6 Differences between Social and Traditional CRM

Customer relationships management is the most important frontline task in any company or corporation. Due to the development in technologies, the way of maintaining the relationship with customers has evolved

The evolution of technology is happening at a fast pace, with the undeniable fact that people are getting more attached to their smartphones nowadays. This has made the communication through social media easier than before, thus proving that social CRM is gradually taking over the place of traditional CRM

How to Get an Online Trading Voucher From The Local Enterprise Board

Do you qualify?

There is a great incentive to online business's from the local enterprise in Ireland. Enterprise boards are located all over Ireland and are always welcoming to business's new and old looking for opportunities in the Marketplace. You may not be aware but you could be entitled to an online trading voucher worth up to €2,500.

There are some rules regarding the eligibility of the voucher listed below.

For businesses employing less than ten people this percentage could be even lower. It is now believed that of online purchases made in Ireland that 70% of these are done in overseas markets.

There is now an urgency to ensure that businesses recognise that this is happening and that they are encouraged and supported to correctly respond to this digital reality. Those wishing to avail of a voucher, must attend an obligatory Information seminar (book here). At each seminar attendees will be informed of the purpose of the scheme and how best to use and get value from the application of the voucher.

The application process for the Vouchers will be a competitive process.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Vouchers will be available to a maximum value of €2,500 or 50% of eligible expenditure (exclusive of VAT), whichever is the lesser
• Voucher approval must be gained prior to incurring any expense
• Own labour is not an eligible expense
• Third party costs only will be considered
• All third party/supplier invoices must contain proper business details (e.g. Tax and Business Registration details)

The vouchers are targeted at businesses with the following profile:

• Limited Online Trading presence
• Less than 10 employees
• Turnover less than €2m
• Applicant business must be registered and trading for at least 12 months
• Business must be located in one of the pilot areas under this phase of the scheme

Ineligible Projects

• Companies with charitable status, commercial semi-state companies, “not for profit” organisations, trade associations and company representation bodies such as Professional services specialising in IT type services who are already capable of trading online using existing in-house systems
• Conferences and Seminars
• Projects which are contrary to public policy
• Duplication of support for projects which would be eligible for assistance from other State Agencies of EU funded Operational Programmes
• Proects with employees in excess of 10 people
• Projects deemed to be capable of proceeding in any event without scheme assistance i.e. deadweight
• Projects essentially comprising importation and distribution

What the vouchers can be used for:

IT consultation

• Development or upgrade of an e-commerce website
• Implementing Online payments or booking system;
• Purchase of Internet related software
• Purchase of online advertising (this purchase cannot make up any more than 30% of approved Voucher costs and can only be drawn down in one payment phase)
• Developing an app (or multiplatform webpages)
• Implementing a digital marketing strategy i.e. Social media marketing
• Consultation with ICT experts for early stage adopters of online strategy
• Training/skills development specifically to establish and manage an on-line trading activity

What the vouchers cannot be used for

• Development of brochure websites
• Purchase of non-internet related software
• Anything other than online trading related activity

Evaluation Process

An evaluation committee will assess the applications and make recommendations for approval A competitive process will be put in place to assist with selection process. Selection of successful applicant will be based on the following criteria:

1. Eligibility for scheme
2. Value added potential
3. Export potential
4. Job creation potential
5. Financial Sustainability

• Record decisions and report to the Local Enterprise Office approvals committee
• In order to apply for a voucher applicants will be required to attend a training session on how to use and get the best value for money from the voucher

Voucher Administration

• Letter of offer with Voucher to be sent out to successful applicant
• Letter of offer signed, accepted and returned
• Client has three months to complete the work as per their application
• Client must attend pre-voucher application information seminar

Voucher application and drawdown process:

• Application
• Submit copy of completed and signed application form by hard copy;
• Soft copy of completed application to be supplied by email;
• Evaluation of applications and recommendations for approval;
• Application is approved by Local Enterprise Office Committee.
• Drawdown
• Applicant signs declaration on the voucher and submit to Local Enterprise Office (LEO);
• Applicant and Supplier(s) submit copy of an up to date tax clearance certificate ;
• Invoice from supplier(s) containing CRO details and Tax registration number submitted to LEO for payment (Only suppliers with these basic criteria in place are eligible); There is no geographical limit to where a supplier may be located globally, however proof that the supplier is legitimately in business whatever is the relevant form in the suppliers territory.
• Proof of payment to supplier(s) submitted by applicant to LEO e.g. bank/cr. Card statements
• Voucher is redeemed to applicant

Post-Voucher reporting

• Reporting will include: Jobs (new or reallocated) , Exports and/or domestic market expansion, Increase Revenue, Reduced Costs, Expected follow on investment Suppliers will be required to report on the impact of their products and services.
• Reporting will include how their product or service enabled: trading on-line, improved business performance, reduced cost, opened markets.

Acknowledgements

The trading online voucher scheme is an initiative of the National Digital Strategy, developed and funded by the Department of Communication, Energy and Natural Resources on behalf of Government. It is being administered by the Local Enterprise Offices on a pilot basis

How To Convert Leads Into Customers

Sence Of urgency

Customers will probably not have a sense of urgency to make a move unless you “create” one for them. Make them realize that what you’re offering them is very important. Highlight to them that once this great offer is missed, they won’t have another chance to get this at a great rate again. Set a deadline for them and let their brain make a wise decision.

Offer Incentives

No customers can reject your great gesture to offer them freebies. Just as how you hope that they will spend money on your products, you must return something “extra” for them so that they feel that your products are orth the money! Also, you can offer them a free introductory trial of how your product works.

Collect their email address

If the customers doesn’t feel like having the conversation for too long, or they are in a rush, you could offer to jot down their email address or other means of communication for the convenience of contacting them for future better offers. At the same time, distribute your business card to them so that they can contact you too if they need your service.

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