The CX Coach Blog

How to Develop an Effective BPO Management Strategy
Kristen Szustakowski Kristen Szustakowski

How to Develop an Effective BPO Management Strategy

Success depends on more than selecting the right partner. By understanding varying support levels, evaluating internal resources, designing a balanced partnership, appointing a dedicated relationship manager, and fostering a strong brand connection, you can set your BPO up for sustained success.

Read More
If My CX Tool Already Has AI, Why Do I Need a Standalone Solution?
Kristen Szustakowski Kristen Szustakowski

If My CX Tool Already Has AI, Why Do I Need a Standalone Solution?

A lot of CX leaders in online retail are asking the same question right now. 

“Zendesk has AI… Gorgias has AI… Gladly has AI…. Aircall… Five9…. They all have AI. So why would I need a separate tool?”

Here’s why you might or might not be interested in adding a standalone AI solution to your tech stack. 

Read More
AI or BPO For Your Holiday Sale Volume?
Kristen Szustakowski Kristen Szustakowski

AI or BPO For Your Holiday Sale Volume?

Not sure how you’re going to make it through BFCM this year? You may be considering hiring an outsourced partner, or launching an AI solution as your last-minute plan. In AI Vs BPO For Your Holiday Sale Volume, I walk you through a few things to consider when making your decision.

Read More
The First 10 Questions I’d Ask a CX AI Vendor
Kristen Szustakowski Kristen Szustakowski

The First 10 Questions I’d Ask a CX AI Vendor

AI is everywhere in customer experience right now. Every vendor promises they’re going to save you money, boost efficiency, and make your customers fall in love with your brand.  For CX leaders in online retail who haven’t evaluated or purchased AI solutions before, this is overwhelming, and the stakes for choosing the wrong solution are high.  If I were in your shoes evaluating vendors, here are the first 10 questions I’d be asking.  

Read More
What’s a CX Audit?
Kristen Szustakowski Kristen Szustakowski

What’s a CX Audit?

Companies with superior customer experiences achieve higher customer loyalty and more revenue growth. A CX Audit can help you see your brand from your consumer’s eyes, and benchmark your service operations. Book a CX Audit.


Read More
What Does A Consultant for Customer Service Do?
Kristen Szustakowski Kristen Szustakowski

What Does A Consultant for Customer Service Do?

A customer experience (CX) consultant focuses on optimizing every touchpoint a customer has with a business - not just the service interactions. From the first website visit, to product delivery, and filing a claim or return, A CX consultant’s job is to ensure each step meets or exceeds customer expectations. The result? Happier customers, higher loyalty, and better business outcomes.


Read More
Developing an Effective Contact Center Strategy for Customer Service Success
Kristen Szustakowski Kristen Szustakowski

Developing an Effective Contact Center Strategy for Customer Service Success

Success depends on more than selecting the right partner. By understanding varying support levels, evaluating internal resources, designing a balanced partnership, appointing a dedicated relationship manager, and fostering a strong brand connection, you can set your BPO up for sustained success.

Read More
How to Build Valuable CX Reporting
Kristen Szustakowski Kristen Szustakowski

How to Build Valuable CX Reporting

Creating meaningful reports requires moving beyond out-of-the-box dashboards. Leaders need to leverage platform data and build custom customer experience reports tailored to the unique needs of their organization. These reports enable them to make well-informed decisions and drive meaningful improvements.


Read More
The Benefits of AI For Customer Experience
Kristen Szustakowski Kristen Szustakowski

The Benefits of AI For Customer Experience

Generative AI will be the next agent of change, shifting how customers get their information, and evolving the nature of work for customer service team members.

Read More
How to Improve Contact Center Performance
Kristen Szustakowski Kristen Szustakowski

How to Improve Contact Center Performance

At some point in your online store’s upward success, you may become frustrated with your contact center quality. They used to be great, but now they’re not. It may have to do with how well the brand scaled alongside the center.

Read More
How Online Retail Executives View AI in Customer Service
Kristen Szustakowski Kristen Szustakowski

How Online Retail Executives View AI in Customer Service

Businesses are changing how they operate, and fast. It’s left some customer service agents wondering if this revolutionary advancement will completely replace their roles.

With this in mind, I surveyed 100 Owners and CEOs of online retail brands between 10 and 250 employees to better understand their priorities for their CX Department with the introduction of generative AI.

Read More
4 Valuable Trainings for Customer Service Agents
Kristen Szustakowski Kristen Szustakowski

4 Valuable Trainings for Customer Service Agents

There’s lots of opportunities to continue developing your customer service team such as through accessibility training, DEI training, improv training, and mindset training for better performance results.

Read More
When to Make Exceptions to Your Return Policy
Kristen Szustakowski Kristen Szustakowski

When to Make Exceptions to Your Return Policy

Making exceptions for returns is a strategic move aimed at boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty. By considering customer history, the reason for the return, and the broader impact on your business, you can make a return an opportunity for a positive customer experience.

Read More