in mastering the 3 Cs of executive presence: Command the room, Connect with the audience, and Close the deal.
As a cognitive linguist and executive communication coach, Laura understands how professional interactions impact respect, trust, and buy-in, whether it’s a company meeting, a virtual conference call, a presentation to the board, or a high-stakes pitch to investors.
Using a personalized and practical approach, Laura teaches leaders how to project confidence, authority, and authenticity so they can be themselves, while still getting through to anyone.
Linguist
Laura’s background in cognitive linguistics is the cornerstone of her unique coaching approach to solving this universal challenge. She earned her Ph.D. in educational linguistics from the University of Pennsylvania and taught there from 2001-2013. Laura has a deep understanding of the science of how people learn, how speech is processed in the brain, and what creates the gap between “what you think you said,” “what they think they heard,” and most importantly, how to close that gap to get results.
Coach
As an executive communication coach, Laura works with C-suite executives, VPs, directors, business owners, and aspiring executives who want to expand their powers of influence, inspire trust, and hear “yes” more often. In one-on-one or group sessions and master classes, she teaches leaders how to identify and express their personal brands so they can communicate with clarity, confidence, and authenticity, in front of any audience.
Author
Laura is the author of Speaking to Influence: Mastering Your Leadership Voice. This insightful book draws on her extensive expertise in cognitive linguistics, education and executive coaching to provide everyone with practical tools for effective communication in personal and professional interactions alike. In the words of one Amazon reviewer, “Dr. Laura Sicola gives down-to-earth, usable advice for anyone who wants to speak with authority.” She has also published many other peer-reviewed articles and books based on her research, intended for academic audiences.
Speaker
Laura is a renowned speaker, delivering keynotes and presentations at conferences and corporate events worldwide. Her TEDxPENN talk ‘Want to Sound like a Leader? Start by Saying Your Name Right‘ has been viewed over 6.8 million times. She has spoken at hundreds of events sharing insights and practical strategies for effective leadership communication. She also loves to moderate panels and emcee events for corporate and non-profit organizations.
Connect With Laura
Ready to sharpen your communication skills and expand your influence? Reach out to Dr. Laura Sicola to learn more about personalized coaching, group training, speaking engagements, and more.
Richard’s journey in the call center space is filled with twists and turns. When he was 27 years old, he relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose.
Mr. Richard Blank holds a bachelors degree in Communication and Spanish from the University of Arizona and a certificate of language proficiency from the University of Sevilla, Spain. A Keynote speaker for Philadelphia's Abington High School 68th National Honors Society induction ceremony. In addition, inducted into the 2023 Hall of Fame for Business. Giving back to Abington Senior High School is very important to Mr. Blank. As such, he endows a scholarship each year for students that plan on majoring in a world language at the university level.
Costa Rica’s Call Center (CCC) is a state of the art BPO telemarketing outsource company located in the capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica. Our main focus has been, and will always be to personally train each and every Central America call center agent so that we may offer the highest quality of outbound and inbound telemarketing solutions and bilingual customer service to small and medium sized international companies, entrepreneurs as well as fortune 500 companies.
We encourage you to visit one of our call centers on your next personal vacation or business trip to Central America’s paradise, Costa Rica. While you are here, we would recommend taking an extra day of your trip to visit breathtaking virgin beaches, play golf next to the ocean, try your luck at deep sea fishing, explore tropical jungles, climb volcanos or just relax in natural hot springs. Come and see for yourself why call center outsourcing in Costa Rica is a perfect solution for your growing company and a powerhouse in the BPO industry.
https://costaricascallcenter.com/en/outbound-bpo-campaigns/
#DrLauraSicola #SpeakingtoInfluencePodcast #SpeakersAreLeadersMotivationPodcast #HarrySardinas #RichardBlank #CostaRica #CallCenter #Outsourcing #Telemarketing #BPO #Sales #Entrepreneur #B2B #Business #Podcast #Gamification #CEO #trend #trending #listennow #subscribe #podcastclip #podcastvideo #videopodcasting #podcastguest
Pushed My Car in a Suit: A Hilarious Client Story
yes yes all right finally tell me about a time when you had to laugh at yourself ah i love this story so i had a client in town right phil and i'm driving him to dinner and it's the rainy season and unfortunately my car ran out of gas right by the um la sabana park and I couldn't believe it. So the guy looks at me, he goes, listen, the gas station is just a block away. And he goes, I'll push it if you will. I go, are you serious? He goes, yeah, why not? And so I took my jacket off. I'm still in my suit. Got the, you know, the best on. It's a good bonding moment there. Pushed it down the street. People are honking, laughing at me. A guy on purpose would curve a little, so it splashed me.
Handling Leadership Challenges During COVID
Yes, of course, Laura. It was during COVID when all of a sudden the government said, you got to send everybody home. And so what do you do? IT needed to prepare the lifeboats. The agents mentally needed to prepare for the isolation. And my supervisors and I needed to create certain mediums to keep that communication going and that lifeline going. And so I saw some people run for the hills. I saw freshmen step up to the plate.
The Gary Technique: Trust and Perseverance
Tell me about a time when you went to bat for someone else. Who did you speak to on their behalf? Why and how? I totally remember this story when we spoke about it, Laura. I had an agent called Gary and we called the Gary technique. This guy was usually the ramper upper where I'd put him on a brand new campaign to lead the charge, show some metrics and things will look good. Once again, the lone voice with the client convincing them that this is the guy. So after a certain day or two, when the client was losing its patience or Gary wasn't, you know, hitting the home runs yet, he said, Hey, I want you to remove him and try somebody else. And I said, you haven't really given him enough time. He goes, no, I just don't have a good vibe. I go, okay. Let's give it until the end of the day. And then I'll put him on another campaign. Next thing you know, Gary ripped three appointments. And so the client calls about it goes, why? I didn't know that. Let's keep, I go, well, listen, Billy, I did speak to the other client. He's being moved, but I just got to let you know in the future, have faith in me, trust my opinion. This is my wheelhouse. I know what I'm doing. And you know, just once the people get loosey goosey and they feel comfy on the phone, then you start hitting them. And so, um, I've fallen on swords for people because I've known what they've done. And I've also made mistakes as well. Sometimes Gary was not the good fit on a certain campaign and it just wasn't the right guy. Guy can't bat a thousand. Sure. Sure. And so I'm willing to take that hit too. But the beauty of it is at the end of the day, regardless of the outcome, the fact that you might have faith in somebody else besides yourself.
Dr. Laura Sicola presents Speaking to Influence Podcast. Soft speaking skills with Richard Blank.
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Richard Blank, the CEO of Costa Rica's Call Center, about the importance of communication skills and influence in the business world. They discuss the value of soft skills, such as foreign language proficiency, and the need to recognize and leverage one's unique talents. Richard challenges listeners to improve their voicemail messages and congruence between their audio and visual presence. They also talk about the importance of giving people a personalized outbound voicemail message and the impact it has on the impression they leave. He emphasizes the importance of trust, faith, and having a sense of humor in building relationships and achieving success.
Episode 215: Richard Blank - CEO Costa Rica Call Center
In this episode you will learn:
● Character during chaos is an important leadership trait.
● Promote individuals based on their strengths and redirect them to roles where they can excel.
● Express appreciation and acknowledge the contributions of team members.
● Take calculated risks and communicate with stakeholders about challenges and unique aspects of the business. Soft skills, including foreign language proficiency, are valuable and marketable skills in the business world.
● Recognize and leverage your unique talents and skills, and don't downplay their importance.
● Improve your voicemail message and ensure congruence between your audio and visual presence.
● Give a personalized outbound voicemail message to make a positive impression.
● Be the lone voice of dissent when necessary and advocate for others.
About Richard Blank: At 27 years old, Richard relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose. He has trained over 10 000 bilingual telemarketers over two decades. Richard has the largest collection of restored American Pinball machines and antique Jukeboxes in Central America making gamification a strong part of CCC culture. Richard Blank is the Chief Executive Officer for Costa Rica’s Call Center since 2008.
Do you want to be an effective communicator? This is where you'll find all sorts of resources with ideas, tips and strategies on how to master the art and science of leadership communication and influence, i.e. the ability to harness the power of the voice to master the 3s: Command the room, Connect with the audience and Close the deal in any context.
24-Hour Influence Challenge: Voicemail Edition
Now, you just took a challenge in moving down to Costa Rica 24 years ago. Let's levy a challenge to everybody else. This is an opportunity, Richard, to give a challenge for our 24-hour influence challenge of the day to challenge our audience to take one step that they can complete within 24 hours to have more influence. How would you like to challenge our listeners today? Yeah, Laura, I loved when we spoke about this before. I gave you like 20 ideas, and this is the one we chose the best. Nobody likes how they sound on their voicemail, now do they? When was the last time you changed your voicemail recording? What, 1989? And so I need for you to listen to yourself, and I want you to analyze your tone, your rate, your pitch, your duration, Maybe use a thesaurus and find some similes to power up certain vocabulary so it might become more diplomatic and strategic. And practice that over and over. Why? Because that's how you sound to people.
https://youtu.be/Xs4XRi6Ca3s
https://youtube.com/shorts/wSiTO-n9WBY
https://youtube.com/shorts/a34o4FLSPhU
https://youtu.be/h4eu6eiIoTw
Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ
Dr. Laura Sicola, Speaking to Influence Podcast, Richard Blank, Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing Call Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,call centre, contact centre, contact center,trend, trending
Some of these videos are connected to blogs or other pages on my website, https://laurasicola.com, so take a look to learn more. If you want to stay on top of the latest news in speech an leadership, sign up there to get my weekly newsletter so you don't miss a beat!
Here's to increasing your confidence, presence and influence, as the leader that you are, and the leader you KNOW you can become!
LEADERSHIP IS AN IMAGE.
The way you communicate
is the foundation.
Executive communication coaching and training with Dr. Laura Sicola helps you build the confidence, presence, and influence you need to succeed.
It’s Time to Enhance Your Executive Presence
1Step into a world where your words command respect, your confidence inspires trust, and your leadership opens doors to new opportunities.
Dr. Laura Sicola
Are you equally confident and influential whether communicating with people in business development, finance, engineering, HR, clients, or the board of directors?
Are you as persuasive and compelling whether speaking on camera, presenting to 500 people at a conference, pitching to investors, or advising your employees in a 1:1?
I am a speaker, coach and leadership communication expert who helps people hone their Vocal Executive Presence (VEP) and communication skills to project a strong, positive leadership image, develop loyal, effective teams, and create their ideal workplace culture to reach their ultimate goals.
Your technical expertise only gets you so far; after that, your success is a direct result of how effectively you can COMMUNICATE that expertise to others who do NOT have your skills and knowledge.
I have worked with everyone from executives and aspiring execs at companies like IBM, Comcast and the US Department of Commerce, to executive directors at non-profits, groups of entrepreneurs and women's/diversity initiatives.
Do you or will you lead a large team or organization? Are you getting ready for a conference presentation? A TED talk? A press conference? Or do you need to facilitate team meetings and mediate staff conflict? You tell me who your audience is, and I show you how to get your message across to them efficiently and effectively, while bringing everyone to a collective "YES."
And if you're looking for a speaker for your next event - live or virtual - and need a topic that will resonate with EVERYONE delivered by an inspiring, engaging speaker, give me a call!
Dr. Laura Sicola has over 20 years of experience teaching leaders how to command the room, connect with the audience, and close the deal.
As a cognitive linguist and communication expert, Laura empowers leaders through communication coaching, group training sessions, worldwide speaking engagements, and her book “Speaking to Influence.”
Executive Coaching
Work with Laura one-on-one or in mastery cohort groups to refine your communication skills. These executive coaching sessions help you develop a communication strategy that elevates your executive presence, aligns with your personal brand and gets results.
Group Training
Transform your team's communication capabilities with Laura's outcome-oriented, customizable group training. Topics include Speaking to Influence, Breaking the Expert's Curse, Virtual Influence, Becoming a Go-To Thought Leader, and more.
Keynote Speaking
Elevate your conference or event with a speaker who has mastered the art and science of “infotainment.” Laura balances value-packed content with humor and an interactive style that keeps the audience engaged and gives them practical skills to immediately implement.
Speaking to Influence Book
Discover the secrets to powerful and persuasive communication. With real-life examples, worksheets, and exercises, this book gives you everything needed to transform your communication style, get out of your own way, and hear “yes” more often.
Speaking to Influence Podcast
Join Laura as she interviews world-class business and industry leaders who reveal the importance of communication as an essential leadership skill on their own career journey and the (sometimes hard) lessons they learned along the way.
Online Programs and Training
Laura hosts a constantly evolving set of online courses and live group trainings on topics to help you discover your leadership voice, become a go-to thought leader, and optimize your in-person or virtual presence and engagement skills.
Want to establish your brand as a go-to thought leader?
Get Laura’s insights in this free resource that shares eight key strategies to boost your brand and elevate your thought leadership. Click the link below and begin your journey to becoming a respected and influential leader who everyone actually WANTS to hear speak!
Ultimately, Laura's mission is to guide leaders in mastering the 3 Cs of executive presence: Command the room, Connect with the audience, and Close the deal.
As a cognitive linguist and executive communication coach, Laura understands how professional interactions impact respect, trust, and buy-in, whether it’s a company meeting, a virtual conference call, a presentation to the board, or a high-stakes pitch to investors.
Using a personalized and practical approach, Laura teaches leaders how to project confidence, authority, and authenticity so they can be themselves, while still getting through to anyone.
Linguist
Laura’s background in cognitive linguistics is the cornerstone of her unique coaching approach to solving this universal challenge. She earned her Ph.D. in educational linguistics from the University of Pennsylvania and taught there from 2001-2013. Laura has a deep understanding of the science of how people learn, how speech is processed in the brain, and what creates the gap between “what you think you said,” “what they think they heard,” and most importantly, how to close that gap to get results.
Coach
As an executive communication coach, Laura works with C-suite executives, VPs, directors, business owners, and aspiring executives who want to expand their powers of influence, inspire trust, and hear “yes” more often. In one-on-one or group sessions and master classes, she teaches leaders how to identify and express their personal brands so they can communicate with clarity, confidence, and authenticity, in front of any audience.
Author
Laura is the author of Speaking to Influence: Mastering Your Leadership Voice. This insightful book draws on her extensive expertise in cognitive linguistics, education and executive coaching to provide everyone with practical tools for effective communication in personal and professional interactions alike. In the words of one Amazon reviewer, “Dr. Laura Sicola gives down-to-earth, usable advice for anyone who wants to speak with authority.” She has also published many other peer-reviewed articles and books based on her research, intended for academic audiences.
Speaker
Laura is a renowned speaker, delivering keynotes and presentations at conferences and corporate events worldwide. Her TEDxPENN talk ‘Want to Sound like a Leader? Start by Saying Your Name Right‘ has been viewed over 6.8 million times. She has spoken at hundreds of events sharing insights and practical strategies for effective leadership communication. She also loves to moderate panels and emcee events for corporate and non-profit organizations.
Connect With Laura
Ready to sharpen your communication skills and expand your influence? Reach out to Dr. Laura Sicola to learn more about personalized coaching, group training, speaking engagements, and more.
Richard’s journey in the call center space is filled with twists and turns. When he was 27 years old, he relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose.
Mr. Richard Blank holds a bachelors degree in Communication and Spanish from the University of Arizona and a certificate of language proficiency from the University of Sevilla, Spain. A Keynote speaker for Philadelphia's Abington High School 68th National Honors Society induction ceremony. In addition, inducted into the 2023 Hall of Fame for Business. Giving back to Abington Senior High School is very important to Mr. Blank. As such, he endows a scholarship each year for students that plan on majoring in a world language at the university level.
Costa Rica’s Call Center (CCC) is a state of the art BPO telemarketing outsource company located in the capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica. Our main focus has been, and will always be to personally train each and every Central America call center agent so that we may offer the highest quality of outbound and inbound telemarketing solutions and bilingual customer service to small and medium sized international companies, entrepreneurs as well as fortune 500 companies.
We encourage you to visit one of our call centers on your next personal vacation or business trip to Central America’s paradise, Costa Rica. While you are here, we would recommend taking an extra day of your trip to visit breathtaking virgin beaches, play golf next to the ocean, try your luck at deep sea fishing, explore tropical jungles, climb volcanos or just relax in natural hot springs. Come and see for yourself why call center outsourcing in Costa Rica is a perfect solution for your growing company and a powerhouse in the BPO industry.
https://costaricascallcenter.com/en/outbound-bpo-campaigns/
#DrLauraSicola #SpeakingtoInfluencePodcast #SpeakersAreLeadersMotivationPodcast #HarrySardinas #RichardBlank #CostaRica #CallCenter #Outsourcing #Telemarketing #BPO #Sales #Entrepreneur #B2B #Business #Podcast #Gamification #CEO #trend #trending #listennow #subscribe #podcastclip #podcastvideo #videopodcasting #podcastguest
Pushed My Car in a Suit: A Hilarious Client Story
yes yes all right finally tell me about a time when you had to laugh at yourself ah i love this story so i had a client in town right phil and i'm driving him to dinner and it's the rainy season and unfortunately my car ran out of gas right by the um la sabana park and I couldn't believe it. So the guy looks at me, he goes, listen, the gas station is just a block away. And he goes, I'll push it if you will. I go, are you serious? He goes, yeah, why not? And so I took my jacket off. I'm still in my suit. Got the, you know, the best on. It's a good bonding moment there. Pushed it down the street. People are honking, laughing at me. A guy on purpose would curve a little, so it splashed me.
Handling Leadership Challenges During COVID
Yes, of course, Laura. It was during COVID when all of a sudden the government said, you got to send everybody home. And so what do you do? IT needed to prepare the lifeboats. The agents mentally needed to prepare for the isolation. And my supervisors and I needed to create certain mediums to keep that communication going and that lifeline going. And so I saw some people run for the hills. I saw freshmen step up to the plate.
The Gary Technique: Trust and Perseverance
Tell me about a time when you went to bat for someone else. Who did you speak to on their behalf? Why and how? I totally remember this story when we spoke about it, Laura. I had an agent called Gary and we called the Gary technique. This guy was usually the ramper upper where I'd put him on a brand new campaign to lead the charge, show some metrics and things will look good. Once again, the lone voice with the client convincing them that this is the guy. So after a certain day or two, when the client was losing its patience or Gary wasn't, you know, hitting the home runs yet, he said, Hey, I want you to remove him and try somebody else. And I said, you haven't really given him enough time. He goes, no, I just don't have a good vibe. I go, okay. Let's give it until the end of the day. And then I'll put him on another campaign. Next thing you know, Gary ripped three appointments. And so the client calls about it goes, why? I didn't know that. Let's keep, I go, well, listen, Billy, I did speak to the other client. He's being moved, but I just got to let you know in the future, have faith in me, trust my opinion. This is my wheelhouse. I know what I'm doing. And you know, just once the people get loosey goosey and they feel comfy on the phone, then you start hitting them. And so, um, I've fallen on swords for people because I've known what they've done. And I've also made mistakes as well. Sometimes Gary was not the good fit on a certain campaign and it just wasn't the right guy. Guy can't bat a thousand. Sure. Sure. And so I'm willing to take that hit too. But the beauty of it is at the end of the day, regardless of the outcome, the fact that you might have faith in somebody else besides yourself.
Dr. Laura Sicola presents Speaking to Influence Podcast. Soft speaking skills with Richard Blank.
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Richard Blank, the CEO of Costa Rica's Call Center, about the importance of communication skills and influence in the business world. They discuss the value of soft skills, such as foreign language proficiency, and the need to recognize and leverage one's unique talents. Richard challenges listeners to improve their voicemail messages and congruence between their audio and visual presence. They also talk about the importance of giving people a personalized outbound voicemail message and the impact it has on the impression they leave. He emphasizes the importance of trust, faith, and having a sense of humor in building relationships and achieving success.
Episode 215: Richard Blank - CEO Costa Rica Call Center
In this episode you will learn:
● Character during chaos is an important leadership trait.
● Promote individuals based on their strengths and redirect them to roles where they can excel.
● Express appreciation and acknowledge the contributions of team members.
● Take calculated risks and communicate with stakeholders about challenges and unique aspects of the business. Soft skills, including foreign language proficiency, are valuable and marketable skills in the business world.
● Recognize and leverage your unique talents and skills, and don't downplay their importance.
● Improve your voicemail message and ensure congruence between your audio and visual presence.
● Give a personalized outbound voicemail message to make a positive impression.
● Be the lone voice of dissent when necessary and advocate for others.
About Richard Blank: At 27 years old, Richard relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose. He has trained over 10 000 bilingual telemarketers over two decades. Richard has the largest collection of restored American Pinball machines and antique Jukeboxes in Central America making gamification a strong part of CCC culture. Richard Blank is the Chief Executive Officer for Costa Rica’s Call Center since 2008.
Do you want to be an effective communicator? This is where you'll find all sorts of resources with ideas, tips and strategies on how to master the art and science of leadership communication and influence, i.e. the ability to harness the power of the voice to master the 3s: Command the room, Connect with the audience and Close the deal in any context.
24-Hour Influence Challenge: Voicemail Edition
Now, you just took a challenge in moving down to Costa Rica 24 years ago. Let's levy a challenge to everybody else. This is an opportunity, Richard, to give a challenge for our 24-hour influence challenge of the day to challenge our audience to take one step that they can complete within 24 hours to have more influence. How would you like to challenge our listeners today? Yeah, Laura, I loved when we spoke about this before. I gave you like 20 ideas, and this is the one we chose the best. Nobody likes how they sound on their voicemail, now do they? When was the last time you changed your voicemail recording? What, 1989? And so I need for you to listen to yourself, and I want you to analyze your tone, your rate, your pitch, your duration, Maybe use a thesaurus and find some similes to power up certain vocabulary so it might become more diplomatic and strategic. And practice that over and over. Why? Because that's how you sound to people.
https://youtu.be/Xs4XRi6Ca3s
https://youtube.com/shorts/wSiTO-n9WBY
https://youtube.com/shorts/a34o4FLSPhU
https://youtu.be/h4eu6eiIoTw
Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ
Dr. Laura Sicola, Speaking to Influence Podcast, Richard Blank, Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing Call Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,call centre, contact centre, contact center,trend, trending
Some of these videos are connected to blogs or other pages on my website, https://laurasicola.com, so take a look to learn more. If you want to stay on top of the latest news in speech an leadership, sign up there to get my weekly newsletter so you don't miss a beat!
Here's to increasing your confidence, presence and influence, as the leader that you are, and the leader you KNOW you can become!
LEADERSHIP IS AN IMAGE.
The way you communicate
is the foundation.
Executive communication coaching and training with Dr. Laura Sicola helps you build the confidence, presence, and influence you need to succeed.
It’s Time to Enhance Your Executive Presence
1Step into a world where your words command respect, your confidence inspires trust, and your leadership opens doors to new opportunities.
Dr. Laura Sicola
Are you equally confident and influential whether communicating with people in business development, finance, engineering, HR, clients, or the board of directors?
Are you as persuasive and compelling whether speaking on camera, presenting to 500 people at a conference, pitching to investors, or advising your employees in a 1:1?
I am a speaker, coach and leadership communication expert who helps people hone their Vocal Executive Presence (VEP) and communication skills to project a strong, positive leadership image, develop loyal, effective teams, and create their ideal workplace culture to reach their ultimate goals.
Your technical expertise only gets you so far; after that, your success is a direct result of how effectively you can COMMUNICATE that expertise to others who do NOT have your skills and knowledge.
I have worked with everyone from executives and aspiring execs at companies like IBM, Comcast and the US Department of Commerce, to executive directors at non-profits, groups of entrepreneurs and women's/diversity initiatives.
Do you or will you lead a large team or organization? Are you getting ready for a conference presentation? A TED talk? A press conference? Or do you need to facilitate team meetings and mediate staff conflict? You tell me who your audience is, and I show you how to get your message across to them efficiently and effectively, while bringing everyone to a collective "YES."
And if you're looking for a speaker for your next event - live or virtual - and need a topic that will resonate with EVERYONE delivered by an inspiring, engaging speaker, give me a call!
Dr. Laura Sicola has over 20 years of experience teaching leaders how to command the room, connect with the audience, and close the deal.
As a cognitive linguist and communication expert, Laura empowers leaders through communication coaching, group training sessions, worldwide speaking engagements, and her book “Speaking to Influence.”
Executive Coaching
Work with Laura one-on-one or in mastery cohort groups to refine your communication skills. These executive coaching sessions help you develop a communication strategy that elevates your executive presence, aligns with your personal brand and gets results.
Group Training
Transform your team's communication capabilities with Laura's outcome-oriented, customizable group training. Topics include Speaking to Influence, Breaking the Expert's Curse, Virtual Influence, Becoming a Go-To Thought Leader, and more.
Keynote Speaking
Elevate your conference or event with a speaker who has mastered the art and science of “infotainment.” Laura balances value-packed content with humor and an interactive style that keeps the audience engaged and gives them practical skills to immediately implement.
Speaking to Influence Book
Discover the secrets to powerful and persuasive communication. With real-life examples, worksheets, and exercises, this book gives you everything needed to transform your communication style, get out of your own way, and hear “yes” more often.
Speaking to Influence Podcast
Join Laura as she interviews world-class business and industry leaders who reveal the importance of communication as an essential leadership skill on their own career journey and the (sometimes hard) lessons they learned along the way.
Online Programs and Training
Laura hosts a constantly evolving set of online courses and live group trainings on topics to help you discover your leadership voice, become a go-to thought leader, and optimize your in-person or virtual presence and engagement skills.
Want to establish your brand as a go-to thought leader?
Get Laura’s insights in this free resource that shares eight key strategies to boost your brand and elevate your thought leadership. Click the link below and begin your journey to becoming a respected and influential leader who everyone actually WANTS to hear speak!
Ultimately, Laura's mission is to guide leaders in mastering the 3 Cs of executive presence: Command the room, Connect with the audience, and Close the deal.
As a cognitive linguist and executive communication coach, Laura understands how professional interactions impact respect, trust, and buy-in, whether it’s a company meeting, a virtual conference call, a presentation to the board, or a high-stakes pitch to investors.
Using a personalized and practical approach, Laura teaches leaders how to project confidence, authority, and authenticity so they can be themselves, while still getting through to anyone.
Linguist
Laura’s background in cognitive linguistics is the cornerstone of her unique coaching approach to solving this universal challenge. She earned her Ph.D. in educational linguistics from the University of Pennsylvania and taught there from 2001-2013. Laura has a deep understanding of the science of how people learn, how speech is processed in the brain, and what creates the gap between “what you think you said,” “what they think they heard,” and most importantly, how to close that gap to get results.
Coach
As an executive communication coach, Laura works with C-suite executives, VPs, directors, business owners, and aspiring executives who want to expand their powers of influence, inspire trust, and hear “yes” more often. In one-on-one or group sessions and master classes, she teaches leaders how to identify and express their personal brands so they can communicate with clarity, confidence, and authenticity, in front of any audience.
Author
Laura is the author of Speaking to Influence: Mastering Your Leadership Voice. This insightful book draws on her extensive expertise in cognitive linguistics, education and executive coaching to provide everyone with practical tools for effective communication in personal and professional interactions alike. In the words of one Amazon reviewer, “Dr. Laura Sicola gives down-to-earth, usable advice for anyone who wants to speak with authority.” She has also published many other peer-reviewed articles and books based on her research, intended for academic audiences.
Speaker
Laura is a renowned speaker, delivering keynotes and presentations at conferences and corporate events worldwide. Her TEDxPENN talk ‘Want to Sound like a Leader? Start by Saying Your Name Right‘ has been viewed over 6.8 million times. She has spoken at hundreds of events sharing insights and practical strategies for effective leadership communication. She also loves to moderate panels and emcee events for corporate and non-profit organizations.
Connect With Laura
Ready to sharpen your communication skills and expand your influence? Reach out to Dr. Laura Sicola to learn more about personalized coaching, group training, speaking engagements, and more.
Richard’s journey in the call center space is filled with twists and turns. When he was 27 years old, he relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose.
Mr. Richard Blank holds a bachelors degree in Communication and Spanish from the University of Arizona and a certificate of language proficiency from the University of Sevilla, Spain. A Keynote speaker for Philadelphia's Abington High School 68th National Honors Society induction ceremony. In addition, inducted into the 2023 Hall of Fame for Business. Giving back to Abington Senior High School is very important to Mr. Blank. As such, he endows a scholarship each year for students that plan on majoring in a world language at the university level.
Costa Rica’s Call Center (CCC) is a state of the art BPO telemarketing outsource company located in the capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica. Our main focus has been, and will always be to personally train each and every Central America call center agent so that we may offer the highest quality of outbound and inbound telemarketing solutions and bilingual customer service to small and medium sized international companies, entrepreneurs as well as fortune 500 companies.
We encourage you to visit one of our call centers on your next personal vacation or business trip to Central America’s paradise, Costa Rica. While you are here, we would recommend taking an extra day of your trip to visit breathtaking virgin beaches, play golf next to the ocean, try your luck at deep sea fishing, explore tropical jungles, climb volcanos or just relax in natural hot springs. Come and see for yourself why call center outsourcing in Costa Rica is a perfect solution for your growing company and a powerhouse in the BPO industry.
https://costaricascallcenter.com/en/outbound-bpo-campaigns/
#DrLauraSicola #SpeakingtoInfluencePodcast #SpeakersAreLeadersMotivationPodcast #HarrySardinas #RichardBlank #CostaRica #CallCenter #Outsourcing #Telemarketing #BPO #Sales #Entrepreneur #B2B #Business #Podcast #Gamification #CEO #trend #trending #listennow #subscribe #podcastclip #podcastvideo #videopodcasting #podcastguest
Pushed My Car in a Suit: A Hilarious Client Story
yes yes all right finally tell me about a time when you had to laugh at yourself ah i love this story so i had a client in town right phil and i'm driving him to dinner and it's the rainy season and unfortunately my car ran out of gas right by the um la sabana park and I couldn't believe it. So the guy looks at me, he goes, listen, the gas station is just a block away. And he goes, I'll push it if you will. I go, are you serious? He goes, yeah, why not? And so I took my jacket off. I'm still in my suit. Got the, you know, the best on. It's a good bonding moment there. Pushed it down the street. People are honking, laughing at me. A guy on purpose would curve a little, so it splashed me.
Handling Leadership Challenges During COVID
Yes, of course, Laura. It was during COVID when all of a sudden the government said, you got to send everybody home. And so what do you do? IT needed to prepare the lifeboats. The agents mentally needed to prepare for the isolation. And my supervisors and I needed to create certain mediums to keep that communication going and that lifeline going. And so I saw some people run for the hills. I saw freshmen step up to the plate.
The Gary Technique: Trust and Perseverance
Tell me about a time when you went to bat for someone else. Who did you speak to on their behalf? Why and how? I totally remember this story when we spoke about it, Laura. I had an agent called Gary and we called the Gary technique. This guy was usually the ramper upper where I'd put him on a brand new campaign to lead the charge, show some metrics and things will look good. Once again, the lone voice with the client convincing them that this is the guy. So after a certain day or two, when the client was losing its patience or Gary wasn't, you know, hitting the home runs yet, he said, Hey, I want you to remove him and try somebody else. And I said, you haven't really given him enough time. He goes, no, I just don't have a good vibe. I go, okay. Let's give it until the end of the day. And then I'll put him on another campaign. Next thing you know, Gary ripped three appointments. And so the client calls about it goes, why? I didn't know that. Let's keep, I go, well, listen, Billy, I did speak to the other client. He's being moved, but I just got to let you know in the future, have faith in me, trust my opinion. This is my wheelhouse. I know what I'm doing. And you know, just once the people get loosey goosey and they feel comfy on the phone, then you start hitting them. And so, um, I've fallen on swords for people because I've known what they've done. And I've also made mistakes as well. Sometimes Gary was not the good fit on a certain campaign and it just wasn't the right guy. Guy can't bat a thousand. Sure. Sure. And so I'm willing to take that hit too. But the beauty of it is at the end of the day, regardless of the outcome, the fact that you might have faith in somebody else besides yourself.
Dr. Laura Sicola presents Speaking to Influence Podcast. Soft speaking skills with Richard Blank.
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Richard Blank, the CEO of Costa Rica's Call Center, about the importance of communication skills and influence in the business world. They discuss the value of soft skills, such as foreign language proficiency, and the need to recognize and leverage one's unique talents. Richard challenges listeners to improve their voicemail messages and congruence between their audio and visual presence. They also talk about the importance of giving people a personalized outbound voicemail message and the impact it has on the impression they leave. He emphasizes the importance of trust, faith, and having a sense of humor in building relationships and achieving success.
Episode 215: Richard Blank - CEO Costa Rica Call Center
In this episode you will learn:
● Character during chaos is an important leadership trait.
● Promote individuals based on their strengths and redirect them to roles where they can excel.
● Express appreciation and acknowledge the contributions of team members.
● Take calculated risks and communicate with stakeholders about challenges and unique aspects of the business. Soft skills, including foreign language proficiency, are valuable and marketable skills in the business world.
● Recognize and leverage your unique talents and skills, and don't downplay their importance.
● Improve your voicemail message and ensure congruence between your audio and visual presence.
● Give a personalized outbound voicemail message to make a positive impression.
● Be the lone voice of dissent when necessary and advocate for others.
About Richard Blank: At 27 years old, Richard relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose. He has trained over 10 000 bilingual telemarketers over two decades. Richard has the largest collection of restored American Pinball machines and antique Jukeboxes in Central America making gamification a strong part of CCC culture. Richard Blank is the Chief Executive Officer for Costa Rica’s Call Center since 2008.
Do you want to be an effective communicator? This is where you'll find all sorts of resources with ideas, tips and strategies on how to master the art and science of leadership communication and influence, i.e. the ability to harness the power of the voice to master the 3s: Command the room, Connect with the audience and Close the deal in any context.
24-Hour Influence Challenge: Voicemail Edition
Now, you just took a challenge in moving down to Costa Rica 24 years ago. Let's levy a challenge to everybody else. This is an opportunity, Richard, to give a challenge for our 24-hour influence challenge of the day to challenge our audience to take one step that they can complete within 24 hours to have more influence. How would you like to challenge our listeners today? Yeah, Laura, I loved when we spoke about this before. I gave you like 20 ideas, and this is the one we chose the best. Nobody likes how they sound on their voicemail, now do they? When was the last time you changed your voicemail recording? What, 1989? And so I need for you to listen to yourself, and I want you to analyze your tone, your rate, your pitch, your duration, Maybe use a thesaurus and find some similes to power up certain vocabulary so it might become more diplomatic and strategic. And practice that over and over. Why? Because that's how you sound to people.
https://youtu.be/Xs4XRi6Ca3s
https://youtube.com/shorts/wSiTO-n9WBY
https://youtube.com/shorts/a34o4FLSPhU
https://youtu.be/h4eu6eiIoTw
Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ
Dr. Laura Sicola, Speaking to Influence Podcast, Richard Blank, Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing Call Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,call centre, contact centre, contact center,trend, trending
Some of these videos are connected to blogs or other pages on my website, https://laurasicola.com, so take a look to learn more. If you want to stay on top of the latest news in speech an leadership, sign up there to get my weekly newsletter so you don't miss a beat!
Here's to increasing your confidence, presence and influence, as the leader that you are, and the leader you KNOW you can become!
LEADERSHIP IS AN IMAGE.
The way you communicate
is the foundation.
Executive communication coaching and training with Dr. Laura Sicola helps you build the confidence, presence, and influence you need to succeed.
It’s Time to Enhance Your Executive Presence
1Step into a world where your words command respect, your confidence inspires trust, and your leadership opens doors to new opportunities.
Dr. Laura Sicola
Are you equally confident and influential whether communicating with people in business development, finance, engineering, HR, clients, or the board of directors?
Are you as persuasive and compelling whether speaking on camera, presenting to 500 people at a conference, pitching to investors, or advising your employees in a 1:1?
I am a speaker, coach and leadership communication expert who helps people hone their Vocal Executive Presence (VEP) and communication skills to project a strong, positive leadership image, develop loyal, effective teams, and create their ideal workplace culture to reach their ultimate goals.
Your technical expertise only gets you so far; after that, your success is a direct result of how effectively you can COMMUNICATE that expertise to others who do NOT have your skills and knowledge.
I have worked with everyone from executives and aspiring execs at companies like IBM, Comcast and the US Department of Commerce, to executive directors at non-profits, groups of entrepreneurs and women's/diversity initiatives.
Do you or will you lead a large team or organization? Are you getting ready for a conference presentation? A TED talk? A press conference? Or do you need to facilitate team meetings and mediate staff conflict? You tell me who your audience is, and I show you how to get your message across to them efficiently and effectively, while bringing everyone to a collective "YES."
And if you're looking for a speaker for your next event - live or virtual - and need a topic that will resonate with EVERYONE delivered by an inspiring, engaging speaker, give me a call!
Dr. Laura Sicola has over 20 years of experience teaching leaders how to command the room, connect with the audience, and close the deal.
As a cognitive linguist and communication expert, Laura empowers leaders through communication coaching, group training sessions, worldwide speaking engagements, and her book “Speaking to Influence.”
Executive Coaching
Work with Laura one-on-one or in mastery cohort groups to refine your communication skills. These executive coaching sessions help you develop a communication strategy that elevates your executive presence, aligns with your personal brand and gets results.
Group Training
Transform your team's communication capabilities with Laura's outcome-oriented, customizable group training. Topics include Speaking to Influence, Breaking the Expert's Curse, Virtual Influence, Becoming a Go-To Thought Leader, and more.
Keynote Speaking
Elevate your conference or event with a speaker who has mastered the art and science of “infotainment.” Laura balances value-packed content with humor and an interactive style that keeps the audience engaged and gives them practical skills to immediately implement.
Speaking to Influence Book
Discover the secrets to powerful and persuasive communication. With real-life examples, worksheets, and exercises, this book gives you everything needed to transform your communication style, get out of your own way, and hear “yes” more often.
Speaking to Influence Podcast
Join Laura as she interviews world-class business and industry leaders who reveal the importance of communication as an essential leadership skill on their own career journey and the (sometimes hard) lessons they learned along the way.
Online Programs and Training
Laura hosts a constantly evolving set of online courses and live group trainings on topics to help you discover your leadership voice, become a go-to thought leader, and optimize your in-person or virtual presence and engagement skills.
Want to establish your brand as a go-to thought leader?
Get Laura’s insights in this free resource that shares eight key strategies to boost your brand and elevate your thought leadership. Click the link below and begin your journey to becoming a respected and influential leader who everyone actually WANTS to hear speak!
Ultimately, Laura's mission is to guide leaders in mastering the 3 Cs of executive presence: Command the room, Connect with the audience, and Close the deal.
As a cognitive linguist and executive communication coach, Laura understands how professional interactions impact respect, trust, and buy-in, whether it’s a company meeting, a virtual conference call, a presentation to the board, or a high-stakes pitch to investors.
Using a personalized and practical approach, Laura teaches leaders how to project confidence, authority, and authenticity so they can be themselves, while still getting through to anyone.
Linguist
Laura’s background in cognitive linguistics is the cornerstone of her unique coaching approach to solving this universal challenge. She earned her Ph.D. in educational linguistics from the University of Pennsylvania and taught there from 2001-2013. Laura has a deep understanding of the science of how people learn, how speech is processed in the brain, and what creates the gap between “what you think you said,” “what they think they heard,” and most importantly, how to close that gap to get results.
Coach
As an executive communication coach, Laura works with C-suite executives, VPs, directors, business owners, and aspiring executives who want to expand their powers of influence, inspire trust, and hear “yes” more often. In one-on-one or group sessions and master classes, she teaches leaders how to identify and express their personal brands so they can communicate with clarity, confidence, and authenticity, in front of any audience.
Author
Laura is the author of Speaking to Influence: Mastering Your Leadership Voice. This insightful book draws on her extensive expertise in cognitive linguistics, education and executive coaching to provide everyone with practical tools for effective communication in personal and professional interactions alike. In the words of one Amazon reviewer, “Dr. Laura Sicola gives down-to-earth, usable advice for anyone who wants to speak with authority.” She has also published many other peer-reviewed articles and books based on her research, intended for academic audiences.
Speaker
Laura is a renowned speaker, delivering keynotes and presentations at conferences and corporate events worldwide. Her TEDxPENN talk ‘Want to Sound like a Leader? Start by Saying Your Name Right‘ has been viewed over 6.8 million times. She has spoken at hundreds of events sharing insights and practical strategies for effective leadership communication. She also loves to moderate panels and emcee events for corporate and non-profit organizations.
Connect With Laura
Ready to sharpen your communication skills and expand your influence? Reach out to Dr. Laura Sicola to learn more about personalized coaching, group training, speaking engagements, and more.
Richard’s journey in the call center space is filled with twists and turns. When he was 27 years old, he relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose.
Mr. Richard Blank holds a bachelors degree in Communication and Spanish from the University of Arizona and a certificate of language proficiency from the University of Sevilla, Spain. A Keynote speaker for Philadelphia's Abington High School 68th National Honors Society induction ceremony. In addition, inducted into the 2023 Hall of Fame for Business. Giving back to Abington Senior High School is very important to Mr. Blank. As such, he endows a scholarship each year for students that plan on majoring in a world language at the university level.
Costa Rica’s Call Center (CCC) is a state of the art BPO telemarketing outsource company located in the capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica. Our main focus has been, and will always be to personally train each and every Central America call center agent so that we may offer the highest quality of outbound and inbound telemarketing solutions and bilingual customer service to small and medium sized international companies, entrepreneurs as well as fortune 500 companies.
We encourage you to visit one of our call centers on your next personal vacation or business trip to Central America’s paradise, Costa Rica. While you are here, we would recommend taking an extra day of your trip to visit breathtaking virgin beaches, play golf next to the ocean, try your luck at deep sea fishing, explore tropical jungles, climb volcanos or just relax in natural hot springs. Come and see for yourself why call center outsourcing in Costa Rica is a perfect solution for your growing company and a powerhouse in the BPO industry.
https://costaricascallcenter.com/en/outbound-bpo-campaigns/
#DrLauraSicola #SpeakingtoInfluencePodcast #SpeakersAreLeadersMotivationPodcast #HarrySardinas #RichardBlank #CostaRica #CallCenter #Outsourcing #Telemarketing #BPO #Sales #Entrepreneur #B2B #Business #Podcast #Gamification #CEO #trend #trending #listennow #subscribe #podcastclip #podcastvideo #videopodcasting #podcastguest
Pushed My Car in a Suit: A Hilarious Client Story
yes yes all right finally tell me about a time when you had to laugh at yourself ah i love this story so i had a client in town right phil and i'm driving him to dinner and it's the rainy season and unfortunately my car ran out of gas right by the um la sabana park and I couldn't believe it. So the guy looks at me, he goes, listen, the gas station is just a block away. And he goes, I'll push it if you will. I go, are you serious? He goes, yeah, why not? And so I took my jacket off. I'm still in my suit. Got the, you know, the best on. It's a good bonding moment there. Pushed it down the street. People are honking, laughing at me. A guy on purpose would curve a little, so it splashed me.
Handling Leadership Challenges During COVID
Yes, of course, Laura. It was during COVID when all of a sudden the government said, you got to send everybody home. And so what do you do? IT needed to prepare the lifeboats. The agents mentally needed to prepare for the isolation. And my supervisors and I needed to create certain mediums to keep that communication going and that lifeline going. And so I saw some people run for the hills. I saw freshmen step up to the plate.
The Gary Technique: Trust and Perseverance
Tell me about a time when you went to bat for someone else. Who did you speak to on their behalf? Why and how? I totally remember this story when we spoke about it, Laura. I had an agent called Gary and we called the Gary technique. This guy was usually the ramper upper where I'd put him on a brand new campaign to lead the charge, show some metrics and things will look good. Once again, the lone voice with the client convincing them that this is the guy. So after a certain day or two, when the client was losing its patience or Gary wasn't, you know, hitting the home runs yet, he said, Hey, I want you to remove him and try somebody else. And I said, you haven't really given him enough time. He goes, no, I just don't have a good vibe. I go, okay. Let's give it until the end of the day. And then I'll put him on another campaign. Next thing you know, Gary ripped three appointments. And so the client calls about it goes, why? I didn't know that. Let's keep, I go, well, listen, Billy, I did speak to the other client. He's being moved, but I just got to let you know in the future, have faith in me, trust my opinion. This is my wheelhouse. I know what I'm doing. And you know, just once the people get loosey goosey and they feel comfy on the phone, then you start hitting them. And so, um, I've fallen on swords for people because I've known what they've done. And I've also made mistakes as well. Sometimes Gary was not the good fit on a certain campaign and it just wasn't the right guy. Guy can't bat a thousand. Sure. Sure. And so I'm willing to take that hit too. But the beauty of it is at the end of the day, regardless of the outcome, the fact that you might have faith in somebody else besides yourself.
Destroy Tan's Capitol Building.
Notes:
- The Tan are using a radio tower to transmit orders to their forces.
- Cannons are stationed in the city, so be careful where you venture.
World War has been declared! The Green and Tan nations have broken off peace talks. There is no choice but to prepare for battle. Only after storming the enemy homeland's shores, traversing thick jungles and securing war-ravaged cities, does final victory await us. Dive back into the trenches! It's real combat. Plastic men. #ArmyMen #ArmyMenWorldWar #PlasticSoldiers
Follow us on our social media and website for more exclusive content:
- https://www.ArmyMen.com.ar
- https://facebook.com/armymenvideogames
- https://instagram.com/armymenchannel
- https://twitter.com/armymenchannel
- https://discord.com/invite/VfbqahDyUB
"The Army Men Videogames Channel" is a YouTube channel specialized exclusively in the Army Men franchise and thematic derivatives, run by some of the most loyal and knowledgeable fans around the world.
Some of our most important activities are the design of Army Men video games, unique modifications of existing games, and MODs for other games.
Destroy Tan's Capitol Building.
Notes:
- The Tan are using a radio tower to transmit orders to their forces.
- Cannons are stationed in the city, so be careful where you venture.
World War has been declared! The Green and Tan nations have broken off peace talks. There is no choice but to prepare for battle. Only after storming the enemy homeland's shores, traversing thick jungles and securing war-ravaged cities, does final victory await us. Dive back into the trenches! It's real combat. Plastic men. #ArmyMen #ArmyMenWorldWar #PlasticSoldiers
Follow us on our social media and website for more exclusive content:
- https://www.ArmyMen.com.ar
- https://facebook.com/armymenvideogames
- https://instagram.com/armymenchannel
- https://twitter.com/armymenchannel
- https://discord.com/invite/VfbqahDyUB
"The Army Men Videogames Channel" is a YouTube channel specialized exclusively in the Army Men franchise and thematic derivatives, run by some of the most loyal and knowledgeable fans around the world.
Some of our most important activities are the design of Army Men video games, unique modifications of existing games, and MODs for other games.
Secure all three villages to clear the way for our convoy.
Notes:
- Tan is using a radar building for calling reinforcements. The location of the radar building is unknown.
World War has been declared! The Green and Tan nations have broken off peace talks. There is no choice but to prepare for battle. Only after storming the enemy homeland's shores, traversing thick jungles and securing war-ravaged cities, does final victory await us. Dive back into the trenches! It's real combat. Plastic men. #ArmyMen #ArmyMenWorldWar #PlasticSoldiers
Follow us on our social media and website for more exclusive content:
- https://www.ArmyMen.com.ar
- https://facebook.com/armymenvideogames
- https://instagram.com/armymenchannel
- https://twitter.com/armymenchannel
- https://discord.com/invite/VfbqahDyUB
"The Army Men Videogames Channel" is a YouTube channel specialized exclusively in the Army Men franchise and thematic derivatives, run by some of the most loyal and knowledgeable fans around the world.
Some of our most important activities are the design of Army Men video games, unique modifications of existing games, and MODs for other games.
Secure all three villages to clear the way for our convoy.
Notes:
- Tan is using a radar building for calling reinforcements. The location of the radar building is unknown.
World War has been declared! The Green and Tan nations have broken off peace talks. There is no choice but to prepare for battle. Only after storming the enemy homeland's shores, traversing thick jungles and securing war-ravaged cities, does final victory await us. Dive back into the trenches! It's real combat. Plastic men. #ArmyMen #ArmyMenWorldWar #PlasticSoldiers
Follow us on our social media and website for more exclusive content:
- https://www.ArmyMen.com.ar
- https://facebook.com/armymenvideogames
- https://instagram.com/armymenchannel
- https://twitter.com/armymenchannel
- https://discord.com/invite/VfbqahDyUB
"The Army Men Videogames Channel" is a YouTube channel specialized exclusively in the Army Men franchise and thematic derivatives, run by some of the most loyal and knowledgeable fans around the world.
Some of our most important activities are the design of Army Men video games, unique modifications of existing games, and MODs for other games.
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Spark and Ignite Your Marketing Podcast. Host Beverly Cornell sits down with Richard Blank
In this enchanting episode of Spark and Ignite Your Marketing, host Beverly Cornell sits down with Richard Blank, CEO of Costa Rica’s Call Center. Richard’s story is one of bold moves and building a business that thrives on empathy, gamification, and yes—pinball machines. Richard shares his secrets to igniting employee engagement and delivering exceptional customer experiences. Tune in to discover how culture, connection, and a little magic can transform your business. A Call Center Success Story with Richard Blank
Did you know that call centers in Costa Rica are gaining attention worldwide? In this episode of 'Spark and Ignite Your Marketing,' host Beverly Cornell is joined by Richard Blank, the CEO of Costa Rica's Call Center. Richard shares his unique journey of moving from Philadelphia to Costa Rica over 20 years ago and building a thriving call center business.Hear inspiring stories about training over 10,000 bilingual telemarketers, offering scholarships for language students, and maintaining a passionate and motivated team. Join us for an engaging conversation filled with valuable insights, personal anecdotes, and a celebration of connection and human-centric business practices.
00:00 Introduction to Costa Rica's Call Center Industry
00:39 Meet Richard Blank: From Philadelphia to Costa Rica
00:49 Building a Unique Company Culture
02:21 The Journey of Growth and Expansion
04:03 The Role of Gamification in Call Centers
04:59 The Human Touch in the Age of AI
08:09 Challenges in the Call Center Industry
10:20 The Importance of Honor and Professional Ethics
12:16 Richard's Personal Journey and Inspirations
15:29 Creating a Positive Work Environment
16:36 The Importance of Assertiveness and Balance
17:21 Mentorship and Recognition
18:45 Marketing Strategies and Respect for Telemarketers
19:43 Lightning Round: Quick Insights
22:38 Reflecting on Success and Early Challenges
29:14 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
32:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Three Key Topics Covered:
Gamification in the Workplace: Richard introduces gamification into his call center with creative elements like pinball machines and friendly competitions, creating an atmosphere of fun and motivation. This approach not only recharges employees but also fosters engagement, camaraderie, and exceptional performance.
The Art of Connection: emphasizes the power of personal touches, like remembering special moments or complimenting a team member, to create meaningful connections. He shows how empathy and genuine interactions leave lasting impressions that go beyond business metrics.
Leadership Lessons in Attrition: Richard approaches employee turnover with grace, treating every departure with dignity and respect. By building a workplace culture rooted in relationships and honor, he fosters loyalty and a sense of belonging that inspires his team to thrive.
https://youtu.be/6YTUFREg_1g
https://youtu.be/do5AgRztFA0
https://youtu.be/PQbbV-WYNlY
https://youtu.be/7nc8OmFCs1Y
https://youtu.be/jk51kgMpdsI
Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ
Beverly Cornell, Spark and Ignite Your Marketing, Richard Blank, Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing Call Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,call centre, contact centre, contact center,trend, trending
Spark and Ignite Your Marketing Podcast. Host Beverly Cornell sits down with Richard Blank
In this enchanting episode of Spark and Ignite Your Marketing, host Beverly Cornell sits down with Richard Blank, CEO of Costa Rica’s Call Center. Richard’s story is one of bold moves and building a business that thrives on empathy, gamification, and yes—pinball machines. Richard shares his secrets to igniting employee engagement and delivering exceptional customer experiences. Tune in to discover how culture, connection, and a little magic can transform your business. A Call Center Success Story with Richard Blank
Did you know that call centers in Costa Rica are gaining attention worldwide? In this episode of 'Spark and Ignite Your Marketing,' host Beverly Cornell is joined by Richard Blank, the CEO of Costa Rica's Call Center. Richard shares his unique journey of moving from Philadelphia to Costa Rica over 20 years ago and building a thriving call center business.Hear inspiring stories about training over 10,000 bilingual telemarketers, offering scholarships for language students, and maintaining a passionate and motivated team. Join us for an engaging conversation filled with valuable insights, personal anecdotes, and a celebration of connection and human-centric business practices.
00:00 Introduction to Costa Rica's Call Center Industry
00:39 Meet Richard Blank: From Philadelphia to Costa Rica
00:49 Building a Unique Company Culture
02:21 The Journey of Growth and Expansion
04:03 The Role of Gamification in Call Centers
04:59 The Human Touch in the Age of AI
08:09 Challenges in the Call Center Industry
10:20 The Importance of Honor and Professional Ethics
12:16 Richard's Personal Journey and Inspirations
15:29 Creating a Positive Work Environment
16:36 The Importance of Assertiveness and Balance
17:21 Mentorship and Recognition
18:45 Marketing Strategies and Respect for Telemarketers
19:43 Lightning Round: Quick Insights
22:38 Reflecting on Success and Early Challenges
29:14 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
32:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Three Key Topics Covered:
Gamification in the Workplace: Richard introduces gamification into his call center with creative elements like pinball machines and friendly competitions, creating an atmosphere of fun and motivation. This approach not only recharges employees but also fosters engagement, camaraderie, and exceptional performance.
The Art of Connection: emphasizes the power of personal touches, like remembering special moments or complimenting a team member, to create meaningful connections. He shows how empathy and genuine interactions leave lasting impressions that go beyond business metrics.
Leadership Lessons in Attrition: Richard approaches employee turnover with grace, treating every departure with dignity and respect. By building a workplace culture rooted in relationships and honor, he fosters loyalty and a sense of belonging that inspires his team to thrive.
https://youtu.be/6YTUFREg_1g
https://youtu.be/do5AgRztFA0
https://youtu.be/PQbbV-WYNlY
https://youtu.be/7nc8OmFCs1Y
https://youtu.be/jk51kgMpdsI
Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ
Beverly Cornell, Spark and Ignite Your Marketing, Richard Blank, Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing Call Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,call centre, contact centre, contact center,trend, trending