Losing track of potential customers is negative and frustrating. Sale of products or services can fall short of expectations because of the lack of a leads management system. Until there are records that are reviewed and utilized for improvement change is guess work. Business may have been lost from the improper or careless handling of information relating to interest in products or services available.
It is critical to have contacts that have interest.
Chalk board discussions or sitting around the coffee table are great for morale but nothing is moving. Input from SEO specialists or webmasters is helpful but stagnation is broken when interested people can be new customers. Every request if only for assistance or explanations is a candidate for new business. First someone must be at the door with a need or a question. Once they have provided some facts and the sales plan is able to move business can begin.
It costs money to get leads.
Sophisticated email lists and internet marketing require hardware and specialized software to target the industry that service will be provided too. The hidden cost of maintenance and software upgrades is all part of the need for the curve to head in the other direction. Regardless if commercial or private the expense is obvious. Knocking on doors or days on the telephone cold calling cost the business in terms of payroll or consultant salaries as well.
A leads management system can follow up potential customers.
The internet eliminates a lot of the duplication of data entry. Depending on system flexibility the initial contact information can be captured in the first request for information. Still there are requests for telephone contact and that will require keyed entry at the office for follow up. Regardless information that is entered directly or downloaded may be lost. Someone is waiting for a reply or call that will not be received because the data is in another system waiting to be transferred. In the case that the request will go through a series of locations to assign a salesperson or handle customer service requirements business will be lost across the board. Waiting employees still are paid.
Tracking is critical to continued business.
Do not fall short on prospects now in the system. Requests, information, sales calls, potential for repeat business will help in the maintenance of contact for marketing and customer service. The length of time becomes more important for discounts and tracking of company personnel assigned to an account. Their performance and that of the entire office can be monitored for improvement.
Potential business in other product lines is readily determined with a scan through historical information. For management the activities and achievements of individual personnel are available for review and change if necessary to improve returns. With a comprehensive history more creative ways to improve sales are possible.
Your product or service sales will suffer if you don’t have a lead management system installed. Check out our leads management system guide for more info.