Which CRM is the Best ?
With the advent of Cloud Computing, SmartPhones, Tablets and Unique Requirements for Our Clients, we say, "It Depends". Here is our article: http://www.mondocrm.com/crm-services/which-crm-is-best/
What is CRM ?
Customer Relationship Management is a combination of software & a customized software process to help companies gain a competitive advantage in either sales, marketing or customer service.
httpv://youtu.be/c0lbdErXnjQ
Some common software packages include:
- Act!
- WiredContact
- Salesforce.com
- Microsoft Dynamics CRM
- SugarCRM
- ZohoCRM
Now to review the differences between these packages can take more than a quick blurb. For one client on a three user setup for a system focused on marketing and mobile access, I highlighted 40 feature comparisons.
Many of the same features exist among all the products, so you want to consider ease-of-use, flexibility, licensing options and tech support costs.
What's best for you ? Since your business has unique qualities and processes, you should talk the software publisher and/or a consultant. The consultants have the in-the-field experience to know what works and can have more experience on data conversions between software publishers. Meanwhile. the publishers focus on building the feature set and ensuring stability.
Database Duplication Process
I answered this question on LinkedIn:
Deduping a database from scratch. How would you go about it?
Our customer database has quite a few duplicate records in it (both businesses and contacts). How would you go about the initial dedupe? What steps would you put in place to ensure records aren't duplicated in the future? Is there any tech to help do this? Thanks!
My answer:
Each CRM has third party tools that help with the mechanics of this.
You should examine...
1) How many criteria do you believe are the most consistent ?
2) Do you want the computer to replace the newest record ?
3) What do you do with the "leftovers" ? For example if two people have different phone numbers, you replace one, how do record the "leftover" ?
How do you eliminate it completely ? hmmm...That's a tough one.
As a start, you could use e-mail as a match. Of course, then what if a client offers his personal and not business address for one person, then, not the other one ? Company and contact name are good starts.
I believe you have to set a couple criteria that flag you if one of three criteria meet the duplicate standard; then, let the user decide
CRM for Android,iPhone,iPad,Playbook
After 10 years of dancing around mobile device hardware and software compatibility problems, I found a solution.
I installed WiredContact, and I didn't have to care which tablet or phone the reps have. Finally, I can focus on the business process to improve and not chase anyone for fixes or updates. It just works!
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I simply customize a web page behind the scenes. The mobile device is just reading a standard web page, and it does not require extra apps to buy, download or break/fix.
Even better, I don't have pitch an additional license within the same implementation. Client saves money, and I get it done.
Sage E-Marketing for ACT! - List Cleanup Tip
We have a few dozen users on Sage E-Marketing for Act! (aka Swiftpage), and we have changed our philosophy over the last couple years on dealing with bad addresses or opt-outs.
When I first started using e-mail as a marketing technique, I would just erase their address when it came back or unsubscribed from my list.
Now, I added two fields in the database, "Bounce" or "Opt-Out" as checkbox (yes/no) fields.
Then, I make my "E-Mail List" group in Act! exclude bounces or opt-outs.
Why ?
You can call to ask why or find out if their has been an employee change at the company. It offers an excuse to have a valid conversation with a client or prospect that you e-mailed once before.
Sage E-Marketing for Act! also delivers a list of opt-outs to your inbox. You will see a list with emails listed as one address for line.
mark@demo.email
mm@demo.email
Use this free tool for Act! 2010+ to lookup these contacts and update your mailing list accordingly.
E-Mail Marketing isn't the panacea, but one of many different options to reach your clients and prospects.