February 2017

Magazine Features

Marketing Needs a Story to Tell

Brand storytelling has become an essential element of company success

How to Avoid Sales Tool Sensory Overload

Companies can benefit from consolidating their most essential sales tools in a seamless digital setting

Customer Reviews Require the Right Response

A smart approach can turn the tide of consumer sentiment

Front Office

Look for AI’s Role in CRM to Grow

On the CRM front, AI has already found a home in many innovative ways—virtual agents, chatbots, voice biometrics, and more.

The Tipping Point

Build Contracts that Close on Schedule—and Increase Business

Vendors should think of contracts as great marketing opportunities

Connect

Separating AI Reality from AI Hype

Artificial intelligence is about to go mainstream, so let's talk about what it is, and isn't

Scouting Report

Workforce Optimization Is Under Siege

The sector has slowed of late, but innovation shows a way forward

Pint of View

The Internot of Things

Linking machine to machine, separating hype from hope

Customer Experience

Artificial Intelligence Powers the Future of CX

AI-driven smart services will make all of our customer journeys seamless

Voice of the Customer

3 Tips for Creating a Customer Experience Advantage

CX can be your best path to a sustainable competitive edge

Insight

Businesses Do Better with Customer-First Marketing

Customer satisfaction is 269 percent higher when marketing puts consumer needs first

Required Reading: Cooking Up Marketing’s Secret Sauce

Firms must concoct copy that appeals to the customer's taste buds

Sales Organizations Must Tighten Ties With Channel Partners

Managing offsite teams is a different ball game, but sales leaders must step in for the required huddles

SMBs Embrace Social Media Marketing, Study Finds

Social media is the top marketing channel used by small and midsize businesses, and it's only growing, according to BIA/Kelsey

REAL ROI

Gold Eagle Revs Up Social Media Marketing with SML

The car cleaner company gets a big boost in brand awareness with a word-of-mouth campaign

HuHot Puts Loyalty on the Menu with Paytronix

A casual restaurant chain nearly doubles its rewards program membership

T-Mobile Sends a Message with Text Support

The "Un-carrier" turns to LivePerson to fuel customer text conversations ahead of industry trends.