POST CATEGORY : Management

CRM: Why You Need To Learn The Basics Of This Software

CRM software is the primary automation tool that’s used for customer relationship management in a business organization. In a more profound sense, it also refers to the strategies and technologies that companies use to reach out to customers. Not only does CRM software apply to their existing customers, but also to those they’re still trying to target.

CRM (Customer Relationship Management)

The general point is that with CRM, it’s easier for companies to build strong relationships with their customers, as well as to foster loyalty and customer retention.

That said, here are compelling reasons why it’s imperative to learn the basics of CRM for small business.…

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3 Ways to Smooth the Friction Between Sales and Marketing

Of all the departments within a small business, perhaps no two have a more dysfunctional relationship than sales and marketing. Different surveys reveal different reasons for this, but the most common culprit is poor communication. The sales team might believe marketing should provide better leads, while marketing might think sales should do a better job closing the leads it does generate.

Fostering sales and marketing department relationship

To the customer, however, sales and marketing are one and the same. Breaking down the departmental silos that often separate these teams is the first step to improving communication and aligning goals. As a result, sales will better understand how to appeal to leads, and marketing will understand what’s needed to convert those leads into customers further down the sales funnel.…

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How Artificial Intelligence Is Advancing The Procurement Process

Artificial intelligence is a sophisticated technology distinguished by its unique ability to adapt behavior based on data specific to the system in which its operating. By introducing AI into procurement practices, organizations can streamline more complex processes that would otherwise require manual efforts. Not only will this ultimately reduce the risk of human error but will help to drive operational efficiency as well.

AI in procurement

While AI can be identified as any software consisting of smart algorithms, there exist a variety of subsets underneath the broader definition. From Machine Learning (ML) to Natural Language Processing (NLP), all present a capacity to adapt behaviors based on distinct data-powered algorithms designed to imitate human intelligence.…

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Simple Basics For Small Business Startups

2020 Proofing Your Small Business

Startup management

There is a vast amount of people who are realizing that branching out on their own in a business venture is well worth leaving behind being the backbone for someone else’s gain. Working for yourself is definitely not easy and the hours are well beyond the normal nine to five grind of being someone else’s employee. However, for a lot of new business startups, it’s worth the risk.

With so many people joining the new business sector, how do you keep your own investments from tanking? It’s a super frequent question that every small business owner asks in the beginning and answers aren’t as hard to acquire as you would think.…

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Gender Equity and the Workplace: Has Anything Changed?

There’s no question that women gained ground in workplace equity in the last 40 years. More women work in management and executive positions now than ever. Still, gender equity is elusive. But, the labor statistics for the last half of 2019 tell a surprising story. Here’s what they show.

Successful businesswoman

Women Move In

No matter what the sector, whether it’s the military, government, business or academia, women traditionally had and still have a difficult time reaching upper-level management positions. But, when women manage to break the barriers, such as financial professional Daniella Rand, featured in this ValueWalk article, they excel.

The fact that women have broken through the barriers and do so in higher numbers serves as an inspiration to younger women entering male-dominated fields.…

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Is Your Business Guilty of Making These 5 Productivity Mistakes?

When just starting out your business, you may believe that all business models can be applied to create the perfect environment. But this isn’t so. The majority of startups fail within the first five years because they didn’t have a sound business model in mind. However, it’s the daily goings-on of the business that determines success.

Successful CEO leading a meeting

To prevent that from happening, here are five productivity mistakes you can avoid to ensure that your business is heading in the right direction.

Putting Too Much Thought into Strategy

Many business owners are caught in the loop of thinking about what they should be doing instead of actually taking action.…

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Work Hard, Play Harder: 2020’s Best Corporate Retreat Destinations

Did you know that only 20% of businesses actually use a corporate retreat benefit? And while you may be a part of this percentage, you must admit, it takes a lot to plan a corporate retreat.

Corporate retreat destinations

Let’s take choosing a location for example. With all the options there are out in the market, how do you know which destination is perfect for your team?

Searching for the perfect locale for your next corporate retreat? Here’s our list of 2020’s best corporate retreat destinations.

1. Cruise to the Bahamas

Let’s face it. There’s nothing like a beautiful Bahamas Cruise. So why not take a corporate recharge in one of the most beautiful islands in the world?…

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SMB Success: 5 Must-Know Tips for Small Business Owners

Regardless of how long you’ve been a small business owner, there’s always room for improvement.

That may seem obvious, but it’s worth keeping in mind. None of us are born with a business playbook burned into our brains. In many situations, you’ll have to make an educated guess based on the data you have at your disposal.

Small business owners managing business

Now, your ability to make those guesses will improve with experience. That said, there are a few things that can help you get there faster. Here are 5 tips for small business owners you should know about.…

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5 Ways Businesses Can Go Greener in 2020

According to recent research into the consumer habits of 5,000 respondents across Europe, sustainability is a top priority for the vast majority of shoppers. When asked about the importance of different sustainability attributes, such as organic production and recyclable packaging, only nine per cent said none of the issues was important to them.

Green business

“Greening” a business is not only beneficial to the environment, but it can also help companies to attract and retain customers, meaning a healthier bottom line. Furthermore, increasing energy efficiency can reduce costs and ensure compliance with regulations and legislation relating to environmental business practice. Establishing a sustainability policy and implementing ethical practices will also boost employee morale and enhance the company brand.…

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Why (And How) Team Communication Leads to Improved Customer Experience

There’s more to attracting and retaining customers than just having great products and a stand-out brand. Customer experience plays an important role in whether consumers decide to make a purchase or come back to your business again. In fact, American Express reports that 17 percent of Americans will spend more money because of a positive customer experience, but more than half of shoppers have scrapped a planned purchase as a result of subpar service.

Team communication

The easiest way to improve your customer experience is to focus on your team communication—both in how employees interact with your customers, but also in how they communicate with themselves and between departments.…

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