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Best CRM December 2013 [Lead Management]

by ZachRobinson
23 replies
Hey Offliners,

Need your help. Whether you are selling SEO, Blog content, Local SEO, Web Design, SMS, PR, Mobile Website, Mobile Apps, etc....

I have searched around WF to get answers but need an updated low cost effective solution for CRM? OR Lead Prospecting Management?

What is the best CRM you guys are using? Salesforce? Zoho?

or

Just a basic google docs spreadsheet with company name, email, and phone, and notes?

Reason:
I need to have a organized way to make my follow ups round.
or "The owner will be back on thursday...you can call back then"
or "I want some information, please email me"

Thank you.

Also Offliners thank you SO MUCH for all of your help. You guys really make an postive impact on peoples lives. I am forever grateful for you guys - Thank you.
#2013 #crm #december #lead #lead management #management #prospecting
  • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
    Nutshell... hands down
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    • Profile picture of the author ZachRobinson
      Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

      Nutshell... hands down
      I checked out Nutshell and wow, they seem really cool. I like stuff for sales, prospecting. I don't really care about how salesforce you can use it to memo about customer service. I just want sales.

      I have used salesforce and infusionsoft - it was way over my head. Those are really good for huge companies something for the CEO to keep tabs on their employees touching base with clients.

      But for someone self employed like us - we need a easy CRM solution. But more geared for sales, prospecting, closing deals.

      Since I have not gotten any clients yet, are there any other lower priced ways? or free? something cheap? or excel sheet?

      Fill me in, and btw thanks again for nutshell I wrote it down so I can go to them once I got the $15 a month. Thanks man.
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      Zach Robinson

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      • Profile picture of the author fandbworld
        Originally Posted by ZachRobinson View Post

        I checked out Nutshell and wow, they seem really cool. I like stuff for sales, prospecting. I don't really care about how salesforce you can use it to memo about customer service. I just want sales.

        I have used salesforce and infusionsoft - it was way over my head. Those are really good for huge companies something for the CEO to keep tabs on their employees touching base with clients.

        But for someone self employed like us - we need a easy CRM solution. But more geared for sales, prospecting, closing deals.

        Since I have not gotten any clients yet, are there any other lower priced ways? or free? something cheap? or excel sheet?

        Fill me in, and btw thanks again for nutshell I wrote it down so I can go to them once I got the $15 a month. Thanks man.
        If you don't have any clients I wouldn't really worry about it yet
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      • Profile picture of the author SDave001
        Originally Posted by ZachRobinson View Post


        Fill me in, and btw thanks again for nutshell I wrote it down so I can go to them once I got the $15 a month. Thanks man.
        It's $15 a month per user but they charge you for a minimum of 3 users. So $45 a month.

        Workbooks.com has a free version of their CRM that is pretty good. It doesn't come with some of the more valuable tools but you can always upgrade later. Their full version is about $30/month but you pay annually.
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        • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
          Originally Posted by SDave001 View Post

          It's $15 a month per user but they charge you for a minimum of 3 users. So $45 a month.
          You can email them.. it used to be $10/user and no minimum, but it doesn't hurt to ask if they can make an exception.
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        • Profile picture of the author ZachRobinson
          Originally Posted by SDave001 View Post

          It's $15 a month per user but they charge you for a minimum of 3 users. So $45 a month.

          Workbooks.com has a free version of their CRM that is pretty good. It doesn't come with some of the more valuable tools but you can always upgrade later. Their full version is about $30/month but you pay annually.
          Is Workbooks.com free version any good? Is it a trail? I just need something to make followups and call backs on leads.
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          Zach Robinson

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          • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
            Originally Posted by ZachRobinson View Post

            Is Workbooks.com free version any good? Is it a trail? I just need something to make followups and call backs on leads.
            Zoho has a free version. If you have a server, then you could just install VTiger too, and a handful of other CRMs.
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          • Profile picture of the author SDave001
            Originally Posted by ZachRobinson View Post

            Is Workbooks.com free version any good? Is it a trail? I just need something to make followups and call backs on leads.
            Yes, Workbooks free version is pretty good. I was ready to transition to their paid version after a 30 day trial but to buy you have to talk to a US authorized reseller and pay for a full year upfront. So instead I emailed support and asked to convert my trial to a free version - which they happily did within minutes.

            The only things I can't do that I want to (at least at this point) is use the Outlook link which requires the paid version + $5/month and customize page templates.

            I will, however, eventually sign up for the paid version once I'm ready to run email campaigns from within Workbooks. Otherwise, all the sale automation and customer support options work in the free version and I get to slowly move my contact management to Workbooks for free instead of paying while learning and migrating.

            Spreadsheets are great but personally I like the reminders and organization - especially for taking notes and linking documents and emails.
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  • Profile picture of the author addisonrob
    I am happy to find this post very useful for me, as it contains lot of information. I always prefer to read the quality content and this thing I found in you post. Thanks for sharing
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  • Profile picture of the author rubberducky
    I use Podio. It has the functionality I need for Lead Management, allows me to put the lead in and any relevant information (and allows me to edit the form, which others don't) as well as follow up info. It's free up to 3 users I believe (or maybe it's 5).

    I like it because I can customize it based on what apps I need vs. what someone else thinks I need. There are also pre-made groups of apps based on the need.
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    • Profile picture of the author ZachRobinson
      Originally Posted by rubberducky View Post

      I use Podio. It has the functionality I need for Lead Management, allows me to put the lead in and any relevant information (and allows me to edit the form, which others don't) as well as follow up info. It's free up to 3 users I believe (or maybe it's 5).

      I like it because I can customize it based on what apps I need vs. what someone else thinks I need. There are also pre-made groups of apps based on the need.
      Is Podio really free I just need something to make followups on leads and prospects.

      Thank you
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      Zach Robinson

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  • Profile picture of the author DaniMc
    No clients and thinking about CRM???

    Stop letting "stuff" keep you from selling. Get clients FIRST. Only buy something or look for a solution when you are presented with a problem that is keeping you from selling more.
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    Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
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    • Profile picture of the author ZachRobinson
      Originally Posted by Dan McCoy View Post

      No clients and thinking about CRM???

      Stop letting "stuff" keep you from selling. Get clients FIRST. Only buy something or look for a solution when you are presented with a problem that is keeping you from selling more.
      I have to say you are simply the best. I read a lot of your posts and WF is lucky to have you. Thanks for your advice. The problem I am running into is that people say call me back later today...or call the owner next week...I write it down on a piece of paper...and that not really working.

      I can make a spreadsheet doc in google drive, whats a good format?
      Hey that will be free for me

      Thank you Dan!
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      Zach Robinson

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      • Profile picture of the author DaniMc
        Originally Posted by ZachRobinson View Post

        The problem I am running into is that people say call me back later today...or call the owner next week...I write it down on a piece of paper...and that not really working.

        I can make a spreadsheet doc in google drive, whats a good format?
        Hey that will be free for me
        I know what you are going through. The thing is, I wasted so much time fiddling with stuff.

        Oh man, gotta find the right CRM - that takes me 4 days of free trials and messing around - uploading the list I am GOING to market to...someday.

        Oh, now I picked one yes I get started tomorrow! Oh wait - it doesn't import properly and I can't tie the CRM to my email program. Damn.

        Now I need to write my 10 part email campaign and my followup letter. And I need to make a schedule for when I will visit.

        And now I need to scrape/create a list of people and businesses. Should I buy one? What type of businesses? How will I know? Hmmm...I need to do more research and reading at WF.

        And...And...And...

        Yeah just start a spreadsheet - have a "call back" column formatted as a date - and sort by that column. When you add a new appointment, it will go into the right order.

        Have a "last contacted" column formatted as a date. Sort by that column and you can see who you haven't talked to in awhile.

        I also don't think searching for and sorting through lists is the best way to go at first. Instead, attend every networking event (chamber of commerce, meetup.com) that you can find for business people.

        Go, be friendly, find out what they might need help with. Ask them if you can give them a call in a few days to have coffee or come by their office.

        Go home, don't go to bed, type in the leads into your spreadsheet - schedule a time - and call them when the time comes.

        Once your list gets too crazy to handle (really big) and only a CRM will help (you are a lone operator right now - if you have a team AND a large list of real leads, nutshell is great) - then you can worry about taking all the time to figure it out.

        Just get out there. Make some moves. Be cool. Be yourself. You will start making money.
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        Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
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        • Profile picture of the author ZachRobinson
          Originally Posted by Dan McCoy View Post

          I know what you are going through. The thing is, I wasted so much time fiddling with stuff.

          Oh man, gotta find the right CRM - that takes me 4 days of free trials and messing around - uploading the list I am GOING to market to...someday.

          Oh, now I picked one yes I get started tomorrow! Oh wait - it doesn't import properly and I can't tie the CRM to my email program. Damn.

          Now I need to write my 10 part email campaign and my followup letter. And I need to make a schedule for when I will visit.

          And now I need to scrape/create a list of people and businesses. Should I buy one? What type of businesses? How will I know? Hmmm...I need to do more research and reading at WF.

          And...And...And...

          Yeah just start a spreadsheet - have a "call back" column formatted as a date - and sort by that column. When you add a new appointment, it will go into the right order.

          Have a "last contacted" column formatted as a date. Sort by that column and you can see who you haven't talked to in awhile.

          I also don't think searching for and sorting through lists is the best way to go at first. Instead, attend every networking event (chamber of commerce, meetup.com) that you can find for business people.

          Go, be friendly, find out what they might need help with. Ask them if you can give them a call in a few days to have coffee or come by their office.

          Go home, don't go to bed, type in the leads into your spreadsheet - schedule a time - and call them when the time comes.

          Once your list gets too crazy to handle (really big) and only a CRM will help (you are a lone operator right now - if you have a team AND a large list of real leads, nutshell is great) - then you can worry about taking all the time to figure it out.

          Just get out there. Make some moves. Be cool. Be yourself. You will start making money.
          Hey Dan! WOW this is gold. I just wanna say thank you!

          I printed this out and taped it on the wall next to my bed, and I put another copy in the bathroom taped it on the wall.

          I will live, eat, breathe, sleep by this formula!
          Signature

          Zach Robinson

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  • Profile picture of the author vstar00
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author SDave001
      Originally Posted by vstar00 View Post

      Yes, it covers a few but really more like only 1. The company that makes Highrise (Basecamp, formerly 37 Signals) has said that it is now only focusing on Basecamp, their project management software. So you might want to be careful before jumping on that one.

      Streak is more like a Lance Armstrong version of GMail. I tried it out a couple of months ago and it's nice but is really only GMail on steriods - not a true CRM. It looks nice and is certainly an improvement over using straight GMail but not what your looking for if you want a good relationship manager.
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      • Profile picture of the author Richfella
        It has to be Base CRM by a long mile. Here: GetBase.com.

        The free version will probably be sufficient for your needs.
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  • Profile picture of the author Publisher
    Try OnePagecrm
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    • Profile picture of the author bluesteele
      You'd be surprised at what you can accomplish with just a simple spreadsheet. I spent a lot of time mucking around in different CRMs, and ended up, for a lot of what I do, using spreadsheets.

      Admittedly, I do use Trello too. I have got my clients using it now too, and it is amazing for workflow mgmt, and collaboration. With a bit of creative tweaking, can also serve as an excellent CRM tool. And it is free.

      Would also recommend you check out mhelpdesk. It is typically for field service types, but recently I have come to see lots of other folks using it to manage clients, and it is pretty damn slick.

      good luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author jamesfreddyc
    Excel with conditional formatting here and there along with MS Outlook: the calendar and tasks make it very effective once you figure out the best way to work it.
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  • Profile picture of the author AmyMB
    Hi! If you want to try a new product for managing your small to medium-sized business, try JunoHCM. My company just launched it and it will make your life easier.

    Essential information is secure and available at all times. Access controls into the system keep reports safe and private. Employees can manage multiple email addresses, edit profile information and handle other crucial employee data. A key feature is the limitation of information based on admin permissions. Role definitions and hierarchy are established to organize employee data and to maintain privacy.

    Please contact me if you would like more details. Thanks!
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  • Profile picture of the author Matt Lee
    Some good value bombs dropped in this thread. I've been using excel for a long time too, but there are a few services mentioned here that I'm definitely going to take a closer look at.
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