Technology is an integral part of business and with sales and customer support teams increasingly needing to find new ways to attract new customers and retain existing ones it’s imperative that they can access the latest company and customer data.

That’s where webCRM is a great tool for businesses large and small. Whether it’s the latest iPhone 4s, iPad 2, BlackBerry or Android-based mobile device or tablet PC, webCRM brings CRM technology to where you need it – mobile, portable, or at your desk.

Earlier this year webCRM launched a new mobile app that brings the simplicity and effectiveness of the web-based CRM system to the mobile and portable devices.

Users no longer have to update customer details, meeting notes, calendar entries or confirmed sales at the end of the day or even the week  – it can all be done instantly on the move.

• Full records at your fingertips
• Update as you go
• Send templated e-mails
• Run reports
• Online and live updates – no need for synchronisation
• Free for all users of webCRM

This ensures colleagues and management have the latest information to hand, allowing them to make quick and informed decisions.

James Allen of ExcelLaw explained: “We have a team constantly on the road dealing with clients. It’s imperative that we get the clients back on the road as fast as possible and begin the process of investigating the claim and managing the claims on their behalf.

“Being able to keep the team up-to-date with customer information and allowing them to update the system as they go is imperative in terms of time from all sides and ensures we are as cost-effective as possible.”

He added: “We use iPads as they are easy and intuitive to use and agents can easily access information literally at the touch of the screen. We can then see this information live and action requests as well as keeping the customer up-to-date at all times.”

Launched this month, the new module makes webCRM one of the most comprehensive and yet easy to use online business CRM systems on the market. Delivering targeted sales and marketing campaigns the module also automates client data recording, ensuring businesses have the latest sales and customer information to hand at all times.

“The campaign module builds on the already effective webCRM system. It ensures our clients can undertake a targeted campaign knowing all relevant data and interaction is captured, recorded and acted on,” said James Bogue of Leicestershire-based webCRM.

“It also has the ability to analyse each and every part of the campaign to maximise effectiveness and concentrate investment and resources on winning and retaining new business.”

Key elements to the module include the ability to create newsletters and e-shots, monitor emailed link clicks, the automatic creation of follow-up activities, opportunities and meetings directly from campaigns, event booking, surveys, self-editing and adding of contact details by recipients.

It also allows website integrated forms and surveys, and full reports on campaign results to provide insight into all elements and results of the campaign.

“The campaign module is about making the whole process as effective as possible – from the delivery of the call to action through an e-shot or newsletter, to capturing the response, through to clinching the sale – with minimal fuss and maximum outcome,” said Mr Bogue.

“Why have individual team members working independently on leads and existing customer relationships when webCRM can seamlessly integrate each element? With the addition of the new campaign module, businesses can fully plan, allocate and implement resources where they’ll make an impact from accurate data and deliver relevant, customer focused campaigns.”

Earlier this year summer webCRM launched a new mobile app, allowing webCRM users full access to the system from any device and location, including Apple iPhone, BlackBerry and Android mobile devices, as well as iPad and other portable devices. It is also fully integrated with Microsoft Outlook and other e-mail systems.

Being a cloud-based CRM system, it also ensures clients have a secure and easy to use and access system without the worry of ongoing IT costs, software updates and infrastructure.

“The addition of the campaign module seals the circle of activity within webCRM, delivering a true one-stop CRM system that can deliver results efficiently and effectively for small, medium and large companies,” added Mr Bogue.

webCRM’s campaign module is available to existing and new customers. The company is hosting a series of webinars on the complete CRM system and the campaign module. Information about these can be found at www.webcrm.com.

Customers are your best asset. They provide opportunities for new sales and act as an endorsement to your products and services when everything’s going well. But if you’re not maintaining your relationship or using an effective business CRM system,  you could be losing sales, customers and your reputation.

“CRM systems such as webCRM ensure you maintain a proactive relationship with your customer,” said Stephen Todd of Leicestershire-based webCRM.

“From recording activities and enquiries, following-up sales opportunities,  sending e-mails and arranging meetings which can synchronised with Microsoft Outlook, webCRM is a valuable business tool.”

webCRM’s CRM system is web-based which means it gives you a secure, off-site database that is accessible from any laptop and desktop PC or Apple Mac, mobile devices such as Apple iPhones, BlackBerry and Android phones, as well as the iPad and tablet PCs.

And above all, it synchronises with all devices, ensuring you and your team are always accesssing up-to-date and relevant information.

Just as important, it ensures access to customer data is live and accessible. This means your customer services and sales teams can provide your customers with the service they expect in today’s competitive marketplace.

Planning consultancy nlp, which has offices in London, Cardiff, Manchester and Newcastle realised that CRM was vital when it came to customer relationships.

Peter Claxton of nlp, said: “We are now having more interest from clients because we are aware of who we’re talking to and they’re being reminded of us. It certainly allows us to take track of what’s happening at any time.

“It’s adding value. We can see what meetings people have been to and what activities are taking place that we couldn’t see before. The ability to see new business activity and monitor progress is much better.”

Find out more about how an effective,  easy to use and secure business CRM system such as webCRM can help your business. We can discuss your needs and requirements and provide an honest opinion on how webCRM can help. We can also demonstrate the system through a webinar and provide a 14 day free trial to let you see how it works.

Visit www.webcrm.com or call 0800 1522 102.

The Leicestershire-based online CRM company is urging businesses to consider the implications of using spreadsheets for sales and customer data – such as losing sales opportunities, having inaccurate data and sales staff duplicating on leads.

“It’s important for a company of any size to have instant and up-to-date access to sales lead details, customer information and other data, otherwise everyone’s working on different information, most of which will be out-of-date before they begin a task,” said James Bogue of webCRM.

“Businesses are often too reliant on spreadsheets. Every sales lead is vital – not to mention expensive. Managing these leads can mean the difference between success and failure or even profit and loss. That’s where a good CRM system can make the difference.

“Existing spreadsheets can be imported to web-based systems such as webCRM meaning data can be refreshed and updated easily. That means sales teams on the road can access and update customer data or sales leads and colleagues have real-time access to it.”

He added: “If information is not up to date then it’s meaningless. webCRM data is held in a centrally accessible and secure database. Whether it’s a file note, change of customer details, prospect or appointment, information is immediately updated for all your staff to see wherever they are via desktop PC, laptop, iPhone, iPad, tablet, Blackberry or Android device.”

webCRM also provides a vital marketing tool. Generating a list of customers and prospects and sending them relevant and timely information can be time consuming. Even when you’ve sent it, measuring success can be non-existent.

webCRM allows you to quickly profile your customers and send relevant messages or make the right call to each and every one. The system also allows businesses to see what messages and campaigns work by measuring the bottom line.

webCRM has more than 7,000 users and is growing by the day. Find out more about how webCRM’s web-based CRM system can help businesses increase sales opportunities, customer retention and secure data.

webCRM is offering businesses the chance to check out how it can enhance sales leads, customer information and marketing opportunities with a free webinar and 14 days trial. Visit http://www.webcrm.com/uk/crm-spreadsheet.asp for more information.

Whether you’re a franchise owner or brand, sales leads and customer retention are critical for business growth – and an online Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system like webCRM is critical to manage both.

To mark National Franchise Week, which culminates in the National Franchise Exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham, this Friday (30 September 2011), web-based CRM provider, webCRM, is urging franchises to consider introducing a CRM system to their business.

“Bringing enquiries, sales leads and customer data together into one system is critical for a business,” said James Bogue of Leicestershire-based webCRM that has 7,000 users.

“Franchises often have fragmented systems or spreadsheets in place for the different parts of the business – new sales, existing customers and marketing. This leads to a breakdown in the flow and distribution of communications, often hindering a business’ growth.

“A good web-based CRM system like webCRM ensures all company information is secure, accessible, up-to-date and, above all, in one place for all to see.

He added: “With online webCRM franchises 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 desktop PC or Mac, iPad, or iPhone, BlackBerry and Android mobile phones.

“This means sales and customer support teams don’t have to rely on accessing details from static locations or spreadsheets, instead they can instantly update or identify information from virtually anywhere and at anytime.”

If you’re a franchise business looking to grow or what advice on how to use your information to its full advantage, give webCRM a call on 0800 152 2102 or visit www.webcrm.com.

We can provide advice on how CRM systems can benefit your business through a free webinar and we offer a 14 day trial of the system.

More and more businesses are turning to webCRM’s online CRM system to increase sales, improve customer retention and grow their business.

Easy to use, secure and synchronized between desktop PCs and laptops, iPhone, BlackBerry and Android mobile phones, iPads, tablet PCs and other web-based portable devices, it’s the choice of businesses that want an always on and always accessible CRM system.

Recommend webCRM and get rewarded

Why not be part of our growth and get rewarded for recommending webCRM’s cloud-based system to new customers. A fast growth business with over 7,000 users, webCRM’s affiliate programme provides high financial rewards to its members.

Affiliate partners refer potential customers to webCRM and get paid for it. It’s that simple. Whether through a link from your website or through your own business consultancy, for every lead that commits to webCRM for 12 months you’ll be paid €135.00. And there’s no commitment. It’s free and there are no obligations.

As an affiliate partner you will have access to marketing materials, advice on how to secure leads and you’ll be working with a team of experienced sales and CRM specialists.

Get started today visit: www.webcrm.com/affiliate

But why not use that data to your commercial advantage by integrating it into a web-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system?

webCRM’s cloud-based CRM system fully integrates with Outlook allowing all or selected contacts, appointments, activities and e-mails to seamlessly integrate between the two systems. But why’s this so important?

Whether it’s a small, medium or large business, sharing information internally is critical to ensure good business development and overall commercial growth.

Sales and customer services teams need to work closely together and have access to relevant, accurate and up-to-date information to avoid missed sales leads, customer enquiries,  duplicate or even missed appointments.

That’s why online CRM databases such as webCRM are vital for business success.

More importantly, the integration of such data means field sales teams on the road can access and update their webCRM system through their mobile devices, such as Apple iPhones or iPads, BlackBerry or Android phones, knowing that it’s synchronised with their Outlook system.

This also ensures office-based colleagues and management can access live customer and sales information at the touch of a button.

Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners (NLP) wanted a CRM system capable of integrating with Microsoft Outlook, support increased marketing mailshots and improve customer interaction.

The planning consultancy, which has offices in London, Cardiff, Manchester and Newscastle, was using four shared contact lists in Outlook and monitoring weekly marketing activities on an Excel spreadsheet before it considered a CRM system.

Peter Claxton of NLP, said: “We are now having more interest from clients because we are aware of who we’re talking to and they’re being reminded of us. It certainly allows us to take track of what’s happening at any time.

“It’s adding value. We can see what meetings people have been to and what activities are taking place that we couldn’t see before. The ability to see new business activity and monitor progress is much better.”

If you’d like to know more about how webCRM can help your business use its sales and customer data better, talk to us. We’re happy to demonstrate the system through a free webinar with our UK team and you can then trial the system to see how it could benefit your business.

Visit www.webcrm.com or call 0800 152 2102.

CRM databases don’t need to be expensive or cumbersome and webCRM is a good example of an easy to use, reliable and secure web-based CRM system that can help transform business practices and processes.

“We talk to businesses all the time who are reliant on spreadsheets, such as Excel, in their day-to-day operations. Quite often this means teams are chasing leads from shared worksheets which results in duplicated sales calls or customer support teams working with outdated information,” said Stephen Todd of webCRM.

“By converting the data into a CRM system they are able to turn spreadsheet data and notes into valuable sales call lists and customer databases with relevant activity management, valuable sales and pipeline information, and for strategic marketing activities, such as e-mail campaigns direct from webCRM.”

Warwick-based Oxford Hardware turned to webCRM because it wanted to move from a paper and spreadsheet-based system to improve business opportunities.

“We were all working off paper and I was finding that it was all very well knowing who our customers were, but we weren’t aware of who wasn’t. So it was a waste of business development,” said Joanne Taylor of Oxford Hardware, which specialises in commercial catering and refrigeration hardware.

“We wanted something easy to use and manage. When I’m out and about I also need to be able to fire up the laptop and have information to hand and access all the relevant information about the customer. I can check that there’s anything that I should be aware of before I walk into the customer’s building.”

She added: “The system has made everything much more fluid. In our industry there isn’t an immediate sale. It could take three or four months, so being able to record and adjust the activities and opportunity timeline is a god-send.

“In the past it felt like there was a lot of water going through the colander, but now I feel we’re plugging that and catching much more as a result of the CRM system.”

Bringing spreadsheets into webCRM’s web-based CRM system couldn’t be easier and means:

• Immediate access to up-to-date customer information
• Sales teams can up-date information while on the road
• Live project and activity timelines are to hand
• Valuable management information
• Improved business development opportunities

Check out how spreadsheets can be converted into a hosted CRM system here and sign-up for a webinar and request a free trial.

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.

“That’s why we prefer to demonstrate webCRM through a webinar where they can see the system working and how it can provide the solutions they want. They can then ask questions and we can provide relevant answers.”

He added: “Businesses can then trial the system and come back to us with any additional questions before setting up the web-based CRM system. It’s a two-way process, as is our ongoing relationship with any client and why we have a 90 per cent retention rate.”

webCRM can be set up as a bespoke system, so it’s relevant to each and every business. No messing around with unnecessary fields or add-ons that a client doesn’t need.

It’s also a fully ‘mobile’ system – available on mobile phones such as the iPhone or Android devices, or even the iPad and portable PCs.

If you’re a business with a CRM system that isn’t working for you, or you’re looking to acquire a CRM system, visit our website at www.webcrm.com or call 0800 152 2102.

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.

If you’re already a client and are interested in the SMS system then call your account manager who can help you set it up. If you’d like to know more about webCRM’s web-based CRM system then call 0800 152 2102. Alternatively, visit our website where you can chat to us live at www.webcrm.com.

*SMS texts will be charged by your provider.

With more than half a million people employed in franchise businesses in the UK and the sector seeing its turnover and number of franchise businesses growing by 15 per cent in 2010, the industry is ripe for further growth with the right tools, according to Stephen Todd of webCRM, a web-based CRM provider.

A survey published by the British Franchise Association and NatWest states that franchise systems grew by 897 to 36,900 last year. Mr Todd said these businesses could develop even more growth by using CRM systems that help them track leads and retain existing clients.

“Franchise licence owners and franchises are often working together but can also be fragmented in their approach,” said Mr Todd.

“A good CRM system can bring the businesses closer together while maintaining the franchises individual business requirements. Tracking leads within each franchise, tapping into customer enquiries and enabling co-ordinated marketing communications can provide greater efficiencies and improved sales opportunities as a result. It’s a win for all involved.”

UK internet and web design franchise Spoton.net uses CRM to enhance sales leads and customer service.

“We were a new start-up and knew that we’d need a CRM system to help develop the business,” said Karl Lewins, Franchise Development Manager at Spoton.net. “We searched for the best CRM system we could find. But it had to be simple and easy to use as we’d be rolling it out to our franchises as well.”

“We looked at some very comprehensive CRM systems that said they did a lot, but they were just too complex for what we needed. The franchises really like it. You have to remember that many of them are sole traders or small businesses that don’t have huge amounts of time or experience and so the CRM system has to be intuitive but, more importantly, effective,” said Mr Lewins.

Spoton.net uses webCRM because it is web-based and accessible online from any location without the need for local software – making it a perfect solution when rolling out to individual franchises.

He said the webCRM system allowed the individual franchises to undertake their own marketing campaigns using centrally sourced and branded templates which ensured corporate identity was maintained throughout and up-to-date databases that ensured they weren’t chasing dead leads or non-existent clients.

“webCRM has everything our business needs from a CRM system but is much easier to use and adapt. It’s simple and being web-based means it’s always accessible,” added Mr Lewins.

More information about CRM systems and webCRM can be found at www.webcrm.com.

webCRM met all of its requirements and has helped the business and its 156 CRM users to integrate and consolidate business development processes.

The planning consultancy, which has offices in London, Cardiff, Manchester and Newscastle, was using four shared contact lists in Outlook and monitoring weekly marketing activities on an Excel spreadsheet before it considered a CRM system

“We identified a need to help with our new business development towards the beginning of the recession. We decided we needed better tools to see where our effort was on the marketing side and to improve our targeting,” said Peter Claxton, Technology Manager at NLP.

“We approached 14 different CRM companies with a brief and placed a strict budget for a solution. Only four were able to respond within budget from which we chose webCRM. We were very open to whether or not to go for hosted or not. We looked at several systems and many of these were either too expensive or did not provide us with what we wanted.

“webCRM provided us with a tool that could report easily and do electronic mailshots.”

Peter Claxton said an important factor was also the system being easy to use and flexible. “We kicked it off in Newcastle for a trial and that went very well. We increased our internal focus for new business development activities and by promoting WebCRM as the tool to record and report on this activity we had a lot of buy-in”

He added: “We are now having more interest from clients because we are aware of who we’re talking to and they’re being reminded of us. It certainly allows us to take track of what’s happening at any time. It’s adding value. We can see what meetings people have been to and what activities are taking place that we couldn’t see before. The ability to see new business activity and monitor progress is much better.”

Key benefits of webCRM to nlp:

• Flexible system and capable for use by consulting firm
• Easy to use and very powerful
• Integration with Outlook
• Improved and targeted mailshots and tracking
• Increased interaction with clients and potential customers
• Improved information on business development and marketing activity

Users are now free to access and update their work via their mobile phones – including Apple iPhone and Android devices – as well as tablet PCs and laptops.

Smaller screen sizes are no longer an issue as webCRM has been carefully rendered to fit and offer user access to all the main functions necessary for mobile users to manage their work.

Users can see all their previous notes, download documents, run reports and even send emails. As all this is live, the system is kept up to date provided users have a mobile signal.

“The company’s web-based CRM system is already used widely by clients via laptops, tablet PCs and on the iPad. Now they can access directly on their mobile phones,” explains James Bogue at webCRM UK

“More of our customers are accessing webCRM on mobile phones and so our team has been working on a compact version that brings the full functionality of the main menu to smaller device.”

He added: “A good CRM system is all about being up-to-date. Our customers can now ensure their system is live. Users are able to efficiently work using their preferred device.”

Check out the webCRM mobile features here.

Users will have the ability to undertake basic searches on potential and existing clients, including risk scores, credit limits, directors shareholdings, accounts, mortgage and charges and County Court Judgements at additional cost. webCRM is using UK Data as the supplier.

“Searches on potential or existing business customers assist companies when making commercial decisions,” said Stephen Todd, director at webCRM.

“The integration of the UK Data database means users can access this information directly from the webCRM system, making the transition between data systems easier. It also enhances the user experience – cutting time between window and screen transitions.”

webCRM users will be able to click on a search option within webCRM before being taken to the UK Data website where their results will be posted. The user can record the information into the CRM system where necessary.

The company has partnered with UK Data for its UK customers but is offering the same module to clients throughout the rest of the world. UK Data will charge for premium company search facilities.

webCRM, which has 6,000 users in over 1,300 companies in 20 different countries, was recently awarded 9/10 in a user review carried out by GetApps.com and has been shortlisted for the coveted CRM Idol 2011 Awards.

Call webCRM on 0800 1522102 or visit www.webcrm.com for more details.

Safer Sleep Ltd enables greater safety by cross checking drugs being administered and fast, accurate generation of anaesthetic patient records. This allows more time for medical staff to concentrate on the patient.

Mike Harrison, UK Business Development Manager at Safer Sleep, said the adaptability and simplicity of webCRM was crucial. “We are working in multiple countries, so the ability to work in multiple currencies and then bring that information together is an advantage,” he said.

But critically, it is the simplicity of webCRM. “The most critical factor is that it’s simple to use and a number of people can add to the same record in a controlled manner.”

Safer Sleep has been using webCRM for over a year and is still adapting the system to mirror the changing needs of the business. “It’s adaptable and reliable and that’s what we need for a growing business within a competitive sector such as healthcare.”

The ability to track opportunities was also crucial, according to Mr Harrison: “I manage the team by looking at the activities and status of each prospect. With long sales cycles and a large number of potential customers it is critical to follow the sales stage at each potential client. I get the overview and the sales people have the detail.”

Critically it’s helping Safer Sleep stay ahead of its competitors. “Knowing where we are with our customers helps to keep the competitors out. And that’s where it’s good at keeping us on the case and not letting anyone slip through,” added Mr Harrison.

Key benefits of webCRM for Safer Sleep Ltd:

• Hosted system that is fast and secure
• Adaptive to the needs of the business
• Simple to use and intuitive
• Accessible globally in different markets
• Keeps businesses ahead of their competitors

CRM Idol is a global competition open to CRM system providers. We are just one of 20 companies in Europe to  reach the final.  There are 32 entrants in the US element of the competition.

This exciting news follows webCRM being placed in the Top 40 CRM systems in a recent global list. And that’s on top of us being given 9/10 in a recent GetApp.com CRM review.

We’d like to thank the clients who provided references to the organisers of CRM Idol 2011 for their time. The next stage in the contest is an interview with a prestigious judging panel and we’ll be undertaking this on the 9th September.

Facing a continued battle against fuel and transportation costs, James Bogue of webCRM Ltd said logistics and transportation businesses could ramp-up efficiencies by using web-based CRM systems to allow improved interaction with existing and new customers.

“Understanding what a new or existing customer wants can be the difference between profit and loss for a logistics firm,” said Mr Bogue. “A firm might be transporting goods to one city for a client when another has mentioned a similar destination to a different member of the sales team who has failed to record it.

“As a result, a potential sale has been lost or the margins of the job have been poor as it was only 75 per cent full. This impacts not only on the profitability of the job, but the overall business.” He added that enquiries logged from potential clients could have the same effect if data was recorded and shared via CRM.
CRM systems, such as those provided by webCRM Ltd, mean customer information, enquiries and other data is logged and accessible to the whole sales or customer services team. This ensures greater co-ordination and improved job planning.

Seafield Logistics has started using webCRM to integrate management and customer information in order to create improved communications between the teams and to identify new sales opportunities. “We have 18 sites throughout the UK which all have their own customers and they all operate autonomously with their own sales information,” said Natalie Holt of Seafield Logistics.

“We needed to keep up-to-date at head office with relevant and real time information. A CRM system was imperative as it allows us to be much more clever in analyzing customer and new sales opportunities which then benefits our clients and our overall business. Because of the distance between the sites, the webCRM system was ideal as it was web-based and we didn’t need to introduce our own networked system.”

The central team at head office now has access to live information for decision-making and to communicate with its UK teams and customers. “Site managers as well as the central team are already benefiting from the ability to track each stage of a sales lead both with existing and new customers, all the information is now to hand,” added Natalie.

Mr Bogue of webCRM Ltd said the logistics and transportation industry needed to consider the importance of introducing a good CRM system when it was considering other costs, such as fuel and fleet management.

Photograph: Dan.

With an existing CRM system structured predominantly around learners, the college’s Business Services team needed a CRM system capable of supporting their drive for new business, securing repeat contracts, and to compete with other training providers.

“Our focus is very much on providing businesses with first-class training services and we found we needed a CRM system that would support us in both developing new relationships and managing existing ones effectively.” said Geoff Roy, Business Development Consultant.

“The training sector is highly competitive and we needed to ensure we could target and retain business and having an effective CRM system was vital. The fact that it tracks sales gives us a good idea of potential new business at any given time.”

The webCRM system has allowed the college’s Business Services team to:

• Target and track new business enquiries
• Share and update client requests more effectively
• Launch effective and targeted marketing campaigns
• Access information remotely by PC, Mac or portable device
• Manage the sales pipeline to ensure sales targets are met

Mr Roy said webCRM was the perfect solution. “It’s so intuitive. The interface is very logical. It just felt very user-friendly. Additionally, there’s no local software and you can pretty much access it from anywhere, even mobile phones.”

He added the support from webCRM had also been critical. “We had a need for intensive training from the start and the support provided was very good, including the webinars.

“We had a query the other day about future functionality and development opportunities. An online seminar was arranged and we had it all sorted immediately.”

Visit Farnborough College of Technology’s website for more information about its services.

GetApp.com provides insight and opinion on web apps, cloud computing, SaaS and business software.

Reviewer Michelle Nachum was impressed with the ability of webCRM to empower businesses to manage contacts and track sales leads, as well as its integration with Microsoft Outlook.

“Like many CRM programs, webCRM allows small businesses to streamline and organize their customers and clients. But the solution is not just a fancy database for customer contact information – the product will allow a team to forecast and predict successful sales orders; create budgets;  collaborate on documents; maintain a group calendar; conduct marketing campaigns and create lead generation opportunities,” she states in her review of the product which can be found here.

In her round-up she stated: “Given the scalability and relative ease of use of webCRM, most small businesses will find the solution beneficial. webCRM’s ability to integrate with company websites, Outlook and Excel  makes this solution all the more advantageous for small businesses looking centralize their information into one online dashboard. Ultimately, webCRM is an excellent CRM solution that includes all a small business would need to effectively streamline their sales and marketing practices.

You can read the full review here.

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.

“This means sales and customer support teams don’t have to rely on accessing details from static locations, instead they can instantly update or identify information from virtually anywhere and at anytime.”

webCRM has more than 6,000 users in over 1300 companies in 20 different countries.

Photo courtesy of Dan.

A specialist in storing and distributing goods as quickly and efficiently as possible throughout the UK and Europe, ensuring the business has access to key data and customer information from each site is critical to its success within one of the most competitive industries in the UK. A fast, secure and reliable CRM system was paramount.

The company turned to web-based webCRM for its CRM system and is already benefiting from its decision.

“We have 18 sites throughout the UK which all have their own customers and they all operate autonomously with their own sales information,” said Natalie Holt of Seafield Logistics based in Worksop, Nottinghamshire.

“We needed to keep up-to-date at head office with relevant and real time information. Because of the distance between the sites, the webCRM system was ideal as it was web-based and we didn’t need to introduce our own system.”

The central team at head office now has access to live information for decision-making and to communicate with its UK teams and customers.

Site managers as well as the central team are already benefitting from the ability to track each stage of a sales lead both with existing and new customers, all the information is now to hand.

“The staff have taken to the system because of its intuitive nature,” said Natalie. “Being able to administer the site means we can also change things so that it suits us as a business. It will make major improvements to the business,” added Natalie.

Key benefits to Seafield Logistics from webCRM:

• Integration of information from multiple sites
• Live customer data and information
• Improvement in management information leading to informed decisions
• Adaptable system to the requirements of Seafield Logistics
• Fast and secure system
• User friendly

The Warwick-based company, which has customers throughout the UK and Ireland, chose webCRM because of its adaptability and the fact that its cloud hosting means it can be accessed by the sales team from virtually anywhere.

Sales and Marketing spokesperson, Joanne Taylor, said the business had needed to move from a paper-based system to improve business opportunities.

“We were all working off paper and I was finding that it was all very well knowing who our customers were but we weren’t aware of who wasn’t. So it was a waste of business development,” she said.

“Initially we were looking for a CRM system of any sort. We wanted something that was easy to use and manage. When I’m out and about I also need to be able to fire up the laptop and have information to hand and access all the relevant information about the customer. I can check that there’s anything that I should be aware of before I walk into the customer’s building.”

She added: “The system has made everything much more fluid. In our industry there isn’t an immediate sale. It could take three or four months, so being able to record and adjust the activities and opportunity timeline is a god-send.

“In the past it felt like there was a lot of water going through the colander, but now I feel we’re plugging that and catching much more as a result of the CRM system.”

Key benefits for Oxford Hardware from webCRM:

• Immediate access to up-to-date customer information
• Sales team can up-date files while on the road
• Project and activity timelines
• Management has access to information
• Improved business development opportunities

Wouldn’t it be great if that information was automatically captured on your CRM system without the need to manually transfer or input the information from the form or the automated e-mail it produces?

Well, with webCRM you can now capture the information straight into your CRM system, ensuring an immediate response to the lead from your sales or customer services team.

The web forms support standard fields, for example ‘Name’ and ‘E-mail’, plus your preferred custom fields, such as ‘Products of Interest’ and ‘Timescales’. Use this to seamlessly create follow-up activities with all the enquiry details.

This ensures the business stays on top of leads and responds to potential sales enquiries immediately, while increasing efficiencies in the whole process.

webCRM is working with TeleAccount to provide an easy route to implementation linking website contact forms and the web-based webCRM system.

The package comes with new and individually designed contact forms for your website, including set up of required capture fields for integration in webCRM, and  setting up the integration. The package also includes a consultation with TeleAccount during the process.

For more information about the system and one-off cost, contact webCRM on 0800 1522102 or visit www.webcrm.com.

Lightwater Environmental Ltd provides businesses with free energy management surveys and recommends financially viable solutions to help businesses make informed decisions to reduce their carbon footprint while saving large amounts of money in the process.

With a growing client base and range of environmental management services on offer, Lightwater realised that it needed a single system for capturing, recording and distributing customer information, data and sales leads around its team. Lightwater are also known for providing a very high level of customer service to their clients and so the simple answer was a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system and it turned to web-based webCRM for the answer.

Sales Director Mike Tomlinson said:  “webCRM was introduced to Lightwater through our new Sales Manager, Terry Mullins. Terry had used the system previously and was in no doubt of its strengths. It not only helps to keep our sales team organised but also gives me a clear overview on performance, and I would have no hesitation in recommending the system to anybody looking for speedy growth in their organisation.”

“When I first worked with Lightwater six months ago they didn’t have a CRM system in place,” said Cindy Zarebski, Office Manager at Lightwater. “I came back after six months and webCRM had been installed, it was fantastic! Some of my colleagues who have never used a CRM system before could see the benefits of it instantly. It is a really powerful piece of kit which produces results, and they can see that.”

Keeping track of business leads, information already provided to clients and managing the business’ sales and consultancy teams was an area that needed to be addressed. Once the CRM system had been introduced, the team at Lightwater saw an instant improvement.

One of the key reasons for choosing webCRM was its cost and its simple and yet comprehensive usability. Cindy added: “webCRM is a more cost-effective alternative to purchasing a CRM system on your own system, I didn’t even realise that web-based CRM systems existed! It is also useful for when the team are working from home or on the road, as it is a web based system it can be accessed very easily from anywhere.”

‘be more effective’ designs and delivers customer and business solutions that help companies to achieve results by improving processes, enhancing employee involvement and developing skills within businesses.

As with many businesses, ‘be more effective’ had relied on its own database and Excel-based documents in the past, but needed to procure a dedicated CRM system that could help deliver even greater results.

Managing Director, Bob Hayward, who is one of the UK’s top internal communication and employee engagement consultants, realised that for his team to develop the business further they needed a single ‘live’ system that they could all work with. And after careful consideration he decided webCRM was the answer.

“As a business we have a large number of clients and hundreds of delegates attending our training programmes or corporate events which produce a lot of data. I have part of the team in France and Sweden as well as some working remotely in the UK and it was difficult to manage all the data and opportunities using the spread-sheet based system we had in place,” said Bob, whose business has its headquarters in Swindon, UK.

He looked at several desktop software-based systems but realised that a cloud or hosted CRM system was the most cost-effective based on the location of his employees partly because it didn’t rely on the introduction of a dedicated server.

“I looked at the pricing of three companies and I trialled them all. I didn’t need or want my own server for the CRM system to go on, especially with the cost associated with it, so a cloud CRM system was the answer. Out of them all, webCRM was just so simple to use while providing all the functionality and reporting we needed,” added Bob.

“We can now be much more targeted in our approach, sending bespoke weekly e-mails or direct mail to targeted groups of contacts as well as knowing what each of the team is doing to ensure the business is effective. Multiple people working on one account is now longer a problem – each have real-time accurate information.”

Bob said the ongoing dialogue with webCRM’s UK team and its approach to working closely with its customers was an important factor that led ‘be more effective’ to choosing webCRM.

“We went through a business change at one point which needed webCRM to look at the system again and work with the new team. They have been responsive and professional at all times. They have worked with us to make sure the system is right and have held our hands throughout.”

He added: “I and the team now have one source of the truth and that is worth more to me then the acquisition of any number of clients – because it provides the clarity, the focus and the calibration required for sustainable growth”

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.

With small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) making up around 47 per cent of IT spending last year, the survey demonstrates the importance of the market.

“The one thing that we find critical to an existing or a potential client is the ability for them to talk to the same person throughout the procurement, implementation and actual day-to-day running of the CRM system,” said Stephen Todd, Director at webCRM.

“It’s not about selling a system and then passing the client on to another part of the business. We understand that once a business relationship is forged, the client wants to continue this through the whole process and into the actual day-to-day support. That’s where webCRM is different to most other CRM providers.”

webCRM’s UK team ensures it is available to clients when they need them.

You can talk to webCRM about your cloud CRM requirements and they’ll provide an honest answer as to how the system can work for your business. Visit www.webcrm.com or call 0800 1522102.

When it comes to being able to access and input customer data live you need a CRM system that has the capability to work with a range of mobile and portable devices, including iPads and Tablet PCs.

Up until now, field and sales teams have had to rely on bespoke systems that allow them access to their company’s database or CRM system – often at extortionate costs and with a host of IT requirements. The alternative has been updating system in the evening or the next day – sometimes even days later.

webCRM is a web-based CRM system that is readily available on mobile phones, tablet PCs and iPads without the need for software or specialist IT requirements and runs extremely fast through the devices web browser.

One company that has recognised the benefits of webCRM while on the road is ExcelLaw, a UK vehicle accident management specialist. With a team of field sales reps working on the road throughout the UK, the ability to access the company’s CRM system live is critical.

But it’s also just as important to be able to up-date information on the go, rather than at the office later, so that colleagues and other departments can action requests and managers can monitor performance and logistics as they happen.

James Allen of ExcelLaw explained: “We have a team constantly on the road dealing with clients. It’s imperative that we get the clients back on the road as fast as possible and begin the process of investigating the claim and managing the claims on their behalf.

“Being able to keep the team up-to-date with customer information and allowing them to update the system as they go is imperative in terms of time from all sides and ensures we are as cost-effective as possible.”

He added: “We use iPads as they are easy and intuitive to use and agents can easily access information literally at the touch of the screen. We can then see this information live and action requests as well as keeping the customer up-to-date at all times.”

James Bogue of webCRM said: “ExcelLaw is just one example of how our web-based system allows field and sales teams to have instant access to their CRM system wherever they are – whether it’s via a wifi or cellular network. It’s instant and they see exactly the same CRM system on their portable device as they would in the office, so there’s no additional training needed and they feel comfortable with the system.

“We see this market growing over the next two years as more and more business realise that they can use CRM on the go and don’t need expensive or complex CRM systems as webCRM does it all.”

• Key benefits of webCRM on portable devices:
• Keep active notes and actions from meetings
• Access ‘live’ customer information
• Sales pipeline is always up-to-date
• Plan meetings on the road
• Managers have access to field and sales team information and productivity

For more information about webCRM, visit www.webcrm.com.

For details about Excel Law, visit www.excellaw.co.uk.

Business-Software.com, the leading software evaluation website for IT and business professionals, has listed webCRM in its annual report of the top 40 CRM providers.

Stephen Todd of webCRM said: “We’re very pleased to be listed as one of the top 40 CRM providers in the world in this list. It demonstrates how webCRM is now one of the major players within the CRM industry and we’re proud of our ability to provide an affordable and scalable web-based CRM system to small, medium and large businesses and organisations.”

The Business-Software.com list is produced annually and highlights key CRM vendors throughout the world. James Bogue of webCRM added: “We have a web-based CRM system that people like. In addition to that, clients like the fact that we are there for them right from the start. From day one we work with them to ensure they’re getting the most out of the CRM system and then we’re always there to talk and share information or look to enhance their usability. It’s about helping them to grow their business out of the webCRM system.”

For more information about webCRM, visit www.webcrm.com.

The Wrexham-based company provides specialist home and remote training and education for businesses and individuals seeking a range of accountancy qualifications to enhance their careers or as part of staff development programmes and training. The business had previously relied on its sales team dealing with enquiries through conventional office databases, but realised that it needed to modernise and implement a professional CRM system in order to grow the business.

Sonya Ashbury of Eagle Education and Training explained: “Because the business was growing it was getting more difficult to keep track of leads and we wanted to have a professional system in place. We found out about webCRM through networking with other people who told us about it. I was finding it more and more difficult to find a system that wasn’t over complicated. The webCRM website was easy to find and the system itself was very simple to understand.”

After talking to webCRM about their requirements, Eagle Education and Training procured the web-based system as it didn’t need to worry about buying or implementing additional IT equipment or software on its own in-house system. Today, the business is much more confident about the way its deals with enquiries and converts them into sales.

“The staff found it very easy to use and it builds confidence for us in what we’re doing at the enquiry stage in particular,” said Sonya. “There are so many different people dealing with enquiries that what made us nervous before we had the CRM system was that staff weren’t sure what a colleague had done previously with an enquiry that had come in. Now we have a history of the interaction we’re much more confident. Staff are more willing to follow-up enquiries because they had some black and white history and information of what had been discussed with a lead previously. It has certainly increased sales and the quality of the service we provide at the enquiry stage.”

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.”

He added: “When you’re thinking about procuring or implementing a CRM system you should also identify two or three benefits that you want to get out of the system. For example, these could be:

• Full visibility of all sales opportunities so that you can manage cash flow and resources more effectively and identify your best and worst sales people;
• Comprehensive contact information that allows more focused marketing campaigns to customers and prospects resulting in better communication and leads;
• Maintaining high customer services levels by allowing all activities to be tracked and monitored.

James added: “And finally, make sure any CRM system you select is easy and fast to use, as well as being relevant to the user. After all, if it’s too complicated it will be ineffective as no one will want to use the system as it should be. Far too often some CRM systems just end up becoming a contact database rather than a business tool.

“Here at webCRM we don’t want to just sell a business a CRM system for the sake of it. That’s of no use to us or them. So we talk about what your requirements are first of all and then identify key areas of webCRM’s web-based system to see if it fits the requirements.

“We then work with the business in implementing the system (although as it’s such an easy to use system this doesn’t take too long) and work with them from that point on with advice and support.”

Why not talk to webCRM about your requirements? www.webcrm.com. We also provide free webinars for you to attend and understand more about CRM systems. Contact us for more information.

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.”

He added: “And it’s not only questions we answer. As with the development of any system there is never really a point where you can say it’s finished. And as well as our own development work, we listen to our customers to identify new ways of doing things where they might improve the system or add value. We see ourselves as part of our clients business. After all, if a client is growing through the good use of a CRM system then we’re happy as we want to grow with them.”

If you have any questions about web-based or hosted CRM systems, why not give webCRM a call or drop us an e-mail. We can also chat to customers and potential clients through our live chat facility.

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.

So a Customer Relationship Management – CRM – system is imperative. In short it allows you to:

• share customer information easily within your organisation
• manages sales activities
• communicate with your customers more effectively and personally
• serve your customers professionally

But where does the cloud, hosted or web-based CRM come into it? Well, if you have a CRM system on your own server it can be much more expensive and cumbersome in terms of ensuring you have an IT team managing it, let alone the storage you’ll need for the data and all of the associated IT infrastructure. A hosted or web-based CRM system is just that – it’s hosted on your behalf off-site allowing your teams to get on with their jobs and use the system to ensure you win and retain business. We deal with everything else so you don’t have to.

Another advantage of a hosted system, such as webCRM, is that while it’s 100 per cent secure, you and your teams can access the system from anywhere. And we mean anywhere. Because it’s web-based you can be at any computer, tablet PC, iPad or Mac and manage the data. So a sales rep on the road can be up-to-date with client information, or enter new data when they’ve converted that lead into a sale. So why wait until they get back to the office when they can simply log on remotely?

Here at webCRM we don’t just provide you with a CRM system. We see it as a long-term relationship between businesses. Once we’ve discussed your requirements we can help set the system up so that it does just what you want. In fact webCRM is one of the most intuitive CRM systems on the market. It’s simple to use and well-liked by the sales and customer services teams that use it (read some of our clients’ endorsements on the blog).

So we hope that helps when you’re looking around for a CRM system for your business and you’re a bit fed up with the technical speak. If you want to know more, we’re happy to talk about CRM and to see how it can work for your business. And you never know, you might be using webCRM to grow your business before you know it.

Indeed, more and more field sales teams are turning to iPads and tablet PCs because of their mobile functionality. Being able to access your CRM system on them is critically important. webCRM fully understands this and that’s why our system can be used on iPads and tablet PCs.

Because webCRM is web-based, our CRM system can be accessed via the browser of any device which makes its ideal for field sales teams or businesses on the road that need access to their CRM database. Unlike many software CRM systems, webCRM is ideal for such devices and we already have a number of clients enjoying the flexibility of using their devices with our system.

The new iPad2 will be no exception. So if you’re upgrading from the original iPad or just thinking about getting one and trying to justify it for business use, then webCRM is a great way to get the most out of it.

We’ll be telling you more soon about some of our existing clients who are enjoying the freedom of webCRM and iPads and tablet PCs very soon.

“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.

So if you have any questions about webCRM or CRM generally, visit our website and you’ll be put in touch with a real person who can talk about webCRM and CRM in plain English. And don’t forget – we’re still available by e-mail or telephone if you want. After all, it’s good to talk.

Please note – Live Chat is live for most of the day unless we are experiencing heavy demand. If this is the case, simply submit your questions along with your e-mail address. We will reply back within the hour. Alternatively, call our telephone number to speak to one of our team.

All they want is something simple but adaptable to their specific business needs. A Customer Relationship Management system should be just that  – a CRM system and nothing more or less. We pride ourselves on our webCRM web-based CRM system as you would expect us to. It’s simple and intuitive, allowing users to get their job done in as little time as possible but with maximum benefit to the business.

But it’s also adaptable – in the simplest of ways. You don’t need a software degree to change fields or bring new functions into play. More importantly, we at webCRM pride ourselves on being available to help you through any process. And that’s not just when we’ve sold you the system. It’s a relationship that we’re committed to for the long-term.

But if you’re thinking about introducing a CRM system into your business and you want honest, open advice, then talk to us. We’ll tell you whether we think you need one in the first place or even if webCRM is appropriate. Isn’t that refreshing to hear?

Why not try us out. It’s free. We host regular webinars where we demonstrate the versatility and adaptability of the webCRM system and, above all, how simple it is to use. Just think. Do you want to be spending time and money training your sales or customer relations team up on a new system when they should be getting on with their job? We think we know the answer and we’re sure that webCRM IS the answer.

If you’d like to join one of our webinars why not go to our contacts page and drop us a line or give us a call and we’ll do the rest. You can even sign-up for a free, no obligation trial before that.

With franchises spread around the UK and Ireland, Spoton.net needed a system that its own in-house team could use to develop sales leads and marketing campaigns, but one that its franchises could also use to grow their own businesses as well. So they turned to webCRM Ltd for a solution after scouring the CRM industry.

“We were a new start-up and knew that we’d need a CRM system to help develop the business,” said Karl Lewins, Franchise Development Manager at Spoton.net. “We searched for the best CRM system we could find. But it had to be simple and easy to use as we’d be rolling it out to our franchises as well.”

“webCRM was a perfect solution,” according to Mr Lewins, because its was “intuitive” and they could develop the system to how they wanted it easily. More importantly, it was web-based, allowing greater freedom and adaptability.”

He added: “It was two-fold really. We needed a CRM system for our business and we needed something for the franchises to use with their clients but also something we could manage centrally. And so it had to be adaptable and easy to use so that we weren’t spending too much time on training.

“We looked at some very comprehensive CRM systems that said they did a lot, but they were just too complex for what we needed. webCRM has everything our business needs from a CRM system but is much easier to use and adapt. It’s simple and being web-based means it’s always accessible.”

He said webCRM system allowed the franchises to undertake their own marketing campaigns using centrally sourced and branded templates which ensured corporate identity was maintained throughout and up-to-date databases that ensured they weren’t chasing dead leads or non-existent clients.

“The franchises really like it. You have to remember that many of them are sole traders or small businesses that don’t have huge amounts of time or experience and so the CRM system has to be intuitive but, more importantly, effective,” said Mr Lewins.

James Bogue of webCRM said Spoton.net was a good example of a growing business understanding the requirements of a CRM system. “Some businesses fail to understand what a CRM system is there to do. It’s not just an administrative tool or database. It’s about using it effectively to develop leads and sales and ensuring continued customer relationships.

“The more a CRM system is used collectively by the sales, marketing and customer services parts of a business, the more the business benefits from closer working relationship and flow of data and information that is vital to the whole business process – from initial lead and sale through to continued customer retention.”

webCRM is becoming one of the fastest growing web-based CRM systems on the market. Last year it doubled it’s user base and is continuously developing the package.

One of its unique selling points is the continued access to its sales and support team from the word go. Clients maintain contact with their initial webCRM team member throughout, ensuring continued understanding of the client’s needs and requirements.

For more information about webCRM or to experience the system, visit www.webcrm.com or call 0800 152 2102.

As businesses look for new and innovative ways to pull themselves out of the economic downturn, the focus will be on how they can be more efficient while still capturing new sales opportunities and retaining the clients they have

“The economic downturn of the past three years has hit businesses significantly. But as we hope the economy is on an up-turn, the eyes of business managers is on how they can create opportunities to secure new deals and rise above their competitors,” said Mr Todd of of webCRM.

“Critical to all this is the ability to bring your sales, marketing and customer service processes – whether you’re a small, medium or large business – together to ensure all efforts are co-ordinated and streamlined and the best way to do this is through an effective CRM system.

“Without a CRM system your sales teams could be chasing dead leads while your customer services teams are struggling to satisfy existing clients. Co-ordination between the teams is critical to drive effort and direct resources to where they are needed,” he added.

Mr Todd said 2011 would see more businesses understanding the importance of CRM systems to pull them out of the recession and web-based CRM in particular.

“In the UK we’ve seen businesses going under as they struggle to compete. It’s not just because of the economic situation, although that is a major factor, but lack of focus and failure to co-ordinate critical teams often plays a part.

“We anticipate more and more businesses will turn to and invest in CRM systems to tackle this and grow. Our web-based CRM system is already proving popular with businesses for its ease of use and the ability to make it bespoke for each client, unlike some more cumbersome systems.”

Last year webCRM saw its customer base more than double in the UK and throughout Europe. It is seeing increased enquiries from businesses that have either found their existing CRM systems too complicated or have yet to implement such a system in their business.

“Our clients are all saying the same thing: Integration of teams and processes through a single system ensures everyone is driving the business in the same direction and supporting its growth and future security,” said Mr Todd. “A simple and intuitive web-based CRM system is the answer.”

We launched more new functionality to the CRM system than ever before, with more than 30 minor and more significant enhancements,  including an API (enabling webCRM to talk to almost any ERP system) and an integration to Google Maps, enabling a quick overview of where your customers and leads are physically located. And the upgrades haven’t made the system any more complicated -  we still maintain our uniqueness as the most easy CRM system to set up and get started with.

2010 also marked a doubling of the webCRM customer base. More than 3000 new users have started using webCRM during 2010, and we have seen a significant increase in the no. of users for each customer.

We are also very pleased to note that the new functionalities of the system have resulted in many larger companies turning to webCRM. To support our continued growth we have opened new offices in Sweden and Holland during 2010. In 2011 will we start marketing in Poland and Germany as well. Overall, we expect close to a doubling of our customer base also in 2011.

Therefore we wish all new and existing customers and very happy New Year. We hope that the webCRM system will continue to support our customers profitable growth to our mutual benefit.

We collaborate with companies providing systems that allow for data exchange via connection to webCRM and we call this connection the “webCRM API”, which is a free add-on module available for developers integrating systems with webCRM. It is our goal to ensure that our customers have the best possibilities for managing their companies across various IT systems.

What is an integration partner?

An integration partner with webCRM is typically a company that offers solutions that complement CRM systes. Solutions such as:

- ERP software
- Email marketing software
- Business Intelligence software
- e-commerce cms systems
- Helpdesk solutions
- Telephone marketing systems

They have created integration to webCRM or are planning to do so.

Why become a partner?

The main reason is to generate leads.
By becoming an integration partner your product will be exposed and recommended to our customers. We will promote your product on our website and other marketing activities thus potentially generating business to you. Furthermore you may use our brand in your marketing activities, website etc.

Contact us here for further information

Note:
Before using this new feture for the first time, go to the configuration menu / custom
fields / Users / and click “Save”. Then log out and in again. This will refresh the data fielddefinitions.

Enabling relations makes it possible to select the relation data fields from “Display data”, “Sort
output” and “Data filter”. Note the destingtion between right hand side and left hand side of
the relation. A filter criteria for a specific Organisation/Person can be selected by clicking the
magnifying class icon.

Fusion Group is one company that has understood the importance of CRM systems and has been impressed with the webCRM system.

“We’ve now been a client of webCRM for nearly two years and both myself and my whole team are really appreciative of the way that you handle our queries no matter how simple or complex in such a helpful and straight forward way.  We would have no hesitation in recommending the webCRM software team to any forwarding thinking and fast growing company,” said Alex McKie, Managing Director of Fusion Group – www.fusiongroupuk.co.uk.

With the new Integration API you can share data across multiple platforms to and from webCRM.
Integrate to your ERP system, Mail systems, Web Shop, favorite e-mail marketing platform and much more. You can exchange data about customers, details, correspondence, activities, historical data, orders, interests etc.

Save time and obtain better data quality

Traditionally, you would have to update information in different places, which is time consuming and annoying. Apart from that the API ensures:

- Lower risk of errors
- Consistent communication across all systems
- Less administration
- Ability to create automated flows and optimize work processes across platforms
- Better overview of your operations

Would you like to become an integration partner?

Many of our customers need to connect various tools in their daily operations of the company. Therefore, we collaborate with companies providing systems that allow for data exchange via connection to webCRM. We have named this connection the “webCRM API”, which is a free add-on module available for developers integrating systems with webCRM. It is our goal to ensure that our customers have the best possibilities for managing their companies across various IT systems.

What is an integration partner?

An integration partner with webCRM is typically a company that offers solutions that complement CRM. Solutions such as:

- ERP software
- Email marketing software
- Business Intelligence software
- e-commerce cms systems
- Helpdesk solutions
- Telephone marketing systems

They have created integration to webCRM or are planning to do so.

Why become a partner?

The main reason is to generate leads.
By becoming an integration partner your product will be exposed and recommended to our customers. We will promote your product on our website and other marketing activities thus potentially generating business to you. Furthermore you may use our brand in your marketing activities, website etc.

Contact us here for further information

Related Pressrelease

It’s all very well advertising and promoting your brand or product to potential customers. But you can’t beat existing customer testimonials or word-of-mouth to demonstrate your product and services worth. Take a look at what Sharon Maslyn from Radio Relay Ltd had to say about webCRM and our web-based CRM system:

I wanted to take the time to say thank you to you and your company. On Friday you spent an hour demonstrating your product to us.

After more than 2 weeks of research , trialling many different products and screaming at a lot of them due to complexity, inability to edit required fields to name just a few, it became apparent during your demo that your system appeared to offer just what we required – a comprehensive system that gives us the ability to upload csv files to import our data, multiple site location, multiple contacts, ability to link accounts, ability to link to Outlook, forecasting and budgeting.

So it all looked good so we placed our order and very quickly had log in to start ourselves going. I cannot being to explain how simple we have found your system to use.

It is so intuitive even my sales team are in love with it – and sales hate any CRM system where they have to do anything!!

Without any further help from yourselves, we have been able to edit all required fields , complete Outlook integration and import all our data. All in a record breaking time!

I can honestly say that I have rarely come across a product that I am so satisfied with, so please pass on my thanks to your teams for a brilliant product that surpasses all expectations! If you then take into consideration that I have used in my previous roles at Verizon and Pitney Bowes some of the ‘ leading CRM packages’  as well as having used and then ditched due to over complexity Sales force at RelayStation you will understand how thrilled I am with your product.

May I take this opportunity to wish you and your company the very best of luck with this product. You certainly deserve success with this flashy, robust, intuitive but still cost effective CRM package.

So don’t just take our word for how comprehensive and yet simple our web-based CRM system is. See what our satisfied customers have to say.

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.

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.

To handle this you need to create an Integration type custom field under Organisation or Person 1 (if you have a B2C type system). Access this from Configuration/Custom fields and select Organisation or Person 1 (if you have a B2C type system). Scroll to the bottom of the available fields and you’ll find a further 8 fields you can use to integrate your system. Create a field with the rule “Optional” and define as necessary. This field will now be available when you import data from your supplier.

Test this by uploading a sample import file and looking under the Create mode tab in the import function. You will see that your new field is offered as an optional way of identifying update and new records. This field will use the unique number to update existing data and create new records without duplication.

Definitely made the right choice. What I love is the speed. Even with our slower internet connection it does not feel like a web application. Feels like I’m working from my desktop!

Sales Trainer Terry Mullins explains – “We provide motivational sales management training courses which help our customers sell more profitably. Our course delegates finish their courses with the right tools to sell more, but we realised that many do not have the tools to help organise their time. We evaluated a number of CRM systems and chose webCRM because it’s easy to implement and use.

Every course we run now includes a section on webCRM as a business tool. We are delighted with the feedback we receive.”

Jane Hunt, Licensee for The Academy for Chief Executives

Stuart Galloway Cert Ed MIfL
Senior Associate
WSG Associates

Jude Wynne
Advocacy Manager

It’s getting harder and you feel you’re losing control.

At webCRM we hear this every day. You are not alone. Frustrated business owners and sales staff want to create time to get things done and regain control.

With webCRM the answer may not be far away.

webCRM focuses on helping you manage your Activities and handle them quickly. You’ll very soon find that your webCRM becomes an interactive tool which keeps you in touch with your customers and prospects without lots of form filling.

Here’s a comment from one of our new customers.

The system is so easy to use, I’m actually enjoying using it!

Definitely made the right choice.  What I love is the speed. Even with our slower internet connection it does not feel like a web application. Feels like I’m working from my desktop!

To see for yourself, why not reserve a place on one of our regular free webinars.

Designed to help first time users configure their system quickly, this is the first release with further enhancements planned.

“First impressions count for a lot” comments Erik Maltby Technical Director webCRM. “Potential customers testing a trial system and new customers want to be up and running with a system as quickly as possible. As importantly, it needs to match their needs”

Users can now also access online videos which cover topics including basic configuration, telemarketing, creating budgets and emails.

For more information see our How to videos

For a trial system – Click Here

Having sold my business I’m in start up mode again and knew that I wanted an easy to use, intuitive system. webCRM fulfils that role perfectly.

Ashley Blakemore
MD Footpower Ltd

All too often CRM systems are chosen for the reports they provide and their pretty dashboards. Users are forgotten or poorly consulted. User adoption suffers and the investment in the system fields poor results.

This can be easily prevented. Look hard at how a user will manage their Activities. If there is a lot of updating to be done in different screens this is going to prove time consuming and users will forget. The user will not see the system as a tool. More as a form filling exercise for managers. You know where that’s going to get you.

What to aim for

Make it easy for users to do their work and you’ll be well on your way.

If users are happy with the system and it saves them time whilst giving them the information they want, user adoption will be high. As a result the sales and support resources of a business become more efficient and customer gains and retentions improve. Achieve this and it’s easy to see how, with the much lower costs involved in hosted solutions, the business gains significantly.

Equally, ignore this basic principle, and the opposite effect can be just as dramatic. Implement a needlessly complicated system which is cumbersome and even the most enthusiastic users will struggle. Time will be wasted and data will be inaccurate. The data your company will rely on to forecast sales and target market sectors.

Your data needs to be live. Little is achieved if sales and support staff are updating your system on Fridays because they are pressed to do so. They have to see your chosen system as a tool.

If in doubt then contact us to discuss. Contact webCRM

A monthly import from your ERP system will record sales figures for each customer for easy analysis and access by your sales team.

To switch Products on access Configuration/Main settings/Main functions. To add the relevant customer fields access Configuration/Custom fields/Products and create the fields you need.

Once merged, users can edit before saving. Once done each quotation is automatically saved against the opportunity.

For forecasting total revenues and costs can be used to calculate Gross Margins. Re-negotiated prices can be used to auto-update each opportunity and therefore forecasted sales and margins.

To request a trail follow:  Trial webCRM

Once you have installed the module, within Outlook choose Tools/Options/webCRM and select and select “Prompt before synchronising an email”

Sandra Handford
Operations Director
My Phone Club Ltd

It’s not surprising therefore that CRM offerings rank so highly.

Here’s the ranked list as provided by CIO Insight:

1. Customer Relationship Management
2. Human Resource Management
3. Billing and Accounts Payable
4. Collaboration Software
5. E-commerce
6. Corporate Portals
7. E-mail and Instant Messaging
8. Business Process Management & Workflow Software
9. Blogs, Wikis and Social Media or Web 2.0 Software
10. Business Intelligence (BI), Analytics and Data Mining
11. Database Systems
12. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems
13. Content & Information Lifecycle Management
14. Customer Self Service
15. Supply Chain Management, Distribution and Logistics Software

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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