Charles Pludthura
What’s the next step after social CRM?
Social media is fast, it’s constant and it’s everywhere. It’s also helping to create social businesses; those that put in place strategies, technologies and processes to systematically engage all in its ecosystem to maximise co-created value. How effectively does your business do this?
How CRM contributes to exceptional customer service
CRM is often misunderstood as for salespeople or front line staff who take orders. Increasingly though, ensuring that prospects and customers receive excellent service can no longer be thought of as simply the job of front line staff – it’s everyone’s responsibility and needs to be seen as a company-wide endeavour.
How to know when to invest in new business systems
Your business is growing. As you expand your product range, with this growth comes more employees, more data transactions and more historical information to store. There is more weight on the decisions you make, and you need to be more responsive than ever before. This is when you need to make some important decisions about some new systems for your business.
How shorter budget cycles lead to business success
The budget is the single most important management tool most businesses have. But when the budgeting process drags out, it becomes a painful waste of time. Here’s the case for creating a tight, focused budget process that takes no more than three to four weeks.
Improving the three customer C’s; Communication, collaboration, competitiveness
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) isn’t just about installing a new piece of kit and watching it magically solve all your business problems. Successful deployment of CRM focuses around communication, collaboration and competitiveness.
Seven ways to make your customers feel special
Haven’t bothered to take the time to learn about your customers? It could be costing you more than you imagine, so here’s how to make your customers feel special (and hang onto their business).
Enough with the jargon, just what is cloud computing?
Cloud computing might be the technology buzz word of the moment, but many SMBs still don’t understand what it means for them. Here we take a look at cloud computing, minus the jargon.
Setting realistic 2012 business goals
When it comes to setting business goals at the start of a New Year, Charles Pludthura suggests you make them achievable and realistic. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Is your business ready for a new IT system?
If you have a growing business, one of the most important characteristics of your IT system is its scalability and ability to grow along with your company.
How to make your content work harder
Charles Pludthura blogs about the key role content plays in any successful digital campaign. “Firstly, you need to be aware that duplicating content can actually be detrimental to search engine performance, so there’s more to content management that just ‘spray and pray’…”
The stressed out commuter’s dream
Charles Pludthura blogs about the many benefits of working remotely. “More and more workers are managing to carve out successful careers, operating remotely from wherever they feel like settling down and getting connected. Whether it’s a beach in south-east Asia or a back bedroom in Coffs Harbour, the world really is our oyster!”
Be prepared to be measured
Charles Pludthura blogs about the difference CRM tools can make to a business’ current situation. “Think about CRM tools and how they can improve upon the current situation. What is that worth to a buyer – in terms that really matter – Increasing Revenue, Avoiding Costs or Improving Service?”
E-Commerce: Integrate or perish
Charles Pludthura blogs about the importance of getting your eCommerce system right. “Australian customers in 2011 expect to be provided with consistent information no matter how they may deal with a business. Pricing, order status, inventory availability, account status, product information, payment options and shipping options are expected to be the same across all channels.”
CRM: A business imperative during uncertain economic times
Charles Pludthura blogs about CRM’s ability to help businesses to drive through the operational improvements needed to survive the downturn. “Businesses also need to examine how they can safeguard revenues and profitability, and particularly within their own customer base. Otherwise, they are just delaying the inevitable…”
Technology + Social = a competitive strategy for 2012
Charles Pludthura blogs about a couple of growth strategies businesses should consider in the next 12 months. “First, it’s time to streamline. If you haven’t already done so, look to your processes and see whether there are any opportunities to reduce time, error and effort through automation.”
Getting practical about software selection
Charles Pludthura blogs about making a decision about the software your business runs on. “If you believe that your software is getting on in years, ask yourself: does it include modern, integrated productivity tools such as client relationship management, document management and workflow?”