Throughout history, tools have been important to getting the job done.
Those who have better tools are more productive and win. Having the right set of tools can help you leapfrog over the competition.
Today, select technologies provide such an enormous leap that we wouldn’t think of competing in business without them. Here are some tools that can give you the advantage in a hotly-competitive market.
1. A (regularly-used!) CRM
The Contact Relationship Management (CRM) tool you use will greatly affect how you connect and ultimately succeed.
You want the tool that gives you immediate access to important contact information, but even more, gives you access to important facts. You’re scheduled to meet with Mary at 1 p.m.. You talked with her last year, but her company wasn’t ready to move forward. Now they are, and she called to set up the meeting.
By the way, what are her three kids’ names? You know she told you about them last year.
You need a CRM that allows you to first enter that information quickly and then has the ability to recall it quickly. salesforce.com is popular CRM, as is SugarCRM. I’m using nimble.com and love it!
2. Video creation tool and knowledge of how to use it
We live in a world of video. You want to have the ability to create quick videos for communication with prospects and customers. It makes the connection more human, more real, and helps in the buying process.
Usually a quick video shot on your smartphone and uploaded to YouTube (get the app) can be saved as an unlisted video so only your customer sees it. I use a tool called Eyejot which lets me send a video email. Find a tool that is easy to use and helps you stand out.
3. Evernote
Yes, we’ve heard a lot about this brilliant tool. If you don’t have it, what are you waiting for? Get it. Use it.
Store all kinds of information there, but don’t forget you can also make quick audio notes. Take audio notes after a meeting so you’ll remember Mary’s kids’ names better next time (see No. 1 above).
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