It is unbelievable how incompetent some people at overseas BPO companies can be. The emails, the online requests, the forum entries requesting genuine processes, it just doesn’t end. So, I decided to compile a list of dumb things people do to market their BPO services.
1. Commenting on Blogs
When you comment on someone’s blog entry, that can gain positive attention if you leave a URL to follow. The problem is, that 99% of the comments I get on my blog are desperate and illiterate people begging for processes. I get requests like, “Dear sir, I am desperate, please give me process.” I get, “I have a 25 seater and require a process.” Don’t they get it that I don’t give people processes? I run a directory. When I ask them to pay a small fee to get listed where hundreds of thousands of people will see them — they ignore me. Instead, they spam my blog and just get erased. Idiots!
2. Filling out the “I want to use this company” form.
On 123outsource.net there is a button you can click if you intend to use a particular company. We use it for tracking. Unfortunately, most people who use that form are so stupid they leave their resume. The form is for people GIVING a job, not for people who are BEGGING for a job. Instead of begging for work, it might make sense to get more schooling so you might have more to offer. That way people would be begging you to work for them instead of the other way around.
3. Sending clueless emails
“Dear sir, I am responding to you about the process.” There is no process, and never was. First of all, if you are emailing me, learn who I am and what I do. I run a directory. You can ask me if you want to be listed –that’s it. If you have no experience or knowledge, don’t ask me about starting a BPO because you will fail. It takes management experience to run a BPO — something you don’t have! If people sent an email saying that they offer such and such a service, and please respond if you are interested that would be better. The best type of correspondence is to know who you are talking to and ask them if they have any software or call center needs. Information gathering and small talk are the best ways to start a business relationship.
4. Hiring agents
If you hire an agent to help you get genuine processes, they usually require money up front which you will never see again. Pay only once you get a lead unless you know the company has a good reputation. There are lots of con men out there, so don’t get duped.