There are, of course, many CRM systems to choose from but there are not many that match Capsule as a bespoke CRM to fit your business perfectly.
Emma Rundle knew her business needed a better framework so she could grow it, but her off-the-shelf CRM wasn’t able to give her what she needed.
Business Boost / Business Builder / Business Mastery / Sales Pipeline Management / Product Boost / CRM for success
The Challenge
Emma set up Melting Pot Creations, a copy and content writing business, in 2014 and has used an off-the-shelf CRM system for the last four years to keep track of actions and next steps with clients. With big plans to grow the business, Emma felt she needed better visibility of her pipeline, a way of tracking more processes and something that could grow alongside the business.
However, she was nervous of the work that might be involved in ripping out her existing CRM and implementing a new one, while continuing to deliver to her clients on a daily basis.
The Approach
Julia did some initial fact finding to establish Emma’s priorities and then worked collaboratively with her throughout the project to ensure all her needs were met. It’s common for people to “not know what they don’t know” when undertaking this sort of project so the brief is always evolving.
She knew that Capsule’s excellent pipeline visibility would work well for Emma and was also able to create more efficiency in other parts of Melting Pot by integrating Capsule with Mailchimp and Xero, both systems Emma was already using.
Melting Pot’s Story
“My life is busy and varied” explains Emma “with a growing business, two young children and all that comes with them, I need to be on my A-game as much as possible.”
Emma was frustrated with her off-the-shelf CRM because she couldn’t vary the processes within it. She could record and track the steps that worked towards a sale but that was all and the process had to be identical every time. She was also unable to record progress so didn’t have a clear view of the deliverables needed, when projects were nearing close, what had been invoiced and so much more.
“I knew I wanted a CRM but I was putting off making the change for a couple of reasons – firstly, the upheaval (I assumed it would be hugely risky to remove the structure I’d already placed around my business) and secondly, I assumed something with all the bells and whistles I wanted would cost a fortune.”
As a result of working with Julia, Emma has had several revelations:
- my mindset has changed towards my business, I feel so much more in control
- I’m actively looking for, and then nurturing opportunities because I can (so I instantly have double the number I did before Capsule was implemented)
- I’m saving time on each new project because I have every interaction, every call, every client brief, saved within Capsule. It’s all there in one place so I don’t have to hunt for details
On the subject of cost, Emma’s also really impressed: “ I cannot believe that this amazing, exciting and motivating CRM system costs the same amount per month as my previous off-the-shelf product!” she enthuses. “Honestly, I have had so many wow moments during the work I’ve done with Julia and I know Capsule has more to give as and when my business is ready. I feel as though my brain is downloaded each day so there’s less stress and overwhelm too. Working with Julia to translate the system and implement it for you is much more cost effective, I didn’t lose any tie trying to work things out for myself. I know this CRM is going to pay back my investment in Julia in longer-term savings anyway.”
Julia’s Solution
“The decision to move from one CRM is hard – it’s an emotional wrench if your existing system is tied up in your business and you don’t have that reassurance that the new system will be better. It was so satisfying to work with Emma and hear her feedback each time something was ticked off her wish list. Capsule is such a straightforward yet powerful CRM, it’s a pleasure watching my customers realise that. Reluctance to change CRMs is often based on a fear of jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire but what’s the point in doggedly continuing with something that’s not working for you?
“The biggest difference for Emma was the ability to create different delivery ‘tracks’ or processes for each of her copywriting services so literally nothing falls between the cracks. She’s now able to bring the very best, most efficient version of herself to work every single day.”
“Julia is amazing to work with. She just knows Capsule, and business, inside out so if you want a better CRM, you must speak to her.”
Emma Rundle
“Capsule is so rewarding to build in a bespoke way for a business because it has so many options. Setting up pre-sales and delivery processes is rewarding as well as important for a growing business.”
Julia Blake
How could Blake Consultants help you?
If you run a small to medium sized business and would like future growth and success, here’s how Blake Consultants can help:
1. Experiencing overwhelm? We will reduce your workload and increase your revenue by making you more efficient;
2. Experiencing high success? We’ll set up your business to enable you to cope with high levels of delivery and have time to plan and grow;
3. Reached a growth milestone? Our CRM solution will enable you to recruit and maintain consistency of approach;
4. Struggling to convert opportunities? We will help you find the time to nurture your business and segment your activities and messaging;
5. Forward thinker? As a very early start-up who recognises you need a business structure to grow in to, we should be your first stop.
If you’re a coach, consultant or other service-focused business owner, ambitious for growth, contact Julia on 01635 592020 or Julia.blake@blakeconsultants.co.uk for an initial free consultation.