Building partnerships with other businesses
Jun 23 2009
Posted by Ken as Networking, other marketing
I recently read an article that went on and on about how seeking out partnerships with other small businesses will bring in sale after sale. That is one outcome, but it’s isn’t really that easy.
Watch out for those willing to partner with you that are just hoping you will throw them some low hanging fruit and by the time you realize they aren’t sending any business your way, they have moved on to the next sucker.
Our advice is come up with a partnership marketing plan, or an outside independent sales agreement or whatever you want to call it. The important thing is to put together all the information, including the agreement between the companies as well as all marketing materials you plan to give out to your partners to help them drive business your way. Don’t spend too much time on each partnership until the relationship has in some way proven itself worth your time.
You may have to be the first one to send business their way, but as long as you keep your effort down you can just move on to other partnerships if it doesn’t work out.
I know this site is dedicated to being… well, cheap. To be more accurate this site is here to help you find solutions to common problems that are cheaper than what you may be doing now.
Here is the problem, If you have an at least somewhat successful business, that is you are actually bringing in some money you have to sometimes decide to spend some money.
I’ll give you a scenerio, I just wrote an article on an opensource CRM but in order to use it you have to install the software on your own server. Now, I’m sure you are pretty busy running your business, so you need to decide if you can spare the hours it will take in reality to get this software installed. Even if it’s your IT guy doing it you have to weigh the cost of doing the install yourself vs. paying for a monthly service.
This example can be adapted to many situations. Let’s talk about web design. Sure, if you have some skills you can buy a template or use a free wordpress template and maybe get a pretty good looking site up, but is it good enough? and was it worth the time you put into it?
Keep these questions in mind everytime you are looking for a way to save money or you might end up spending more anyways…. And know when to cut your losses and call it quits. If you have been trying to get that CRM software installed for 2 weeks, you need to go to a hosted solution or call someone who can do it for you. (and yes, PAY them)
If you are trying to run a business, make sales, or just manage your contacts, leads, and customers then you need a CRM.
CRM stands for Customer Relationship Manager. Wikipedia simply defines it as ‘the process implemented by a company to handle it’s contact with it’s customers. and that is a fair definition, although it can do much more than that.
You can keep track of sales calls, forecast sales, collaborate on sales, track advertising campaign success, you can even manage email communications with customers or potential customers right through the CRM itself!
I’m going to throw a spoiler in here… If you want to skip reading this and go to the one I recommend it is SugarCRM.
The purpose of this post isn’t really to define what a CRM, I am here to tell you how you can use one without going broke. But of course there is a catch. Let’s look at some of the options out there: (keep in mind, I am talking about realistic options for small businesses)
Salesforce.com – everyone knows about this one. This is a CRM as a service… that is it is hosted by salesforce.com and it’s not cheap. This is a great service though, I have had many people recommend it to me and have recommended it on occasion myself. This option has been touted as the best option for organizing a remote sales staff.
Insidesales – Insidesales.com offers a web based CRM solution that integrates some interesting features such as a power dialer, voice messaging, faxing, recording etc… very interesting, but I have not had a chance to try their free trial yet… but I will when I get a chance.
suradocrm.com – I have heard some good things about SuradoCRM, which is why they are on the list. I have not had an opportunity to try this one yet either. give it a try then post a comment here!
Microsoft – Microsoft makes so many different CRM systems and under so many names I’m not going to bother to list them… If your are interested in finding out about them head over to microsoft.com and check them out. Microsoft CRM systems not hosted solutions, that is they will run or a server you own.
SugarCRM - This is the one. SugarCRM has all the features of the competition. The also have a hosted version of the software for a monthly fee, but the reason this is the one that earns our recommendation is they offer an open source version that they call the ‘community’ version. The only drawback to this software is that it has to be installed on your server… but If you can do that or have a decent IT guy on staff that won’t be a problem. The only other issue I’ve ever had with the system is it can be hard to learn… but, If you have ever used quickbooks you will be used to it. So give it a try.
So again, to emphasize: the winner is SugarCRM.com (but keep in mind the free version is not a “hosted, web based solution” it will require you to install the software on a server)
If use a better one (that is cheap) post a comment and let me, and everyone else know….
Need a sign for your business? Get it cheap!
Jun 05 2009
Posted by Ken as office space, other marketing
I found a cool site, and it can save you time and money. I wanted to make a big ‘ol plywood sign to promote one of our businesses. I wasn’t in a big hurry so I called a few of the sign shops in the area. I was not at all happy with their prices or options available.
Then a friend recommended this awesome site where you could design a sign then order it right on the site! Now, being a designer I always create my own custom designs; and at this site you can upload your own design as well but you don’t have to… This site actually has good template designs you can use to create the sighn you need in minutes.
Big plywood signs is only one product they offer, they offer small signs, wall signs, banners, and even bumper stickers…. If you need a sign, check them out, they just might save you some money!
Shop Custom Signs, Magnets, Banners & More Online at BuildASign.com.
just a thought, If your an Realtor…. This may be perfect for you!