Call Center Jobs in a Home-Based Environment

Turn virtual call center jobs into a full-time business
By Nikki Wheeler The customer service industry, along with careers in data entry, telemarketing, graphic design and virtual administrative assistance, is joining the ranks of viable home-based career options. Home-based businesses eliminate commutes, solve relocation problems and open up an array of job opportunities for individuals with short- and long-term disabilities.
 

Many talented and skilled employees with experience in jobs in call center careers are bypassing what has always been the normal career progression of call center management jobs and are instead choosing more entrepreneurial opportunities. With access to modern technology, setting up a home-based virtual call center is not too difficult.  

In order to succeed in the freelance call center employment arena, you'll need to: 

1. Purchase the required call center equipment.
2. Decide who your online call center jobs should target.
3. Build your client base.

Get the equipment needed to jumpstart your call center career

You need call center software, a business-style phone, multiple telephone lines installed by the local telephone company, a headset, a toll-free telephone number for each client and office supplies to be successful at inbound call center jobs. All of this is an upfront cost, but you may negotiate reimbursement of things such as the monthly fee and installation fee of each telephone line with the client.
Try: Compare different call center software at Capterra.com. Try Quintum or Avaya call center equipment. Look for used equipment at eBay to save money.

Look for freelance or contract call center jobs

There are tons of small- to medium-sized businesses that need just a small amount of help answering calls. Find several small support jobs in which you may receive only a couple of calls a day for each.
Try: Search for freelance call center jobs at Call Center Directory.  

Market your areas of expertise

If your customer service experience is in the area of department stores and retail, mention that in your advertisement. If you have a lot of experience in call center jobs that sell to inbound customers, market that aspect of your experience.
Try: Set up profiles and accounts on Web sites such as Guru and Elance. Customize your settings to feature your specialties, and describe what sets you apart from other customer service agents.

Advertise your call center in the right places

The Internet is the best place to advertise virtual call center services. There are many free ways to get your business name on the Internet. You may also consider direct marketing to your target market.
Try: Register for an account, and post ads for free at places like Craigslist.

Get hired by a company that employs people at home

If freelancing doesn't work for you, there are several companies that specialize in hiring at-home customer service agents and employees with experience in call center careers. Many are reputable, well-paying and prefer experience in answering service jobs.
Try: Apply at VirtuServe, Time Communications, VIP Desk, or Customer Loyalty, Inc.

• Be sure that you have the time, space and energy to commit to an at-home career.
• Secure childcare for your children while you are working. Home-based call center jobs require the utmost professionalism.