Let’s get this out of the way right now: I am not a CRM implementation expert. My job is to train and strategize with Online Sales Counselors (OSCs) and companies to help them thrive in their roles and their adoption of the CRM across all departments. It’s important for the marketing, sales, and online salespeople to all be rowing in the same direction when it comes to big tools like the CRM. I’ll give you the ideas and the parameters, but I leave the nitty-gritty of CRM setup to the techies and specialists. What I do know is what a CRM should be able to do for you as an OSC in the homebuilding industry. It’s up to you to become the expert on the platform your company uses. And let’s be honest—often OSCs end up being the CRM experts in their companies. So, roll up your sleeves, dive in, and figure it out. Here’s the good news: there are resources everywhere. Your CRM likely has a support team, a knowledge base, and (bless the internet gods) YouTube. You can Google just about anything these days. Or—and here’s a crazy idea—you can play with it. Tinker, explore, and press all…
Read MoreWhen Social Media Works and Doesn’t Work in a Crisis
There were very good ways that social media was a huge help during and in the wake of Hurricane Irene. And there were many ways where it was more of a hindrance than a help. Living on the Eastern Seaboard in Northern Virginia and owning several properties nearby the Chesapeake Bay both in Norfolk, VA and in Mathews VA there were times that I was very frustrated with general media and the news services. And…
Read MoreHow Much Time Does It Take To Plan A Successful Event?
How much time should you give yourself if you are planning an event for your business? That is an excellent question everyone should ask themselves as they embark on the journey of putting on a function or corporate event. No really, I’m telling you, ask yourself how much time you think it will take to plan, execute and have create a successful outcome for the event. And then at least double that time. I learned…
Read MoreBuyer Beware: Your Daily Deal
So many “Daily Deal” sites are cropping up these days and one has to ask, how much of a deal are they really? It’s hard not to blink at a deal for a luxury hotel offering 70% off on a 3 day trip, or special deals on tubing, water sports etc, not to mention the facials and more. On some items it’s easy to know that the deal is genuine. $50 worth of flowers for…
Read MoreAnti Social On My Social Networks
I find it ironic that a large part of my business is helping other companies with social networking as part of their lead management and interactions. I currently teach companies how to target their message while not selling. Socialize, while not bombarding people with their product through social networking tools. I help companies search out groups and followers that will be the right place to interact with on the web. I write and or edit…
Read MoreDoes Facebook Rage Exist?
What are your thoughts? Do you think that with the growth and popularity of facebook there is now something called facebook rage? Yes I’ve coined this term myself…though I googled it and I found this in the Urban Dictionary: When a person getting angry at another person for interrupting their Facebook time…this isn’t what I’m talking about. Yes the bad sentence structure is in the urban dictionary. I’d have said when a person “gets” not…
Read MoreTED Talks: What Does It Feel Like To Be Wrong?
What does it feel like to be wrong? We can all learn from Kathyrn Schulz on being wrong in this TED Talk. If you’ve never visited the TED Talks site you are missing out. These talks expand your mind, make you think, and help you become a stronger individual both in your personal and your professional life. If you take 20 minutes a day to listen to a random TED Talk I’m sure it will…
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