A Legacy in Writing: The Dream of Creating Timeless Children's Books.

Spark and Ignite Your Marketing Podcast. Host Beverly Cornell sits down with Richard Blank In this enchanting episode of Spark and Ignite Your Marketing, host Beverly Cornell sits down with Richard Blank, CEO of Costa Rica’s Call Center. Richard’s story is one of bold moves and building a business that thrives on empathy, gamification, and yes—pinball machines. Richard shares his secrets to igniting employee engagement and delivering exceptional customer experiences. Tune in to discover how culture, connection, and a little magic can transform your business. A Call Center Success Story with Richard Blank Did you know that call centers in Costa Rica are gaining attention worldwide? In this episode of 'Spark and Ignite Your Marketing,' host Beverly Cornell is joined by Richard Blank, the CEO of Costa Rica's Call Center. Richard shares his unique journey of moving from Philadelphia to Costa Rica over 20 years ago and building a thriving call center business.Hear inspiring stories about training over 10,000 bilingual telemarketers, offering scholarships for language students, and maintaining a passionate and motivated team. Join us for an engaging conversation filled with valuable insights, personal anecdotes, and a celebration of connection and human-centric business practices. 00:00 Introduction to Costa Rica's Call Center Industry 00:39 Meet Richard Blank: From Philadelphia to Costa Rica 00:49 Building a Unique Company Culture 02:21 The Journey of Growth and Expansion 04:03 The Role of Gamification in Call Centers 04:59 The Human Touch in the Age of AI 08:09 Challenges in the Call Center Industry 10:20 The Importance of Honor and Professional Ethics 12:16 Richard's Personal Journey and Inspirations 15:29 Creating a Positive Work Environment 16:36 The Importance of Assertiveness and Balance 17:21 Mentorship and Recognition 18:45 Marketing Strategies and Respect for Telemarketers 19:43 Lightning Round: Quick Insights 22:38 Reflecting on Success and Early Challenges 29:14 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs 32:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts From Philly to Costa Rica: How One Entrepreneur Built a Culture of Connection Three Key Topics Covered: Gamification in the Workplace: Richard introduces gamification into his call center with creative elements like pinball machines and friendly competitions, creating an atmosphere of fun and motivation. This approach not only recharges employees but also fosters engagement, camaraderie, and exceptional performance. The Art of Connection: emphasizes the power of personal touches, like remembering special moments or complimenting a team member, to create meaningful connections. He shows how empathy and genuine interactions leave lasting impressions that go beyond business metrics. Leadership Lessons in Attrition: Richard approaches employee turnover with grace, treating every departure with dignity and respect. By building a workplace culture rooted in relationships and honor, he fosters loyalty and a sense of belonging that inspires his team to thrive. A Legacy in Writing: The Dream of Creating Timeless Children's Books That I wrote the greatest children's book you could ever imagine. I'll be like Roald Dahl when he did with James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I want to be known for the guy that writes the best children's books revolving mini golf and Rube Goldberg experiments. https://youtu.be/6YTUFREg_1g https://youtu.be/do5AgRztFA0 Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ Beverly Cornell, Spark and Ignite Your Marketing, Richard Blank, Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing Call Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,call centre, contact centre, contact center,trend, trending We awaken your brand magic and boldly bring it to life with clarity and confidence. Passionate about your purpose but struggling with your marketing? We help feel good service providers awaken their brand magic and boldly bring their marketing to life. So that they can do more of what they love, reach more people, and magnify their impact on the world. Marketing shouldn’t drain your energy or distract from your purpose…it should amplify it. You didn’t start your business to feel buried under a never-ending to-do list of marketing tasks. You started it because you’re passionate about helping people and doing what you love. But now, marketing feels overwhelming—like one more thing you’re supposed to figure out, but no one ever taught you how. Maybe you’re stuck wondering, “What do I even say?” or “Where do I start?” Or worse, you’re trying everything, but it’s not landing with the people you want to reach. It’s frustrating, exhausting, and keeping you from focusing on the work that truly matters: helping the people who need you—ultimately dulling your sparkle! Your Brand. Your Magic. Awakened! branding and digital marketing agency That’s where we come in. Since 2011, we’ve been helping big-hearted solopreneurs like you find clarity in the chaos. We uncover what makes your brand unique, help you organize all the ideas swirling in your head, and create messaging that resonates deeply with the people you’re here to serve. Together, we’ll create a path forward that feels simple, intentional, and completely aligned with who you are. Here’s what’s possible: Clarity that gives you confidence. You’ll finally know what to say and how to connect with your audience. Marketing that feels manageable. A simpler, more focused way to share your message without feeling overwhelmed. A brand that reflects your heart. Connecting with the right people in a way that feels meaningful and impactful. Awaken your brand magic and bring it to life with clarity, confidence, and a brand that truly feels like you. It’s time to step into your power, to be bold and wickedly branded! How We Work We’re here to guide you every step of the way. Schedule a Fit Call Icon Step 1. Start With A Fit Call Let’s connect. Our Fit Call is a relaxed, no-pressure chat where we get to know each other. We’ll talk about your business, where you are, what’s been feeling stuck, and where you’d love to go next. Think of it as a chance to share ideas, ask questions, and see if we’re the right match to help you lighten the load and focus on what matters most—connecting with your audience and making a bigger impact. No fees, no strings, no gimmicks. Just a warm and meaningful 15-minute conversation to see if we are the right fit. Brand Spark Icon Wickedly Branded Step 2. Awaken Your Brand Magic Imagine knowing exactly what is possible and where to focus, with a blueprint designed to keep your vision clear and your efforts aligned. Kickstart your journey with a deep dive to reveal all your ideas and the heart of your brand. The Brand Spark Blueprint becomes your guiding light, capturing your purpose, values, unique opportunities, and pinpoints where you may be wasting time and leaving money on the table for the people who need your services most. Consider our Brand Spark your first sip of enchanted espresso! Brand Ignite Wickedly Branded Step 3. Bring Your Brand to Life In this intensive phase, your brand transforms into a powerful, vibrant presence. Giving you unicorn like confidence and setting the stage for the type of growth that really matters! With our Brand Ignite, we crank it up a serious notch, boldly bringing your brand to life. Together, we craft your brand identity and messaging, developing a responsive and optimized website that positions you as a guide, building a foundation that feels true to you and speaks directly to the clients you’re here to serve. Ready to turn up the heat? Work With Us This process changes everything. You’ll feel confident in the value of your work, aligned with your pricing, and ready to connect with clients who see and appreciate your expertise. No more second-guessing, no more overwhelm—just clarity, confidence, and the freedom to focus on what you love most while making the impact you’ve always dreamed of. Ready to uncover the magic waiting in your brand? Let’s talk. Schedule your Fit Call today, and let’s create something special together. Book A Fit Call Opening Doors to your marketing dreams - Connect with Beverly I’ve Been Where You Are! I remember feeling stuck. I had so many ideas, but the more I tried to do it all, the more scattered and uncertain I felt. Why wasn’t anything clicking? Where do I even start? Why does this all feel so overwhelming? Why has my sparkle dulled? Here’s the ironic part—I’m a marketer. And yet, I wasn’t even taking my own advice. I was too caught up in trying to do everything and please everyone. It wasn’t until I stepped back and cleared the clutter that I finally saw it. The magic was already there. It just needed focus and direction. Once I uncovered what made my brand unique and simplified my message, everything changed. It felt like breathing again. That’s why I’m so passionate about helping solopreneurs like you. Because I know how exhausting it is to figure it all out on your own. And I also know how incredible it feels when everything finally clicks. When your brand comes alive and your message connects. That’s when marketing becomes effortless, and you get back to doing what you love. With over 30 years of branding and marketing experience, including work with Fortune 500 companies, tech start-ups, franchises, and small family-owned businesses, I’ve seen trends come and go. But one truth remains: businesses that connect deeply with their audience always win. That’s where we come in. We help you uncover the magic in your brand and craft a message that attracts the right people. Because marketing isn’t just about getting noticed. It’s about creating real connections that fuel long-term success. You don’t have to stay stuck. Let’s take that first step together and awaken the magic waiting in your brand. Marketing Isn’t Optional – It’s the Key to Amplifying Your Impact Marketing powers your purpose so your work doesn’t just survive, it reaches and impacts more people. Fuel Your Growth Businesses with focused, purpose-driven, strategic, impactful, and well-targeted marketing can see revenue growth of up to 30% in their first year. Attract Ideal Clients Presenting a brand consistently can increase revenue by up to 23%, attract 50% more qualified leads, and boost client conversions by up to 200%. Maximize Your Impact Marketing agencies deliver an average ROI of 5:1, with every $1 invested returning $5 in revenue, building trust and driving sustained growth. magical marketing journey What could happen if you don’t take action now? Your business risks blending into the noise, losing its unique voice, leaving money on the table, and missing the chance to stand out. Valuable opportunities could slip away, leaving you stuck and exhausted, wondering why things aren’t moving forward. Take the Next Step Toward Your Brand’s Magic Partnering with us means unlocking strategies that spark confidence, attract the clients you love serving, and turn potential into a powerful success story. Now is your moment to take that first step and ignite the impact you’re meant to create. Let’s make it happen together. Beverly Cornell: You know that feeling? You're staring at your brand—your website, your messaging, your marketing—and thinking: "Why does this still not feel right?" "Why am I working SO hard, but still not attracting the right clients?" I get it. I’ve been there. For years, I built a business that looked successful from the outside—steady clients, great referrals, multiple six figures. But behind the scenes? I was exhausted. Burnt out. Questioning if I should just quit. At first, I thought I just needed to work harder—take on more clients, follow the latest marketing trends, hustle a little more. But the real problem? I wasn’t clear on my brand. I was saying yes to everything, trying to fit into every industry, following strategies that didn’t align with me. And it was draining the life out of my business. Then, everything changed. I stopped chasing tactics and got clear on what made me different. I refined my message, owned my space, and built a brand that felt effortless—one that actually worked for me. That’s exactly what I help business owners do at Wickedly Branded. Most people think they have a marketing problem, but what they really have is a clarity problem. And once you fix that? Everything shifts. Your messaging becomes magnetic. Your marketing feels natural instead of forced. The right clients start finding you. Through The Brand Spark Method, I help purpose-driven entrepreneurs stop second-guessing and start showing up with confidence. We strip away the fluff, find what makes you truly stand out, and create a brand that feels aligned, powerful, and completely YOU. If you’re tired of blending in and ready to awaken your brand magic—let’s talk. Book a fit call: WickedlyBranded.com You already have everything you need inside you. The magic is there—you just have to awaken it. Richard’s journey in the call center space is filled with twists and turns. When he was 27 years old, he relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose. Mr. Richard Blank holds a bachelors degree in Communication and Spanish from the University of Arizona and a certificate of language proficiency from the University of Sevilla, Spain. A Keynote speaker for Philadelphia's Abington High School 68th National Honors Society induction ceremony. In addition, inducted into the 2023 Hall of Fame for Business. Giving back to Abington Senior High School is very important to Mr. Blank. As such, he endows a scholarship each year for students that plan on majoring in a world language at the university level. Costa Rica’s Call Center (CCC) is a state of the art BPO telemarketing outsource company located in the capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica. Our main focus has been, and will always be to personally train each and every Central America call center agent so that we may offer the highest quality of outbound and inbound telemarketing solutions and bilingual customer service to small and medium sized international companies, entrepreneurs as well as fortune 500 companies. We encourage you to visit one of our call centers on your next personal vacation or business trip to Central America’s paradise, Costa Rica. While you are here, we would recommend taking an extra day of your trip to visit breathtaking virgin beaches, play golf next to the ocean, try your luck at deep sea fishing, explore tropical jungles, climb volcanos or just relax in natural hot springs. Come and see for yourself why call center outsourcing in Costa Rica is a perfect solution for your growing company and a powerhouse in the BPO industry. https://costaricascallcenter.com/en/outbound-bpo-campaigns/ #BeverlyCornell #SparkandIgniteYourMarketing #RichardBlank #CostaRica #CallCenter #Outsourcing #Telemarketing #BPO #Sales #Entrepreneur #B2B #Business #Podcast #Gamification #CEO #trend #trending #listennow #subscribe #podcastclip #podcastvideo #videopodcasting #podcastguest Advice to My Younger Self: Self-Reflection and Lessons Don't be so hard on yourself. I remember that Sunday night, dining room table, sun was starting to go down, books were piled, and I was getting tired. And I go, I think I'm going to fail. I think I was very hard on myself during that time. And the second thing I could have done is prevention versus cure. Imagining the Call Center as a Classic Movie So you love movies. So if the Costa Rica call center were a movie, who would be the hero? And what would be the main conflict? And how would it end? Well, you definitely have Humphrey Bogart in my position. Him in the Maltese Falcon. My wife will be played by, of course, Lauren Bacall. I wouldn't want to compromise ethics, values, or morals, but there's always mystery, murder, and mayhem in a bogey movie. So there's got to be something that's a little shady where I'm trying to keep it clean. Okay. Maybe it could be something in regards to like IT and specialists where things are going wrong in the country. It's like Casablanca. Okay. Where France was invaded. Bogey was just drinking all the champagne. The Unique Edge of Costa Rica Now, real quick for your audience, Costa Rica is the only democratic society in Central America. There's no standing army. They put all of that money back into it. We have the most neutral of English accents in Central America, the best infrastructure known for eco and medical tourism. But I mentioned companies such as Amazon, HP, Intel and Oracle are here. Linden, North Carolina, United States

Spark and Ignite Your Marketing Podcast. Host Beverly Cornell sits down ...

Spark and Ignite Your Marketing Podcast. Host Beverly Cornell sits down with Richard Blank In this enchanting episode of Spark and Ignite Your Marketing, host Beverly Cornell sits down with Richard Blank, CEO of Costa Rica’s Call Center. Richard’s story is one of bold moves and building a business that thrives on empathy, gamification, and yes—pinball machines. Richard shares his secrets to igniting employee engagement and delivering exceptional customer experiences. Tune in to discover how culture, connection, and a little magic can transform your business. A Call Center Success Story with Richard Blank Did you know that call centers in Costa Rica are gaining attention worldwide? In this episode of 'Spark and Ignite Your Marketing,' host Beverly Cornell is joined by Richard Blank, the CEO of Costa Rica's Call Center. Richard shares his unique journey of moving from Philadelphia to Costa Rica over 20 years ago and building a thriving call center business.Hear inspiring stories about training over 10,000 bilingual telemarketers, offering scholarships for language students, and maintaining a passionate and motivated team. Join us for an engaging conversation filled with valuable insights, personal anecdotes, and a celebration of connection and human-centric business practices. 00:00 Introduction to Costa Rica's Call Center Industry 00:39 Meet Richard Blank: From Philadelphia to Costa Rica 00:49 Building a Unique Company Culture 02:21 The Journey of Growth and Expansion 04:03 The Role of Gamification in Call Centers 04:59 The Human Touch in the Age of AI 08:09 Challenges in the Call Center Industry 10:20 The Importance of Honor and Professional Ethics 12:16 Richard's Personal Journey and Inspirations 15:29 Creating a Positive Work Environment 16:36 The Importance of Assertiveness and Balance 17:21 Mentorship and Recognition 18:45 Marketing Strategies and Respect for Telemarketers 19:43 Lightning Round: Quick Insights 22:38 Reflecting on Success and Early Challenges 29:14 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs 32:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts From Philly to Costa Rica: How One Entrepreneur Built a Culture of Connection Three Key Topics Covered: Gamification in the Workplace: Richard introduces gamification into his call center with creative elements like pinball machines and friendly competitions, creating an atmosphere of fun and motivation. This approach not only recharges employees but also fosters engagement, camaraderie, and exceptional performance. The Art of Connection: emphasizes the power of personal touches, like remembering special moments or complimenting a team member, to create meaningful connections. He shows how empathy and genuine interactions leave lasting impressions that go beyond business metrics. Leadership Lessons in Attrition: Richard approaches employee turnover with grace, treating every departure with dignity and respect. By building a workplace culture rooted in relationships and honor, he fosters loyalty and a sense of belonging that inspires his team to thrive. https://youtu.be/6YTUFREg_1g Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ Beverly Cornell, Spark and Ignite Your Marketing, Richard Blank, Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing Call Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,call centre, contact centre, contact center,trend, trending We awaken your brand magic and boldly bring it to life with clarity and confidence. Passionate about your purpose but struggling with your marketing? We help feel good service providers awaken their brand magic and boldly bring their marketing to life. So that they can do more of what they love, reach more people, and magnify their impact on the world. Marketing shouldn’t drain your energy or distract from your purpose…it should amplify it. You didn’t start your business to feel buried under a never-ending to-do list of marketing tasks. You started it because you’re passionate about helping people and doing what you love. But now, marketing feels overwhelming—like one more thing you’re supposed to figure out, but no one ever taught you how. Maybe you’re stuck wondering, “What do I even say?” or “Where do I start?” Or worse, you’re trying everything, but it’s not landing with the people you want to reach. It’s frustrating, exhausting, and keeping you from focusing on the work that truly matters: helping the people who need you—ultimately dulling your sparkle! Your Brand. Your Magic. Awakened! branding and digital marketing agency That’s where we come in. Since 2011, we’ve been helping big-hearted solopreneurs like you find clarity in the chaos. We uncover what makes your brand unique, help you organize all the ideas swirling in your head, and create messaging that resonates deeply with the people you’re here to serve. Together, we’ll create a path forward that feels simple, intentional, and completely aligned with who you are. Here’s what’s possible: Clarity that gives you confidence. You’ll finally know what to say and how to connect with your audience. Marketing that feels manageable. A simpler, more focused way to share your message without feeling overwhelmed. A brand that reflects your heart. Connecting with the right people in a way that feels meaningful and impactful. Awaken your brand magic and bring it to life with clarity, confidence, and a brand that truly feels like you. It’s time to step into your power, to be bold and wickedly branded! How We Work We’re here to guide you every step of the way. Schedule a Fit Call Icon Step 1. Start With A Fit Call Let’s connect. Our Fit Call is a relaxed, no-pressure chat where we get to know each other. We’ll talk about your business, where you are, what’s been feeling stuck, and where you’d love to go next. Think of it as a chance to share ideas, ask questions, and see if we’re the right match to help you lighten the load and focus on what matters most—connecting with your audience and making a bigger impact. No fees, no strings, no gimmicks. Just a warm and meaningful 15-minute conversation to see if we are the right fit. Brand Spark Icon Wickedly Branded Step 2. Awaken Your Brand Magic Imagine knowing exactly what is possible and where to focus, with a blueprint designed to keep your vision clear and your efforts aligned. Kickstart your journey with a deep dive to reveal all your ideas and the heart of your brand. The Brand Spark Blueprint becomes your guiding light, capturing your purpose, values, unique opportunities, and pinpoints where you may be wasting time and leaving money on the table for the people who need your services most. Consider our Brand Spark your first sip of enchanted espresso! Brand Ignite Wickedly Branded Step 3. Bring Your Brand to Life In this intensive phase, your brand transforms into a powerful, vibrant presence. Giving you unicorn like confidence and setting the stage for the type of growth that really matters! With our Brand Ignite, we crank it up a serious notch, boldly bringing your brand to life. Together, we craft your brand identity and messaging, developing a responsive and optimized website that positions you as a guide, building a foundation that feels true to you and speaks directly to the clients you’re here to serve. Ready to turn up the heat? Work With Us This process changes everything. You’ll feel confident in the value of your work, aligned with your pricing, and ready to connect with clients who see and appreciate your expertise. No more second-guessing, no more overwhelm—just clarity, confidence, and the freedom to focus on what you love most while making the impact you’ve always dreamed of. Ready to uncover the magic waiting in your brand? Let’s talk. Schedule your Fit Call today, and let’s create something special together. Book A Fit Call Opening Doors to your marketing dreams - Connect with Beverly I’ve Been Where You Are! I remember feeling stuck. I had so many ideas, but the more I tried to do it all, the more scattered and uncertain I felt. Why wasn’t anything clicking? Where do I even start? Why does this all feel so overwhelming? Why has my sparkle dulled? Here’s the ironic part—I’m a marketer. And yet, I wasn’t even taking my own advice. I was too caught up in trying to do everything and please everyone. It wasn’t until I stepped back and cleared the clutter that I finally saw it. The magic was already there. It just needed focus and direction. Once I uncovered what made my brand unique and simplified my message, everything changed. It felt like breathing again. That’s why I’m so passionate about helping solopreneurs like you. Because I know how exhausting it is to figure it all out on your own. And I also know how incredible it feels when everything finally clicks. When your brand comes alive and your message connects. That’s when marketing becomes effortless, and you get back to doing what you love. With over 30 years of branding and marketing experience, including work with Fortune 500 companies, tech start-ups, franchises, and small family-owned businesses, I’ve seen trends come and go. But one truth remains: businesses that connect deeply with their audience always win. That’s where we come in. We help you uncover the magic in your brand and craft a message that attracts the right people. Because marketing isn’t just about getting noticed. It’s about creating real connections that fuel long-term success. You don’t have to stay stuck. Let’s take that first step together and awaken the magic waiting in your brand. Marketing Isn’t Optional – It’s the Key to Amplifying Your Impact Marketing powers your purpose so your work doesn’t just survive, it reaches and impacts more people. Fuel Your Growth Businesses with focused, purpose-driven, strategic, impactful, and well-targeted marketing can see revenue growth of up to 30% in their first year. Attract Ideal Clients Presenting a brand consistently can increase revenue by up to 23%, attract 50% more qualified leads, and boost client conversions by up to 200%. Maximize Your Impact Marketing agencies deliver an average ROI of 5:1, with every $1 invested returning $5 in revenue, building trust and driving sustained growth. magical marketing journey What could happen if you don’t take action now? Your business risks blending into the noise, losing its unique voice, leaving money on the table, and missing the chance to stand out. Valuable opportunities could slip away, leaving you stuck and exhausted, wondering why things aren’t moving forward. Take the Next Step Toward Your Brand’s Magic Partnering with us means unlocking strategies that spark confidence, attract the clients you love serving, and turn potential into a powerful success story. Now is your moment to take that first step and ignite the impact you’re meant to create. Let’s make it happen together. Beverly Cornell: You know that feeling? You're staring at your brand—your website, your messaging, your marketing—and thinking: "Why does this still not feel right?" "Why am I working SO hard, but still not attracting the right clients?" I get it. I’ve been there. For years, I built a business that looked successful from the outside—steady clients, great referrals, multiple six figures. But behind the scenes? I was exhausted. Burnt out. Questioning if I should just quit. At first, I thought I just needed to work harder—take on more clients, follow the latest marketing trends, hustle a little more. But the real problem? I wasn’t clear on my brand. I was saying yes to everything, trying to fit into every industry, following strategies that didn’t align with me. And it was draining the life out of my business. Then, everything changed. I stopped chasing tactics and got clear on what made me different. I refined my message, owned my space, and built a brand that felt effortless—one that actually worked for me. That’s exactly what I help business owners do at Wickedly Branded. Most people think they have a marketing problem, but what they really have is a clarity problem. And once you fix that? Everything shifts. Your messaging becomes magnetic. Your marketing feels natural instead of forced. The right clients start finding you. Through The Brand Spark Method, I help purpose-driven entrepreneurs stop second-guessing and start showing up with confidence. We strip away the fluff, find what makes you truly stand out, and create a brand that feels aligned, powerful, and completely YOU. If you’re tired of blending in and ready to awaken your brand magic—let’s talk. Book a fit call: WickedlyBranded.com You already have everything you need inside you. The magic is there—you just have to awaken it. Richard’s journey in the call center space is filled with twists and turns. When he was 27 years old, he relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose. Mr. Richard Blank holds a bachelors degree in Communication and Spanish from the University of Arizona and a certificate of language proficiency from the University of Sevilla, Spain. A Keynote speaker for Philadelphia's Abington High School 68th National Honors Society induction ceremony. In addition, inducted into the 2023 Hall of Fame for Business. Giving back to Abington Senior High School is very important to Mr. Blank. As such, he endows a scholarship each year for students that plan on majoring in a world language at the university level. Costa Rica’s Call Center (CCC) is a state of the art BPO telemarketing outsource company located in the capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica. Our main focus has been, and will always be to personally train each and every Central America call center agent so that we may offer the highest quality of outbound and inbound telemarketing solutions and bilingual customer service to small and medium sized international companies, entrepreneurs as well as fortune 500 companies. We encourage you to visit one of our call centers on your next personal vacation or business trip to Central America’s paradise, Costa Rica. While you are here, we would recommend taking an extra day of your trip to visit breathtaking virgin beaches, play golf next to the ocean, try your luck at deep sea fishing, explore tropical jungles, climb volcanos or just relax in natural hot springs. Come and see for yourself why call center outsourcing in Costa Rica is a perfect solution for your growing company and a powerhouse in the BPO industry. https://costaricascallcenter.com/en/outbound-bpo-campaigns/ #BeverlyCornell #SparkandIgniteYourMarketing #RichardBlank #CostaRica #CallCenter #Outsourcing #Telemarketing #BPO #Sales #Entrepreneur #B2B #Business #Podcast #Gamification #CEO #trend #trending #listennow #subscribe #podcastclip #podcastvideo #videopodcasting #podcastguest Advice to My Younger Self: Self-Reflection and Lessons Don't be so hard on yourself. I remember that Sunday night, dining room table, sun was starting to go down, books were piled, and I was getting tired. And I go, I think I'm going to fail. I think I was very hard on myself during that time. And the second thing I could have done is prevention versus cure. Imagining the Call Center as a Classic Movie So you love movies. So if the Costa Rica call center were a movie, who would be the hero? And what would be the main conflict? And how would it end? Well, you definitely have Humphrey Bogart in my position. Him in the Maltese Falcon. My wife will be played by, of course, Lauren Bacall. I wouldn't want to compromise ethics, values, or morals, but there's always mystery, murder, and mayhem in a bogey movie. So there's got to be something that's a little shady where I'm trying to keep it clean. Okay. Maybe it could be something in regards to like IT and specialists where things are going wrong in the country. It's like Casablanca. Okay. Where France was invaded. Bogey was just drinking all the champagne. A Legacy in Writing: The Dream of Creating Timeless Children's Books That I wrote the greatest children's book you could ever imagine. I'll be like Roald Dahl when he did with James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I want to be known for the guy that writes the best children's books revolving mini golf and Rube Goldberg experiments. The Unique Edge of Costa Rica Now, real quick for your audience, Costa Rica is the only democratic society in Central America. There's no standing army. They put all of that money back into it. We have the most neutral of English accents in Central America, the best infrastructure known for eco and medical tourism. But I mentioned companies such as Amazon, HP, Intel and Oracle are here. Linden, North Carolina, United States

From Philly to Costa Rica: How One Entrepreneur Built a Culture of Conne...

A Call Center Success Story with Richard Blank Did you know that call centers in Costa Rica are gaining attention worldwide? In this episode of 'Spark and Ignite Your Marketing,' host Beverly Cornell is joined by Richard Blank, the CEO of Costa Rica's Call Center. Richard shares his unique journey of moving from Philadelphia to Costa Rica over 20 years ago and building a thriving call center business.Hear inspiring stories about training over 10,000 bilingual telemarketers, offering scholarships for language students, and maintaining a passionate and motivated team. Join us for an engaging conversation filled with valuable insights, personal anecdotes, and a celebration of connection and human-centric business practices. 00:00 Introduction to Costa Rica's Call Center Industry 00:39 Meet Richard Blank: From Philadelphia to Costa Rica 00:49 Building a Unique Company Culture 02:21 The Journey of Growth and Expansion 04:03 The Role of Gamification in Call Centers 04:59 The Human Touch in the Age of AI 08:09 Challenges in the Call Center Industry 10:20 The Importance of Honor and Professional Ethics 12:16 Richard's Personal Journey and Inspirations 15:29 Creating a Positive Work Environment 16:36 The Importance of Assertiveness and Balance 17:21 Mentorship and Recognition 18:45 Marketing Strategies and Respect for Telemarketers 19:43 Lightning Round: Quick Insights 22:38 Reflecting on Success and Early Challenges 29:14 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs 32:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Double-Edged Sword of Telemarketing

Small Business Origins podcast. John Kelley special interview with telemarketing teacher Richard Blank. On this podcast, John Kelley, seasoned entrepreneur and engaging storyteller, dives into the journeys of small business owners. Join him as he uncovers the inspiring, humorous, and often tough realities they face while creating distinct and impactful brands in their industries. Hear our discussion on outbound lead generation and sales appointment calling, inbound customer support, how Richard got his start, and some best practices for effective communication on sales and support calls. Guest Bio: Richard Blank is the CEO and Founder of Costa Rica's Call Center, a full-service BPO call center providing lead generation, customer service, social media support and more for US companies. He founded the company 15 years ago and has grown it to over 300 seats. Building Relationships Through the Phone Lines: Lessons from a Telemarketing Veteran feat. Richard Blank with Costa Rica's Call Center Key Quotes: "I believe in synergy. I believe in circles, and I also believe in the sanctity of a meal together, breaking fast, you know, feeding ourselves, making ourselves stronger." (15:37) "Why call them gatekeepers, and why give them such a bad rap? These are the first impressions of Emerald City. As long as you understand the protocol and you can give an excellent first impression with that company name spike, you have a chance. Get them out of that trends." (41:44) "Leaders remember small details about you, or they dress in case your mother shows up so I can go downstairs and thank her for raising such a fine young man who's been with me for 3 years." (16:39) Main Discussion Points: The importance of building relationships in sales, not just trying to force a sale Techniques for effective communication and rapport building on sales and support calls Why it's important to treat everyone in an organization with respect, not just decision makers How to get referrals and repeat business through exceptional customer service Why taking time to understand the local culture is key when doing business abroad How Costa Rica’s Call Center vets clients to avoid unethical business practices Accents and Market Perception in Business There's a 95% literacy rate. And say what you want. If somebody has a slight accent, to me, it still bears the mark of higher education. And if you do, it's like a beauty mark. And so I think more people are becoming more accustomed towards a Latino accent in the United States than they would an Asian or a Middle Eastern. And so that has given us some leverage in regards to growing our campaigns. Building Relationships: The Real Key Players what we always call the gatekeeper is the one that you should make your best friend. That's the one, you know, it's not the doctor who owns the place. It's not the doctors that work there or the nurses that work there. It's the front desk receptionist, the first one that everyone sees when they enter that ER. Richard's Journey and Philosophy on Bravery And two months turned into four years of learning the business from the inside out, not as a C-level executive, And then in my mid-30s, I threw my hat in the ring, and I had some maturity and impulse control and some capital. And little did I know, we just celebrated our 15th year in business. And so it's been a great ride of twists and turns. But I tell you what, fortune favors the brave. And if you do your due diligence and your dedicated practice, and you believe that you can put your chest out there and your best foot forward, then by all means, I think you should drink life. And I think you should go for it. You only get 100 years on this planet. If you're lucky. That's right. So you left your parents. How much family did you have here in the States that you just said, hey, I got to go? Well, it's all my family. And they live in Philadelphia and Colorado, Arizona. They're scattered. But how about this, my friend? When I was expected to study law or finance or economics, I kind of used my great-grandparents as an example. They came to the United States at the turn of the 20th century from Eastern Europe, moved to New York in the garment industry. Great-grandpa learned English. He ramped up a company. He took his chance and had his adventure. Just skipped a couple generations and I'm going south. The Double-Edged Sword of Telemarketing If it wasn't for the marketing side of things and making those cold calls and doing sales like I'm used to, then I would absolutely probably hate you, instead of wanting to have you on my show, but seeing it from the other side and knowing that these phone calls are being made for a reason, to make a living, to feed people, to put jobs out there for others. I think that what you do is important, but who can lie and say that they really enjoy it when they get that spam call and somebody's calling them to solicit them or sell something to them. I think all of us have kind of grown to hate that. So let's just start with exactly what it is that you do and what it is that you don't do as far as those things are concerned, you know, where the, the good and the bad is kind of mixed and some people's perceptions may be bad, but you can change our minds on that. Not a problem at all. In fact, from an educated point of view, hopefully your audience can make a decision. https://youtu.be/NN4CoABXzFA https://youtu.be/A_G1bl-BhHc https://youtu.be/bmOu5zU6k9I https://youtu.be/tSzpNM_roKs Grow Your Business with Our Tailored Digital Marketing Services Dominate Your Market, Generate Quality Leads, and Boost Revenue with Our Proven Web Design, SEO, and Digital Marketing Solutions Welcome To Beefy Marketing We empower businesses with the digital tools and strategies they need to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. We understand that your primary goals are to generate more leads, increase revenue, and establish a dominant position in your market. That’s why we focus on results-driven strategies that are designed to maximize your online visibility, attract high-quality leads, and convert them into loyal customers. 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John Kelley: Growing up in the fire service for the last 20 years, I've learned the value of service and leadership from my years in. As a full-time firefighter and lieutenant, I’ve been in the trenches, leading teams, solving problems under pressure, and keeping my community safe. That same drive to serve and protect has shaped my approach as a marketer, where I now help government leaders and public safety agencies transform the way they connect with their communities. I understand the unique challenges you face. As a firefighter, I’ve seen firsthand how hard it is to keep the public informed and engaged, especially when resources are stretched thin. As a marketing professional, I’ve witnessed how outdated systems and scattered communication strategies can hold organizations back. That’s why I’m passionate about leveraging tools like AI, automation, and cutting-edge marketing platforms to simplify communication, build trust, and drive efficiency in ways that make a real impact. From streamlining community engagement for city governments to creating campaigns that strengthen public safety messaging, my mission is to make your job easier and your results stronger. Whether you're a city manager balancing tight budgets, a fire chief advocating for funding, or a marketing director trying to reach every corner of your community, I’m here to help. Soon, I’ll be launching a newsletter packed with actionable insights, tools, and strategies to empower leaders like you. Whether you're looking to modernize your communication, increase engagement, or simply free up time to focus on what matters most, this newsletter will be your go-to resource. Let’s connect and start a conversation about how we can work together to make your vision a reality. After all, transforming the way we communicate doesn’t just make life easier—it makes our communities stronger. Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ Small Business Origins podcast, John Kelley, Richard Blank, Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing Call Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,call centre, contact centre, contact center,trend, trending Richard’s journey in the call center space is filled with twists and turns. When he was 27 years old, he relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose. Mr. Richard Blank holds a bachelors degree in Communication and Spanish from the University of Arizona and a certificate of language proficiency from the University of Sevilla, Spain. A Keynote speaker for Philadelphia's Abington High School 68th National Honors Society induction ceremony. In addition, inducted into the 2023 Hall of Fame for Business. Giving back to Abington Senior High School is very important to Mr. Blank. As such, he endows a scholarship each year for students that plan on majoring in a world language at the university level. Costa Rica’s Call Center (CCC) is a state of the art BPO telemarketing outsource company located in the capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica. Our main focus has been, and will always be to personally train each and every Central America call center agent so that we may offer the highest quality of outbound and inbound telemarketing solutions and bilingual customer service to small and medium sized international companies, entrepreneurs as well as fortune 500 companies. We encourage you to visit one of our call centers on your next personal vacation or business trip to Central America’s paradise, Costa Rica. While you are here, we would recommend taking an extra day of your trip to visit breathtaking virgin beaches, play golf next to the ocean, try your luck at deep sea fishing, explore tropical jungles, climb volcanos or just relax in natural hot springs. Come and see for yourself why call center outsourcing in Costa Rica is a perfect solution for your growing company and a powerhouse in the BPO industry. https://costaricascallcenter.com/en/outbound-bpo-campaigns/ #SmallBusinessOriginspodcast #JohnKelley #RichardBlank #CostaRica #CallCenter #Outsourcing #Telemarketing #BPO #Sales #Entrepreneur #B2B #Business #Podcast #Gamification #CEO #trend #trending #listennow #subscribe #podcastclip #podcastvideo #videopodcasting #podcastguest Tomball, Texas, United States