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Month: July 2015

7 Fashion Tips For Broke College Students

As part of the broke college student demographic, it can be extremely difficult to stay stylish with new expenses.

By educationworkadmin
Published on

As part of the broke college student demographic, it can be extremely difficult to stay stylish in college with new expenses, such as books and food. Over the past nine months of being ridiculously poor and  trying to stay current in theCincinnati fashion scene, I have developed some tricks on how not to spend all your money on clothes:

Put all the big annual and semi-annual sales on your calendar and work paychecks around them

There’s nothing worse than driving pastNordstrom’s Anniversary Sale and realizing you only have $4 in your bank account (trust me).

Keep an open mind

Some people think they’re “too good” for Marshalls or TJ Maxx? The only response I have to that is, are you too good for Citizens of Humanity jeans? For $39.99? Frequent thrift and consignment stores on free days – especially when searching for an outfit to wear to 90’s night at a bar.

Don’t buy clothes for the temporary high

Yes, I did just make a reference to getting a high from shopping – and yes, it is possible! A carnal rule of dominating that shopping world is to buy things that will last. Quality 100% over quantity.

Sign up for all those annoying email updates

Why? Two words – flash sales. One moment you may just be scrolling through your email and then all of the sudden you’re saving 30% with promo code WOW25. Also, always save money for big holidays such as July 4th, Labor Day, Black Friday and even Canada Day (thanks American Apparel) – the online sales are always amazing.

Follow up with a store’s customer service line

One time on NastyGal.com, half my order got cancelled due to the items being out of stock. I went into an online chat with a customer service rep with the opening line “WTF? I was so excited about that Melanie Button Up!” and walked out with $20 store credit and a 30% off promotion code for my inconvenience. Most stores are very accommodating when they give you trouble.

Check out Poshmark and thredUP

Both offer brand name merchandise for crazy cheap. Plus you can sell some old stuff that you don’t wear anymore (but they take 20% off all profits). Get a $5 credit when you sign up for Poshmark using the code PHEBC.

Create a uniform

Always have good supplies of basics such as nice white sweaters or tees and jeans for class. Also, always splurge on comfortable undergarments. An uncomfortable bra can make any day horrible.

The transition into college is uncomfortable, so being comfortable and confident with your closet is key! Remember: even if you spend most of your money on clothes, your mom won’t say no when you ask her for money for food (unless she as access to your bank statement – then she definitely will).

Article by Lauren Marquis

NewCo Cincinnati: EAW

NewCo Cincinnati took the city by storm – highlighting more than 80 businesses that are making a splash on the start-up scene.

By educationworkadmin
Published on

NewCo Cincinnati took the Queen City by storm – highlighting more than eighty businesses that are making a splash on the start-up scene in greater Cincinnati. Education at Work was proud to be a host site during the celebration (Whoo-hoo!) and ensured that “class” was in session at 9:00 AM. Tanya Ganzer, Vice President of Business Development and Marketing highlighted Education at Work’s mission and future of helping students graduate with less debt. Here are a few highlights from the presentation and tour:

  • Education at Work offers students part-time jobs in a contact center environment; students gain experience in customer service, sales, tech, and back-office support.
  • The company is only three years old.
  • Education at Work has given out more than $600,000 of tuition support since its inception
  • By the year 2025, Education at Work has plans to grow to 100,000 student employees across the United States.
  • There is a staff member onsite to help students polish their resumes and give career advice.
  • The building includes a convenience store for students and a “Student Union” breakroom with a Nintendo Wii, internet access, and cornhole.
  • The Education at Work values spell “BOLD.” This is the mantra of the organization: Bring It, Own It, Live It, Dream It.
  • The Education at Work leadership team has more than (brace yourself) one hundred years combined experience in the contact center industry.

Education at Work is continuing to grow and make an impact in Cincinnati; watch us on the move!

Interested in learning more about Education at Work? Subscribe to our newsletter today!

Article by Whitney Barkley

7 Tips To Make Any Customer Happy

Unhappy customers are bad news for any company, and it only takes one of them to shatter a perfectly good day at work for everyone!

By educationworkadmin
Published on

Unhappy customers are bad news for any company, and it only takes one of them to shatter a perfectly good day at work for everyone! Sometimes, it only takes one of them to steer prospective customers away from you. Whatever the cause, unhappy customers are still guests and hope for future business, and you want them happy again. So, here are 7 tips to take control of customer complaints and turn them to your advantage.

Listen Intently: Listen to the customer and do not interrupt. They need to tell their story and want to be heard!

Thank Them: Thank the customer for bringing the problem to your attention! In the end, they are the reason you, as an agent, have a a job and the reason the company is in business.

Apologize: Sincerely convey to the customer that you apologize for the way the situation has made them feel. This is not the time for preachy reasons, justifications or excuses; show empathy and just apologize.

Seek the Best Solution: Determine what the customer is seeking as a solution. Ask them; if you take the initiative to find the best solution, the customers may surprise you by asking for less than you initially thought you’d have to give – especially when they perceive your apology and intention is genuinely sincere.

Reach Agreement: Seek to agree on the solution that will resolve the situation to their satisfaction. Your best intentions can miss the mark completely if you still fail to deliver what the customer wants.

Take Quick Action: Act on the solution with a sense of urgency. Customers will often respond more positively to your focus on helping them immediately versus a drawn out process.

Follow-up: Follow-up to ensure the customer is completely satisfied, especially if you have to enlist the help of others for the solution delivery.

For some customer service fun facts, click here!

 

Article by De’Voe Sherman

 

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