Chicago is known for more than its deep-dish pizza. We’re also a hub of innovation with nearly 100,000 licensed businesses that rely on quality, reliable customer service to ensure smooth day-to-day operations. While many companies are small enough to handle their calls in house, Chicago also has its share of Fortune 500s and big names in transportation, healthcare, finance, hospitality and other industries.
Chicago maintains a vibrant business climate to keep them here, and having excellent communication services nearby is a key contributor to that environment.
Outsourcing Needs to a Chicago-Based Call Center
What these companies have in common is the close proximity to excellent call center services that can take on all of their inbound and outbound call needs. We blogged recently about the benefits of using U.S-based customer service. There are still other advantages when you hire those close to home.
- Alignment with Our Local Midwestern Culture: Shared language, time zone, and regional traits to improve communication
- Trust and Accountability: A warm customer experience that makes it easier to build relationships and resolve issues
- Faster Response Times: A proximity that allows for quick support and adjustments, as well as close collaboration when needed
- Regulatory Confidence: An understanding of and compliance with local laws and standards
- Scalability and Flexibility: Easier to scale services up or down based on local market demands
Investing in Your Local & Regional Economy
There has been a growing desire among Americans to support their local economy. Shoppers even say they are willing to pay more if it means spending their dollars on businesses in their town or state. However, while customer service is a multi-billion dollar industry, much of that money goes overseas.
Thanks to our strategic location, there’s no reason not to keep your call center resources right here in the Windy City. The people local businesses hire spend their money on nearby restaurants, housing, and everything else that keeps a local economy healthy and thriving. According to Forbes, those smaller companies also contribute 250% more to area nonprofits and causes than large corporations.
Stimulating Business Growth & Creating Jobs at Home
When companies look for ways to save money, they should consider that a healthy regional and local economy in turn stimulates business growth – a win-win for everyone.
Lighthouse Enterprises, which partners with large organizations in both the public and private sectors, has served the Chicago community for over a century. The mission-based call center has employed thousands of people since 1906, boosting the career opportunities of local communities who face barriers to employment.
Helping Veterans & Disabled Populations
Consumers appreciate receiving customer care from a real person over the phone. They statistically have better experiences when there aren’t language or technical barriers to overcome. Hubspot research indicates that over 90% of customers are loyal to brands that they think provide excellent customer service.
Since Lighthouse Enterprises hires a large number of agents who are blind, visually impaired, disabled, and Veterans, clients are further supporting those communities while receiving top-notch customer service. By expanding into new sectors in recent years, Lighthouse has been able to ensure over 28% of the workforce are mission-driven employees.
More Customers Supporting Your Brand
Businesses that actively support good causes can include that information as part of their overall mission. Not only does Lighthouse support a universally impactful cause in its hiring practices, but it’s also been a pioneer in vision care innovation. Forbes reported that people are four to six times more likely to support a brand if it is purpose-driven. In fact, many surveys point to the same findings: Americans support causes not just by giving to charities, but by buying from brands whose values align with their own.
Lighthouse Enterprises Helps Strengthen Businesses in Chicago, Illinois
Based in Chicago, Lighthouse Enterprises is an example of why corporate social responsibility also supports organizations’ bottom lines. We offer clients personalized support that incorporates their internal operations and ensures a seamless integration of their processes.
Our location makes it easy to meet with Chicago-based companies in person to discuss how to foster trust and the right alignment with your brand. Contact Lighthouse Enterprises to discuss your customer service needs today.