Companies have started realizing that a good CRM system is essential. So, to use CRM effectively, they must follow some best practices. Best practices mean that both management and staff are doing their best when it comes to dealing with customers. To know more about the best practices that create good customer relations, follow: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/insidecrm/customer-relations-management-crm-best-practices-create-superior-results-69918

Many companies implement CRM software, but, they don’t have a plan which leads to poor ROI. In order to get the best out of CRM, companies must identify their needs, must have a step by step plan, train the users, and manage the quality of data obtained. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/insidecrm/how-to-effectively-use-crm-software-69919

CRM tools have many advantages and the basic capabilities should keep track of customer communication, request customer enhancements and manage marketing campaigns to improve customer relationships. CRM can also help a small business to achieve growth. A CRM program needs to be worked on continuously. But, many companies have failed to get results from its CRM because of some bad CRM methods. Companies must implement some latest CRM tools to achieve growth. They are: Social CRM, Cloud CRM, and Mobile CRM. TO know more about how to overcome CRM challenges in small businesses, follow:  http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/insidecrm/enhancing-your-crm-as-a-midsized-business-69920

In marketing, you should always go back to the fundamentals even if you are the peak. There are three core activities which we should always keep in mind three things to be at the top: goal-setting, aligning with our audience, and the right content mix to meet our goals. Read more at: http://www.business2community.com/b2b-marketing/3-marketing-fundamentals-for-busy-b2b-marketers-01336439

The sales team must know how to use CRM as CRM application is a good tool to boost sales as per the belief of many organizations. But, they must know how to use CRM application. The sales team will not value unless they know how to use it. So, organizations must create a CRM training program that helps your sales force understand the value of the CRM system. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/insidecrm/creating-a-super-sales-force-through-crm-training-69896

Companies who want to save money for their call center, employ at-home workers. But, they should also take into consideration about the security aspect of the company. A cloud-based call center will combat security concerns. To know more about call center security, follow: http://www.blogher.com/ins-and-outs-call-center-security?wrap=blogher-topics/news-politics/technology&crumb=29

If your company is using analytics for decision making in your company, then you must overcome two challenges before you can begin maximizing the value of your data. The first challenge is to get clean data and the second challenge lies in the area of data visualization. It is reported that data-discovery tools are anticipated to grow 2.5 times more rapidly than the rest of the BI market. But, the question arises why is this technology so important to business success, and how can it help management make smarter decisions? To know more, follow: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/insidecrm/3-ways-data-visualizations-can-help-you-make-smarter-business-decisions-69897

Nowadays, companies are making data-driven decisions based on analytics. It had an immense effect that affected the business world. Big data is like a gold mine. But, now, the business world is getting comfortable with data that lies in customer relationship management analytics for sales. IF they leverage data effectively, this approach can boost productivity and profits. There are three ways your business can take advantage of CRM analytics for business growth. They are - Identify and fine-tune efficiencies, enhance productivity, and forecast sales. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/insidecrm/3-ways-to-boost-your-sales-teams-productivity-using-crm-analytics-69899

Earlier, only sales team used to use CRM to track and organize their activities. Now, the marketing team is also using automation to enjoy better productivity. If we realize the true potential of marketing automation and CRM, then we can increase sales lies & leverage their joint strengths to build a coordinated strategy. This will in turn guide us to a profitable long-term relationship with your business. There are four ways you can maximize the strengths of both systems to boost your sales impact. They are: Building relationships with customers, delivering the right message at the right time, getting a complete view of marketing and sales impact, and maximizing resources for better strategic planning. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/insidecrm/4-ways-to-leverage-your-crm-and-marketing-automation-systems-for-sales-impact-69900

In the last nine months of 2015, we have seen a number of digital marketing trends emerge. Anoop Gupta (experienced in web marketing) writes in his article about the various digital marketing trends. They are:  Content Marketing, Conversion Optimization, Marketing Automation, Mobile & Responsiveness, and Social Marketing. Read more at: http://www.business2community.com/digital-marketing/digital-marketing-trends-emerged-2015-01333320

Packaging is important for any business. But, not every company packs in standard cardboard. So. Shipping companies have different options for packaging. There are five types of packing materials that can accommodate a wide variety of company needs.  They are: Crates and Pallets; Shrink Wrap; Vacuum Packaging; Preservation Packaging; and Shock Mount Packaging. Read more at: http://www.business2community.com/strategy/5-types-packaging-different-business-needs-0969922

Delivery plays an important role in customer experience. Customer-centricity is the buzzword in today’s business. Couriers are just an extension of your service and a smooth reliable delivery is key to secure customer loyalty and repeat business.  So, every aspect of a customer transaction needs to be perfect, including delivery. Online shoppers expect delivery when & where it was promised. Customers expect brilliant service, and price will always be an important factor when choosing delivery methods for multi-channel distribution.  Companies must think in terms of CBA i.e. customer oriented, brilliant delivery and affordable prices if they want to succeed in multi-channel distribution. Ian Newcombe (MD of Multi-Channel Solutions) writes in his article about ABC of courier management. Read more at:  http://www.business2community.com/product-management/abc-courier-management-01330361

The reputation of a business is very important as it takes years to build. The goodwill of a company depends on the reputation. Nowadays, it is also important for a brand to have a good online reputation. So, brands need a reputation action management plan. Amanda Clark (president and editor-in-chief of Grammar Chic, Inc.) writes in her article about some steps to improve your online reputation. Read more at: : http://www.business2community.com/branding/5-easy-steps-to-improve-your-online-reputation-01331568

In a recent research it was found that small businesses with less than 20 people account for 89.8% of all businesses in the USA. Many of these small businesses could not even afford big SEO agency prices. So, how can small businesses get to the top of search engines, manage their social media and grow their own online presence? The answer is they can use free and paid DIY SEO analysis and management tools. Scott Taft (SEO manager at Seer Interactive) writes in his article about these SEO tools. TO know more, follow: : http://www.business2community.com/seo/10-top-seo-analysis-tools-small-businesses-01333092

Nowadays, for holding conferences and meetings, business is utilizing apps and software that enable web conferencing. Organizations have discovered that VoIP service helps other than phone calls and improve communication. Businesses are taking full advantage of web conferencing through VoIP. It is saving time and cost for businesses. You can improve customer experience by connecting with them via web conferencing. Most VoIP web conferencing services allow you to record web meetings for later review and this in turn will help you to review questions asked by clients and customers, or to improve a presentation.  Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/voip-news/5-benefits-of-using-voip-for-web-conferencing-69847

Customer data are needed to understand and anticipate their customer’s needs. But, as companies are collecting data frequently, customers are becoming concerned about the security of their personal data. In exchange of data from customers, brands need to provide a transparent information gathering process and better security measures. Lucas Jones (Marketing Executive) writes in his article about some ways that will safeguard sensitive data and foster trust with your customers. Read more at: http://www.socialmediatoday.com/technology-data/ljones/2015-09-16/addressing-elephant-room-9-tips-keeping-your-customer-data-secure

The concept of brand loyalty is becoming less important due to the advancement of e-commerce. So, brands must stay competitive by collecting data to build a more in-depth analysis of visitors to their website. Researchers found that 82% of consumers want personalized shopping experience. So, how to get perceptive data on customers and use it to improve conversion rates? The simple answer is by creating buyer personas. Read more on why buyer personas are important by following: http://www.socialmediatoday.com/marketing/ljones/2015-09-17/using-personas-connect-your-buyers

Social media is important in today’s world and is also playing an important role in pre-launch publicity. If any organization can create a presence of their app before it is launched, then they can increase interest and initial users will be generated. The most important thing to be considered before your app launches, is to get your audience to sign up to be notified when your app launches, and for this you must create a social media account at first. Read more at: http://www.business2community.com/mobile-apps/7-ways-to-launch-your-app-on-social-media-with-a-bang-01328719

Mobile apps are becoming very crucial for any business. Big brands are making a huge investment in mobile apps as a part of business strategy. Once you have launched your mobile app, you should track ad acquisition channels, you should know how users are behaving in-app and what features they’re interacting with, engage and re-engage customers at every step of the user lifecycle, and grow app user loyalty. But, the starting point of making any app should go back to RFP i.e. request for proposal. The RFP is important in choosing a mobile analytics and marketing solution.  Bryn Adler (Content Marketing Manager) in her article writes about the key points which should be included in RFP. Your RFP should include: Acquisition tracking, Analytics & reporting capabilities, marketing & messaging features, Data organization, and Predictive Analysis. To know more, follow: http://www.business2community.com/marketing/5-key-components-of-a-solid-mobile-marketing-rfp-01328182

Remote agents are becoming popular in today’s business world. They are becoming popular because of lower contact center costs; improved customer service; improved employee satisfaction and retention. The other advantages are - operating costs such as lower starting wages and reduced benefits, less need for brick and mortar facilities and support staff, increased labor pool with flexible scheduling options, and reduced training costs associated with increased agent retention. There are three essential tools for managing remote agents. They are: Agent Self-Scheduling Tools, Real-time Agent Adherence, and Online Productivity Tools. To know about these tools, follow:  http://www.callcentertimes.com/Home/tabid/37/ctl/NewsArticle/mid/395/CategoryID/1/NewsID/1054/Default.aspx