Technology
What is CRM its Types & Best CRM for Small Business
The most important asset of a business is its customers, which is why it is so important to track and analyze relationships with them. But even for an experienced leader it is not easy to understand what the client wants, how to attract and retain him, and who is he, finally?
The answers to these questions lie in the concept of customer relationship management, that is, CRM. If you want the company to make a profit and develop, if you want to increase efficiency, build a customer-oriented business, optimize processes, automate routine operations. To solve these and many other problems, specialized software products, or CRM systems, allow. Moreover, the question of whether it is necessary to implement a solution is not worth it. It is important to choose the right software product. But first things first.
What is a CRM system
CRM stands for Customer Relationship Management, which literally translates as “customer relationship management.” This is a specific strategy for developing a business that practices a customer-oriented approach. Obviously, before its implementation, you need to know exactly who exactly is the client of the company, what interests him, what he expects and where he comes from.
For this, there are CRM-systems – a set of technological and organizational solutions with the help of which the company collects, processes and stores all customer data. These systems make it possible to trace the history of the relationship between the client and the company, analyze the wishes of clients, and create a generalized portrait of the consumer. And all this in order not only to attract a client by offering him exactly what he needs, but also to keep him.
Why you need CRM?
As we already wrote, the main goal of any CRM system is to systematize and organize customer information in a single database that is available to all company employees. A CRM system helps to solve such tasks as managing marketing campaigns and problem alerts, segmenting target audiences according to various criteria, planning and administering sales, attracting and retaining new customers. In addition, it can quickly generate sales documents and promptly provide sales agents with the necessary information.
CRM systems can greatly facilitate the work of a company in such matters as maintaining a client base, preparing primary accounting documentation, generating reports (on sales, on work efficiency, etc.), compiling lists of necessary calls and sending out notifications,
CRM systems are a powerful tool for optimizing business processes that can increase company efficiency by 50%, save manager time by 80%, and increase sales by 20%. But the main thing is that the management receives data about the behavior of the client, which means an understanding of what he likes and what not, and what measures need to be taken so that the client leaves satisfied and returns soon, without giving preference to competitors.
An example of the successful implementation of a CRM system is the Costa Coffee chain from the UK. In 2012, a CRM solution was implemented for the chain, which not only increased coffee shop visits by 47%, but also led to £21m in revenue growth.
Note that CRM systems are most in demand in such industries as e-commerce, FMCG goods, insurance, banks and financial services, tourism, retail, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, and telecom. These organizations are united by a large number of clients, which entails huge amounts of data that need to be systematized and automated.
Types of CRM systems
CRM-systems differ from each other in terms of purpose, level of information processing, method of organization and degree of individual solution. Let’s analyze the characteristics of each type for a deeper understanding of the purpose of CRM systems.
According to the purpose of the system can be:
for sales management – sales forecasts and analysis, contact management, profit and loss analysis.
for marketing management – analysis of the results of marketing campaigns.
for managing customer service and call centers – processing requests, fixing and further work with them.
According to the level of information processing, CRM systems are divided into:
Operational – used for quick access to information on a specific client during the sales or service process.
Analytical – used to analyze various data related both to the customer himself and to the activities of the company.
Collaborative – provide customers with the opportunity to influence the internal processes of the company as a whole.
According to the method of organization, two main types of systems are distinguished:
Cloud CRM-system (SaaS) – all information is stored in cloud services. Great for small and medium businesses, as it does not require the cost of additional equipment and technical personnel, ease of use plays a positive role.
Standalone – when choosing this option, you will need your own server, however, unlike cloud technologies, you will be able to fully adapt the system to your needs.
According to the degree of individuality of the solution
Individual CRM – when creating systems of this kind, ready-made products are not used, unique offers are created that meet all the requirements of customers.
Adapted box solution – can be used by almost all companies. An example of such programs can be Microsoft Dynamics CRM from Microsoft, 1C CRM from 1C.
Which CRM System to Choose?
To decide on a CRM system for your business, first of all, you need to identify the goals and objectives that you set for it. It is necessary to explore the market of CRM-systems, choose from the variety presented on the market, the one that best suits your needs, evaluate the level of costs for the implementation of the system and contact the companies providing these services.
You also need to decide on the functionality and budget that you are willing to spend on implementing a CRM system. Based on this, make a decision – order an individual solution or use ready-made options. In any case, it is necessary to pay attention to the usability and visibility of the provision of information – you must see and easily analyze where and how the tasks you need are performed.
a single database of clients and counterparties for the entire company;
control over sales in real time;
formation of statistics of requests and incoming calls;
Ability to develop sales and business development strategies
The result of the work of the CRM system is an increase in sales efficiency and quality of service, an increase in the client base, a reduction in risks and losses, and an optimization of work processes.
A CRM system creates significant support for a business that interacts directly with customers and / or works to expand the pool of buyers. It is indispensable for e-commerce and even, for example, for a beauty salon that needs to closely monitor incoming calls and increase customer loyalty. But for a convenience store, a CRM system is unlikely to bring the same dividends, since its work usually does not involve fixing customer contacts. Here loyalty depends solely on the quality of products and services.
In a situation where the need for automation is already ripe, the question arises: which CRM system is better? Let’s try to answer this question.
Implementation Format
Depending on the technology that underlies the service, there are two types of CRM systems:
Cloud systems (SaaS, from English software as a service- software as a service). The software is installed on the service provider’s server. The user receives the right to remote access through a browser or client application. There is no option to change the product code. As a rule, such systems allow you to set up access for employees, select report forms, record external processes (data from the site, incoming calls), change the interface. At the same time, all the data entered when working with the software is stored by the CRM provider.
It is possible that some options, such as database backup, will have to be paid separately. This option is the most economical – it is enough for the user to buy the right to use the CRM system, avoiding the cost of equipment and software updates.
Stand-alone . This is a classic program that is installed on the user’s server. Such solutions usually provide an opportunity to modify the code for your own needs. It is suitable for companies with non-standard functionality, as well as solving non-standard business tasks. At the level of small and medium businesses, the need for deep changes rarely arises, and therefore there is no point in spending significant funds on equipment and software purchases. SaaS in most cases becomes the optimal solution.
Availability of API
API (from the English application programming interface , application programming interface) allows you to integrate a CRM system with those services that the company already uses for accounting, receiving applications, and processing documents.
Telephony Integration
This function of the CRM system is closely related to the previous one and allows you to record incoming calls and make outgoing calls within the software. There are two implementation options: a call through a browser with a signal passing through a CRM system or using the capabilities of third-party foreign. The second option is preferable, since the browser is able to influence the sound quality and signal processing speed, and not for the better.
Scheduling and notification functions
Employees using the system should be able to set tasks and reminders for themselves and colleagues. It is important that the CRM system allows employees involved in working with clients to communicate with each other so that the manager can control this process and correct it.
Price
The price of a product consists of several components:
license cost (payment for access to SaaS solutions or software acquisition);
the possibility and method of loading information into the system;
the possibility of refinement (setting up access rights, report forms, tasks, etc.);
need for accompaniment.
It is important to understand that at the beginning of working with the CRM system, temporary failures and loss of some calls and contacts are possible, which also increases the total amount of financial investments (in this case, due to lost profits). When choosing a system, you need to make sure that it solves all the tasks the company needs. As a rule, you can learn about the basic features by watching promotional videos and as part of test access. And finally, when choosing a CRM system, it is best to rely on the opinion and experience of specialists.
Best CRM for Small Businesses
Despite the fact that the concept of “the best CRM system”, as already mentioned, does not exist, an independent CRM rating provided by Tagline experts can provide some guidance. This is a large analytical agency that studies the market of digital production, mobile development, interactive marketing, etc. The rating of CRM systems in 2016 was compiled for the fourth time. It is based on a survey of more than 400 digital agencies with a production or client office that are implementing CRM. Respondents could choose from the proposed options or add their own software products. The top of the popularity ranking looks like this:
AmoCRM
This software allows you to manage customer relationships at all stages of sales, integrate the system with the corporate website and PBX. Three paid tariffs, mobile applications. AmoCRM offers cloud storage of data with access from anywhere in the world. Users note the user-friendly interface and wide functionality. The first 14 days of use are free.
Megaplan
One of the most popular CRM. Used by small and medium businesses. Allows you to create a client base and store the most complete information in it. CRM also accompanies a file cloud, a task manager, various modules and the ability to set up mail. Controls the quality of work performed by employees and the time spent. The system was developed in a boxed version and in the cloud. Three tariff plans, mobile applications, 14 days of free testing. A company with up to 10 users can qualify for the free version. Doesn’t integrate with the site.
Pipedrive
American system focused on small businesses. Easy to use. Allows you to work together, form a client base, evaluate the sales funnel. The program interface is recognized as one of the most convenient. A powerful API allows you to integrate a CRM system with almost any business solution. Delivered as a cloud service. The free trial period lasts 30 days. The program is focused on primary sales, to maintain “existing” customers, the functionality is weak.
Highrise
Contact and task management system with the ability to insert multimedia. There is integration with Basecamp, which allows you to import contacts. Cloud solution. Most of the features are paid. The free version allows you to connect up to two users and 25 contacts to your account.
A wide range of software is due to the growing demand. Digital channels for attracting customers are used not only by large corporations, but also by representatives of medium and small businesses. CRM-system becomes a necessity, without which the company will not be able to take a strong position in the competition. It is important that this is not only software, but a set of business processes, so the implementation and configuration of CRM requires the joint participation of IT specialists and business consultants.
Reviews
The Best Buy Apple Airpods 2023
Best Buy Apple Airpods 2023 : Apple AirPods have been the main competitor to other brands in the wireless headphone market for several years, but the high price can be an obstacle in acquiring them. Today, together with an expert, we will consider the best analogues of AirPods
AirPods are devices made by other manufacturers that offer wireless headphones with similar features and capabilities, but at a more affordable price. For those who are not yet familiar with this product, AirPods are Apple’s wireless earbuds that provide convenience and high quality sound in a compact form factor. The main advantages of Apple devices are the presence of a transparency mode (setting external sounds), noise reduction, high voice quality during a conversation, and smart features (for example, Siri voice assistant).
However, despite the popularity of AirPods, analogues are appearing on the market that can provide even better sound quality and more features than the original product. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best AirPods alternatives that offer better value for money sound quality, as well as additional features such as noise cancellation, gesture control, and longer battery life.
Best Buy Apple Airpods
Apple AirPods Pro Review
The Apple AirPods Pro are fancy wireless earbuds that have lots of cool features for great sound and easy use. Here’s a quick review of what’s good about them:
Positive Aspects:
Noise Cancellation: These earbuds can make things around you quiet, which is awesome when you’re listening to music in noisy places.
Hear Around You: You can also let in sounds from outside, so you know what’s happening around you without taking the earbuds out.
Comfy Fit: They have different ear tips to make sure they fit comfortably in your ears, and they block out extra noise.
Nice Sound: The sound is good, with strong bass and clear sounds. They’re not perfect for super music fans, but they sound pretty good.
Sweat and Water Resistant: You can use them when you’re sweating or if there’s a bit of water around without breaking them.
Smart Chip: They work really well with iPhones and iPads, and you can even talk to Siri hands-free.
Easy to Connect: You can easily connect them to your Apple devices without much trouble.
Negative Aspects:
Battery Life: They don’t play music for a super long time before needing a charge. You get around 4.5 to 5 hours with noise cancellation or the hearing-around-you mode on.
Expensive: They cost more than other wireless earbuds, which might not be great if you’re trying to save money.
Not Super Tough: Some people say they might not last a long time and could break, especially the case or the earbuds.
Final Thoughts:
The AirPods Pro are a good choice if you love Apple stuff and want earbuds that work really well with your devices. They’re especially good if you want to block out noise. But they’re a bit pricey, so if you don’t need the noise stuff, you might want to look at other options. The sound is nice, they’re easy to use, but remember they might not be super tough.
Apple AirPods Pro (1st Generation)
The 1st Generation of Apple AirPods Pro, wireless earbuds, comes with a range of features designed for better sound and convenience. Here’s a concise review covering their main aspects:
Advantages:
Active Noise Cancellation: The AirPods Pro (1st Gen) feature active noise cancellation, reducing background noise for a focused listening experience, particularly useful in noisy environments.
Transparency Mode: This mode allows external sounds to come through, balancing music and environmental awareness, beneficial when you need to stay alert to your surroundings.
Comfortable Fit: With different ear tip sizes, these AirPods offer a comfortable fit tailored to your ears, enhancing comfort and noise isolation for improved sound quality.
Audio Quality: The earbuds deliver well-balanced audio, including strong bass and clear high notes. While not audiophile-level, they provide enjoyable sound.
Water and Sweat Resistance: These AirPods are designed to withstand light water exposure and sweat, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
H1 Chip Integration: The built-in H1 chip optimizes compatibility with Apple devices, ensuring seamless pairing, lower latency, and hands-free Siri activation.
Easy Pairing: Connecting the AirPods to your Apple devices is straightforward, especially if you’re logged in with your iCloud account.
Drawbacks:
Battery Life: The earbuds offer a decent but not exceptionally long battery life. You can expect around 4.5 to 5 hours of playback with noise cancellation or transparency mode engaged.
Price: The AirPods Pro (1st Gen) are relatively more expensive compared to alternative wireless earbuds, potentially discouraging budget-conscious consumers.
Durability: Some users have reported concerns about long-term durability, including issues with the earbuds’ charging case and their overall resilience.
Final Thoughts:
The first-generation AirPods Pro are a solid choice, especially if you’re a dedicated Apple user seeking compatibility and an immersive audio experience. However, their higher cost and potential durability issues might lead you to explore other options, especially if noise cancellation isn’t a top priority. For those valuing sound quality and user-friendliness, the AirPods Pro are worth considering, while taking into account possible durability challenges.
Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)
The Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) are wireless earbuds with several features to enhance your listening experience and convenience. Here’s a quick review highlighting their main features:
Advantages:
Wireless Convenience: These AirPods are cord-free and connect to your devices through Bluetooth, allowing you to move freely without tangled wires.
Easy Pairing: Setting up these AirPods is a breeze. They quickly connect to your Apple device when you open the charging case nearby.
Good Sound Quality: The audio quality is decent, with clear vocals and satisfactory bass. While not designed for audiophiles, they provide a pleasant listening experience.
Long Battery Life: You get about 5 hours of continuous listening time, and the charging case extends this to over 24 hours before needing a recharge.
Voice Control: You can use voice commands like “Hey Siri” to manage your music, calls, and more, all without touching your device.
Comfortable and Light: These AirPods are lightweight and fit comfortably in most ears, making them suitable for extended wear.
Device Compatibility: They work well with various Apple devices, and switching between devices signed in with the same iCloud account is effortless.
Disadvantages:
No Noise Cancellation: Unlike the AirPods Pro, these earbuds don’t have active noise cancellation, so they might not block out background noise as effectively.
Limited Water Resistance: The AirPods (2nd Gen) aren’t fully waterproof, so you should be careful when using them in wet or sweaty conditions.
Similar Design: They closely resemble the first-generation AirPods, which could disappoint those expecting a more noticeable design update.
Final Thoughts:
For Apple fans who want easy-to-use wireless earbuds, the AirPods (2nd Gen) are a reliable choice. They offer good sound quality, long battery life, and straightforward setup. While they lack some advanced features of the AirPods Pro, their affordability and dependable performance make them a practical option for everyday use. If you’re seeking straightforward wireless earbuds with an Apple touch, give the AirPods (2nd Gen) a look.
Reviews
How to Choose an Iron / Best Iron to Buy 2023
Today we will discuss the most important aspects for How to choose an iron, let’s take a look
Hold in your hands
An iron is a household appliance that you have to keep in your hand all the time it is working. Therefore, it is important that you feel comfortable, easy and pleasant to “communicate” with him. Even if you choose it on the Internet, do not be lazy, go to a hardware store, hold it and see how comfortable you are.
Weigh
Some housewives like it when the iron is heavy enough. Apparently, this has gone back to the time when the large weight of the device helped to smooth fabrics faster and better. Now weight is not an important characteristic, and many manufacturers do not even indicate it in the main technical data. But still, look at the weight, because the iron is always in your hands, if it is very hard or unusually light, then ironing will be uncomfortable.
Irons with ceramic or aluminum soles weigh a little, some even less than one kilogram. High-quality irons with stainless steel soles weigh about one and a half kilograms, less often about two. Keep in mind that when you fill the tank with water, the iron will become slightly heavier.
Check out the power of steam
Steam is as important a part of ironing as a hot sole. Therefore, the more steam the iron produces, the easier and faster men’s shirts, voluminous duvet covers, and light dresses with flounces will be ironed.
We look at the power of steam supply. The higher it is, the better!
Steam output or continuous steam output is how much steam per minute comes out of the holes on the soleplate of the iron. In this case, you do not need to additionally press any buttons. Just move the iron over the fabric, and the steam comes out and smoothes out the wrinkles.
This indicator affects the cost: the more steam, the more expensive the iron. On the most equipped models, continuous steam output can reach 75 g/min. Average indicators – 35-50 g / min. But even at 40 g/min, you will have to press the steam boost button frequently to iron the fabric faster.
Check the steam boost
Every steam iron has a steam boost function. Press the button, and steam falls on the fold of the fabric in a powerful cloud, and the hot sole smoothes it out effortlessly.
The stronger the steam boost, the easier it is to remove creases.
Average indicators: 160g–200g. If the value is below 150g, then it can hardly be called a steam boost, just increased steam supply. It, of course, will help to smooth the fabric, but the strongest creases will have to be ironed several times.
Estimate the frequency of use of vertical steam
This function allows you to iron clothes hanging on hangers. But in fact, only expensive irons with a steam boost of about 200 g / min can cope with this task. If this type of ironing is important to you, then it is better to buy a vertical steamer.
Check the volume of the water tank
If the iron has a large steam supply and a small water tank, then ironing will turn into a torment, because you have to add water every ten minutes. Manufacturers also understand this, so they increase the volume of the tank as much as they can. Largest tank: 350-400 ml.
Average volume: 250–300 ml.
You can take a model with a smaller tank volume if it has a small supply of steam or you prefer to iron without it at all.
Find out if there is descaling
If you want your iron to last longer, choose a model with a descaling function. Such a system is found in most devices. The main thing is to use it. Many simply forget to pull out and rinse the container or a special rod in which limescale accumulates.
If there is no such function, then only distilled water can be used.
In addition, it is necessary to carry out self-cleaning of the iron so that when ironing, pieces of scale do not get on expensive clothes. Expensive models have a separate button for this. You need to heat the iron with a full tank of water, place it over the sink and press the clean button. Water with scale pieces will pour out of the holes.
If there is no button and self-cleaning function, then you need to set the maximum heating and turn on the steam boost several times over the sink so that all scale particles come out with water and steam.
Only some of the most expensive models have an indication of the need to clean, with most irons you need to follow this yourself.
See if there is an anti-drop function and how it works
The anti-drip function allows you to iron at low temperatures, at which water does not turn into steam, without the appearance of water droplets on clothes. Drops can stain silk and leave marks, which is why it is so important that the iron does not “cry”.
The main problem is that the “anti-drop” is declared for almost all models, and only works for some. And it’s almost impossible to check this before buying, you can get truthful information only by studying the feedback from the owners or looking at independent tests. Therefore, after buying, check on a simple cloth how the iron behaves when ironing at low temperatures, and if it “drops tears”, then do not be lazy and drain all the water from the tank before ironing delicate fabrics.
You can, of course, try to return the iron to the store if 14 days have not passed since the purchase, referring to Article 18 of the Law “On Protection of Consumer Rights”. After all, the buyer has the right to return the goods if he has a defect that the seller did not warn about. But it will be difficult to prove that a couple of drops spilled during ironing are sufficient grounds for the return of equipment. If you had such an experience, tell us in the comments, it’s interesting.
Check if there is an auto-off
If you suffer from forgetfulness or increased anxiety, then pay attention to devices with an auto-off function. They usually turn off on their own if they lie still for more than 30 seconds or stand still for more than 8 minutes. This feature is available for both expensive and cheap models.
There is one more opportunity to control the operation of the device: some models can be controlled from a smartphone through the application. So the problem with the iron not turned off remains in the past.
Look at the cord
Two points need to be checked: the length of the cord and the method of fastening.
The maximum length of power cords for irons is 3 meters.
Often there are models with cords 2.5 m long. An iron with a shorter cord is worth buying only if your ironing board is equipped with a power connection.
The way the cord is attached to the case is very important. The cord must rotate freely 360 °, only in this case it will not fray during operation.
Check out the warranty period
Many models have a 2-year warranty. Some have one. Agree, two is more than one. Therefore, choose equipment with a longer warranty period. But keep in mind that some breakdowns, such as those associated with the fact that you did not perform descaling, may not be covered under warranty.
Best Iron to Buy
Reviews
Best headset for working from home with microphone / remote work
Best headset for working from home with microphone : Now, more than ever, remote work and distance learning have become relevant. But in order to stream, meetings, webinars, conferences, play games, chat online with friends, you need a high-quality headset.
The best headphones with a microphone for work in 2023 – we tell you what they should be
Before choosing headphones with a microphone for your phone or computer, you need to find out what they are.
How to Choose Headphones for Remote Working:
Wired . These headphones are more reliable than wireless headphones and are lighter in weight. They are connected to the sound source using a wire that is inserted into the appropriate connector.
Wireless . Buying wireless headphones with a microphone is beneficial if you want to feel the freedom of movement and at the same time are ready to constantly charge them, change batteries, etc. The base station of these headphones is connected to the gadget connector. Thanks to the built-in transmitter, the headphones and the station exchange signals.
According to the type of headset design are:
Folding . These headphones fold with a special mechanism and take up less space. They are convenient to take with you.
Clumsy . More bulky, they are better to choose if you are going to use them at home and do not plan to carry them with you all the time.
The differences lie in the type of attachment of the headphones themselves:
Headband . Between the cups passes the bow, which is located in the vertical direction. Due to this, the weight of the headphones is evenly distributed over the head.
Occipital arch . The bow connects two ear pads, but unlike the first option, it runs in the occipital area.
The microphone can be:
On the wire . The microphone is located on the wire, next to the volume control button.
On a fixed mount . The microphone is mounted on a plastic holder and is not very noticeable.
On a movable mount . It can be adjusted, zoomed in and out of the face.
Built-in . The microphone is not visible at all, but this is its only advantage. Using the built-in option, in addition to your voice, all extraneous sounds will also be heard.
With noise cancellation . These microphones are the best and most practical. If the headset has such a function as noise reduction, then all sounds except your voice will be suppressed to the maximum.
Also, the headphones differ in connectors:
Mini jack 3.5 mm . Represented by a small plug that can be inserted into a computer, TV, tablet, phone or home theater. Provided they have a sound module.
USB . Headphones with a microphone with a USB input have a built-in sound module. Therefore, they can be connected to devices that do not have their own audio output.
Best Headset for working from home with microphone
Best Headphones for Remote Work
Best Wired Headset for working from home
Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for office environment under 100
We have shared all the best headsets available in the market. If you want to read in depth how to choose a headset & which qualities it should have before buying. Read our article & share your thoughts in our comments.
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