This Friday and Saturday evening some of us will tell the story of Exodus, in the Jewish tradition of Passover. Starting with Palm Sunday last week, through this Good Friday, and into Sunday, Christians will celebrate Easter. My wife and I are an interfaith couple, so we get the best...
Author: Bob Ritter
President, First Direct Corp., (845) 221-3800, www.1stdirect.com, www.GoldMinesSuccess.com
If We Want to Keep CRM Simple … And Let’s!
People have a tendency of over complicating what they need to do to make CRM work for them. By the same token, there is enough complication in doing even what is simple that frankly it is best to start with the basics. So what are the basics? They're right here...
A Good GoldMine Tradition
End-of-Quarter and the month of March is a winning combination for customers! GoldMine has a long history of offering special discounts in the month of March. In keeping with their tradition of "March Madness" promotional discounts, we have offers that make it more attractive to: Purchase GoldMine for the...
An Easier Way to Do Your Day
There seems to be some misconception that CRM software is going to make it more difficult or time-consuming to do the things one has to do during the day in sales or administration. That may be so for some, but not from my personal experience. CRM software, once configured and...
Using CRM for Inbound Marketing
First let me describe what I mean by "inbound marketing." Inbound marketing has the following attributes: Written for the consumer's needs and addresses their intentions in order to attract consumption. Interactive and provides the reader with options to pursue their interests. Is found by consumers during the regular use of...
Let’s Get Physical … and Personal
Dear Reader, In the spirit of Valentine's Day I recorded a little message to share with my personal friends. Since I care about my customers too, I figured I would share on my business blog. Here you go ... the "real me!" Yours truly, Bob Ritter President First Direct Corporation...
Print Is Dead … LONG LIVE PRINT
For all the talk and attention that the Internet, Mobile, and Social Media are getting, one might think "Print" is dead. Wrong. In fact, the facts might surprise you. Recently I came across an article on a blog of the firm, MindFire Inc. They produce innovative automation software, called MindFire...
Always Know Your Last and Next step
In sales, if you don’t know your next step, you’ve already lost the sale. The test of a good salesperson is how well they follow-up. When it comes time to “take the order” the sale has been made. Follow-up is one of the key differentiators of top-notch sales professionals. In...
7 Marketing Musts that Require Effective Use of CRM Software
The following 7 capabilities are NOT optional. They are "Marketing Musts" and to achieve them every business is better off with a CRM application. Maintain an accurate central list of all your prospects and customers. Track details on those relationships that are used for marketing, sales and analysis. Segment your...
Let Me Tell You a Story …
As a software category, CRM software is special. It is one of the few applications a business person uses that is explicitly for the purpose of managing relationships. And, not just "customer" relationships - also prospects, vendors, strategic alliances, and other types of relationships can all be stored in a...