Management Software (CRM's)???
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
30% OFF(coupon:promosale30)