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Management Software (CRM's)???

by art72
10 replies
Hiya All,

First off, I've been researching several options and alternatives independently concerning CRM platforms & costs, and I am at at bit of a crossroads.

Obviously, tools are an 'addiction' of mine, both online and offline...

The more efficient the toolbox, the less effort exerted has always been my 'offline' mentality. *Having the right tools for the job, in short!

Ok, looking at the benefits & features of Ontraport & Infusionsoft's offerings the features and benefits seem logical, but the cost is a bit intimidating...

Meanwhile, I am debating my options;

i.) Collectively use AWeber, 3rd party tracking & data analytics, and several 'cheaper' alternatives?

Or

ii.) Commit to Infusionsoft or Ontraports all-in-one management system that incorporates everything into one dashboard, but requires greater financial commitment?

Obviously, nobody can make this decision for me.

Being money is tight (momentarily) I am bordering the old mindset sales managers often suggest;

"Go buy a new suit & a new car, and commit to your success!"

It seems the people whom I respect, read their emails, and eventually would like to mirror my 'future' success around all seem to use either Ontraport's CRM or Infusionsoft's CRM...

So, what say you?

1.) Are either of these CRM platforms something that you use?

Or

Are you considering buying?

2.) Does the old 'sales manager' mindset of buying the suit or vehicle first, pay for itself later mentality... work in your marketing mindset today?

Lastly, when I ran my offline service based business, at my peak -I had nearly $100k in my vehicles, heavy equipment, and tool arsenal... in order to generate an average of $100k in average annual billing... Thus, my investments paid for themselves, and enabled me to be faster and more efficient in getting it done.

I want to believe; my online business is no exception to the rule... and yet, I feel being online somehow alters my ability to 'justify' my investments in my toolbox... before knowing the return for such an investment.

In closing, overcoming the silent fear that these tools WILL pay for themselves, still seems a different animal than trading in my $20 shovel for a $20,000 excavator... as I did offline, which btw made me a ton more money, with less effort!

Again, the virtual business model is not any different, I know this... Yet, deciding whether to just do AWeber with several 3rd party tracking options is cheaper... But, seems like the shovel approach -vs- the machine approach.

If you were starting with a clean slate, fresh approach, new focus on 'list building' as the main priority... Which path would you choose?

Thanks for any insight... Feel free to put boot to ass, as I would prefer honest feedback, I'm becoming of the "it's do or die this time" mindset. I can't keep clowning around with offline gigs and stay true to my online desires, so... it's TOOL TIME, and I'm doing some extra due dilligence before buying...

Feedback appreciated!


-Art
#crm #management #software
  • Profile picture of the author GuyFromEssex
    Hey Art

    I actually have the same question as you - I'm surprised you didn't get any response. Did you make a decision yet?
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  • Profile picture of the author Jack Gordon
    Art,

    I use Infusionsoft, and I like it.

    However... I do not have the discipline to use the CRM part. I use it strictly for the marketing automation. For me, it is worth the cost. But my business can support and justify it.

    If I was not in that position, I would go check out ActiveCampaign. I have not used it, but I have heard many good things about it, including from some who have used Infusionsoft in the past. And it is a small fraction of the cost of Infusionsoft.

    Best of luck.
    Signature
    Fifteen Lessons I have learned over 15 years and six businesses (or, My 1000th-Post Manifesto)
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  • Profile picture of the author tyronne78
    Aweber & AW Pro Tools is more than enough if your focus is mainly on listbuilding and making money online.
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    Visit my blog for FREE direct response marketing tips & tricks
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  • Profile picture of the author Hackingdom
    I'd go with the 2nd option [ii.], if I were you but since I am just as cost concious as you seem to be, albeit momentarily, I'd re-think the choices. Yes, both Infusionsoft as well as Ontraport do not come cheap. Also, implementation may take a lot of time. My suggestion is to try some of the good ones available in the market that do not burn a hole in your pockets. Personally, I use Agile CRM and I have never missed anything else. Agile CRM's all-in-one approach gives me enough features to scale my growing business keeping it simple to use. The first tried the 2-free user plan and then upgraded... www.agilecrm.com
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  • Profile picture of the author loyaanderson
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author Matthew Iannotti
      Originally Posted by loyaanderson View Post

      Software's are specially designed to manage the business, It saves time and improves customer services. Software like Apptivo helps you to manage all your projects, e-mail marketing, contacts, finances and still more. It has played a role as it saves time and works better way.
      I suggest you to implement software.
      The fact that you are going through and bumping up every old thread to spam your new CRM tells me to avoid at all costs.


      OP go with Infusionsoft, Ontraport - US based, at the very least a place you can get legit phone support and have access to an app that's not riddled with bugs. I use Infusionsoft and very happy with it. Ontraport has some nice things too, have a look at both. Active campaign maybe another option.
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  • Profile picture of the author kubikdanon
    You can also take a look at AmoCRM. Cheapest one and has basic functionality that you will need.
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  • Profile picture of the author dedica
    I can advise to look at CRM codecanyon.net
    On the site a large selection of CRM.
    Their cost is very low.
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    Dedica.ca: Unmanaged VPS | Managed VPS | Dedicated Servers
    30% OFF(coupon:promosale30)
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  • Profile picture of the author SeanSupplee
    Infusionsoft better known as confusionsoft is good however it is complicate for most and will take you a while to understand and get a feel for it.

    Besides that Ontraport seems to be a very popular option as well.

    With all honesty though these programs to me are over expensive and there are smaller CRM type platforms that will run you less if your a smaller type of company starting up.

    Sit down and map out your current expenses and what your CRM program will replace if its close and will end up saving you money it could be a good option.
    Signature
    Sean Supplee -Expert Insight of an Affiliate Marketer (Blog)
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  • Profile picture of the author TrickyDick
    Originally Posted by art72 View Post

    Hiya All,

    First off, I've been researching several options and alternatives independently concerning CRM platforms & costs, and I am at at bit of a crossroads.

    Obviously, tools are an 'addiction' of mine, both online and offline...

    The more efficient the toolbox, the less effort exerted has always been my 'offline' mentality. *Having the right tools for the job, in short!

    Ok, looking at the benefits & features of Ontraport & Infusionsoft's offerings the features and benefits seem logical, but the cost is a bit intimidating...

    Meanwhile, I am debating my options;

    i.) Collectively use AWeber, 3rd party tracking & data analytics, and several 'cheaper' alternatives?

    Or

    ii.) Commit to Infusionsoft or Ontraports all-in-one management system that incorporates everything into one dashboard, but requires greater financial commitment?

    Obviously, nobody can make this decision for me.

    Being money is tight (momentarily) I am bordering the old mindset sales managers often suggest;

    "Go buy a new suit & a new car, and commit to your success!"

    It seems the people whom I respect, read their emails, and eventually would like to mirror my 'future' success around all seem to use either Ontraport's CRM or Infusionsoft's CRM...

    So, what say you?

    1.) Are either of these CRM platforms something that you use?

    Or

    Are you considering buying?

    2.) Does the old 'sales manager' mindset of buying the suit or vehicle first, pay for itself later mentality... work in your marketing mindset today?

    Lastly, when I ran my offline service based business, at my peak -I had nearly $100k in my vehicles, heavy equipment, and tool arsenal... in order to generate an average of $100k in average annual billing... Thus, my investments paid for themselves, and enabled me to be faster and more efficient in getting it done.

    I want to believe; my online business is no exception to the rule... and yet, I feel being online somehow alters my ability to 'justify' my investments in my toolbox... before knowing the return for such an investment.

    In closing, overcoming the silent fear that these tools WILL pay for themselves, still seems a different animal than trading in my $20 shovel for a $20,000 excavator... as I did offline, which btw made me a ton more money, with less effort!

    Again, the virtual business model is not any different, I know this... Yet, deciding whether to just do AWeber with several 3rd party tracking options is cheaper... But, seems like the shovel approach -vs- the machine approach.

    If you were starting with a clean slate, fresh approach, new focus on 'list building' as the main priority... Which path would you choose?

    Thanks for any insight... Feel free to put boot to ass, as I would prefer honest feedback, I'm becoming of the "it's do or die this time" mindset. I can't keep clowning around with offline gigs and stay true to my online desires, so... it's TOOL TIME, and I'm doing some extra due dilligence before buying...

    Feedback appreciated!


    -Art
    As a Business Consultant, I see the following:

    First, you need to crawl......

    Second, you need to walk...

    Third, you need to run....

    You want to jump in and run a marathon before you learn to crawl....

    Since you wrote, "Being money is tight (momentarily)..."

    I would start off with a zero cost open source CRM with an MIT license....

    I use and recommend Epesi.

    Once your business is flush with cash and needs additional functionality, I would have custom Epesi modules built.... You can also choose to "bite the bullet" and pay for Infusionsoft..... Either way, you'll have the cash in hand you've earned to fund it.

    Keep the following in mind:

    Wantapreneurs buy things before they need them...

    Entrepreneurs buy things when they need them....
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  • Profile picture of the author harryvent
    There are plenty software providers available, every tool have some unique features to satisfy customers requirements. Try any low of cost software, I would recommend Apptivo CRM. It cost effective, handle easily. Try to connect them.
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