Brent's CRM Blog

Solopreneur Tools: Will Zoho Give Microsoft and Google A Run for Their Money?

First off, thank you all SOOOO MUCH for the overwhelming response I've received from my BE.com proclaiming 2008 to be the year of the international solopreneur. I really had not anticipated the quantity and quality of email people sent me. It's always gratifying to know that folks appreciate something I put out there, but I really enjoyed the stories people shared with me with respect to their solopreneurial dreams and aspirations. I would like to share a few of them but will need to get permission from them before I can do so. In fact I'm planning on doing more writing on this subject as well as adding a solopreneur spotlight segment onto the radio show once I get it out fleshed out in my mind.

In the meantime one of the questions that I received over and over centered around tools that aspiring solopreneurs can begin using to get things started. There are a number of them that I will be covering over the next several months. But today I thought bring up a company that is putting together a slew of nice tools that are easy to use, pretty cheap, and in some cases these services are totally free. Now I could be talking about Google or Microsoft, but you already know about these guys. But have you heard of Zoho? Now would be a good time for you to check them out. They have many of the same online services as the big boys, and then some. From word processors, to spreadsheets, project management, web conferencing, slide presentations and even CRM. I've been checking them out for the last eight or nine months, and have been really impressed with what I've seen so far. Just recently I spoke with their chief evangelist Raju Vegesna and came away even more impressed than before.

Now I haven't been able to get hands on with all the things they're putting together, but do plan on doing so in the weeks and months ahead. But they are making some really smart moves, like making their tools available even when you're offline. And they were quick to make a few of their tools available on the iPhone, as well as some nice integrations with Facebook and other services, like Box.net's online storage service. But everything isn't wine and roses, as the wiki tool isn't the greatest, and they don't have a blogging tool or any deep integration with the leaders in the space. And I have to take a second, closer look at their CRM app to see how it's progressing. But they do have the resources and the determination to put together even more tools for the SmB crowd. And the emphasis on the "S" was done purposely, because Zoho does seem intent on being a player when it comes to providing tools for the little guy.

So you should check Zoho out to when you get a chance. And check out the below snippet of a conversation I had with Office 2.0 conference organizer Ismael Ghalimi to get his take on Zoho.

If you want to hear the whole conversation with Ismael below is a link to the show. Office 2.0 is something every serious solopreneur should be aware of, and Ismael is the guy in the middle of it all :

http://www.businesstechnologyradio.com/recentshows/tabid/25382/bid/2924/Office-2-0-Online-Video-Ads-and-Their-Impact-On-Your-Small-Business.aspx

Technorati : google, microsoft office live, solopreneurship, zoho

Domains, Trains and Automobiles....

I've been on an seo/keyword research kick lately. Exhibit one of this would be my rant on how I trust Wordtracker's keyword research tool better than Google's free tool because of the list of related keywords returned when I plugged in my name. Now I present exhibits two and three with links to a few recent articles I wrote for different sites:

• Small Business Trends - Master of My Domain Names
• Wordtracker.com - Building a Radio Show Audience One Keyword At A Time

That's it. Sorry, no trains or automobiles in this one. I just thought it was a nice play on words for the title.

Technorati : domain names, keyword research, small business, wordtracker

Why Paris Hilton and Santa Claus Are Good Web 2.0 Role Models

'Tis the season and all that, so I thought I'd try to tie in some Christmas theme to this before getting into the real reason for this post. But it won't take long....

You can pick up a few good CRM pointers from SC (if Terrell Owens can go by his initials why can't my boy Santa). For one, he knows how to relate to his customers, going out of his way to create several avenues for them to reach him. He also goes to them, creates a comfortable environment for them (his lap) to relay their needs and wants from him. He enlists good help in order to create value for them, making sure he provides with something that puts a smile on their face. And they trust him so much by now that they even leave him a little something (milk and cookies) without really knowing what he's got for them. He's built up so much good will that he doesn't even have to worry about some other guy swooping in on his territory. But then again, who else would want that gig? Alright enough of this.....

Let's get to Paris. And I'm telling you right front this has nothing to do with the kind of social media that involves video clips. If that's for you you'll have to work with the tens of millions of other Paris Hilton related stuff.

Anyway I must admit I haven't the first clue as to how this chick got to be so popular. I know she's an heiress to the Hilton fortune, and I guess she's alright looking. But doesn't she have a twin sister? She doesn't seem to get the same hype. Paris can't sing....or dance....or act.....or write. And there are a great deal of other folks with "home movies" floating out there. But Paris seems to matter to a whole lotta people, and I just didn't get it until Aaron Wall put me on the path to understanding this phenomena.

Aaron wall is the author of SEO Book, by far the best book (e-book) I've bought on the subject of search engine optimization. In addition to all the great info on the subject of SEO, Aaron puts a lot of personal experiences and philosophy into the book which makes it a rather enjoyable read. One of the interesting inclusions was an intriguing link to an entry on the Chartreuse blog called, Why Paris Hilton Is Famous (Or Understanding Value In A Post-Madonna World).

After reading this, I finally got why she is so popular....sort of. It has very little to do with her looks, and absolutely nothing to do with talent, well the kind talent most people think of (remember she has none of that). The talent she does have which makes her important(?) in the Web 2.0 age is that, as Chartreuse puts it, she's the "Queen of Links". She uses her "platform" to promote others, and she does it in a pretty natural way. And because she's used her fame to talk about others, it makes others want to talk about her. And link to her. And keep her in the spotlight. They even pay her just to show up to parties for crying out loud. And the funny thing is when she does try to use her fame for blatant self-promotion, she fails miserably.

I can't think of a better example for big companies trying to build virtual communities under the guise of "engaging" with their customers and prospects. The best way to go about it is to put the needs and wants of those you wish to sell, uh...I mean serve, first. Because if they view your actions to be too self-serving and aimed too narrowly at their wallets, they won't be joining your parade anytime soon. And if you need some help understanding this, maybe you can have Paris explain this to you at your company's New Year's Eve bash.  I'm sure you already had SC on stage for the Christmas party.

Technorati : community 2.0, crm

2008 Small Business Tech Trends, and Unified Communications

I mentioned earlier this week that I would be participating in a round-table discussion on what small business types should be aware of in 2008 when in comes to technology. Below is a link to the podcast on SMB Trends Radio. I had a great time talking with Anita Campbell, Ramon Ray and Steve Rucinski. We covered a lot of ground in this fast paced conversation, so you may want to check it out when you have some time.

http://www.smbtrendwire.com/2007/12/20/the-technology-you-need-in-2008-and-the-stuff-to-avoid/

I also wanted to pass along a link to my latest "Tech Talk" internet television show on The Profitability Channel site. I was glad to have Microsoft's Jim Haigh on with me to talk about unified communications, and what its impact will be on small businesses. WARNING: I'm still getting used to the "television thing" so you'll see me trying to work a powerpoint slide deck while trying to listen to Jim, and also listening to the production crew talking to me in my ear piece. So that glazed donut look I have from time to time is me trying to think of good questions to ask after not hearing as much of an answer from Jim, and also trying to give the appropriate hand signal to the team to let them know I need help working the slide-turner......Oh well, that's show biz. Anyway check this out if you dare. You'll be asked for your name and email address, but I promise you won't be getting spammed. We're just trying to get an accurate count of who's watching this stuff.

http://www.profitabilitychannel.com/program_detail.php?ep=1773

Feedback is definitely appreciated. Even if it hurts...

Technorati : microsoft, small business trends, technology, unified communications

Good Lists, and Lessons, From InsideCRM

The folks at InsideCRM.com are some smart cookies. And not because they graciously included me in their list of top bloggers. Not even for also rolling me into their most influential people in CRM for 2007. Come to think of it, they're smart cookies despite this. What makes them really smart is that they've created a name for themselves in a pretty short amount of time, and they did it by digging in and understanding the lay of the CRM landscape. And then they put together some really interesting lists, featuring a unique mix of people and companies, at a time when most folks have already closed up shop for the year. By doing that InsideCRM, their lists and other content they've put out this week has captured the industry's attention. Bloggers have been blogging about it. Companies fortunate enough to make their lists have put out press releases. All at a time where there's still people around to take notice. Now that was a series of smart moves that any upstart can take something from.

So great work InsideCRM. I especially like the list you put out listing the ways bloggers can monetize their sites to make a few dimes. Maybe I'll start selling t-shirts with my mugshot, or better yet a mug with my mug on it. Now that would allow me to get out of the rat race... Any way keep up the great work. And a special thanks goes out to Chris Bucholtz. Chris is my kind of guy, not because of the CRM stuff, but really because he knows baseball, including the Negro Leagues. Plus he wrote a book on the Tuskegee Airmen, a story that I feel doesn't receive as much acknowledgment as it deserves. Way to go Chris!

Technorati : crm, insidecrm

Fearless Non CRM-Related Prediction for 2008: The Rise of the International Solopreneur

I used my www.BlackEnterprise.com column this week to throw a prediction out there for 2008. It's called 2008: The Year of the International Solopreneur. It's a short and sweet little ditty about why I think everything's in place for those one man (or woman) bands out there with the guts and determination to become world-renowned at whatever it is they want to do. If you get a chance to check it out let me know what you think.

Technorati : entrepreneur, small business, solopreneur, trends

InsideCRM.com's 2007 Top 20 CRM Blogs: How Did I Get Included In This - Part Two

Today I found out that this blog was included in InsideCRM.com's list of top 20 blogs of 2007. Thanks to the editors over there for including me in the ranks of some really great blogs. If you're into CRM even just a little bit you should check this list out. And I agree with the InsideCRM folks in putting my buddy Paul Greenberg's blog at the top of the list. But there are a number of unique voices, experiences and insights coming from this list. So do yourself a favor and check them ALL out, including the InsiderCRM blog.

In the immortal words of Sally Field, "They like me.....they really like me...."

Thanks again!

Technorati : blogs, crm, insidecrm.com

Hanging with the Small Business Gurus: How Did I Get Included In This - Part One

I am really excited about this one. Tomorrow (Tuesday December 18th) at 4pm ET I have the honor of participating in a cool conversation on The Technology You NEED in 2008. The topic it is great, but what really makes this one to check out is the OTHER folks involved in this - the gurus mentioned in the title. Non other than Anita Campbell of Small Business Trends, and Ramon Ray of SmallBizTechnology.com. These two have been to of the most respected names in the small business community for years, so anything they have to say should absolutely be listened to... as you also take copious notes. I say this from personal experience.

So if you're available feel free to check this out. I believe there will also be an opportunity to ask us questions.....ok as them questions. So here's the link again if you have some time at 4pm ET Tuesday December 18th to join us:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/smallbiztrends/2007/12/18/The-Technology-You-NEED-in-2008-and-the-stuff-to-avoid

For those who can't make it I'll post a link to the recording.

Technorati : anita campbell, ramon ray, smb trends

Google vs. Microsoft: Battling In The Clouds and On Demand, But Will CRM Be The Deciding Factor?

I just got my copy of this week's Businessweek and had to read the cover story on Google's Next Big Dream. It's about how a 27 yr. old software engineer is leading their charge into cloud computing, where computing is done by a "cloud" of computers rather than by individual PCs or servers. Google is not alone in investing in this, as companies like Yahoo!, Amazon and IBM are all have their heads in the clouds. In fact Google and IBM are working together on this one, probably because of the other company investing heavily in cloud computing....Microsoft. You should check this article out when you have a minute as it looks like all of our futures are going to be a bit cloudy at some point.

Another article you should check out is in today's New York Times - Google Gets Ready to Rumble with Microsoft. I became aware of this one after reading Anita Campbell's post over at Small Business Trends. The cloud theme is carried over into this article, as Google's CEO Eric Schmidt believes that as high speed internet access proliferates and gets increasingly faster, and internet software gets better, more and more people will welcome using software over the web, instead of installing it on personal computers many people still feel are too complex to maintain. That's why Google is cranking out new apps all over the place, like GMail, Docs and Spreadsheets, Google Talk, and many, many others. And of course Google Apps for Domains which is Google's stripped down answer to Microsoft Office. Now in all actuality the feature-rich Office has way more functionality than any of the Google counterparts, and a better comparison at this time would be with Microsoft's Office Live. But you gotta believe that the goal here is to build feature-rich internet software that competes with installed stuff, so the end game has to be to deliver as much functionality as possible, which means installed Office. And I'd be willing to bet Microsoft will be adding more Office functionality to Office Live, which does present some issues as Office Live is a lot cheaper than regular Office.

So Google is going after Microsoft with frontal attack of SaaS. But one thing Microsoft has is the one thing Google doesn't as of yet. And when you think of SaaS or On Demand or whatever you want to call it, you think of CRM, because CRM has literally been the poster child for this movement, particularly when it comes to "the business web". In fact Salesforce.com, the poster child of on-demand CRM, proves this out. In a recent article, Salesforce.com CEO Marc Benioff noted that it took them seven years to reach 500,000 paid subscribers, but only 16 months to get the next 500,000. And Microsoft is rolling out Dynamics Live CRM, the SaaS version of its CRM application. Now I haven't seen it as of yet (I will be getting a briefing and demo shortly and will report on it) but folks I trust have told me it really looks good, and should get serious consideration by companies looking to implement CRM.

Now Google does have a great deal of momentum going for them, but I think this could be a big omission by Google, not having a CRM answer in their duel with Microsoft. More and more, businesses are turning to CRM to help automate lead generation and qualification, as well as streamline the sales process to turn qualified leads into cash money as quickly as possible. And with CRM vendors beginning to integrate Web 2.0 components into their services, CRM is really about to hit the mainstream. Just think the business network Salesforce.com is beginning to unleash with Salesforce-to-Salesforce. Concursive (formerly CentricCRM) is also doing this. And to be sure this is just the beginning as Web/CRM service integration is a perfect match which businesses of all sizes need as soon as possible.

This is shaping up to be an awesome battle. So I think it only makes sense for Google to fully arm themselves in this fight for the ages. It's not too late to for them to change this. Last year about this time I predicted that Google would by a CRM company. They didn't but they did cozy up with Salesforce.com to allow folks to manage AdWords campaigns from within the CRM app, as they did with NetSuite. But it makes even more sense to pull the trigger this year, especially with Microsoft getting their act together with Live CRM. So maybe I was just a bit early with my prediction. Maybe they were just waiting for Salesforce.com to nail down that one-millionth paid customer to prove that SaaS is here to stay in the business world. If this were to go down, the fight would REALLY be on!

Technorati : cloud computing, crm, google, microsoft, saas

Why I Trust My Good Name to Wordtracker and Not Google

Recently I've been doing a great deal of keyword research, much more than I usually do. Partly because I went on a bit of a domain name shopping spree, and also in preparation for writing a few articles as well as a case study. So I really went into Wordtracker hard trying out different terms to find related keywords that I wouldn't normally come up with on my own.

For example here are a few related words that Wordtracker spit out for the term chocolate:

These are just of a few of the words and phrases that Wordtracker came up with that somehow relate to the word chocolate. My favorite is "Oprah favorite things" there at #29. As I pointed out in one of the articles I wrote, I didn't make that up trying to be funny, blame that one on Wordtracker. Just out of curiosity I also checked out Google's free keyword selector tool to see what words they came up with for chocolate and they came up with many of the same words. Surprisingly enough, Oprah was no where to be found this time around.

After playing with a few other terms I got a little curious to see what Wordtracker and Google would spit out for my name. Here's where things got interesting. Here are some of the phrases Wordtracker came up with for brent leary:

Now most of these make a lot of sense to me as I'm pretty heavily involved in crm, technology, web 2.0 and small business. And since I host a radio show it makes sense for that to be there. There were a few things missing in the top 20, like devilishly handsome, genius, and one of a kind, but I think they were just further down on the list.

Now compare this list with the list from Google's keyword selector tool:

Um.....yeah.....this reads more like my Christmas card list to send out to family members, except most of these names aren't in my family and I don't send out Christmas cards. In fact I think Google gave my relative keywords instead of related ones, as the only thing that links me to these results is my last name. Nothing else.

So I was really kind of freaked out by this, so I decided to run one more test and see what Google would spit out for crm:

Well if it wasn't for the last entry, call center jobs, I would have said it looks like they just found words with the term crm in it. But still I needed to see what Wordtracker came back with:

Once again Wordtracker came back with a much more varied list of related phrases. So I'd have to say I definitely feel more comfortable with the Wordtracker results, even if I do have to put out a few bucks compared to Google's freebie. If you're heavy into keyword research you may want to consider it to.

Technorati : google, keyword research, wordtracker