Initial thoughts on exploring CRM solutions

The company I work for is starting to head down the path of CRM, we're exploring our options to see what is available and what can be a useful solution for us.

There is of course the SaaS/Software decisions, as well as Open/Close system element. Here are some quick thoughts on the situation.

SaaS vs Software

• Either gives you a good bit of flexibility, SaaS is much more flexible than it used to be
• SaaS makes the accessibility of the system that much easier
• Software used to make it easier to administer on a granular level, but that's not a compelling case anymore
  

Open vs Close

• Open source options make it easy to find a low-cost initial system to explore and test
• Either is going to require customization, and this can often mean a special consultant
• All Closed system sellers are going to claim that enhancements and customizations of Open systems make them brittle, and problematic to upgrade, which is true
• But that also begs the question of how easy is it to upgrade from the Closed system
• And which specific opens (Open or Closed) are going to allow for the export of data from the system (the "data roach motel" conundrum)
  

Any option available seems to have a rather steep learning curve, and customization challenge. These aren't particularly good reasons to avoid a CRM solution, if that is in fact in the best interest of the organization. In fact, one can argue that this is a prime example of "fail fast forward", get the implementation going so you can figure out what has gone wrong.

To me, that is what makes a low-cost initial tool something important to consider. You can readily pilot the option in a low-risk manner. But there is always the element of opportunity cost, time spent on the pilot, etc.

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Why do LinkedIn searches expire?

I was searching for some answers on LinkedIn (anyone with some good views on CRM tools for a small consulting firm). Doesn't seem to make sense unless they were timing me out of the website itself.

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The problem with Thanksgiving posts

I'm glad people are thankful, and express this via their blogs. BUT:

If you follow more that 10 blogs you end up with around 200 Thanksgiving posts to wade through in Google Reader (or other RSS reader). If the posts has real thanks giving in it, or some value to the reader - awesome.

But 200 posts thanking the readers of the blog? No thanks.

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What is this Federal Triangle device?

It is in the Federal Triangle metro. Air quality? Bio attack detection?

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Comedy Central Jeff Dunham Widget

Brooklyn Brewery tasting

Their Lager, Pumpkin Ale, Brown Ale, Local 1 (Mauracian cane sugar for dryness, belgian yeast for spiciness), and Local 2 (ale brewed with honey and citrus peel).

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Baltimore Marathon early hours

Waiting for our relay team members to show up, as I'll be running our second leg for 7.1 miles.

Supposed to be a record crowd this year.

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How healthy am I feeling?

Much like the "health o meter" I'm pretty low these days.

Repainting our office at home has zapped up most of my personal free time.

Some new (and great) responsibilities at work have taken out additional chunks of my time.

A have always been best at working out regularly when I had a "something" to drive me. During the summertime it is softball, which may be lame but it gets the job done.

THANKFULLY something appears to have come my way. An old friend from high school may need me to fill in on his Baltimore Marathon 4-man relay team. I am totally unprepared to race, let alone run my 6 miles at a fast clip. But it gives me a reason to get out there on a daily basis.

And with only 3 weeks till the race, I'll need each day for sure. Rain may keep me from running twice today, but I got in a hellacious 3 miles earlier. It featured the nastiest set of hills on a half mile stretch I've ever run. And no, I wasn't being all gung ho, this was the only half mile available to me given our weekend mountain retreat.

Let's see where I am on the "health o meter" in 3 weeks.

What gets you motivated and committed to work out??

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Luray drapery

From up close you can really see the texture.

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