Resources

Fackelmann Housewares, a leading supplier of kitchenware and home solutions across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the UK, operates under 15 globally recognised brands, including Wiltshire, Stanley Rogers, and Furi, with a complex e-commerce ecosystem powered by six unique Shopify stores. As the business scaled, customer support became increasingly inefficient, with agents struggling to manage enquiries across eight separate shared email inboxes. The absence of a centralised system and real-time order visibility led to slow response times, poor customer experiences, and limited business insights.

Get a glimpse into the FIRST EVER Pipedrive event in ANZ. Afternoon full of bulls**t-free talk about CRM, what do stakeholders need from their systems, how to make sure that technology works for you (and not the other way around), deep dive into a Pipedrive demo and a fantastic customer panel of current Pipedrive users that shared their experiences from different fields.

According to recent forecasts from Gartner, global IT spending was projected to grow by 8.6% in 2024, with major growth areas including cloud infrastructure, enterprise application software, and IT services. Businesses are increasingly investing in tools that empower employees, enhance customer experiences, and drive operational efficiency.

We are thrilled to announce that optimate.me and Evolution Marketing, an Australian-based company operating in the same field, have officially merged. Both organisations recognised the alignment of our values and goals and the potential for an even stronger future together.

Streamlining the Sales Cycle in Manufacturing with CRM Tools Sales in manufacturing are incredibly complex. More often than not, they involve long lead times, custom orders, and multiple approvals along the way. Despite these challenges, CRM tools can help manufacturers quickly overcome these bottlenecks, streamline sales processes, and improve cross-departmental collaboration.

Today growing businesses manage customer connections and information in a variety of ways. Some use old-fashioned note cards and Rolodex. Others store information on their mobile phone while on the go. Others use Excel spreadsheets, Outlook or Google documents.

The challenge for companies selecting customer relationship management (CRM) software is that there is a plethora of options— “best-of-breed” solutions, software for verticals, add-ons, and solutions delivered on-premise, on-demand, or by subscription (software as a service [SaaS]).

Choosing the right sales software is a pivotal step for a business. Both systems seem to do the same thing on the surface but what are the actual differences?

For more than 20 years Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems have been helping businesses create more revenue by producing high-quality leads, giving the sales team a tool that helps them do more business and knowing more about your customers’ needs.

In the realm of sales optimisation, the fusion of Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) solutions with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and customer support platforms is proving to be a game-changer for businesses aiming to streamline operations and enhance customer satisfaction.

In 2023, the world witnessed the dawn of generative AI, a ground breaking technology that swiftly captivated the attention of millions worldwide. From enhancing software coding to refining chatbot interactions, generative AI showcased its immense potential across various domains, heralding a new era of innovation. Now, in 2024, this technology continues to evolve, promising to reshape customer experiences in profound ways.

This article describes the steps to create a business-to-business (B2B) sales process and shows how these steps are used to build a sales funnel.

Ever wondered why you should choose Act-On as your B2B marketing platform? Sit back and read our 7 reasons why we at optimate.me use Act-On to scale our business.

At a high level, CRM systems make life easier. CRM itself is a discipline that centers around building better customer relationships; CRM software enables you to scale up the process of building those relationships.

A common(and smart!) business objective is to capture your audience's attention. With attention spans getting shorter and shorter, time is of the essence. This means, as a business, you want to maximise your output, whilst minimising your input. This is where automated services come in. This article will take a closer look at the rise of these types of services, specifically marketing automation and how they are making our business lives easier.‍

CRM failure rates have remained high during the last ten years, indicating that many organizations don't realise the full benefit from their CRM initiatives.

Tahua Partners is a New Zealand-owned and operated company of experienced retailers whose diverse portfolio includes Burger King, Starbucks, Popeyes Chicken, Resonate and Hannah's Number One Shoes. Learn how optimate me helped them service their customers.

Watch a case study video about how optimate.me helped Tahua Partners take their service to the next level with Zendesk.

Fern Energy was created through the partnership of two long-standing, trusted Kiwi companies, Southfuels and Farmlands Fuel, to better serve the people at the heart of our primary industries across New Zealand.

Watch a video about how implementing SugarCRM has been a game-changer for Mimico.

Watch a case study video about how optimate.me helped Haines Hunter scale their business with the best software for their needs - Pipedrive.

Haines Hunter recognised the need for a robust CRM platform that would consolidate customer information and streamline the sales pipeline. Learn how optimate me helped them choose the best software, implement it and train their staff.

What is a marketing automation tool? Is it the “go-to” tool for lead management, or will your Customer Relationship Management software suite suffice?

We all know how challenging it can be to implement something new. Whether it be implementing a new software program, a new workout schedule, or transitioning into a new business, change is difficult. This is why having a clear change management plan is critical to your success. In this article, we are going to uncover how you can use a change management approach to successfully implement a CRM (customer relationships management) system into your business.

Watch a testimonial video about how optimate.me helped Tahua Partners take their service to the next level with Zendesk.

In the vibrant business landscape of New Zealand, finding the perfect Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is like discovering the elusive Kiwi bird. With numerous options available, selecting the right CRM can be a daunting task. Fear not! In this guide, we will unveil the secrets to choosing the ideal CRM system for your business, equipping you with the right questions to ask along the way.

In the fast-paced world of sales and customer relationship management (CRM), having the right tools can make all the difference. That's where Optimate.me comes in as your trusted Pipedrive partner in New Zealand and Australia. In this article, we will explore what Pipedrive CRM is and how it can supercharge your sales efforts, all with the expert guidance of optimate.me.

Customer experience is a critical aspect of any business, and measuring it can help companies identify areas for improvement.

Asking for feedback from customers is crucial for businesses that want to improve their products and services. However, it can be challenging to collect feedback effectively.

Measuring customer service agent performance is crucial for any business that wants to provide top-notch customer service. But with so many metrics to consider, it can be challenging to know where to start.

A knowledge gap in a customer service team can be detrimental to a business's reputation and overall customer experience. When a customer service representative lacks the knowledge to answer a customer's inquiry, it can result in frustration and dissatisfaction.

In today's digital age, customers expect businesses to provide support across multiple channels such as phone, social media, web chat, and email. However, providing support across multiple channels can be challenging for businesses that are not equipped to handle each channel effectively.

Customer complaints can be a valuable source of information for businesses looking to improve their products, services, and customer experience. However, in order to make meaningful improvements, businesses need to identify the root cause of the complaints.

Resolving customer issues on the first contact is essential for businesses that want to provide a positive customer experience. When customers have to contact support multiple times to resolve an issue, it can lead to frustration and a negative perception of the business.

Long wait times for customer support can lead to frustrated customers, lost sales, and a negative reputation for businesses. In today's fast-paced world, customers expect quick and efficient support.

As technology and society continue to evolve, so do customer needs. Understanding these changing needs is crucial for businesses to remain competitive and relevant.

As customers interact with businesses across multiple channels, they leave a trail of data that is often scattered across various systems. This scattered data can make it challenging for customers to get a complete view of their interactions with a business, leading to frustration and missed opportunities.

As businesses continue to expand and grow, they encounter various challenges, with one of the most significant being customer support. Companies that strive to maintain loyal customers understand that providing excellent customer service is crucial. However, managing customer issues can be overwhelming, especially with the increasing number of requests.

In sales, there are always going to be top performers and those who struggle to achieve their targets. But what can a business do to help lift the performance of underachieving sales reps and turn them into top performers?

Quoting is an essential part of the sales process, but it can also be time-consuming and complex, particularly when dealing with multiple products, pricing tiers, or customisation options. Integrating quoting into your CRM system can help streamline your sales process, reduce errors, and improve your team's productivity.

Measuring sales results is crucial for any business looking to grow and succeed. However, many businesses struggle to measure their sales results effectively, relying solely on traditional metrics such as revenue, units sold, or customer acquisition costs.

CRM systems have become essential tools for managing customer relationships, tracking sales activities, and driving business growth. However, many sales teams are resistant to using CRM systems, citing reasons such as complexity, lack of time, or a preference for their own methods.

Sales is a complex and challenging profession that requires a unique blend of skills, knowledge, and personality traits. Some sales reps seem to effortlessly outperform their peers, consistently achieving their sales targets and driving business growth.

Forecasting is an essential component of any successful business. It helps you predict future sales, revenue, and demand, allowing you to make informed decisions and plan for the future. However, accurate forecasting can be challenging, especially when dealing with a large number of variables.

In the dynamic landscape of business, where competition is fierce and customer expectations are ever-evolving, one thing remains constant: the power of sales discipline. In this article, we will unveil a few ways to embed sales discipline within your team, ensuring consistent results and fostering a culture of excellence. Let's dive in!

As a business owner or sales manager, it's important to have a clear understanding of what your sales staff is doing on a day-to-day basis. Knowing the activities of your sales team can help you identify areas for improvement, optimise your sales process, and ultimately drive more revenue.

Marketing automation has become a buzzword in the world of digital marketing, but what exactly is it, and how can it benefit your business?

Content marketing has become a crucial aspect of modern marketing, with businesses using it to generate leads, build brand awareness, and establish themselves as thought leaders in their industry. However, developing a successful content marketing strategy requires careful planning and execution.

Marketing and sales teams often work together to generate leads and convert them into customers. However, not all leads are created equal, and it's important to understand the difference between Marketing Qualified Leads (MQLs) and Sales Qualified Leads (SQLs) to ensure that your efforts are targeted and effective.

Social media has become an essential part of our lives, and businesses can't ignore the impact it has on marketing. With billions of active users, social media platforms offer businesses the opportunity to reach a massive audience and engage with them directly. In this blog, we'll discuss the role of social media in marketing and how businesses can use it effectively to achieve their marketing goals.

As a business owner, you've probably heard of the term "customer lifecycle marketing" thrown around in marketing meetings and discussions. But what exactly is it? And why is it important?

In today's competitive business environment, it's crucial to use the right marketing channels to reach your target audience effectively. With so many different channels available, it can be challenging to know which ones will work best for your business. We know every business is different, but in this blog, we'll discuss some of the best marketing channels that can help you reach your target audience and achieve your marketing goals.

Target marketing is a strategy that involves identifying a specific group of consumers who are most likely to be interested in a business's products or services and tailoring marketing efforts to that group. It's about aiming at a specific target audience rather than trying to reach everyone.

A marketing plan is a comprehensive document that outlines a business's overall marketing strategy, goals, and tactics. It helps businesses to stay focused and organised while reaching their marketing objectives. Creating a marketing plan can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. In this guide, we will explain what a marketing plan is and provide a step-by-step process for creating one.

Customer churn can be a major problem for any business. It's the rate at which customers leave your business and seek services or products elsewhere. This is not only frustrating (I see you holding back those tears) but can be very damaging to your business's bottom line. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to prevent customer churn and keep your customers coming back for more. In this blog post, we'll discuss some practical strategies that businesses can use to prevent churn.

One of your marketing department's primary responsibilities is to generate leads, which are potential customers or clients who express interest in your products or services. Lead generation is a critical aspect of marketing that can directly impact the success of your business.

As a marketing manager, one of my primary responsibilities is to generate leads that convert into customers for our business. However, not all leads are created equal, and providing high-quality leads to the sales teams can significantly impact their success in closing deals and driving revenue. In this article, we will explore five proven strategies that marketing managers can implement to deliver better-quality leads to their sales teams.

Generating more revenue with fewer resources might seem like a feat of superheroics. But with the right marketing automation tools, you can rise to the occasion.

In today’s business world, customer relationships are everything. Without a good customer relationship system in place, your business will suffer. Therefore, hiring a good CRM consultancy service is critical for companies in all fields.

Customers form the core of any business. Moreover, every business needs to make profits to survive, and profits can only be made from the interaction between customers and businesses. Hence, given how essential customers are to businesses, a business must have a working Customer Relationship Management System (CRM System) to survive.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software is a powerful tool that can help businesses streamline their sales, marketing, and customer service efforts. But for many companies, the challenge is not just in selecting the right CRM program, but in training their employees to use it effectively.

Whether you're considering migrating from one CRM to another or are new to the world of CRM in general, this video will show you how you can greatly improve your sales results with Pipedrive.

With so many different CRM (customer relationship management) systems in the market, it can be confusing to know which CRM is best for your business. The first question to answer is, why would a company use a CRM?

Fern Energy, the business that keeps New Zealand’s Primary Sector moving and SugarCRM, provider of the award-winning AI-driven CRM platform, today announced Fern Energy has upgraded its existing SugarCRM solution to Sugar Sell Premier.

Watch a testimonial video from Mimico - one of the leading players in agriculture - about how optimate.me helped them scale their business.

After 10 years of operating under the name CloudTech, this major player in the CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software consultancy space is rebranding, or rather, optimising its business. Meet optimate.me, (pronounced optimate me) your growth partner.

With over 25 years of expertise in the New Zealand rental car market and one of the largest 100% Kiwi-owned and run rental car companies. Ezi Car Rental was established in 1998.

Watch a testimonial video about how optimate.me helped Haines Hunter scale their business with the best software for their needs - Pipedrive.

Watch a testimonial video from Driveline Fleet - a specialist car lease, car finance and car loans company - about how optimate.me helped them scale their business.

Watch a testimonial video about how optimate.me helped Ezi Car Rental scale their business with Act-on Marketing software.

Watch a video about how implementing Act-on has been a game-changer for Ezi Car Rental.

optimate.me worked closely with TotalEnergies to define the current pain points within the business and to work out why they might implement CRM. They had previously implemented a lightweight web-based CRM and this hadn’t been successful so it was important to find a new system that will help them scale.

Allco distributes roofing and tanking waterproofing membranes throughout New Zealand through a network of approved applicators. Allco has a team of architectural reps who call on architects and construction companies to get Allco products specified for construction projects. As Allco has grown and taken on more sales reps it has become more challenging to track architects and projects.

With a start-up staff count of around eight, Alchemy Agencies put in place an in-house system based on Microsoft Access around three years ago. However, to gain thorough visibility of supply roadblocks, New Zealand importer and distributor Alchemy Agencies had to move to a more modern Customer Relationship Management platform.

Tourism Holdings Limited (thl) is New Zealand's premier tourism company. We are listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange under the ticker code thl and are the largest provider of holiday vehicles for rent and sale globally.

Securely sign and manage documents directly within your CRM by leveraging the Sugar Connector to DocuSign, which works seamlessly in the cloud for increased speed and flexibility. Users can configure and send envelopes from the DocuSign dashlet in Sugar, and your customers...

Doc Merge pulls data from Sugar® records into professional-quality documents such as contracts, quotes, NDA agreements, form letters, and labels. Through custom templates that you design according to your needs, Doc Merge has the ability to extract data from all Sugar modules and their related modules into individual or multiple digital documents within minutes. This powerful feature ...

Here at optimate.me we are thrilled to confirm that we have retained our Elite SugarCRM Partner Status with SugarCRM for the next financial year.

Why should marketers learn how to reduce churn and focus on customer acquisition? 87% of customers are more willing to renew and repeat their purchases with brands who deliver exceptional experiences. 

Attracting leads and closing the sale is just half the equation! In order to truly grow your business, it’s crucial to support your customers with lifecycle marketing strategies throughout their entire journey.

Give your agents more time to help customers, instead of completing repetitive tasks. Watch this video on how Zendesk can elevate your customer service.

Improve your customer experience - learn the basic ways how you can optimize your Zendesk account in this video!

Learn the basic ways you can optimize your Zendesk account when first getting started.

Sugar's Enhanced Plug-in for Outlook allows you to archive emails to Sugar, synchronize contacts, meetings, calls, and tasks, as well as create new Sugar records. The plug-in is available with all commercial editions of Sugar and must be installed on each computer running Outlook where the plug-in is desired.

Sugar's Cases module is used to track and manage customer requests for assistance with products or services. As a case is opened, worked on, and resolved, its progress will be denoted by the Status field.

Lead Conversion is the process of converting a lead into an account, contact, and/or opportunity. Leads are typically generated from marketing events such as trade shows or mailing campaigns.

Sugar has vastly improved the Call Module to allow users the ability to set up more complex call cycles but it is not immediately obvious how to do this.

Marketing Automation Programs with Act-On can give you opportunities to nurture, engage, or sort your contacts list. Workflow automation uses rule-based logic to tailor successive steps, routing information as you’ve defined by the workflow in a completely automated way depending on the behaviour of the contact.

One of the quickest ways to make your CRM a more powerful tool is to configure and set up dashboards and dashlets. In the past this was easier said than done, every user was responsible for setting up their own dashboards which were a labor-intensive exercise and if we are truly honest, except for a few super-users, most users had no dashboards set up at all!

This year the optimate.me directors decided to head to the annual SugarCRM Conference. This year’s event brought us all the way to the Cosmopolitan Hotel, Las Vegas in the middle of the Nevada desert, to showcase the future of Sugar and CRM.

Hint accelerates call preparation time by providing you with all the customer contact and social network information you need with just a name and an email. This helps you spend less time on research and maintenance so that you can spend more time getting to know your customer.

General Data Protection Regulation impacts every company that processes personal data from EU regardless of the company's location. The GDPR was approved and adopted by the EU Parliament in April 2016. The regulation will take effect after a two-year transition period and, unlike a Directive it does not require any enabling legislation to be passed by government; meaning it will be in force May 2018.

Did you know that SugarCRM can be configured to display account and contact hierarchy? Account hierarchies display accounts related via the Parent Account field. To maintain a complete account hierarchy, enter an account in the Parent Account field for every account except the one at the top of the hierarchy.

An exciting new development for SugarCRM is the new Visual Pipeline plugin based on the popular Japanese Kanban Card system.