October 2007

Magazine Features

Are We There Yet?

After years of false starts, wrong turns, and disruptive detours, SMBs can now steer themselves in the right direction: Marketing can finally get them where they want to go.

Help Them Help Themselves

Web self-service means having your customer become her own customer service rep -- but without making her resent doing what a real CSR can do in a fraction of the time.

The Chain Gang

Your CRM is only as good as your ability to deliver to your customers. So why not merge supply chain management data with CRM to gain a holistic view? It's not that simple.

Pay Day

You track your sales team's numbers -- and so does each member of the team. Here's what you need to know about the business of sales compensation, and how you can make it work for all of you.

Front Office

High-Quality Companies Rely on High-Quality Insight

Generating insight into sales and marketing performance is critical for making smarter business decisions.

Reality Check

Analyzing the Sales Process

We often find that CRM systems give sales managers numbers when what they really want is insight. Is CRM finally ready to demystify sales management?

Customer Centricity

Imperfect Scores

Is a new industry standard keeping executives from focusing on the relationships that matter?

The Tipping Point

Keeping Pipeline Insights Actionable

Existing CRM technology assets can drive incremental growth by improving sales pipeline management.

Pint of View

Let the Games Begin!

We can learn a lot from our pastimes...or not.

Insight

Coupons Without the Clipping

Mobile coupons are revolutionizing how advertisers market and customers buy.

Something Special in the Air

Carriers announce the latest attempt to provide broadband Internet access to airline passengers.

Oracle's Name Game

The latest Siebel CRM On Demand highlights the software giant's interest in the on-demand market and underscores the strength of the Siebel name.

Market Focus: Sports and Entertainment -- CRM Scores for Sports Franchises

In a multibillion-dollar industry, teams aren't playing around when it comes to connecting with fans.

Statistically Speaking

Only 4 percent of CRM systems are very successful; the software-as-a-service market almost doubles across most of the Asia-Pacific region; and other numerical news from the month online.

Required Reading: The Not-So-Odd Couple, Marketing and Integrity

With more purchasing power than ever, consumers are increasingly leery of businesses they don't believe they can trust.

The Pulse

Does your company rely on smartphones?

REAL ROI

OutClick Media Gets a Second Opinion

A medical marketing company fills its sales transparency prescription with Entellium.

Best Kiteboarding Splashes into E-Commerce Using NetSuite

Few vendors were prepared to meet the company's requirements for customizable products.

True-Blue Service Documentation

A technology-infrastructure specialist saves about $60,000 in one year by implementing a Web-based service management application from BlueFolder.

Secret of My Success

AMN Scores Big in the Playoffs

The sports advertising agency turns to SageCRM to coordinate its sales efforts with customers and advertisers.

Re:Tooling

Tech Solution: Workforce Management Solutions

Business Problem: Managers cannot staff and manage their contact centers effectively.