Of course, nobody wants to work inefficiently. But sometimes it just happens if you’re using outdated tools (like paper donation forms) or slow processes (like manually preparing thank you letters).

Luckily, these days there’s an app for everything —so your best bet is to find a solution that simplifies as many of your day-to-day tasks as possible.

Enter Method:Donor — a customizable CRM designed for nonprofit organizations. Method is an online system that helps nonprofits manage their donor relationships and streamline their fundraising. Plus, it has a powerful two-way integration with QuickBooks. This means you can access donor and donation data in Method without logging into your accounting software.

Want more details? You’ve come to the right place! We’ve created a free ebook that explains how CRM software helps nonprofits simplify tasks and work more efficiently.

In this ebook, we discuss how Method:Donor:

• Eliminates the need for double (or triple) data entry
• Provides you with tools for building and maintaining strong relationships with your donors
• Allows you to generate reports in just a few clicks
• Gives you the ability to connect your donor and donation data to other apps
• Lets you create customized software that suits your unique needs

Ready to learn more?

Click to download your FREE copy of our ebook, “How Nonprofits Can Reduce Inefficiencies with a Customizable CRM.”

The post How Nonprofits Can Reduce Inefficiencies with a Customizable CRM [Free Ebook] appeared first on Method.

What if you had a customizable CRM that could do it all? That’s what you get with Method CRM — the #1 automation tool for QuickBooks and Xero users. 

Out of the box, Method CRM gives you a strong CRM and then takes things one step further with the deep personalization it offers.

You’ll get into the key workflows that Method CRM users benefit from later in this article, but let’s start with the basics.

What is a CRM database?

A CRM database is a tool that businesses use to store, manage, and analyze customer data.

CRM stands for “customer relationship management”, and the database is a central location to  track customer details, including:

• Contact information.
• Purchase history.
• Communication logs.

A customizable CRM helps you provide better customer service and target your marketing efforts more effectively. By storing your customer data in a single platform, you can easily access and analyze the information you need to make informed decisions.

What is workflow automation in CRM?

CRM workflow automation is the automation of repetitive tasks and processes in a CRM system. Workflow automation is a powerful CRM feature that saves you time and improves efficiency. 

Here is an example of the value of CRM workflow automation from Method CRM user Cameron Fleming.

“We’ve cut down our order processing times by 20-30% and can find the information we need 66% faster than before. Method is the lifeline of everything that happens at HealthLinc Medical Equipment and lets us make 30% more deliveries each day.”

— Cameron Fleming, President of Operations at HealthLinc Medical Equipment.

With Method’s customizable CRM platform, you can automate:

• Sending follow-up emails.
• Creating invoices.
• Collecting payments.
• Managing leads.

By automating tasks like these, you free up your schedule to focus on higher-value tasks, such as nurturing customer relationships.

Benefits of CRM workflow automation

Now that you understand what workflow automation is, let’s dive into how it helps you and your business.

The key benefits of CRM workflow automation include the following:

• Save time: Let your employees focus on what matters by automating repetitive tasks.
• Improve operations: Reduce errors and costs by supporting your processes with technology.
• Enhance customer service: Provide a personalized experience for your customers with instant follow-up emails or appointment reminders.

How does a customizable CRM work?

The difference between a customizable CRM and a standard CRM is that it allows you to tailor the system to your specific needs. This can include custom fields, screens, and workflows that match your business’ specific processes.

For example, you might create custom fields in Method CRM to track additional customer information, such as preferred communication platforms or industry-specific details.

Below is a contact screen that’s been customized in Method to include a customer’s social media profiles

Go beyond CRM with Method

When you hear “customizable CRM” you probably think of minor tweaks — change a layout here, add a field there. 

And while those tweaks are certainly possible in Method CRM, that’s not all it can do.

The deeper truth is that Method CRM is built on a no-code platform — and this means it doesn’t have to be just a CRM.

Instead, you can build on this customizable CRM to create a multi-faceted business management tool.

Method CRM workflow automation examples

Two-way sync with QuickBooks and Xero

Method CRM users love its real-time, two-way, sync with QuickBooks and Xero. Here are the top reasons why:  

• No more time wasted on double data entry. 
• A secure way to share critical business information. 
• Your accounting file stays accurate and confidential. 

But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what real Method CRM users say about this feature.

“Method is one of the best tools made specifically for QuickBooks users. With Method’s two-way, real-time QuickBooks sync, I’m confident that my accounting data is always up to date. If you’re already using QuickBooks, it’s a no-brainer to also use Method.”

— Kayla Prusinski, Advanced Certified QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor.

“Method CRM syncs great with Xero, all the data goes over without any problem. It has really good support systems in place and incredible troubleshooting articles when onboarding, which makes it easy. A great app to keep your information where it’s needed and makes your work life that much easier.”

— Amy DeVries, Hillsong Church Canada.

Lead management

With Method CRM, you can track leads through each stage of the sales process, from initial contact to closed deal.

The customizable CRM empowers you to manage your leads with features like online portals, automated email campaigns, and lead nurture reminders. This allows you to focus your efforts on the most promising leads to improve your chances of closing.

Plus, if you connect your Gmail or Outlook account with Method, you can easily view contact details and transactions right from your inbox.

Sales process automation

An automated sales process increases your customer satisfaction and loyalty while boosting sales for your business. From capturing leads to qualifying and nurturing them, Method CRM improves every step of your sales process.

For instance:

• Instantly get contact information from interested website visitors with web to lead forms. 
• Automatically trackin customer purchase history, so your sales teams can make personalized, upsell recommendations for each customer. 
• Get paid faster by auto-populating estimates and invoices with customer details from QuickBooks or Xero.

Contact and account management

No matter what industry you work in, you have customers to manage. And since Method is a CRM, it comes with an app for that. 

Here’s a preview of what it looks like:

With Method CRM, you can store and manage all your customer and prospect information in a single location. This includes:

• Contact information, such as names, addresses, and phone numbers.
• Detailed customer profiles, including preferences, purchase history, and communication history.
• Transaction data such as estimates and invoices. 

Method CRM also allows you to categorize contacts into groups, such as customers, vendors, and leads, for easy segmentation and targeting.

Customer support

With Method CRM, you can manage customer service tasks with online customer portals.

Thanks to its customizable CRM capabilities, your portal can be fully personalized to match your brand by:

• Adding your logo.
• Customizing the color scheme.
• Choosing which services to offer.

Here’s a preview of what’s possible with Method’s customer portals:

Why custom workflows are important

Customizable workflows are important because you can tailor them to meet your individual needs, and they help you simplify processes.

With a customizable CRM like Method CRM, you have the tools to create automation rules that follow your specific sales process. This ensures no tasks go overlooked and lets you focus on growth areas.

Additionally, customizing workflows based on your business needs will help you make the most of your available resources.

Popular custom workflows in Method CRM

The true power of Method CRM is apparent when you tailor the solution to your company’s unique needs.

Below are some of the most popular, customizable workflows Method customers use to grow their businesses with. 

Sales commission tracking

With Method CRM, you can simplify the entire sales commission tracking process by creating the commission calculator of your dreams. 

With Method CRM, you are in the driver’s seat. Control: 

• Exactly who can see sales performance. 
• Commission payout structure.  
• How commission payments will be made.

Another plus is that you can give your sales team a real-time view of their sales commissions.

E-signature capture

E-signatures make it easy for your customers to digitally sign documents and accept payment terms. Not to mention that it shortens your sales cycle to get you paid sooner.

One of the most useful customizable workflows that Method CRM offers is the ability for your customers  to electronically sign invoices, sales receipts, estimates, and other documents. See an example below!

Estimate approvals

Another one of Method CRM’s most popular features among QuickBooks users is the ability to create and share estimates from anywhere. 

You can set up Method CRM so your customers can approve estimates online by clicking a button or checking a box in their customer portal. You can then have Method CRM immediately notify your sales team so your prospective customer doesn’t have to wait to do business with you.

Recap: Take your CRM workflow automation to the next level with Method

Your business has needs that go beyond simple customer relationship management.

From automating your approval process to nurturing customers and collecting payment, there are many moving parts in your day-to-day operations. Method CRM is here to take these routine tasks off your plate.

If you want highly integrated and automated workflows, Method CRM and QuickBooks or Xero is an unbeatable combination.

Start your free trial of the #1 CRM for QuickBooks and Xero users!

Image credit: LinkedIn Sales Navigator via Pexels

The post How Method’s customizable CRM helps you take back control of your business appeared first on Method.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of an integrated CRM and the five main ways that integrating CRM software into your existing systems can help you work smarter and faster.

But first, what exactly is CRM software integration?

What is CRM integration?

CRM integration connects third-party applications with your CRM platform, allowing data flow to and from them. It merges all functions into one platform.

As a result, it expands the functionality of your software, so you don’t need to switch back and forth between systems.

The importance of CRM software integration

There’s no denying that accounting is a core function of every business.

For this reason, the first tool many small business owners adopt is accounting software like QuickBooks. With QuickBooks Online, you get access to the application and its entire ecosystem of apps, add-ons, and services.

But as your operations become more complex, your accounting software can’t handle everything.

And if you’re trying to grow your business, like most of us are, you’ll want to focus on software capabilities that will help you find and retain your customers.

This is where CRM integration comes in.

When it comes to getting the most out of your CRM solution, CRM software integration is key. In fact, research has found them to increase sales productivity by 12.5%.

Let’s take a deeper look at some of the benefits of CRM software integration.

Better customer communications

Combining email and messaging platforms into your CRM is one of the biggest benefits of CRM software integration. 

CRM software with email integration allows you to email people directly and forward messages through your CRM software.

You can also use it to manage contacts more effectively and send automated marketing messages – but more on automation below!

Additionally, you can set communication thresholds for your integrated CRM, for example, by adjusting the response rate. This way, you get the most out of your existing relationships and email marketing software to increase customer satisfaction.

Workflow automation

Aside from sending automated marketing email blasts, an integrated CRM can help to automatically score the relationship between your company and your client based on pre-set metrics.

For example, it indicates customer value based on how much a customer interacts with communications from your business. 

And ultimately, an integrated CRM automates repetitive and tedious tasks such as scheduling, billing, and logging hours so that you can focus on more critical tasks to grow your business. 

Improved organization and efficiency

From billing to email, today thousands of applications that limit information sharing exist. But this causes you to waste time and lose out on potential customers. 

With CRM software integration, you can combine enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, billing portals, and more in a single platform to streamline your operations. 

For instance, CRM software that integrates with ERP applications lets you view customer data such as:

• Demographics.
• Account history.
• Contact information. 

Aside from centralizing information, a CRM that integrates with apps like calendars, internal communications, marketing, and sales tools provides critical customer insights that boost productivity. 

How integrated CRM helps you work more productively

So you’ve looked at how an integrated CRM saves you time.

Now let’s dive into how to use the native CRM software integrations Method offers to increase your productivity.

1. Bring QuickBooks data into your inbox

A CRM and accounting software integration saves you time by combining the different systems to access customer information, invoices, and more from the same place. 

Nobody wants to spend all day answering emails. But when your customers have specific questions about their orders, you inevitably lose time by switching between programs and searching for the required information.

To speed up this process, Method CRM offers a convenient CRM software integration for both Gmail and Outlook. When you open an email, these handy sidebars display an overview of the sender’s history with your company.

Moreover, it’s a CRM software that integrates with Xero and QuickBooks as well, so it immediately adds context to every email. By letting you view all the customer data right in your inbox, Method CRM makes responding to emails a breeze.

You can also easily save your email response to Method CRM to ensure that your team stays informed about the customer’s needs.

2. Build a comprehensive calendar solution

Like most of us, you probably have multiple calendars on the go. And while this lets you quickly schedule new activities, it doesn’t guarantee you won’t miss an event or double book yourself.

Luckily, the right CRM software integration can stop this from happening.

Method minimizes this risk by offering a two-way CRM software integration with Google Calendar. Using this CRM software integration, any events you create or update in Google Calendar sync with your calendar in Method CRM and vice versa.

This means you can finally say goodbye to scheduling confusion for good.

You can also share your Method-specific Google Calendar with your teammates to make collaborating easier than ever.

3. Create targeted email campaigns

The key to developing effective marketing campaigns is to know who your customers are and what they want. Which is why seeing your sales data alongside your marketing efforts is beneficial.

Thankfully, good CRM software with email integration like Method CRM makes it easy for your business to stay top of mind.

Method CRM’s software integration with Mailchimp allows you to develop targeted email campaigns based on real customer insights.

With your customer’s QuickBooks transactions visible in Method CRM — alongside detailed data on their preferences and interactions — you can build segmented mailing lists.

Then, send these lists to Mailchimp in just a few clicks to create email campaigns that keep customers coming back and strengthen your customer retention rate.

And if you’re looking for a Gmail or Outlook CRM software integration, look no further. Method CRM allows you to manage your leads and customers while in your inbox.

4. Empower your customers to self-serve and get paid faster

Everybody loves getting paid, but the same can’t be said about payment collection.

If you’re still manually processing credit card information, you’re wasting time that you could use to grow your business. And if you have to call customers first to get that information, that’s another drain on your productivity.

Instead, you can empower customers to view their invoices and make payments independently with Method CRM’s built-in customer portals.

It’s fully customizable, so you can make it your own using drag-and-drop tools to include your intended services.

Within these portals, you can configure payment gateways to accept credit card payments. This way, when a customer makes a payment, it’s automatically processed, and the data automatically syncs to Method CRM and your QuickBooks or Xero software.

This means no more double data entry for your team!

And with 24/7 access to your business, your customers get the information they need when they need it. They’ll love the convenience, and you’ll love being able to literally get paid in your sleep.

5. Go beyond pre-built CRM software integrations

Every business operates differently. Every business needs a unique combination of tools to get the job done.

Although Method CRM offers CRM software integration with tools like Outlook and Zapier, the possibilities don’t stop there.

If you want greater connectivity between apps, Method CRM offers open access to its API or application programming interface.

For those new to the term CRM API, it is the set of programming protocols and tools that dictate how other software programs can interact with Method.Developers can use the Method:API to integrate other web and desktop applications, allowing for streamlined workflows and more options for adding data to a Method account.

Harness the power of Method CRM software integration and start your free trial today!

Image credit: Ann H via Pexels

The post 5 ways to work more productively with CRM software integration appeared first on Method.

The answer depends on whether you want your customer relationships to be about more than just numbers. Here’s a tip: you do!

While it’s important to be aware of purchase history, the best way to build customer loyalty is to focus on making genuine connections and providing individualized service. That’s where customer management software comes in.

What is customer management?

Customer management refers to the way you organize, track, and engage with your customers. It’s about recognizing and taking care of the people who use your products and services.

Good customer management involves learning about your customers, and catering your service and support to their needs. This develops stronger customer relationships, which in turn lead to bigger and better opportunities down the road.

What is a customer management system?

A customer management system is a tool — typically a software solution — that helps you keep track of and care for your customers.

It’s a way of organizing your contacts in a centralized space to provide them a more personalized experience. Features of a customer management system include:

• A 360-degree view of contact details, including interaction and transaction history.
• Self-service tools like customer portals.
• Customer support and communication tools.
• Invoice and order management.

What does customer relationship management involve?

Customer relationship management applies to any business that involves dealing with customers. That being said, the four pillars of strong customer relationship management are:

• Communication.
• Marketing.
• Automation.
• Reporting and analytics.

Communication

A key aspect of CRM is how it opens the floor for better communication, both internally and externally.

CRM systems centralize your communication with customers across all channels. Whether it’s a phone call, email, or in-person meeting, you can record and organize every interaction someone has with your business.

CRM software also allows for better productivity and communication between your staff. It offers internal features like ticketing systems, where your employees can assign and perform tasks with ease.

Marketing

A CRM amplifies your marketing strategy by expanding your outreach and better segmenting your target demographic. CRM tools make even the largest marketing tasks, like sending out mass email campaigns, a breeze.

Take the Email Campaigns app in Method CRM below as an example of this. 

Every customer is different, so you might not want to market the exact same to everyone. With CRM software, you can create contact lists to tailor your marketing exactly how you want. This includes personalizing your messaging, coordinating outreach, flagging communication preferences, and more.

Automation

Something businesses love about CRM systems is how they save valuable time and money through workflow automation. Automating your daily business functions takes a large chunk of the workload off you and your employees.

Plus, this way, your employees don’t need to spend their day doing the same repetitive tasks. Instead, they can put more time into boosting your business’ performance in other, more significant ways. 

Reporting and analytics

A good CRM system gives you valuable insights into your customers’ needs, as well as the overall health of your business. With the right CRM, you can download detailed reports that provide you a comprehensive overview of your numbers.

You can then apply your findings to drive customer retention and strengthen your business operations.

Is QuickBooks a CRM?

QuickBooks is not a CRM. While QuickBooks is one of the strongest accounting platforms on the market, it’s not designed for customer management.

Can QuickBooks be used as a CRM?

Trying to use QuickBooks as your CRM blends the distinct stages of your sales funnel together, resulting in disorganization and confusion among you and your employees. 

With an integrated CRM, you can keep your financial information separate from your customer details. This way, you never jumble up your accounting database even as you work towards providing a more positive customer experience.

The benefits of integrating QuickBooks with a CRM

Experience a shorter sales cycle

Implementing a CRM means that you shorten every stage in your sales process. From lead generation all the way to closing a sale, CRM systems automate your workflows and accelerate turnaround times.

So, not only do you make more revenue by closing sales faster, but you also get more time to generate customers.

Eliminate the need for double data entry

With a CRM that syncs with QuickBooks, you eliminate the issue of double data entry. 

Particularly with a two-way sync, you don’t need to enter new data into both your CRM and QuickBooks account. When you input information on one end of an integrated system, it updates in the other.

So, you don’t have to worry about entering the same data twice — a mistake that can be detrimental to your business. 

Only add paying customers to your books

Keep your leads and your paying customers separate with CRM software. When you use your QuickBooks account as a means of managing customer relationships, you risk doing serious damage to your business.

Better categorizing your contacts with a CRM clarifies your sales funnel for everyone at your company, which results in more efficiency all around.

You get to see the big picture

CRM software gives you a centralized view of your operations and your customer-base. You stay up to date on everything going on with your business, even as it grows. 

This way, you can see all your moving parts without having to directly involve yourself in every department. 

And with your customers’ information neatly consolidated, you know exactly what you need to do to make your relationships flourish. 

7 reasons why you need Method CRM for QuickBooks customer management

Here are 7 reasons why Method CRM is the ideal customer management solution for businesses using QuickBooks.

1. It’s easy to get started

Adopting new software can be intimidating — but it doesn’t have to be. Unlike a lot of other CRMs, the industry-leading sync between QuickBooks and Method makes it simple to get started with better customer management.

As soon as you connect Method CRM to your QuickBooks file, your existing customers automatically sync to your Method account. It’s that easy! And since the sync goes both ways, you can add new customers through either program and they’ll immediately show up in the other end.

2. Limit employee access to QuickBooks

As your small business grows, you’ll likely hire new employees to better serve your customers. However, giving every employee access to your QuickBooks file is less than ideal.

By using customer management software that integrates with QuickBooks, you can limit employee access to your accounting software while giving them the data they need to effectively assist customers.

 View contact information and past purchases, create new estimates and invoices, and process payments right in Method CRM. Your staff will love the self-sufficiency and you can rest easy knowing that your QuickBooks file is secure.

3. Go beyond the billing contact

If your business does B2B sales, you likely interact with multiple individuals at each company you work with — often, the person you sell to isn’t the person who pays you. However, cluttering your QuickBooks file with non-billing contacts can lead to missed payments if you accidentally invoice the wrong person.

Luckily, CRM software is made for managing all of your contacts, regardless of their roles. Method CRM lets you add unlimited contacts per customer so you can create a complete picture of your relationship with a company. And since contacts created in Method don’t sync to QuickBooks, you can keep your accounting software strictly focused on accounting.

4. Know your customers inside and out

Providing personalized service starts with knowing who your customers are and what they need. And while it’s possible to add custom fields in QuickBooks, your accountant doesn’t necessarily want to see your customers’ shipping address alongside their financial data.

Instead, take advantage of Method’s 100% customizable platform. Add unlimited custom fields to track whatever data is important to your business, from shoe sizes to pets’ birthdays. When you know more about your customer than the date of their last invoice, you can provide an unforgettable service experience that drives repeat business.

5. Centralize customer history

Your history with your customers goes beyond past purchases — it’s important to track conversations too. But if you’re relying on QuickBooks Notes to do so, employees without access to QuickBooks will struggle to stay informed. And if additional notes are scattered across employees’ desks, inboxes, and minds, it’s hard for anyone to refer back.

Customer management software offers a centralized solution for tracking customer interactions. Create activities in Method CRM to record the details of meetings, phone calls, and emails. You can also create cases to document ongoing problems, so everyone on your team stays in the loop.

6. Provide timely service by bringing your data on the go

In business, time is money. The longer it takes for your business to follow up with a customer, the more likely it is that they’ll turn to your competitors. This can be especially problematic for businesses using QuickBooks Desktop. If your customer data lives at the office, you’ll struggle to stay connected while on the go.

Using a QuickBooks-integrated CRM solves this problem by bringing your essential QuickBooks data into the cloud. Better yet, the Method CRM mobile apps let you bring this data anywhere you go. Whether you’re updating a phone number, creating an estimate, or processing a payment, your customers will appreciate that you’re always on top of their needs.

7. Drive repeat business through proactive follow-up

When you view your QuickBooks customers, your primary cues to reach out are likely overdue invoices or insufficient payments. But if you want to build long-lasting relationships, you need to find more positive communication opportunities.

Activities in Method CRM aren’t just for completed interactions; use them to plan future ones as well. Schedule follow-up activities to remind yourself to reach out to your customers at regular intervals. Maybe you want to collect feedback, test cross-selling strategies, or just wish them a happy birthday — the reason for the follow-up is up to you. The point is to keep your business top of mind so customers feel motivated to return to it.

Recap: Simplify your QuickBooks customer management with Method CRM

Although QuickBooks is a comprehensive accounting solution, your customer relationships are about more than just numbers.

A QuickBooks-integrated CRM software takes you beyond the finances and gives greater context to your purchase data. When you truly understand each customer’s history with your business, you can provide them with personalized service that keeps them coming back.

To recap, with Method CRM you:

1. Get started right away.
2. Manage QuickBooks access.
3. Track all kinds of relationships.
4. Centralize customer information.
5. Provide timely service.
6. Bring back customers.

QuickBooks customer management FAQs

Can you use QuickBooks for CRM?

You should not use QuickBooks for CRM purposes. While it can technically be done, it leads to more issues than it solves.

Instead, you should use CRM software that integrates with your QuickBooks data. This way, you keep your contact details and your account information separate yet consolidated. So, you maintain an all-encompassing view of your operations without disturbing them. 

Does QuickBooks manage customers?

QuickBooks does not manage customers effectively. QuickBooks and CRM software work wonderfully together, but are two distinctly separate tools.

CRM software integrates your customer details with QuickBooks without compromising your accounting data.

What is a good CRM for QuickBooks users?

Method CRM is the #1 CRM for QuickBooks users because of its patented, two-way sync. It eliminates issues of double data entry by updating instantly when you enter information on either end.

See how a QuickBooks CRM helps you better manage your customers with your free trial of Method.

Image credit: Gorodenkoff via Shutterstock

The post Is QuickBooks a CRM? Why you need a customer management system appeared first on Method.

From Pro to Premier to Enterprise, QuickBooks offers powerful accounting solutions for busy small business owners. When it comes to any transaction that involves money changing hands, QuickBooks definitely has you covered. 

But where does that leave you when you’re dealing with non-financial matters like your lead management process?

The challenge: A disconnected lead management process

There’s no doubt that your lead management process is a crucial part of being profitable. After all, you can’t increase your revenue unless you continuously find and nurture new leads. 

The challenge here is that leads are potential customers who aren’t yet associated with real dollars. As a result, it’s tricky to determine how and where to manage your relationships with them. 

Many QuickBooks users handle their lead management process in one of two places: 

1. QuickBooks itself 
2. In spreadsheets

If you use QuickBooks for your lead management process 

Since you can’t create estimates or proposals for leads in QuickBooks, they often get added to QuickBooks as customers. 

The problem with this is two-fold:

1. You have leads in QuickBooks as real customers — which is optimistic but not accurate. 
2. Potential sales are recorded as real revenue — which causes confusion and makes you think you have more money coming in than you actually do. 

This makes for a disorganized lead management process as, over time, your QuickBooks account becomes cluttered with “customers” who have never purchased an item for you. 

If you use spreadsheets for your lead management process 

The second lead management process that’s popular with QuickBooks users is the spreadsheet strategy. 

And while it works for some, it’s not without its limitations. 

Here are just a few problems that arise when you use a spreadsheet for your lead management process. 

1. You waste labor. Admin work is never fun or a value-add to your business. So, this isn’t something you want to  your sales teams’ time going towards. 
2. Your data is outdated. Spreadsheets need to be constantly updated to be effective. With the chaos of daily life, however, this is often unrealistic. The result of this outdated information can be calling a lead that’s already converted to a customer or badgering a lead who’s clearly stated that they aren’t interested in your product. Neither of which are desirable.
3. Leads slip through the cracks. Like any manual process completed by humans, there’s bound to be errors made. In this case, leads get missed, overlooked, or have their contact details recorded incorrectly. The impact of this — you miss out on potential revenue and sales. 

How a QuickBooks CRM improves your lead management process

If you’re looking for a better lead management process, a QuickBooks CRM is the way to go. Here’s why. 

A QuickBooks CRM, like Method CRM, offers:

• A more organized and accurate system for tracking leads 
• A 360-degree view of each lead and customer
• An instant, two way sync with your QuickBooks account

Here are the top 7 reasons why Method CRM (the #1 rated CRM for QuickBooks users) is a game-changer for your lead management process.

1. Keep potential business separate from real business

Your leads aren’t customers (yet!), so don’t confuse your accountant by labeling them as such.

Instead, track your leads in Method CRM and keep them out of QuickBooks until they’re ready to make a purchase.

An added bonus is that with Method CRM’s real-time, two way QuickBooks sync, all of your classes, items, and terms are in your CRM. 

Plus, with your leads and estimates living only in Method CRM you also avoid cluttering your QuickBooks file with potential purchases.

2. Streamline your data entry and lead management process

The beauty of using a QuickBooks CRM is that data entry is a breeze. 

With Method CRM, you can record information about each lead’s company, source, rating, and more. Method CRM is also 100% customizable, so you can easily add new fields to track data specific to your business.

Plus, a QuickBooks CRM offers a much better data viewing experience than spreadsheets — particularly if you need to access that data on the go. 

3. Automate your lead management process

Speaking of easier data entry, why not take advantage of sales workflow automation with a QuickBooks CRM? 

For example, you can use Method CRM’s web-to-lead form to automatically capture lead details from your website visitors. Here’s how it works. 

1. A website visitor submits a lead gen form.
2. This person becomes a lead in Method CRM. 
3. This lead is assigned to a sales rep and they receive a notification about the new lead.
4. A follow-up activity is automatically created for this sales rep. 

4. Link your leads to sales opportunities

QuickBooks is built around financial transactions. So, it’s not a great tool for managing leads who aren’t yet at the buying stage. 

Sales opportunities in Method CRM, however, offer a convenient alternative for tracking what your prospects are interested in purchasing.

As you learn more about a lead’s needs, you can create an opportunity in Method CRM that details the:

• Current stage of the deal
• Anticipated closing date
• Expected amount of revenue

As your business grows, this information will help your sales reps prioritize leads and focus on the most promising deals in the pipeline.

5. Never miss out on a potential sale

When you enter leads into a shared spreadsheet, it’s hard to assign responsibility and schedule tasks effectively.

Sure, you could put your name next to each lead you intend to follow up with — but will you remember this the next time you open the document? Probably not…

This is where a QuickBooks CRM comes in handy. 

With Method CRM for example, your lead management process is streamlined as every time a new lead comes through:

• It is automatically assigned to the sales rep of your choice
• A sales activity is instantly created for the rep to follow up with the lead

When the follow-up is complete, you can record the details of the activity to ensure transparency and continuity throughout your lead management process.

6. Market directly to your leads

If you mix your leads with QuickBooks customers or isolate them in spreadsheets, lead marketing is a challenge. 

In the first scenario, it’s hard to filter your true leads from your paying customers. 

In the second, your lead database is disconnected from the rest of your business applications.

Luckily, you can solve this challenge with Method CRM’s convenient integration with Mailchimp.

Use this integration to make sending targeted email campaigns to your potential customers a breeze. Simply:

• Filter your CRM contacts based on your desired criteria
• Send your mailing lists over to Mailchimp in just a few clicks. 

7. Seamless integration with the accounting software you love

With a successful lead management process, your potential customer becomes a paying one — hooray! 

And now that you’re officially into dollars and cents territory, it’s time to get your new customer into QuickBooks. Luckily, the two-way sync between Method CRM and QuickBooks makes this quick and easy. 

With the click of a button, your lead becomes a customer, their estimate becomes an invoice, and their data automatically syncs to QuickBooks — no double data entry required.

Wrap up

The goal of every lead management process is to convert your leads into customers.

This, however, is tough to do if you can’t properly identify, track, or follow up with your prospects. 

That’s why you should use a QuickBooks CRM like Method CRM to:

• Gain a 360-degree view of a contact’s journey from lead to repeat customer
• Automate your lead management process
• Drive a better bottom line

 Want to take your lead management process to the next level? Start your free, trial of Method CRM.

The post How to upgrade your lead management process with a QuickBooks CRM appeared first on Method.

Still, using desktop software in this day and age can create some hurdles for your business. If you’re often on the go, you may face an overwhelming amount of data entry when you return to the office. If you use cloud apps to manage other aspects of your business, you may not be able to connect them to your accounting data. And if multiple people on your team need access to QuickBooks, you have to be mindful of license limitations. It’s enough to make you wonder if switching to QuickBooks Online is inevitable.

Luckily, you don’t have to choose between living with these restrictions or finding new accounting software. Instead, a QuickBooks CRM offers the best of both worlds. Method is a cloud CRM system that opens new doors for desktop devotees through its real-time, two-way sync with QuickBooks. By extending the power of your accounting software beyond the desktop, Method empowers businesses to stay competitive in a fast-changing environment.

Here are 4 ways that Method CRM helps QuickBooks Desktop customers use their accounting data more effectively.

1. Access your QuickBooks data anytime and anywhere

At one point, using a QuickBooks Desktop product literally meant that your accounting software lived on a desktop computer. When you left the office, your customer data stayed behind. Today, QuickBooks may be installed on your laptop, but this isn’t a foolproof solution for data access. Sure, the computer is portable — but what if your battery dies or you spill your drink?

Thankfully, using cloud CRM software allows you to access your QuickBooks data anytime on any device. When you first connect Method and QuickBooks, your existing customers and transactions will automatically sync to your CRM. From there, you can enter new data or update existing records and the changes will immediately appear in your QuickBooks file. So don’t panic if you spill coffee on your keyboard first thing in the morning — just borrow someone else’s laptop and get right to work.

2. Work more easily on small screens

If you’ve already embraced cloud technology, you may host your QuickBooks file using a service like Right Networks or gotomyerp. These services allow users to stick with their familiar desktop software while enjoying access on any internet-connected device. However, just because you can access the data, doesn’t mean it’s user-friendly. Those using a remote desktop app may find it difficult to navigate QuickBooks on a small smartphone screen.

Another perk of cloud CRM software is the availability of native mobile apps. Method CRM offers mobile apps for both iOS and Android, and the Method interface is optimized for every screen size. This allows users to do everything from checking balances to processing payments with ease, all while on the go. For busy small business owners who live and die by their smartphones, this level of convenience is a game-changer.

3. QuickBooks functionality without a QuickBooks license

Beyond the question of how to access your QuickBooks Desktop data, there’s also the question of who can access it. For the sake of data security, many business owners and accountants prefer to limit employee access to QuickBooks. But this means you need a workaround for employees whose roles require them to view or update customer information.

Method’s deep integration with QuickBooks gives these users the functionality they need. Customer support staff can look up past purchases, marketers can export customer email addresses, and sales reps can create invoices and process payments — all without direct access to QuickBooks. You can even set user-level permissions to determine who can modify existing data and who can simply view it. In this way, every employee is equipped to do their job well. Better yet, they can do so simultaneously, on any device, and with no impact on your QuickBooks license count.

4. See your QuickBooks data in context

QuickBooks is powerful accounting software, but accounting is just one part of your business. To make the most of the data in your QuickBooks file, it’s helpful to connect it to other aspects of your operations. However, desktop accounting software typically has fewer integration options than cloud software does.

That’s where Method CRM comes in. Method’s patented sync with QuickBooks Desktop makes it possible to view billing and transaction data alongside CRM-specific data like customer activities, support cases, and sales opportunities. With a 360-degree view of each customer, your team can provide top-notch customer service.

Furthermore, Method also integrates with popular applications like Gmail, Outlook, and Mailchimp, allowing you to leverage your QuickBooks data in new contexts. View customers’ past transactions in your email inbox, create marketing campaigns based on purchase history, and so much more.

Conclusion

QuickBooks Desktop products are a cornerstone of the accounting world, and that isn’t likely to change anytime soon. However, they have some limitations related to data access that can cripple a modern business. Method CRM helps to bridge the gap between QuickBooks Desktop and the cloud, giving users the freedom to work whenever and wherever they want.

See how Method spices up your relationship with QuickBooks in the video below.

Want to learn more about how Method helps QuickBooks users work more productively? Click to download your FREE copy of our ebook, “Extend the Power of QuickBooks Desktop with Method CRM.”

The post 4 ways Method CRM helps you do more with your QuickBooks data appeared first on Method.