Latest news with #RickSpringfield
Time Business News
13-06-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
3 Ways Having a Voice Call Center Helps Assist Customers
Providing a dedicated and trained team to handle inquiries, resolving issues, and offering support through phone calls are just three ways a voice call center assists customers. When taken as a whole, this helps improve customer satisfaction and loyalty by ensuring faster response times, proactive engagement, and personalized support. For many industries, excellent customer experience remains a key differentiator, and phone support continues to play a vital role in that. Many customers still prefer reaching out to customer care over the phone, even though the popularity of phone support is slowing among the young. The bottom line is that even in the age of social media, email, and chatbots, customers still appreciate the human connection, empathy, and immediacy that only a real conversation with a human can provide. The following represent the three major benefits a voice call center brings to the customer experience. For those old enough to remember, 80s sensation Rick Springfield sang about it in his hit 'Human Touch' – there's no getting around the fact that, as members of the human race, we need that person-to-person connection. It's easy to get lost in a sea of canned chatbot responses or frustratingly incomplete FAQs, and this is precisely why call centers continue to play a crucial role in customer service…even in today's world of AI. In fact, research found that 77% of customers expect to be able to interact with a human as soon as contact is made with a business. Indeed, speaking to an agent not only helps customers feel supported, but it can sometimes help de-escalate situations while retaining customers. Customers like speaking to an actual person because it helps them feel heard and that their challenges and frustrations are being dealt with by someone who can actually assist in getting them fixed. In a world where not all customer inquiries are alike, the key to exceptional customer service is being able to quickly, in an ideal world, automatically identify the issue and assign callers to the right queue. Call centers equipped with interactive voice response (IVR), intelligent call routing, integrated knowledge bases, and real-time reporting ensure that every customer is quickly connected to the right agent. In this scenario, agents can access customer preferences, histories, and previous support tickets instantaneously, yielding quicker, more personalized resolutions. By integrating with CRM systems, modern outbound call centers use real-time call analytics to personalize conversations, identify up-sell and cross-sell opportunities, and increase deal closure rates. Increased sales lead to streamlined operations, which are crucial in a call center to avoid long queues and frustrated customers; automation tools such as skill-based call routing, AI-powered chatbots, and auto-attendants eliminate repetitive tasks, freeing agents to handle more high-priority or complex issues. Phone support is more than just answering calls – it's about creating memorable experiences that drive growth and loyalty. The benefits of a voice call center are multi-faceted, given the fact that by implementing modern call centers, businesses can scale operations flexibly to meet evolving demands, make smarter decisions via real-time data, and deliver faster, more personalized service. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Legendary '80s Rocker, 75, Stuns Fans With 'Smoking Hot' Shirtless Performance
Legendary '80s Rocker, 75, Stuns Fans With 'Smoking Hot' Shirtless Performance originally appeared on Parade. When we picture folks at age 75, we probably have an unfair stereotypical perception of how they'll look, act and move. Iconic musician and actor Rick Springfield will absolutely dismantle every preconceived notion you have about this age, and a fan's latest video can prove it. In the video, Springfield appears ageless in both appearance and sound, rocking out to the hit that catapulted him to fame in 1981 "Jessie's Girl." The star previously told Yahoo!Life last year he credits his ageless appearance to a rigorously healthy lifestyle. Cutting back on alcohol and working out every day are two key moves in his quest to remain youthful, along with a very healthy diet.'The hardest thing is looking in the mirror and going, 'Wow, that wasn't there when I was in my 30s…' and going, 'I look like my mom,'" he said of aging. 'So I never think of myself as a real 75.' Neither do his fans."Guys living his [third] life," commented one fan. "Saw him when he was 69. Looks just as good!" "Um, what is happening here? Where did he find the fountain of youth," asked another. The Australian musician and actor hit number one for two weeks in the U.S. on the Hot 100 singles chart after "Jessie's Girl" and received a Grammy for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance in 1981. While new music isn't confirmed to be on the horizon, Springfield is currently playing shows and making appearances. All in all, we bet "Jessie's Girl" has some major regrets. 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 Legendary '80s Rocker, 75, Stuns Fans With 'Smoking Hot' Shirtless Performance first appeared on Parade on Jun 9, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Axios
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Richmond's Allianz Amphitheater: What to know before you go
Allianz Amphitheater — Richmond's newest, 7,500-seat music venue — opens this weekend. Why it matters: We got a sneak peek into what concertgoers can expect at the 30-plus shows planned through October, starting with Rick Springfield on Saturday. The big picture: The general admission entrance is off Fifth Street, where you'll walk down a long-ish bridge before entering the venue. The bathrooms are immediately to the left, and the first line of bars, which are stationed throughout the amphitheater's perimeter, are to the right. The entire venue is cashless, and doesn't have wristbands for people 21 and up — which means you'll have to show ID every time you get alcohol. Zoom in: The bars are stocked with liquor including Tito's Vodka and Grey Goose and will offer canned wines, beer like Modelo and Michelob Ultra — and local ones from Starr Hill — and White Claw and Smirnoff seltzers. You'll also have the chance to get a shaker cup cocktail, such as a cherry bourbon lemonade, strawberry vodka lemonade and a watermelon chili marg. Some NA options include: a sparkling ginger peach iced tea and a watermelon Red Bull with strawberry lemonade. If you go: Drink prices vary depending on the event, per organizers, but beers will start at $5. The food: There will be 12 different food trucks cycling in and out throughout the season, a spokesperson tells Axios. They'll include Goatocado, Smokie Joe's BBQ, Timber Pizza, Four Brothers, Scoop O Dough and more. Getting there: The Amphitheater has a map of places to park that are within a 15-minute walk of the venue. Per the organizers, the closest Pulse bus stop is a 13-minute walk away, but the GRTC has a stop at Second Street and Brown's Island via Route 87, which runs every hour. We'd personally Uber (drop off at the Seventh Street roundabout by the CoStar building) or park across the bridge in Southside and walk over. What's allowed: Clear bags smaller than 12" by 6" by 12" Non-clear bags smaller than 6" by 9" Small blankets Factory-sealed water bottles What's not allowed: Weapons, empty containers, aerosols over 5 ounces, outdoor food or drink, hula hoops, flashlights, music instruments or outside chairs (you can rent one for $15). What we're watching: Most of the shows are around sunset, but after the community preview Wednesday night, people took to social media to critique the lack of shade. They also wondered whether the bathroom situation would work during a sold-out show. Fun fact: Mayor Avula tells Axios if he wasn't going to be out of town when Counting Crows (July 12) and Dave Matthews Band (July 15 and 16) perform, those are the concerts he'd get tickets to.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fun to Do: Comedians, Yo-Yo Ma, waterfront concerts and more
Looking for something to do during the next week? Here are just a few happenings in Hampton Roads. Comedian and actor Kevin James brings his 'Owls Don't Walk' tour to the Oceanfront. 7 p.m. Friday at The Dome, 400 20th St., Virginia Beach. Tickets start at $30. To buy online, visit 'I Want My '80s' will feature full sets by Rick Springfield with John Waite, Wang Chung and John Cafferty. 7 p.m. Friday at Portsmouth Pavilion, 16 Crawford Circle. Tickets start at $30. For more information or to buy online, visit An afternoon with cellist Yo-Yo Ma: 'Reflections in Words and Music,' presented by Virginia Arts Festival. 3 p.m. Sunday at Chrysler Hall, 215 St. Paul's Blvd., Norfolk. Tickets start at $172.75, which includes fees. For more information, visit Comedian, director and producer Nate Bargatze brings his 'Big Dumb Eyes' world tour to Norfolk for two shows. 3 and 7 p.m. Sunday at Scope arena, 201 E. Brambleton Ave. Tickets start at $52.55, which includes fees. To buy online, visit Ynot Wednesdays returns for the summer season, featuring various artists weekly from 5-9 p.m. June 11 through Aug. 27 on the outdoor plaza at Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, 201 Market St., Virginia Beach. The performances are free. For more information, visit Celebrate Juneteenth across Hampton Roads with events, ceremonies and festivals Sunset Thursdays: Concerts on the Water will feature various artists for the summer from 6:30-9 p.m. June 12 through Aug. 28 at Festival Park, 16 Crawford Circle, Portsmouth. For a weekly schedule, visit Events may change. Check before attending. Want more information about what's happening around Hampton Roads? Sign up for our Weekend Scoop newsletter. Patty Jenkins,
Axios
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Red Butte reveals 2025 concert lineup featuring Alison Krauss and Train
Over 50 musical acts are set to perform at the annual Red Butte Concert Series in Salt Lake City, organizers announced Tuesday. The intrigue: Big names include Alison Krauss, Rick Springfield, ZZ Top and Train. State of play: The series runs from May 19 to Sept. 16, featuring genres like rock, bluegrass folk, and alternative. Rock band Cheap Trick is slated to kick things off, with pop act Hermanos Gutiérrez closing it. Admission: The first set of tickets — for concerts between May 19-July 27 — go on sale for members on April 21 and to the public on April 25. The second set of tickets — for shows after July 27 — go on sale for members on April 28 and to the public on May 2. The lineup includes: May 19: Cheap Trick 29: Trampled by Turtles (with Clay Street Unit) June 5: James Arthur 8: Ryan Bingham and The Texas Gentlemen 12: St. Paul & The Broken Bones + The Wood Brothers (with Cece Coakley) 17: Drive-By Truckers + Deer Tick (with Thelma and the Sleaze) 18: Barenaked Ladies (with Guster and Fastball) 22: Tash Sultana (with Lime Cordiale) 26: Little Feat + Nitty Gritty Dirt Band 13: Watchhouse 14: Houndmouth + Shane Smith & The Saints 16: Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue 20: X + Los Lobos 25: Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas (with Willie Watson) 27: Christone "Kingfish" Ingram + Samantha Fish 28: Toad the Wet Sprocket (with Semisonic, Sixpence None the Richer) 30: Elephant Revival (with Two Runner) August 5: Dispatch and John Butler (with G. Love & Special Sauce, Donavon Frankenreiter) 6: Rick Springfield "I Want My '80s Tour" (with John Waite, Wang Chung, Paul Young) 10: Michael Franti & Spearhead (with Bombargo) 11: My Morning Jacket 13: ZZ Top 17: Tower of Power + War 24: Ray LaMontagne (with The Weather Station) 25: Keb' Mo' + Shawn Colvin September 4: Gregory Alan Isakov (with Dean Johnson) 9: Train (with Edwin McCain)
