We're almost halfway through January!
How is 2019 treating you? So far, I am enjoying this new year and its potential. I had a wonderful time with friends and family over the holidays, but I was excited to sit down at my desk on January 2 and get back to work.
Part of my excitement was fueled by my new surroundings. Over the holidays, I used some of my down time to do a big de-cluttering. After emptying and re-configuring closets and rooms, my old "catch-all" room is now a lovely home office with a view of my front garden. That is where I sit as I write this note to you.
As you may have noticed, I am running a survey to find out about your 2019 marketing and communications needs. If you haven't had a chance to take it, I encourage you to do so - it only takes 3 minutes, I promise!
Cordelia Anderson, APR
CEO and Owner
Cordelia Anderson Consulting L.L.C.
www.cordeliaandersonapr.com
cordelia@cordeliaandersonapr.com
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I've spoken for years at conferences and meetings about the value of a good Customer Relationship Management tool, or (CRM). CRMs have been around for decades, but I first encountered one when I took a job as Director of Marketing at a small private school in 2006. Though the school was relatively small, they had invested in a very robust new website with an integrated content management system (CMS) and customer relationship management system (CRM). I was immediately "wowed" by the possibilities of this new tool.
For one, it meant that we could customize content for parents, teachers and students. For another, we could send targeted "push" messages to specific groups and sub-groups based on age, grade, teacher, etc.
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Very quickly it took us from a world of paper flyers sent home in backpacks to a world of customized, targeted communications that we could measure. From there, I moved to a tourism bureau and another great CMS/CRM system, and continued to learn new uses and applications of this valuable software when applied to travel markets. When I moved back into the library industry a few years later, I brought these strategies with me.
In an era where customers expect customization and control over their relationship with your organization, a a fully functioning and optimized CRM is critical to your success. This will support your public relations efforts, your fundraising,and your marketing.
Want to learn more? Read my full blog post.
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Recommended Tool
Speaking of CRM systems, there are some available for free. I personally like HubSpot's free CRM. While certain functionality is not available in the free version, there is no up-sell or trial offer that you have to stay on top of. Just a simple, easy-to-use, free product. In addition, you can link other tools like Gmail, SurveyMonkey and MailChimp so that all your interactions are in one place. For a large or complex organization, you will probably need the functionality of a paid CRM. But if you're just getting started like me, this tool is great.
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Upcoming Events
I am close to announcing several spring speaking engagements, as well as where you can find the podcasts I recorded in November. But I am still finalizing details, so for now I will direct you to the Appearances page on my website. I will update it as soon as I have the information.
I am seeking additional speaking opportunities, so if you or someone you know needs a speaker on the topics of marketing and communications, crisis communications, social media strategy and more, please let me know. Thanks!
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You have received this email because you have a relationship - personal, professional, or creative - with me, Cordelia Anderson. I would like to invite you to join me as I grow my business Cordelia Anderson Consulting, bringing strategic marketing and communications solutions to my clients through advanced research, planning, execution and metrics evaluation.
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