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    <fireside:genDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 10:44:50 -0500</fireside:genDate>
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    <title>CX without the BS - Episodes Tagged with “How To Improve Customer Service”</title>
    <link>https://cswithoutthebs.fireside.fm/tags/how%20to%20improve%20customer%20service</link>
    <pubDate>Mon, 08 Sep 2025 16:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <description>CX without the BS is a refreshingly honest and engaging podcast that dives deep into the world of Customer Experience (CX). Hosted by industry veterans Tom Milligan and Brian Nichols, the show aims to cut through the jargon and hype to deliver real, actionable insights for CX professionals and business leaders.
Each episode features candid conversations with CX experts, thought leaders, and practitioners who share their experiences, challenges, and successes in the field. The hosts and guests discuss a wide range of topics, from emerging technologies like AI and automation to the human elements of empathy, creativity, and problem-solving that are essential to delivering exceptional customer experiences.
What sets CX without the BS apart is its commitment to authenticity and practicality. Tom and Brian aren't afraid to call out the "BS" in the industry - the buzzwords, the fads, and the overhyped solutions that don't deliver real value. Instead, they focus on strategies and tactics that have been proven to work in the real world, drawing on their own extensive experience as well as the insights of their guests.
Whether you're a seasoned CX professional or just starting out in the field, CX without the BS offers valuable perspectives and actionable advice to help you navigate the complex and ever-changing landscape of customer experience. With its engaging hosts, expert guests, and no-nonsense approach, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone who wants to stay ahead of the curve and deliver exceptional experiences to their customers.
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    <itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type>
    <itunes:subtitle>CX without the BS is a no-nonsense podcast that cuts through the jargon to deliver real insights into the Customer Experience (CX) industry. Each episode features candid conversations with industry experts, focusing on practical solutions and honest discussions about the latest trends and challenges in CX.</itunes:subtitle>
    <itunes:author>Brian Nichols</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>CX without the BS is a refreshingly honest and engaging podcast that dives deep into the world of Customer Experience (CX). Hosted by industry veterans Tom Milligan and Brian Nichols, the show aims to cut through the jargon and hype to deliver real, actionable insights for CX professionals and business leaders.
Each episode features candid conversations with CX experts, thought leaders, and practitioners who share their experiences, challenges, and successes in the field. The hosts and guests discuss a wide range of topics, from emerging technologies like AI and automation to the human elements of empathy, creativity, and problem-solving that are essential to delivering exceptional customer experiences.
What sets CX without the BS apart is its commitment to authenticity and practicality. Tom and Brian aren't afraid to call out the "BS" in the industry - the buzzwords, the fads, and the overhyped solutions that don't deliver real value. Instead, they focus on strategies and tactics that have been proven to work in the real world, drawing on their own extensive experience as well as the insights of their guests.
Whether you're a seasoned CX professional or just starting out in the field, CX without the BS offers valuable perspectives and actionable advice to help you navigate the complex and ever-changing landscape of customer experience. With its engaging hosts, expert guests, and no-nonsense approach, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone who wants to stay ahead of the curve and deliver exceptional experiences to their customers.
</itunes:summary>
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    <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    <itunes:keywords>CX podcast, customer experience, CX industry, CX trends, CX best practices, CX strategies, CX technology, CX analytics, CX metrics, CX optimization, CX automation, CX AI, CX chatbots, CX omnichannel, CX digital transformation, CX cloud, CX contact center, CX as a service, CX software, CX platform, CX solutions, CX innovation, CX thought leadership, CX experts, CX interviews, CX case studies, CX success stories, CX challenges, CX pain points, CX journey mapping, CX personalization, CX employee experience, CX voice of the customer, CX customer feedback, CX customer loyalty, CX customer retention, CX customer satisfaction, CX customer engagement, CX customer service, CX call center, CX workforce management, CX quality assurance, CX compliance, CX security, CX privacy, CX integration, CX implementation, CX adoption, CX ROI, CX budgeting, CX vendor selection, CX partner ecosystem, CX community, CX events, CX webinars, CX training, CX certification, CX career development, CX jobs, CX hiring, CX diversity and inclusion, CX leadership, CX management, CX coaching, CX mentoring, CX networking</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:owner>
      <itunes:name>Brian Nichols</itunes:name>
      <itunes:email>brian@briannicholsconsulting.com</itunes:email>
    </itunes:owner>
<itunes:category text="Business"/>
<itunes:category text="Technology"/>
<itunes:category text="News">
  <itunes:category text="Business News"/>
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<item>
  <title>Why Small Businesses Need CX Systems Too</title>
  <link>https://cswithoutthebs.fireside.fm/why-small-businesses-need-cx-systems-too</link>
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  <pubDate>Mon, 08 Sep 2025 16:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Brian Nichols</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/b6ecde51-9751-4bc2-8830-d814180321a2/11befbf2-999d-4b4b-a122-ba1dd74cbea8.mp3" length="73113650" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Brian Nichols</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Most businesses are already running a contact center without realizing it—and this episode shows how to move from accidental chaos to intentional customer experience.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>50:46</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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  <description>Are you accidentally running a contact center without even realizing it?
If your business takes calls, answers emails, responds to website chats, or gets customer texts, then the truth is—you’re already in the contact center game whether you know it or not. The problem? Most companies don’t manage it intentionally, and the chaos is silently killing their customer experience.
In this episode of CX Without the BS, Brian breaks down why “just answering phones” isn’t enough anymore. Missed calls, scattered inboxes, and overwhelmed staff don’t just cause frustration—they cost you customers, burn out employees, and damage your reputation before you even know what’s happening.
We explore the difference between an accidental call center and an accidental contact center—and why every small business, credit union, retailer, HVAC company, and even dentist’s office is at risk of falling into this trap. If your customers can reach you on more than one channel, you’re already there.
Brian also exposes the five silent killers of CX: lost customers, lost productivity, inconsistent service, employee burnout, and reputation damage. More importantly, he lays out the practical steps to flip the script—mapping your chaos, centralizing communication, setting rules, supporting employees, and tracking what actually matters.
This isn’t about flashy AI, omnichannel buzzwords, or chasing the enterprise playbook. It’s about keeping things simple, intentional, and structured so you can finally turn chaos into a customer experience that actually works—for you, your employees, and most importantly, your customers. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>customer experience, CX tips, call center mistakes, accidental contact center, business growth, customer service strategy, small business CX, missed calls, lost customers, employee burnout, CX risks, customer loyalty, communication chaos, how to improve customer service, small business phone system, scaling customer service, fix customer experience, avoid bad reviews, CX without the BS, Brian Nichols</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Are you accidentally running a contact center without even realizing it?</p>

<p>If your business takes calls, answers emails, responds to website chats, or gets customer texts, then the truth is—you’re already in the contact center game whether you know it or not. The problem? Most companies don’t manage it intentionally, and the chaos is silently killing their customer experience.</p>

<p>In this episode of CX Without the BS, Brian breaks down why “just answering phones” isn’t enough anymore. Missed calls, scattered inboxes, and overwhelmed staff don’t just cause frustration—they cost you customers, burn out employees, and damage your reputation before you even know what’s happening.</p>

<p>We explore the difference between an accidental call center and an accidental contact center—and why every small business, credit union, retailer, HVAC company, and even dentist’s office is at risk of falling into this trap. If your customers can reach you on more than one channel, you’re already there.</p>

<p>Brian also exposes the five silent killers of CX: lost customers, lost productivity, inconsistent service, employee burnout, and reputation damage. More importantly, he lays out the practical steps to flip the script—mapping your chaos, centralizing communication, setting rules, supporting employees, and tracking what actually matters.</p>

<p>This isn’t about flashy AI, omnichannel buzzwords, or chasing the enterprise playbook. It’s about keeping things simple, intentional, and structured so you can finally turn chaos into a customer experience that actually works—for you, your employees, and most importantly, your customers.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Are you accidentally running a contact center without even realizing it?</p>

<p>If your business takes calls, answers emails, responds to website chats, or gets customer texts, then the truth is—you’re already in the contact center game whether you know it or not. The problem? Most companies don’t manage it intentionally, and the chaos is silently killing their customer experience.</p>

<p>In this episode of CX Without the BS, Brian breaks down why “just answering phones” isn’t enough anymore. Missed calls, scattered inboxes, and overwhelmed staff don’t just cause frustration—they cost you customers, burn out employees, and damage your reputation before you even know what’s happening.</p>

<p>We explore the difference between an accidental call center and an accidental contact center—and why every small business, credit union, retailer, HVAC company, and even dentist’s office is at risk of falling into this trap. If your customers can reach you on more than one channel, you’re already there.</p>

<p>Brian also exposes the five silent killers of CX: lost customers, lost productivity, inconsistent service, employee burnout, and reputation damage. More importantly, he lays out the practical steps to flip the script—mapping your chaos, centralizing communication, setting rules, supporting employees, and tracking what actually matters.</p>

<p>This isn’t about flashy AI, omnichannel buzzwords, or chasing the enterprise playbook. It’s about keeping things simple, intentional, and structured so you can finally turn chaos into a customer experience that actually works—for you, your employees, and most importantly, your customers.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>5 Warning Signs Your Support Is Failing</title>
  <link>https://cswithoutthebs.fireside.fm/5-warning-signs-your-support-is-failing</link>
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  <pubDate>Wed, 16 Jul 2025 17:45:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Brian Nichols</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/b6ecde51-9751-4bc2-8830-d814180321a2/a9d7f0cf-8e45-452a-aa98-79097b5369dc.mp3" length="11419616" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Brian Nichols</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Your support system might be quietly chasing away your best customers. In this episode of CX Without the BS, I break down 5 sneaky signs your CX is failing — and how to fix it fast.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>11:53</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/b/b6ecde51-9751-4bc2-8830-d814180321a2/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Is your customer support system quietly driving people away? 
You might think things are fine, but if your repeat customers are disappearing, your team is burning out, or your reviews are getting passive-aggressive... you’ve got a problem. And the kicker? Most businesses have no idea it's happening. In this episode of CX Without the BS, we're diving into five sneaky red flags that show your support system is broken — and what to do about it before your customers bounce for good.
We’re not just talking about support agents here. We're talking to you — business owners, IT leads, and especially technology advisors who are out there selling UCaaS and contact center solutions. If your clients don’t know what their hold times are or how many support calls go to voicemail, there’s opportunity on the table. We’ll show you how to spot failing systems and how to turn them into competitive advantages.
From low-key customer ghosting to review sections filled with “love the product, hate the service,” these warning signs are everywhere — and we break each one down with real talk, not theory. You’ll hear exactly what to look for, how to bring it up in a conversation, and why “It’s fine” is the most dangerous feedback your customer can give.
We’ll talk about why most support reps aren't the problem — their broken tools are. And we'll call out why ticket ping-pong is killing resolution time and frustrating your customers. Whether you're an advisor looking to land new deals or a business owner who wants fewer fires, the solutions we outline here are tactical, practical, and immediately usable.
Bottom line: good support isn’t just a retention tool — it's a revenue driver. And if you're not actively fixing the cracks in your support process, you're leaking money and trust every single day. Listen now and learn how to plug the holes, rebuild trust, and make your business — or your client’s — the kind people rave about instead of run from. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>customer support mistakes, bad support signs, fix support issues, tech advisor tips, UCaaS sales, customer retention, CX without the BS, small business churn, customer service problems, support burnout, call center issues, how to improve customer service, customer ghosting, contact center help, CX strategy, business support system, support red flags, ticket escalation problems, SMB support tips, business growth tools</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Is your customer support system quietly driving people away? </p>

<p>You might think things are fine, but if your repeat customers are disappearing, your team is burning out, or your reviews are getting passive-aggressive... you’ve got a problem. And the kicker? Most businesses have no idea it&#39;s happening. In this episode of CX Without the BS, we&#39;re diving into five sneaky red flags that show your support system is broken — and what to do about it before your customers bounce for good.</p>

<p>We’re not just talking about support agents here. We&#39;re talking to you — business owners, IT leads, and especially technology advisors who are out there selling UCaaS and contact center solutions. If your clients don’t know what their hold times are or how many support calls go to voicemail, there’s opportunity on the table. We’ll show you how to spot failing systems and how to turn them into competitive advantages.</p>

<p>From low-key customer ghosting to review sections filled with “love the product, hate the service,” these warning signs are everywhere — and we break each one down with real talk, not theory. You’ll hear exactly what to look for, how to bring it up in a conversation, and why “It’s fine” is the most dangerous feedback your customer can give.</p>

<p>We’ll talk about why most support reps aren&#39;t the problem — their broken tools are. And we&#39;ll call out why ticket ping-pong is killing resolution time and frustrating your customers. Whether you&#39;re an advisor looking to land new deals or a business owner who wants fewer fires, the solutions we outline here are tactical, practical, and immediately usable.</p>

<p>Bottom line: good support isn’t just a retention tool — it&#39;s a revenue driver. And if you&#39;re not actively fixing the cracks in your support process, you&#39;re leaking money and trust every single day. Listen now and learn how to plug the holes, rebuild trust, and make your business — or your client’s — the kind people rave about instead of run from.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Is your customer support system quietly driving people away? </p>

<p>You might think things are fine, but if your repeat customers are disappearing, your team is burning out, or your reviews are getting passive-aggressive... you’ve got a problem. And the kicker? Most businesses have no idea it&#39;s happening. In this episode of CX Without the BS, we&#39;re diving into five sneaky red flags that show your support system is broken — and what to do about it before your customers bounce for good.</p>

<p>We’re not just talking about support agents here. We&#39;re talking to you — business owners, IT leads, and especially technology advisors who are out there selling UCaaS and contact center solutions. If your clients don’t know what their hold times are or how many support calls go to voicemail, there’s opportunity on the table. We’ll show you how to spot failing systems and how to turn them into competitive advantages.</p>

<p>From low-key customer ghosting to review sections filled with “love the product, hate the service,” these warning signs are everywhere — and we break each one down with real talk, not theory. You’ll hear exactly what to look for, how to bring it up in a conversation, and why “It’s fine” is the most dangerous feedback your customer can give.</p>

<p>We’ll talk about why most support reps aren&#39;t the problem — their broken tools are. And we&#39;ll call out why ticket ping-pong is killing resolution time and frustrating your customers. Whether you&#39;re an advisor looking to land new deals or a business owner who wants fewer fires, the solutions we outline here are tactical, practical, and immediately usable.</p>

<p>Bottom line: good support isn’t just a retention tool — it&#39;s a revenue driver. And if you&#39;re not actively fixing the cracks in your support process, you&#39;re leaking money and trust every single day. Listen now and learn how to plug the holes, rebuild trust, and make your business — or your client’s — the kind people rave about instead of run from.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
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