by Kenny C. Velasquez » Thu Apr 02, 2009 06:14 am
I currently work as a sales agent inside a larger insurance company. However, I'm going to be expanding out in my off time. I plan to obtain appointment with a few companies through a local broker I know, and I will operate as a free agent under his watch. My goal is to sell mainly final expense and health plans here in Washington state.
That said, I'm trying to focus on customer management. At work we use a full fledged CRM program that tracks sales, customer records and applications. However, I don't need something that large for what I'm starting out with. I'm wondering if anyone knows of any good customer information applications that'd assist with tracking your lead information, lead contact history with and let you set follow up reminders/tasks as needed to keep things moving froward. I don't need the market trends and sales reporting that you get with many of the larger programs like SalesForce or SugarCRM - not yet anyway :roll:
Are there any suggestions on what could be used for this? I'd rather the program be software based. As I do not trust web based applications enough with stuff like this - and I sleep better knowing everything is safe on my OWN computer (with proper backups, RAID drives, etc).
That said, I'm trying to focus on customer management. At work we use a full fledged CRM program that tracks sales, customer records and applications. However, I don't need something that large for what I'm starting out with. I'm wondering if anyone knows of any good customer information applications that'd assist with tracking your lead information, lead contact history with and let you set follow up reminders/tasks as needed to keep things moving froward. I don't need the market trends and sales reporting that you get with many of the larger programs like SalesForce or SugarCRM - not yet anyway :roll:
Are there any suggestions on what could be used for this? I'd rather the program be software based. As I do not trust web based applications enough with stuff like this - and I sleep better knowing everything is safe on my OWN computer (with proper backups, RAID drives, etc).
Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 09:38 am Post Subject:
If you're in a mid-sized business there's no requirement for you to maintain a complex CRM. In today's world it's very important to customize your applications according to your business needs. I've come across a name called Commence CRM. But, please check it out yourself!
Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 10:37 am Post Subject:
Maintaining a ledger may help you in managing your customers well. Like anony has mentioned there is no need for installing complex software if its only a small or medium size business. There are many agents, who still would carry a journal with them containing all the details of their clients. You might not wish to invest in a tool that would cost you more than your earning. So, check out with other experienced people before buying such things.
Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 05:01 pm Post Subject:
Go check out YourInsuranceOffice.com. You can d/l a demo program and speak with Frank Stasney at any time you want. If you decide you want that program, you can tell him Todd King referred you and you'll get a $20 discount on it. Hope this helps.
Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 10:39 pm Post Subject:
Definitely check out YourInsuranceOffice. Frank will help you any way he can.
Posted: Tue Apr 14, 2009 08:14 pm Post Subject:
there are some GREAT free CRMS out there. I have smaller clients that rave about them (most are under 3 reps its free)
I use Consursive CRM, because it is synced to my prospecting software.. :wink: and I hate data entry! :evil:
Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2009 08:52 am Post Subject:
Hi Onelead, Concurcive sounds good in the market of CRM software, but is it suitable for people who have limited business or just starting-off? How would it affect their operating cost?
Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2009 04:36 pm Post Subject:
Limited business or funds I would go with a freebie CRM.
(since 100% of CRMS have a import/export feature your not locked in - no matter what they want you to think)
CRMS are for managing and containing your customers data. I explain it as "Defense". Prospecting software is for growing NOT maintaining. For example, softwareABC helps you find/book appointments - after it passes the baton to CRM.
If you are just starting off, play some good defense. When you are ready to score big (funds, time, etc) then bring in the offense.. and let synergy do its thing : ) ..dont forget Gatorade - lol
my .02-
Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 05:31 am Post Subject:
Are freebie CRM as effective as the one that comes at the cost of a fortune? Are they well synced with your business requirements? I am sure that you'd face troubles with the limitations of the free CRM. Can you name us few of the free CRMs that are good?
Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 12:45 pm Post Subject:
Hey Simon,
I am sure that you'd face troubles with the limitations of the free CRM.
I don't think limitations have got anything to do with their being 'free'. Even expensive crms have got their own limitations. So, if you'd get a free crm and customize it (pay your techies to develop it for your specific needs), it might just be more productive to your business. What do you think! Steven
Posted: Fri Apr 17, 2009 11:57 am Post Subject:
Hi,
As I do not trust web based applications enough with stuff like this - and I sleep better knowing everything is safe on my OWN computer (with proper backups, RAID drives, etc).
My friend, I guess you'd need to think a bit differently if you'd really like your business to grow. All web-based applications are not bad and today you do have customize-options associated with a lot of them. As your business grows, you'll need to process more data and this in turn would increase your data-fields.
Think of the future!
Fatman
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