Synchronising Outlook private and shared contacts
If you have any questions about this then let us know by clicking here.
It’s not all CRM talk with webCRM – it’s business talk
Research suggests that more than three-quarters of companies in the UK (77 per cent) use a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. The remainder plan to procure one or need more information about CRM before making a decision.
The CRM research carried out by the Institute of Sales and Marketing Management suggests that while many UK companies are ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with their CRM providers, a large number yet to procure a CRM system just don’t know enough about them.
That’s where webCRM can help. We don’t believe in heavy sales patter that doesn’t match the end system. We talk to businesses about their needs and how webCRM can provide the solution.
“We’re not interested in providing a system that isn’t right for a client because we want to retain that business for the long-term,” said Stephen Todd of webCRM. Read more
Text ahead with webCRM
webCRM’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system has many functions which we’ll cover on our blog over the coming weeks. Here we focus on the the ability to use SMS to text clients and colleagues from within webCRM.*
Whether it’s part of a marketing campaign, chasing an lead or sending a meeting reminder, texting by SMS is an effective way of contact and it can all be done within webCRM’s web-based system. So no more checking your diary and fumbling on the mobile phone keyboard.
Just think, you’ve had the lead and updated the CRM system. You’ve put that all important meeting with a prospective client in the diary but just to make sure they remember you can set the system to text a reminder.
And it’s not just individual texts. You might have a PR or marketing campaign or even a big event coming up. Connect your campaign so that delegates, clients or prospective delegate get a quick SMS text reminder. You can even send confirmation texts after a sale or enquiry as confirmation. The possibilities are endless but beneficial. Read more
More businesses turn to cloud services like webCRM
More businesses are turning to cloud computing services to host their business systems, backing the surge in users for webCRM’s web-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.
According to research published this week, around 45 per cent of large businesses are using cloud services for their IT services which is up 24 per cent compared to the same period in 2010. The research was carried out by Ovum who questioned 110 multinationals.
The trend follows research published earlier this year that found more small and medium-sized businesses are turning to web-based services for many of their IT and business services, including Customer Relationship Management systems like webCRM.
“There’s a clear shift in business confidence when it comes to hosted services,” said James Bogue of webCRM.
“Companies are realising it’s more cost effective to have their system hosted off site on secure servers than having to procure and run their own costly IT-based systems.”
He added: “webCRM is a good example of this. Companies can be safe in the knowledge that their CRM system is secure and backed-up. More importantly, webCRM ensures customers have access to a fast and reliable system that is securely accessible anywhere via a PC, MAC, iPad, mobile phone or other portable device. Read more
Small businesses want ‘local cloud’ hosts like webCRM
Small and medium-sized businesses believe the local presence of a cloud computing service is “highly important” when deciding on procuring such a service.
More than 3,250 businesses across 16 countries in Europe were surveyed and 82 per cent of recipients said local presence would be an important factor for them when considering such a system.
That’s why webCRM is a perfect answer for small, medium and large businesses in the UK where we have a dedicated team working with a wide range of clients in varying industries and sectors on their CRM needs. Read more
webCRM’s tips for a successful web-based CRM system
When a business is considering implementing a CRM system it can often make the whole process more complicated than it needs to be.
That’s why webCRM works with businesses and organisations to identify what they’re trying to get out of their web-based CRM system before they sign-up.
There are three simple rules when it comes to procuring and operating a successful CRM system. Here, James Bogue of webCRM explains.
“The key in procuring and operating a CRM sytem is to keep it as simple as possible. Many people wanting to implement a CRM start by trying to automate everything and everybody. This results in complicated rules for business exceptions and a system that your average user cannot understand in a CRM system.
“Some CRM systems sales people are notorious for selling the flashy bells and whistles, focusing on the features and not the benefits. Put it this way, most of us use Microsoft Word? Yes, well you probably only use 20 to 30 per cent of it. Well the same applies to CRM systems. Now that does not mean you cannot eventually use this functionality, but introduce it gradually.” Read more
Customer satisfaction matters for webCRM
The whole point of a good hosted CRM system is that it ensures a business is continuously aware of its interaction with new and existing customers and ensuring no time is wasted in duplicating actions and resources between individuals or teams. This also means that the business’ customer is also happy as they’re not being bombarded by different sales or customer service members. And a happy customer is likely to be a returning or retained customer.
James Bogue, a CRM specialist and director at webCRM explains why webCRM is different when it comes to CRM systems. “Here at webCRM we not only understand the processes that businesses want and need in a CRM system to ensure co-ordination between teams, but we also realise that one size doesn’t fit all. And so we’re quite open when we say our web-based CRM system is simple… but effective for businesses of all sizes – from sole traders to small, medium and large businesses. That means we provide each client with a CRM system that can be shaped and adapted when needs must and as the business grows or when new systems or processes are put in place within the business.”
“That’s all well and good we hear you say. But unlike many other CRM system providers we believe our relationship is ongoing. Yes, it’s a relationship, not just a sale. And so once we’ve provided our CRM system and run through the basics to ensure it’s right for the business, we continue that relationship by ensuring we’re always available to run through questions or any issues and solve them – in most cases there and then.” Read more
Why web-based CRM is better for business
You’ve heard about cloud, web-based or hosted Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems but you might not realise the difference between them and that of a CRM system based on your own company’s server. But here at webCRM we want to ensure that you realise the difference and understand the benefits of web-based CRM systems, like webCRM, in plain English.
Okay, so you’re a small or medium-sized business, possibly even a large business. You need to have a system in place that allows your teams to interact and see who they’re talking to to ensure co-ordination. All too often sales teams and customer support can end up dealing with the same new or existing client without knowing there’s already a dialogue or interaction taking place. That doesn’t look good to the customer and it’s a pure inefficiency as far as your business is concerned with duplication or even confusion – let alone the poor impression that your customer or enquirer is getting. Read more
Talk about CRM with webCRM
It’s good to talk, as one UK telecommunications company used to say in its advertising. And here at webCRM we always like talking about CRM systems – so much so that we’ve fully launched a new live chat facility that allows our existing customers and potential clients to interact with us live via the website.
“You might have seen our earlier blog post about this when we launched a trial for it last year. Whether it’s an existing customer wanting to change something on their webCRM system or just needing a bit of advice, or a potential customer who simply wants to understand Customer Relationship Management systems better, we can help either way and answer your questions from the comfort of your PC or Mac. What could be easier?” said James Bogue of webCRM.
“We’ve trialled the system for a few months now to make sure it works as seamlessly as possible and is relevant to the needs of our customers. And so far we’ve had a big thumbs up from those who have used it. We’ve also been very surprised at the uptake from people who want to learn more about CRM and how it can enhance their business’s growth,” he added. Read more
Google Maps within webCRM
See where your sales leads, contacts and companies are with Google Maps
webCRM now supports Google Maps. Easily launch a location map for individual companies, contacts or display maps with pin locations against reports.
Typical applications include:
- Display a single map for a visit
- Locate customer reference sites in a selected area
- Plan visits to customers and prospects
- Locate more productive postcode for targeted marketing
This is a free service and is included in our core licence subscription. To enable this function go to webCRM Configuration/Main Settings/Features and then enable GPS co-ordinates. To display maps you will need relevant postcodes.
All trial systems automatically include this function.
To request a trial system click Free Trial option on the right.
New Live Chat Function
We like talking about webCRM and the importance of CRM systems to businesses.
Now a real person from webCRM is available on our website to talk to site visitors with our new ‘Live Chat’ facility. Our website visitors can ask direct questions about webCRM and receive a response within seconds – and it’s a real person at the other end of the line.
Questions to date have varied greatly but typically cover:
- Pricing
- Modules
- Support
- Marketing with webCRM
Most visitors who have used this service have been surprised by the speed and information they have received. Many have then gone on to requesting a trial system.
Go on – give it a try – there is nothing to lose.
Please note – Live Chat is live for most of the day unless we are experiencing heavy demand. If this is the case (or we are off line) simply submit your questions along with your email address. We will reply back within the hour. Alternatively, call our telephone number to speak to one of our team.
Help Video – Configure webCRM
The following video provides ideas and help when setting up your webCRM system.
If you are trialing webCRM for the first time you may wish to attend one of our regular evaluation webinars. You can join these online events from your own PC and see how webCRM works in a real business.
To select a webinar date click here.
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