Pacquiao - Hatton Showdown on May 2

It's dubbed as The Battle of East and West, and I believe Pacquiao is again on the road for glory! Let's watch the 24/7 HBO Episode 2, part 1 of 3 . Mabuhay ka Manny!

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April Agent of the Month - Anne

Working in a call center is a challenging job but it's a place like home for Anne, our Agent of the Month for April. Read on and enjoy!

Alex: You’re from which call center?
Anne: Etelecare Global Solutions

Alex: And your account and role?

Anne: I am a Technical Support Rep for Dell Small & Medium Business (SMB) Dept.

Alex: Describe your company.

Anne: Im not really good in describing things especially places but I think, Im working in one of the best BPO Companies. The company itself has a lot to offer not just for its employees but also to the outside world. Every now and then, there's GA's to discuss what's going on with the company. There's always recognition for Employees. There's surveys to improve not just the facilities but the communication for the employees too. There's always freebies, games and events where we can participate for camaraderie. Nice working environment. All in all, I can say that the company itself is recreational and productive for the development and growth of one another.

Alex: What do you like best in your job?

Anne: maybe when Im educating people and encouraging them about what they can do to atleast make better use of their computers. we all know that not all americans are knowledgeable about computers. and so its fulfilling when you perform your job well plus you get a satisfied customer with your service.

Alex: What do you usually do on your breaks?
Anne: I just normally go to the restroom or to the pantry to eat. if not, during my 15 minute break, i just finish some logs and/or check other things that I might have missed during my calls.

Alex: Describe your perfect day at work.

Anne: There's no such thing as perfect. But I think, I can say its a better day if Im hitting the target AHT, Sales, and other metrics for my stats. :)

Alex: Can you give some advice to aspiring call center agents?

Anne: Do your job. Hit it right. And dont give up!

Alex: If you are given a chance to live in an another planet in the solar system, which planet will you choose and why?
Anne: I dont think I would want to live in another planet. Maybe in another country. There's still no place like home. :)

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ACE Global Makes More Out Of The Financial Crisis

The worsening global financial crisis has proved to make more business for the U.S.- based Associated Creditor’s Exchange Global, a BPO firm in One World Square Building in McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio,Taguig City which houses 300 call center agents at present.

ACE Global's clients are U.S. banks and mortgage firms and ACE Global provides services for resolution of debt and collection issues. Currently, its operating centers are located in Phoenix, Arizona, Costa Rica and the Philippines.

As these financial companies are looking them to handle more delinquent accounts, ACE's facility in Taguig will definitely increase their number of seats, creating more jobs.

I'm optimistic that the Philippines will be the destination of choice for BPO's in 2009, because amidst the global recession, the Philippine BPO industry remains to be a bright spot in the economy.

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Teleperformance Takes Over Dell Pasay : Reactions

I compiled some of my Dell friends' reactions about the buy out. These selected comments are from Customer Care Senior Assistants, DOC Resolution Specialists, Trainers and Team Leaders:

- gosh! nde ko pa nakukuha backpay ko dun ah. baka nabenta na rin, hehe

- haha mag resign na kayo lahat!

- All the changes in 2008 they made like tiering, creating new accounts like Canada, Midmarket et cetera which were supposed to flourish Dell Philippines ended up with a Grand-Slam fiasco.

- kame we're not looking forward to anything special this year...no OT, no increase, no icp, no summer outing, no dell elite, nothing to motivate us to work our best...

- Ok naman kami so far. Alisin na ATG dito sa QC, lipat sa HYD. Fully SMB na lang kami. Sensya na. Can't comment on it . . . even unofficial.

- I was shocked to hear that the Dell Pasay Facilities had been sold to Tele Performance. No prior notice had been given. ( I can’t say – in hindsight – that it was totally unexpected since rumors had been abounding. ) Anyway the sale of Dell Pasay shows that we aren’t secure in our position. BPO’s can always opt to reduce Dell’s costs by taking over its final site – Quezon City. It seems totally logical what with the deepening recession, that Dell should try to further squeeze more money out of a sale to a BPO, but the effect on employees like me has been – to say the least – morale destroying . Suddenly it’s every man for himself in a cynical business world where the only real modifier is still money.

- like a sinking ship..grabe sobrang dinemote nla ung mga taga Dellpasay...outsourced na cla and nde na dell badged..hehehe tingin ko lng that move is not a good impression for Dell..kc parang ang lumalabas mas stable pa ang outsource kaysa sa dell mismo.. Anyway, magre2sign na dn ako d2 eh..sa Wednesday hehehehe

Disclaimer: These comments doesn't necessarily reflect my opinion or views. hehe.

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Teleperformance Acquires Dell Pasay Call Center

Dell's move to sell its Pasay site came as a surprise but I have expected it to happen anytime soon. Because of the global financial crisis, revenues are down and many companies are forced to conserve cash and put in place cost saving measures to survive the crisis. But despite of this, Teleperformance, a global BPO company now seizes an opportunity and find the economic recession an advantage to grow its business.

Dell Pasay which has estimated 1,000 employees will be absorbed by Teleperformance but Dell employees have the option to accept or reject the job offers expected to be made by Teleperformance. A separation or retention package will be offered.

The way i see it, this event should be a chance for former Dell Pasay employees to see the wide horizon ahead of them. It's a matter of choice to move on armed with their wealth of expertise, or to accept change as it is. But as I've always advised my friends, don't be stopped dead on your tracks and move forward as...

There's lotsa opportunities out there! hehe.

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Tips For a Worry-Free ATM transaction

The payroll ATM card. That’s where the moolah will be emanating from after working hard taking in calls. Hehe. I’m quite sure that you have experienced ATM woes and it's an inconvenience. So I gathered my personal tips to have a worry free ATM transaction every time.

- Always keep your ATM card clean and protected from dust and scratches. I keep my ATM card in a plastic sleeve and keep it in a cool, dry place. Refrain from touching the magnetic strip at the back of your ATM, you may damage it and it’s usually 100 pesos for a card replacement, plus the hassle and delay for applying for a replacement.

- Always transact in your own bank’s ATM. This way you’re saved from the inter-bank transaction fees and you’re sure that you will not waste your time lining up then at the end, your ATM card cannot be supported by the machine.

- Always choose the option for a printed receipt for every transaction. It is very useful for information that you may need if a discrepancy arises from your ATM transaction. The receipt usually includes the time of the transaction, a transaction reference number and the ATM branch where you made the transaction.

- Always have a copy of the bank’s customer service hotline with you and call immediately if there’s any concern with your transaction.

- I never keep extra money in my ATM card since money is not generally safe there as hackers can always attack anytime. I withdraw all the cash and deposit the amount to my passbook savings account if I still don’t need it at that time. Better safe than sorry.

Happy Payday!!! Hehe.

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