• Are substantially interactive with external applications or services. Salesforce.com Apps like Cloudingo are great because they talk to your Salesforce org as often as you’d like, keeping your data clean while you perform other tasks.

•  Are compliant with your businesses regulations. You should fully appraise your compliance requirements, and to what degree the Cloud Computing vendor meets these requirements. • Are secure. Be aware that security is a partnership between the vendor and the user. Read your agreements closely.

• Are reliable. Accurately assess the performance requirements of your company and make sure the apps you’re moving can handle your needs. The best course of action is to speak with vendors about guaranteed performance in their Cloud to ensure the needs of your application are meet.

Once you have assessed all the applications you are currently using or considering using once your company moves to the cloud, you can begin transferring! As a good rule of thumb, anytime you have the opportunity to back up your files and sensitive information before transferring to a new service (like the cloud) you should do so. Should anything go wrong during the move, your companies valuable information will be insured and nothing will be lost.

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We strongly advise any serious company to use a CRM system, particularly Salesforce.com. CRM systems can help your company stay on top of its customers and prospects, but you’re only as good as your data and because CRM systems are living entities, it’s imperative to make sure you stay on top of your records or else end up with flawed customer and prospect data. This is likely to include duplicate accounts, dead companies, incorrect addresses, incomplete contact details, unauthorized contact permissions and inaccurate transaction information. This is particularly so when customer accounts have moved departments.

The good news is that the data in your CRM system can be improved, regardless of its source. Having access to clean, up to date and accurate data is essential if you want to benefit from the insights your customer data can provide. Salesforce data cleansing apps like Cloudingo will help ensure your data is marketable. Cloudingo’s robust filters and fuzzy matching capabilities will organize and cleanse your information without much hassle or hair pulling. And because you have the option of automating your unique cleansing process, you can control how data is cleansed, updated and managed with Cloudingo. This process will maintain the quality of your data going forward.

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I frequently write about the cost of poor data quality, and, today, I thought it would be good to explain to you how clean data pays for itself every step of the way.

Follow along with me as I highlight how tidy data management can be beneficial to your business.

1. From inquiry to marketing-eligible lead: It’s most cost-effective to manage data at this early stage, rather than let inconsistent information seep through your business. A data strategy that solves conflicts at the source can lead to an increase in converting inquiries to marketing-eligible leads. For this stage, I recommend a Salesforce app called, DupeCatcher, which will catch any duplicates attempting to enter your system.
2. From marketing-eligible lead to sales-eligible lead: Erroneous source data is compounded by the use of multiple databases and formats, leading the sales team to doubt the accuracy of marketing’s work. Combining the data, whether into one database or by using technology for virtual integration, can generate quicker conversion rates. The use of a data cleansing application, like Cloudingo, will make this process fool-proof and easy.
3. From sales-eligible lead to sales-eligible lead: Scoring becomes important at this step, as the sales team starts contacting the leads they can work with— and returns the rest to the marketing team for further development. Clean data can reduce the time spent piloting additional research that comes before the initial contact with a prospect.
4. From sales-eligible lead to close: As salespeople continually update the status and attitude of the potential customers, the benefits of clean data can be seen. A single system of record that keeps marketing and sales on the same page is critical. The presence of duplicated records can definitely slow this process down, as well as provide a loop-hole for sensitive information to slip out. Remember that a good database is only cultivated by timely and accurate updates of everyone involved, so if duplicate records reside in your system, you’re likely to lose sales. Again, the use of a good data cleansing system like Cloudingo can help you keep you database clean by setting up an automated cleanse as needed.

In the end, the earlier you detect and correct erroneous or duplicate data in your Salesforce org, the more beneficial the data will be to your company, which will result in more sales and higher earnings.

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Wikipedia uses some key phrases such as collaborative conversation, mutually beneficial value and in a trusted & transparent business environment. So social CRM is not a replacement of customary CRM, but, as we said earlier, is a more advanced way of communicating with customers through new media, and allows companies to join in conversations that customers have started about your company or your products / services. It’s a great opportunity for you to show your customers that you are invested in their satisfaction and want the absolute best for them. By responding to social media inquires and interactions in a timely manner also shows that you’re on the ball, and ready to handle anything that’s thrown at you.

So, if you’re one of those people who think social CRM is just a fad, you might want to reconsider. Truth be told, this is the way the marketing world is moving, and if you’re not ready to jump on board, you and your company will likely be left in the dust.

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Now, more than ever, the cleanliness of your data will be paramount as people throughout your company, on premises or otherwise, will be relying on the accuracy of your records to maintain good customer relationships. Using data cleansing products like Cloudingo and Dupecatcher can certainly help you clean up the records already in your database, and keep them clean as you look to the future of your CRM. 

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Understanding the trends of your consumers can help you formulate and refine your marketing efforts to gain more interest and, in the long run, sales. Don’t forget, though, that the more touches you have with your customers, the more imperative it is to have clean data in place. Without salesofrce compatable applications like the beloved Cloudingo, you might find yourself up the social river without a paddle. We advise cleaning you data weekly based on filters you know to be imperative for the accuracy of your data. Don’t worry, you won’t have to do this manually with Cloudingo because they’ve integrated automation into their product. You set the parameters, and Cloudingo will do the rest. To get the scoop on this product and others, check out their makers at www.symphonicsource.com.

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Companies across the nation strive to make sure customer information is updated and accurate or they risk not only losing that potential client, but also breaking customer trust when they vent their frustrations on forums.

Your data must be consistent, accurate, and up-to-date both for your customers and yourself. So, how do you go about cleaning up your seemingly hopeless number of dirty records? I'm sure you're already well aware that salesforce.com doesn't have a very good solution for keeping your records clean, and I also know there are a few apps built specifically for salesforce.com to address the dirty data issue, but how do you know which is best?

You could read reviews on the appexchange, which isn't a bad start, but here's a few tips from the pros on what features to look for in a data cleansing app, and the best one for your situation.

First and foremost, you need to make sure that the app you're using doesn't clog up your computer with downloads. Look for a cloud-based app to keep things light and operational.

Next, you should look for an app that's built on salesforce.com's native platform, force.com. This ensures seamless functionality and integration.

Be sure to compare the features of the applications. For example, what are the fuzzy matching abilities of your contenders? Is it user friendly and easy enough for poor Joyce at the end of the hall to navigate and understand? Your business's success rides on the accuracy of your records, so be sure the app you choose is one that your users will love.

Finally, let's talk money. Yes, it's a sensitive subject but it IS one of the most important factors when comparing data cleansing apps. Look at the pricing structures of your comparables. Do they base their pricing on individual user licenses or by org? What's the billing cycle look like? Monthly, quarterly, yearly? Are the flexible in this area? Also, let's say you're a non-profit company. Do they have a pricing model for you?

After reviewing the pricing of your options it's time to sit down and have a talk with yourself. Ask yourself these questions:

• "Is this app worth the investment?"
• "Will my company use this data cleansing app enough to jusitify the purchase?"
• "How will this app benefit my company?"

After completing all these steps myself and running a pretty in depth comparision, I've reached the conclusion that the best data cleaning app for salesforce.com is Cloudingo. It can do everything I listed above and more. Don't take my word for it though, they offer a free trial to prove it. In my opinion, a company that's willing to let you freely test drive their product for 15 days must be pretty confident in its service. Cloudingo was, and for good reason.

With a slick drag and drop UI and clean interface, Cloudingo was easy to navigate. The fuzzy matching abilities were cool, but the ability to set your own filters and have them run automatically was just freaking awesome!! And with a pricing structure based on the org, I can get all my users on board without having to pay for individual licenses. Right on. 

I know there's a lot of choices out there and this blog entry was a lot longer than I had anticipated, but seriously, without clean records your business is sure to suffer both in terms of customer satisfaction as well as sale forecasting and metrics. Don't let this happen to you. It can be a hellish nightmare to redeem yourself after poor customer ratings and negative feedback. Let's keep those customers happy, so your company can be profitable!

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#1 Sharing Equals Caring

When networking or meeting new colleagues, ask about them first. Getting to know what they do will help you understand them better, and give you perspective when talking about what you do. Also, sharing equals caring. Taking the time to help your colleagues through the sharing of ideas and/ or referrals always works in your favor because when you care about their success it’s usually reciprocated. Watch your business grow through introductions and recommendations simply because you put others first. And keep your Salesforce CRM database clean with products like Cloudingo. With all the new people you're bound to meet, nothing is more important than clean, organized data.

2. Build A Strong Team

 Your business can’t thrive if you sense your team may be distrustful. To gauge an accurate reading of your team members invite them out for a post work game of bowling or happy hour. Everything from how they interact with perfect strangers to how they handle their bill says a lot about a person. If they’re cheating on the putt-putt green, be mindful that they may treat you the same way. Finally, don’t be afraid to give the slimy ones the boot. Remember there will always be a more trustworthy, equally qualified candidate to take their place.

3. Don’t Rush Into Action

Be mindful of your decisions in business and don’t rush into anything. We all know the old adage that “Time is Money”, but remember that you could lose a lot more time AND money if you make a bad call. The best idea is to give yourself at least 24 hours to mull over a new idea before taking any action on it. I suggest writing it down, and after a good night’s sleep re-visit the idea. After all, a good night’s rest will reward you with a fresh perspective.

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Rule #1: Trade Information For Value
All CRM solutions begin with collecting data, but how do you get your customers engaged?

Trade info for rewards.

The most underestimated benefit to trading information for value is that, given a compelling, relevant offer, the customers will do the work. A good loyalty program with tangible rewards will have your customers clamoring for more opportunities to identify themselves.

Rule #2: Use Membership as an Identifier

Use a loyalty program membership as an identifier, building a detailed profile of your customer becomes easier. Then brand your program across all media channels. This allows you to funnel valuable customer information throughout the enterprise for more personal interaction. Every transaction becomes more fuel to help warm the customer relationship. If you’re concerned about the legitimacy of the information on file, it’s always a good idea to run a data cleansing app like Cloudingo to make sure your records are squeaky clean and misinformation isn’t getting recorded.

Rule #3: Rally Around your Most Valuable Customers

All customers are not created equal. Don’t fall for the whole every customer gets the same treatment. You need to organize around your most profitable customers and create a tiered loyalty system.

Understanding that a small percentage of your customers are responsible for the bulk of your profits will help streamline your plan. By focusing your CRM deployment on high-value customers, it's easier to justify the cost, and easier to predict the ROI when you roll out other CRM initiatives.

Rule #4: Use Analytics to Increase the Yield

The goal of your CRM strategy must be to create and sustain incremental, profitable customer behavior, so be smart and focus on the science of analytics to help you reach your goals.

Your loyalty program can provide both the engine and the fuel to drive these efforts. Experimenting with your rewards rules engine by testing offers, tweaking them, and analyzing responses can teach you how to motivate customers with promotions. You can use this data to increase the yield from your best customers with product volume increases, up-sales ordering, version reordering, cross-selling, new product sales, and referrals. Increases in incremental revenue--revenue you wouldn't have without the help of your loyalty program--will tell you that you're on the right track.

Rule #5: Keep it Simple

Design clear, easy to understand rules that can be practiced by even the least-trained customer service rep in the company. To make this a reality, you will need top-down management support and  an IT team to help put the rules in place. If the hard and soft benefits in your loyalty program are relevant and tiered to customer value, you’ve got it!

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Today I want to share with you one simple technique that will raise the energy level and engagement during your next meeting. It’s not rocket science, in fact it’s social science.

Try this: At your next meeting instead of jumping head first into the matter at hand, I’d like you to ask your colleges to reflect on one thing that happened in their job role this week that they were particularly proud of or excited about. Give everyone a few minutes to jot down these ideas, and then ask everyone to share them around the room.

What I witnessed made me realize that every meeting should begin this way, even the ones with outside vendors. Immediately you will notice everyone’s change in attentiveness. People put down their phones and actually listen to what their co-workers are saying. The energy starts building there, and by the time everyone has shared their items, everyone is in a more centered and collaborative mood. For me personally, I think I learned more about my colleagues in those first few minutes than I had in months!

When co-workers understand each other better, they work better together, and as a result your meetings (and business as a whole) profit.  After you leave your meeting, encourage everyone to put any important details they’ve learned from each other into Salesforce CRM. At the end of the week preform a routine cleaning with our favorite product, Cloudingo, to keep your records tidy.

Try this technique at your next meeting and let me know how it goes. I’d love to hear back from you!

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