Wizard Systems

Lease Your CRM: Smart Financing

While many suppliers of CRM systems insist on complete payment of the solution up front, before you realise the benefits, Wizard Systems offer a monthly payment option where you get the complete solution with a small deposit and then monthly payments (lease rental).  When considering the tax implications of financing a CRM system through monthly lease rentals versus annual invoices in the UK, there are a few potential advantages:

1. Cash flow management: While not strictly a tax advantage, monthly lease payments can help with cash flow by spreading the cost over time, which may indirectly impact a company's tax position.

2. Revenue expenditure: Lease rentals are typically treated as revenue expenditure, which means they can be deducted from the company's taxable profits in the year they are incurred. This provides an immediate tax benefit.

3. Capital allowances: When paying for a CRM system upfront on an annual basis, it may be considered a capital expense. While capital allowances can be claimed, they are often spread over multiple years, which can delay the tax benefit.

4. VAT treatment: For VAT-registered businesses, VAT on lease rentals can be reclaimed on each monthly payment, spreading the VAT recovery over time. This can be advantageous for cash flow compared to reclaiming a larger amount of VAT on an annual payment.

5. Flexibility in accounting: Leasing may provide more flexibility in how the expense is recorded on the company's balance sheet, potentially affecting financial ratios and tax planning strategies.

It's important to note that the specific tax treatment can vary depending on the exact terms of the lease agreement and the company's individual circumstances. Additionally, accounting standards and tax regulations may change over time.

For a definitive answer tailored to a specific company's situation, it would be advisable to consult with a qualified accountant or tax professional. They can provide guidance based on the most current regulations and the company's particular financial situation.

 

Enhance Your Data Governance with Workbooks CRM's Audit Extension - Wizard Systems Event 25th September

Are you looking to improve data governance, compliance, and security in your Workbooks CRM system? The Audit Extension might be just what you need. This powerful add-on provides comprehensive tracking and reporting capabilities, giving you greater visibility into your CRM data and user activities.

So attention Workbooks Users, tune into our next Workbooks 101 event where we explain all.  This short webinar will be on Wednesday 25th September at 2pm UK time.  

PLEASE REGISTER HERE

And the key Features of the Audit Extension:

1. Detailed Change Tracking: Monitor all modifications made to your CRM records, including who made the changes, when they occurred, and what specific fields were altered.

2. Historical Data Snapshots: Capture complete record states at specific points in time, allowing you to review how your data has evolved.

3. User Activity Logs: Track user logins, logouts, and system access patterns to enhance security and identify potential issues.

4. Customizable Audit Rules: Set up tailored auditing rules to focus on the most critical data and processes in your organization.

5. Advanced Reporting: Generate in-depth audit reports to analyze trends, investigate discrepancies, and demonstrate compliance.

 

Why Consider the Audit Extension?

1. Improved Data Integrity: By tracking all changes, you can quickly identify and rectify errors or unauthorized modifications.

2. Enhanced Compliance: Meet regulatory requirements by maintaining detailed audit trails of your customer and business data.

3. Increased Accountability: Foster a culture of responsibility by making user actions transparent and traceable.

4. Better Decision Making: Gain insights into how your data evolves over time, informing strategic decisions and process improvements.

5. Streamlined Troubleshooting: Quickly investigate and resolve data-related issues by reviewing the comprehensive change history.

If you rely on Workbooks CRM to manage critical business data and processes, the Audit Extension offers a robust solution for maintaining data integrity, ensuring compliance, and improving overall system governance. By providing a clear view of who's doing what in your CRM, this add-on empowers you to make more informed decisions and maintain the highest standards of data management.

For more information and pricing, please contact Wizard Systems.

GoldMine CRM: A Time-Tested Solution That Continues to Shine

For many years, GoldMine CRM has been a trusted companion for businesses of all sizes. While some may be tempted to explore newer options, there are compelling reasons why GoldMine remains a robust and valuable CRM solution. Let's explore why this tried-and-true platform continues to stand out from the crowd.

1. Ownership and Cost-Effectiveness

One of the most significant advantages of GoldMine is its ownership model. Unlike many modern CRM systems that require ongoing subscriptions, GoldMine offers a one-time purchase price with low-cost annual upgrade and support options[3]. This approach can result in substantial long-term savings, with potential cost reductions of up to 70% compared to subscription-based alternatives[1].

2. Flexibility in Connectivity

GoldMine's synchronization capabilities set it apart from cloud-only solutions. For businesses operating in areas with unreliable internet access, GoldMine's ability to function offline is invaluable[7]. This feature ensures that your team can remain productive regardless of connectivity issues, making it an ideal choice for remote teams or those working in challenging environments. If you need that offline access and have remote users, Wizard Systems, your GoldMine solutions partner, can advise.

3. Seamless Integration with Essential Tools

GoldMine's deep integration with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel, streamlines document creation and data management[3]. This tight coupling allows for effortless merging of GoldMine data into documents and forms, enhancing productivity and reducing manual data entry.

4. Built-in Email Functionality

Unlike many CRM solutions that rely on external email clients, GoldMine boasts its own email capability[3]. This unique feature eliminates the need for separate email management tools like Outlook or Gmail. All email communications are automatically stored against the relevant contact records, ensuring a comprehensive view of customer interactions.

5. Deployment Flexibility

GoldMine offers the best of both worlds when it comes to deployment. It can be installed on your local PCs or servers, giving you full control over your data and infrastructure[3]. At the same time, it provides easy-to-use web and smartphone access options, allowing for flexibility in how your team accesses the system[1][2].

6. Multiple Database Support

For businesses with complex organizational structures or those managing multiple brands, GoldMine's support for multiple databases is a significant advantage[3]. This feature allows for clear separation of data and customized setups for different parts of your organization without incurring additional charges.

7. Customization and Add-Ons

GoldMine's ecosystem of add-ons and integrations allows for extensive customization to meet specific business needs[4]. From ERP system connections to enhanced telephony integration, these add-ons can significantly expand GoldMine's capabilities and tailor the system to your unique requirements.

8. Familiar Interface and Ease of Use

For long-time users, GoldMine's consistent interface is a comfort[3]. This familiarity translates to reduced training needs and higher user adoption rates. New team members can quickly get up to speed, thanks to the intuitive design and comprehensive self-training resources available[1]. Wizard Systems also offer a wide range of training courses at their training centre, or at your location or online.  Just contact us for the latest training agendas.

9. Still actively Supported and Maintained

Rest assured, Wizard Systems your GoldMine CRM solutions partner is here to proactively support you and keep you up to date with the latest upgrades to keep you current.  Just asked Wizard for help (they have a permanently manned GoldMine helpdesk) when you need it!

Conclusion

While the CRM landscape continues to evolve, GoldMine remains a solid, cost-effective, and feature-rich solution. Its unique combination of ownership model, offline capabilities, built-in email functionality, and deployment flexibility makes it a compelling choice for businesses that value control, customization, and cost-effectiveness in their CRM solution.

For organizations that have invested years in GoldMine, the platform's continued development and robust feature set mean there's no need to look elsewhere. GoldMine CRM is not just surviving; it's thriving, offering a reliable, flexible, and powerful tool for managing customer relationships in today's dynamic business environment.

For more help on GoldMine and GoldMine Upgrades, contact Wizard Systems (www.wizard-systems.com)

Citations:
[1] https://www.goldmine.com
[2] https://www.goldmine.com/goldmine-cloud-crm/
[3] https://www.wizard-systems.co.uk/goldmine-crm.html
[4] https://www.goldmine.com/goldmine-add-ons/
[5] https://crminsights.co.uk/optimise/migrate-goldmine-crm/
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99VNH4oJsy0
[7] https://wizard-systems.typepad.com/wizard_systems/2024/01/why-goldmine-crm-still-stands-out-from-the-crowd.html
[8] https://wizard-systems.typepad.com/goldmine/goldmine_addons/

Breaking Down Silos: Maximising Your CRM's Marketing Potential with Workbooks CRM

In today's digital landscape, customer relationship management (CRM) systems have evolved far beyond simple contact databases. Modern CRMs, like Workbooks CRM with its integrated GatorMail and Web Insights features, offer powerful marketing capabilities that can transform your customer engagement strategies. However, to truly harness the potential of these tools, it's crucial to avoid a siloed approach to CRM marketing.

Silos occur when different departments or functions within an organisation operate in isolation, leading to fragmented customer experiences and missed opportunities. In this article, we'll explore how to break down these barriers and create a unified, effective CRM marketing strategy.

1. Unify Your Data Sources

The foundation of any successful CRM marketing strategy is clean, comprehensive data. Your CRM should serve as the single source of truth for all customer information. This means integrating data from various touchpoints, including:

- Website interactions (captured by tools like Web Insights)
- Email engagement metrics (from platforms like GatorMail)
- Sales interactions and deal stages
- Customer service tickets and resolutions
- Social media engagements

By consolidating this data within your CRM, you ensure that all teams have access to a complete customer picture. This holistic view enables more informed decision-making and personalised marketing efforts.

2. Foster Cross-Functional Collaboration

Breaking down silos requires more than just technological integration—it demands a cultural shift towards collaboration. Encourage the formation of cross-functional teams that bring together members from marketing, sales, customer service, and even product development.

These diverse teams can:
- Plan marketing campaigns that align with sales goals and customer needs
- Share insights from customer interactions to inform product improvements
- Develop content that addresses common customer queries or pain points

Regular meetings and collaborative workspaces within your CRM can facilitate this ongoing communication and ensure that all departments are working towards common objectives.

3. Develop a 360-Degree Customer View

Modern CRMs offer powerful dashboard and reporting features. Leverage these tools to create comprehensive customer profiles that go beyond basic demographic information. A true 360-degree view should include:

- Purchase history and preferences
- Communication preferences (e.g., email vs. phone)
- Interaction history across all channels
- Behavioural data from web interactions
- Engagement levels with marketing content

By analysing this rich data set, you can identify patterns, predict future behaviours, and tailor your marketing efforts accordingly. This level of personalisation is key to standing out in today's crowded marketplace.

4. Align Goals and Metrics Across Departments

Silos often arise when different departments are working towards disparate goals. To combat this, establish shared key performance indicators (KPIs) that span across marketing, sales, and customer service. For example:

- Customer lifetime value
- Net promoter score
- Customer acquisition cost
- Cross-sell and upsell rates
- Customer retention rates

Use your CRM's reporting features to track these metrics consistently across all departments. This shared accountability encourages collaboration and ensures that all teams are pulling in the same direction.

5. Implement Sophisticated Lead Scoring

Lead scoring is a perfect example of how marketing and sales can work together effectively through a CRM. Utilise Web Insights data to qualify leads based on their online behaviour, combining this with traditional demographic and firmographic data.

Create a lead scoring model that takes into account:
- Website engagement (pages visited, time on site)
- Content downloads and webinar attendance
- Email open and click-through rates
- Social media interactions
- Fit with ideal customer profile

By agreeing on these scoring criteria collectively, you ensure a smooth handoff between marketing and sales, reducing friction and improving conversion rates.

6. Personalise Communications at Scale

With the wealth of data available in your CRM, there's no excuse for generic, one-size-fits-all marketing communications. Use email marketing features like those found in GatorMail to create highly targeted, personalised campaigns.

Consider:
- Segmenting your audience based on behaviour, preferences, and lifecycle stage
- Using dynamic content that adapts based on recipient data
- Triggering automated email sequences based on specific actions or milestones
- A/B testing different content, subject lines, and send times to optimise performance

Remember, personalisation extends beyond just using a customer's name—it's about delivering relevant, timely content that speaks to their specific needs and interests.

7. Automate Cross-Departmental Workflows

Automation is a powerful tool for breaking down silos and ensuring consistent customer experiences. Create workflows that span across departments, such as:

- Automatically assigning leads to sales reps based on marketing-qualified criteria
- Triggering follow-up tasks for account managers when customers engage with specific content
- Alerting the customer service team when high-value clients show signs of disengagement

By automating these processes, you reduce the risk of leads falling through the cracks and ensure a more cohesive customer journey.

8. Provide Comprehensive CRM Training

A CRM is only as effective as its users. Invest in thorough training programmes that cover not just the basic functionality of your CRM, but also its advanced marketing features. This training should:

- Be role-specific, focusing on the features most relevant to each department
- Include hands-on exercises and real-world scenarios
- Cover best practices for data entry and management
- Explain how different features interconnect and impact other departments

Consider appointing CRM champions within each team who can provide ongoing support and encouragement for full CRM adoption.

9. Regularly Review and Optimise

The work doesn't stop once you've implemented these strategies. Use your CRM's dashboard reporting to regularly assess overall performance and identify areas for improvement. Schedule cross-functional meetings to:

- Review key metrics and KPIs
- Discuss challenges and bottlenecks
- Share success stories and best practices
- Brainstorm new ways to leverage CRM data for marketing initiatives

This ongoing process of review and optimisation ensures that your CRM marketing strategy remains effective and adapts to changing business needs.

10. Foster a Customer-Centric Culture

Ultimately, breaking down silos is about putting the customer at the centre of everything you do. Foster a culture where every department understands its role in the customer journey and how their actions impact the overall customer experience.

Encourage all teams to:
- Regularly contribute to and use CRM data
- Think beyond their immediate responsibilities to consider the broader customer impact
- Share customer insights and feedback across the organisation
- Celebrate successes that result from cross-departmental collaboration

By emphasising the importance of a unified customer experience, you create a shared sense of purpose that naturally breaks down silos.

Conclusion

Avoiding a siloed approach to CRM marketing is not a one-time fix, but an ongoing commitment to collaboration, data integration, and customer-centricity. By leveraging the full potential of your CRM's marketing features, aligning goals across departments, and fostering a culture of shared responsibility, you can create a truly integrated approach to customer relationship management.

Contact Wizard Systems for more advice on getting the most out of Workbooks with our tailored training and support packages!

Unlock the Power of Workbooks CRM on the Go: Exploring the Mobile App Event 19/9

 

In today's fast-paced business world, the ability to access critical information and manage customer relationships from anywhere is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity. That's where the Workbooks CRM mobile app comes in, offering a powerful tool to keep you connected and productive, no matter where you are.

Key Benefits of the Workbooks CRM Mobile App:

1. Real-time Access: Stay up-to-date with the latest customer information, sales opportunities, and tasks, all in real-time.

2. Increased Productivity: Update records, log calls, and manage your schedule on the move, maximizing your efficiency between meetings or while traveling.

3. User-friendly Interface: Enjoy a streamlined, intuitive design optimized for mobile devices, making navigation and data entry a breeze.

4. Customizable Dashboards: Access your key performance indicators and important metrics at a glance, tailored to your role and preferences.

5. Enhanced Communication: Collaborate with team members, share updates, and respond to customer inquiries promptly, improving overall responsiveness.

6. Security: Benefit from robust security measures to protect sensitive customer data, including multi-factor authentication and remote wipe capabilities.

7. Seamless Integration: Experience perfect synchronization between the mobile app and the desktop version, ensuring a consistent workflow across devices.

8. Customer-facing Tools: Access customer-facing features like quote generation and order processing on the spot, closing deals faster.

By leveraging the Workbooks CRM mobile app, you can transform the way you work, making your team more agile, responsive, and effective. Whether you're a sales representative in the field, a manager overseeing operations, or an executive needing quick insights, the mobile app puts the power of Workbooks CRM in your pocket.

Want to learn more about maximizing your productivity with the Workbooks CRM mobile app? Join our upcoming webinar!

Webinar: "Mobile CRM: Using Workbooks on-the-go"
Date: Thursday 19th Sept, 2pm UK time
Duration: 20 minutes

Register now: CLICK HERE

In this webinar, we'll dive deep into the features of the Workbooks CRM mobile app, share best practices for mobile CRM usage, and demonstrate how to configure the app to best suit your needs. Don't miss this opportunity to supercharge your mobile productivity!

From Server Woes to Cloud Glow: The Benefits of Hosting Your GoldMine CRM from Wizard Systems

For a GoldMine CRM user with an existing on-premises installation, switching to a hosted server solution offers several key benefits:

Reduced Infrastructure Costs and Maintenance

By moving to a hosted server, you eliminate the need to purchase, maintain, and upgrade your own physical server hardware. This shifts the responsibility for server upkeep, security updates, and infrastructure management to the hosting provider, allowing you to focus on your core business activities rather than IT maintenance.

Enhanced Accessibility and Collaboration

A hosted GoldMine CRM solution enables 24/7 accessibility from any location with an internet connection. This improved accessibility facilitates real-time collaboration among team members, regardless of their physical location, enhancing overall productivity.

Scalability and Flexibility

Hosted solutions typically offer easier scalability, allowing you to adjust your server resources as your business needs change. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for growing businesses or those with fluctuating demands.

Improved Security and Reliability

Professional hosting providers often offer enterprise-class security measures and robust backup systems, which may be more comprehensive than what many small to medium-sized businesses can implement on their own. This can lead to improved data protection and system reliability.

Cost Predictability

Hosting services usually operate on a subscription model, which can provide more predictable monthly costs compared to the potentially large, irregular expenses associated with maintaining your own server.  Costs start from £50 per User per Month with no setup fees (excludes costs relating to GoldMine move).

Automatic Updates and Support

We handle software updates (GoldMine Upgrades) and provide technical support, ensuring your GoldMine CRM stays current and any issues are promptly addressed. While these benefits can be significant, it's important to carefully evaluate your specific business needs, data security requirements, and long-term cost projections when considering a switch to a hosted server solution for your GoldMine CRM.  We can advise you.

Contact Wizard Systems for more information and pricing!

Discover the Power of the Field Updater Plugin: Join Our Exclusive Webinar 11/9

 

The Field Updater Plugin for Workbooks CRM is an invaluable tool for organisations looking to maintain clean, accurate, and up-to-date customer data. By streamlining bulk update processes, it empowers teams to manage their CRM data more effectively, ultimately leading to better decision-making and improved customer relationships.

Are you a Workbooks CRM user looking to streamline your data management process? Join us for an eye-opening webinar where we'll unveil a game-changing tool you might not know about: the Field Updater Plugin.

Webinar Details:
Date: Wednesday 11th September
Time: 2pm UK time
Duration: 15 Minutes

What You'll Learn:

In this informative session, we'll demonstrate how the Field Updater Plugin can revolutionise the way you handle bulk data updates in Workbooks CRM. You'll discover:

1. How to update multiple fields across numerous records simultaneously
2. Time-saving techniques for data management
3. Ways to improve data accuracy and consistency
4. Real-world examples of the plugin in action

Who Should Attend:

This webinar is perfect for:
- Workbooks CRM administrators
- Sales managers
- Marketing professionals
- Data analysts
- Anyone responsible for maintaining CRM data

Why Attend:

Many Workbooks CRM users are unaware of the Field Updater Plugin's capabilities. By attending this webinar, you'll gain insights into:

- Reducing manual data entry time by up to 80%
- Minimising human errors in data updates
- Improving overall data quality for better reporting and decision-making
- Increasing CRM adoption rates among your team

Real-World Applications:

We'll showcase practical examples of how the Field Updater Plugin can be used, including:

- Updating lead sources after a trade show
- Reassigning territories and account managers
- Recategorising products
- Changing customer statuses in bulk
- Tagging contacts for marketing campaigns

Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your Workbooks CRM experience and streamline your data management processes.

REGISTER NOW BY CLICKING HERE

Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today!

Have questions about the webinar or the Field Updater Plugin? Contact our support team at Wizard Systems

We look forward to helping you unlock the full potential of your Workbooks CRM!

Never get that lost feeling: Mastering GoldMine CRM's Universal Search - Event 6/9

In today's fast-paced business environment, the ability to quickly access and utilise customer data is paramount. For GoldMine CRM users, the Universal Search feature is a powerful tool that can significantly boost productivity and streamline workflows. If you're not yet fully leveraging this feature, you're missing out on a game-changing aspect of your CRM system.

What is Universal Search?

Universal Search is GoldMine's comprehensive search functionality that allows users to search across multiple record types and fields simultaneously. Unlike traditional search methods that might require you to look in separate areas for contacts, activities, or opportunities, Universal Search provides a holistic view of all related information from a single search box.

Key Benefits of Universal Search

1. Comprehensive Coverage: Universal Search scans contacts, activities, history, cases, opportunities, and linked documents, ensuring no stone is left unturned in your quest for information.
2. Real-Time Results: As you type, the search provides instant results, saving valuable time in your day-to-day operations.
3. Relevance Ranking: Search results are intelligently ranked, with the most pertinent information appearing at the top of the list.
4. Faceted Search: Refine your results quickly using filters on the left side of the results page, allowing for precise narrowing by record type, date range, or other criteria.
5. Preview Pane: View basic information about a search result without opening the full record, speeding up your information gathering process.

Upcoming Webinar: Become a Universal Search Power User

To help our valued GoldMine users make the most of this powerful feature, we're excited to announce our upcoming webinar: "Mastering GoldMine's Advanced Search Capabilities". This in-depth session will cover:

• The ins and outs of Universal Search syntax and operators
• Techniques for searching across different record types
• Tips for filtering and refining search results
• Methods for saving and reusing searches
• Advanced techniques and best practices

Whether you're a seasoned GoldMine user or relatively new to the system, this webinar promises to elevate your search skills and boost your overall efficiency.

This webinar aimed at existing GoldMine users will be on Friday 6th September at 2pm UK time.  REGISTER HERE

Can't make it live? Register anyway and watch the recording.

Universal Search in Action

Imagine you need to quickly find all interactions with a key client over the past quarter, including emails, meetings, and related opportunities. Instead of jumping between different modules, a single Universal Search query can pull up all this information in seconds.

For example, a search for "Acme Corporation Q2 meeting" might return:

• Contact records for Acme Corporation employees
• Calendar entries for Q2 meetings with Acme
• Email history related to these meetings
• Opportunities linked to Acme Corporation created or updated in Q2

This comprehensive view allows you to prepare for client interactions more thoroughly and make more informed decisions quickly.

Maximising Your GoldMine Investment

By mastering Universal Search, you're not just learning a new feature—you're unlocking the full potential of your CRM data. This powerful tool can help you:

• Respond to client enquiries more quickly
• Prepare for meetings more thoroughly
• Identify cross-selling and upselling opportunities
• Track the progress of deals and projects more effectively

Don't miss out on the opportunity to transform your GoldMine experience. Join us for our upcoming webinar and learn how to harness the full power of Universal Search.

REGISTER HERE

Top 10 Tips on how Workbooks CRM can help you with prospecting

Sales prospecting is a crucial step in the sales process, and with the right tools and strategies, you can significantly improve your success rate. Here are 10 essential tips for effective sales prospecting using Workbooks CRM:

1. Leverage the Enrich Feature

Utilise the Enrich feature of Workbooks CRM to automatically gather and update valuable information about your prospects. This tool scours the web for the latest employment details and relationships, ensuring you have the most current data to personalise your outreach effectively.

2. Prioritise Your Prospects

Make use of Workbooks CRM's lead scoring features to prioritise your prospects based on their likelihood to convert. This allows you to focus your efforts on the most promising leads.

3. Craft Personalised Outreach

Use the data stored in Workbooks CRM to create tailored messages for each prospect. Personalisation can significantly increase your response rates.

4. Implement a Multi-Channel Approach

Don’t rely on a single communication method. Use Workbooks CRM to manage a mix of email, phone, social media, and even direct mail outreach to increase your chances of connecting with prospects.

5. Set Up Automated Follow-Ups

Take advantage of Workbooks CRM's automation features to set up timely follow-up reminders and sequences. This ensures you stay on top of your prospecting efforts without letting any leads slip through the cracks.

6. Track and Analyse Your Results

Use Workbooks CRM's reporting and analytics tools to monitor your prospecting activities and identify what’s working and what isn’t. This data-driven approach will help you refine your strategies over time.

7. Nurture Leads with Valuable Content

Leverage Workbooks CRM's content management capabilities to share relevant and valuable information with your prospects. This helps build trust and positions you as an industry expert.

8. Collaborate with Your Team

Utilise Workbooks CRM's collaboration features to share insights and information about prospects with your team. This collective approach can lead to more effective prospecting strategies.

9. Stay Organised with Task Management

Use Workbooks CRM's task management features to keep your prospecting activities organised and on schedule. This ensures you’re making the most of your time and not letting any opportunities slip by.

10. Continuously Update Your Database

Regularly update and clean your prospect database within Workbooks CRM. This ensures you’re working with the most accurate and up-to-date information, improving the efficiency of your prospecting efforts. By implementing these tips and leveraging the power of Workbooks CRM, you can streamline your sales prospecting process and increase your chances of success. Remember, effective prospecting is about quality over quantity, and using the right tools can make all the difference in your approach.