Commence Corporation Introduces Affordable Flexible CRM Pricing Program

Posted by Commence on May 13, 2011 under Press Release | Read the First Comment

Select ONLY the CRM Applications You Need to Match Any Budget

Tinton Falls, N.J.  May 10, 2011 — Commence Corporation a leading provider of Customer Relationship Management software (CRM) has introduced a new flexible pricing structure that is attracting new business away from rival CRM software providers.  Many CRM vendors have designed pre-built application packages often called ‘editions’ that force customers to select a pre-set group of applications at a fixed cost.  Salesforce.com, one of the leading providers of CRM software not only forces customers to select a pre-packaged set of applications, they also limit how many users can utilize the applications without bumping up to the next level at a higher cost. “This just doesn’t make sense” says Larry Caretsky, president of Commence Corporation.  “Customers should not be forced into selecting a group of applications and features designed by the CRM vendor”.

Commence Corporation’s pricing structure allows customers to build their own CRM system by selecting only the applications they require and there is no limit to how many users can use the applications they have selected.   You start with the essentials such as account and contact management, calendaring, e-mail integration with MS Outlook, and activity management. Then add any additional applications you require from a comprehensive list that includes lead management, sales force automation, marketing campaign management, help desk, documents, project management, analytics and mobile integration.  Commence even offers an interface to popular accounting packages at an additional cost.

“Customers are finding our program very attractive and for good reason,” says Caretsky.   “No one wants to be told what applications they must purchase.  Our program offers the flexibility and affordability customers simply cannot get from competitive offerings while offering a growth path to additional functionality down the road”.   For more information about Commence Corporation’s flexible pricing structure visit the Commence CRM Pricing link or call Commence sales at 1-877- 266-6232.

About Commence Corporation

Commence develops and delivers a diverse suite of award winning CRM software that integrates people, processes and technology.  Available on premise or via a cloud computing environment, Commence CRM solutions streamline the front office business processes that directly impact sales execution and customer service.   Commence is one of the most trusted names in CRM software. The company has been providing customer management software solutions to the middle market for more than two decades and services several thousand customers in twenty two countries around the world.

Media Contact:

Nicole Reed
Marketing@commence.com

Commence CRM Gives Laser-Sharp Focus to Sales Teams With New Lead Scorer

Posted by Commence on May 5, 2011 under Press Release | Be the First to Comment

Latest Addition to Award-Winning Customer Relationship Management Software Helps Companies Increase Sales Effectiveness

TINTON FALLS, NJ–(Marketwire - April 26, 2010) –  Commence Corporation, a leading provider of Customer Relationship Management software for small to mid-size enterprises, today announced the availability of Commence Lead Scorer, the latest addition to its suite of award-winning CRM solutions. Commence’s lead scoring feature moves beyond traditional CRM programs and enables increased sales effectiveness by targeting high potential customers.

Commence Corporation’s CEO, Larry Caretsky, remarked, “Most companies rely on the expertise of their individual sales representatives to qualify opportunities, which can be inefficient and costly due to a lack of consistency. The amount of time sales teams are spending following up on poorly qualified opportunities may be costing more than most businesses might think. With the addition of our Lead Scorer, companies will receive critical sales intelligence that can support measurable results.”

The Lead Scorer is an automated business process that ranks and scores leads based on a set of pre-defined criteria. The criteria consist of a series of customizable questions that are used to automatically provide a score for each lead based on the responses entered into the system. With a standardized set of qualifiers established by sales management, the process is no longer dependent on the varying experience levels of sales representatives resulting in a high level of consistency.

Combined with Commence’s suite of fully integrated applications for sales, marketing and customer support, the Lead Scorer will give sales teams a laser-sharp focus on the most qualified sales opportunities. By including an automated drip-marketing application that is directly tied to the lead qualification system, the solution nurtures each long-term lead with periodic mailings so the sales team can spend the most time on their most qualified opportunities.

“Commence has a long history of consistently providing added value to our customers. We’re the only CRM that delivers this unique lead scoring functionality at no additional charge to users,” added Caretsky. “By relying on Commence Lead Scorer, companies will shrink their sales cycles and improve their bottom-line results.”

The Commence CRM solution, which may be deployed on-premise or on-demand as a software-as-a-service (SaaS CRM), provides a consolidated system for all customer information, as well as powerful reporting and analytics and support for remote and mobile users. More information about Commence Lead Scorer can be accessed at www.commence.com.

About Commence Corporation
Founded in 1988, Commence develops and delivers a diverse suite of award-winning CRM products that integrate people, processes and technology. Delivered via the popular software-as-a-service (SaaS) model or implemented as on premise licensed software, Commence CRM solutions are used by thousands of companies to streamline sales and customer service front-end business processes. As a result, Commence clients increase workforce productivity, generate positive customer interactions, and reduce cost. More information about Commence can be accessed at Commence.com or at 1-877-COMMENCE.

Commence Corporation Introduces CRM Best Practices E-Book

Posted by Commence on April 22, 2011 under Press Release | 5 Comments to Read

Click the image above to download the free eBook

TINTON FALLS, N.J. / MMD Newswire/ April 21, 2011 –-  Commence Corporation, a leading provider of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software for mid-size and small enterprises, has announced the release of a CRM Best Practices E-Book which may be downloaded from the company’s web site at no cost.

Today’s sales environment is characterized by intense competition, strategic sourcing contracts, online purchasing, customer pressure for self-service and an ongoing debate over fee-based services. To thrive in this environment, businesses need more than leading CRM technology to achieve long term growth and many are beginning to look outside their four walls for growth ideas. In an effort to help businesses sell more and sell more effectively, Commence Corporation has developed a compendium of more than 40 Smart Business Practices, culled from interviews with leading executives within high growth companies and building on a comprehensive review of published perspectives on smart selling.

“… the only path to successful selling is to first develop a consistent marketing and sales process…”

Larry Caretsky
Commence Corporation CEO

“Commence Corporation knows that the information technology investments of sales departments are often wasted due to failed implementations and lack of structure,” says Larry Caretsky, president of Commence and author of the e-book. “This study focuses on the keys to successful selling, all of which can be enhanced with the proper application of technology.” Based on the company’s extensive experience, Commence believes that the only path to successful selling is to first develop a consistent marketing and sales process, then utilize these processes in a disciplined manner reinforced by dynamic training and carried forward through effective coaching. Many companies are contemplating adding a centralized sales and marketing database system sometimes called CRM, sales force automation or contact management. The objective of the e-book is to ensure that these initiatives, by whatever name, succeed for sellers and deliver the results promised.

About Commence Corporation:

Commence develops and delivers a diverse suite of award winning CRM software that integrates people, processes and technology. Commence CRM solutions are using throughout the world to streamline sales and customer service front office business processes. Commence is delivered online as a cloud based CRM solution or as a desktop CRM system. For more information about Commence’s web based CRM offerings visit the company’s web site at www.commence.com.

Commence CRM a Robust Offering for SME’s

Posted by Commence on April 20, 2011 under Press Release | Read the First Comment

TINTON FALLS, N.J. /WiredPRNews.com/ November 21, 2010 –-  Commence Corporation a leading provider of Customer Relationship Management software for small to mid-size enterprises has evolved into a robust CRM offering that now includes Help Desk and Project Management applications. “CRM is all about capturing, managing and sharing vital customer information with the people and departments that require it to efficiently do their jobs,”  says Larry Caretsky, President of Commence Corporation. “This requires more than simply managing contacts, leads and sales opportunities. Most CRM solutions for SME’s are focused on contact management and sales automation and fall short when it comes to managing customer service or projects. This makes it difficult to become a more efficient sales and service organization if customer service personnel and the vital information they capture are left out of the equation” Caretsky concluded.

Commence offers a suite of comprehensive business applications for contact management, sales and marketing that now include a Customer Service module and a Project Management system. The Help Desk module offers an advanced ticketing system with threading, a feature that provides a service representative with the ability to note the conversation that occurred between themselves and the customer. This is then linked to the account and contact record so that everyone involved with selling or servicing the customer has a complete service record and history of all correspondence including e-mail. The application also includes a Knowledgebase and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section that has proven to help customers provide best in class service by providing employees with access to information in the Knowledgebase and the ability to e-mail the appropriate response to the customer.

The Project Management application provides the ability to efficiently manage projects, establish tasks and timelines for completion of the project, assign personnel and keep track of billable hours. Time slips are also incorporated within the application. The Project Management functionality is also fully integrated with each account and contact record providing all authorized personnel with the ability to review service history and projects along with sales, and marketing activity.  Commence CRM incorporates functionality traditionally only found in higher level enterprise solutions. This has made Commence the clear choice for small to mid-size companies that require more than basic CRM solutions.

About Commence

Founded in 1988, Commence develops and delivers a diverse suite of award winning CRM products that integrate people, processes and technology. Delivered via the popular software-as-a-service (SaaS) model or implemented as on premise licensed software, Commence CRM software solutions are used by thousand of companies to streamline sales and customer service front-end business processes. As a result, Commence clients increase workforce productivity, generate positive customer interactions, and reduce cost. More information about Commence can be accessed at www.commence.com or at 1-877-COMMENCE.

Commence CRM Software Highlighted in FEDA News and Views

Posted by Commence on April 15, 2011 under Press Release | 2 Comments to Read

Click to View the Article

TINTON FALLS, N.J. /MMD Newswire/ April 14, 2011 –- Commence Corporation a leading provider of Customer Relationship Management Software was recently highlighted in the FEDA News & Views March/April magazine about the merits of automating the sales process for improved sales execution. Managing editor Stacy Ward, interviewed Commence CEO, Larry Caretsky about the company’s experience and work in this area. Caretsky expressed concern that too many companies view CRM software as a technology component rather than a business strategy for improving sales execution. As a result, the adoption rate of CRM software has been very low in the sector he stated.

Caretsky goes on to offer valuable advice about the commitment required for the proper implementation and utilization of CRM software and to make sure you are fully prepared to invest time and resources to the project. “The ROI associated with automating the sales process is well documented says Caretsky, but so are the failures. Typically a lack of commitment and focus are the culprits. This is where experienced firms like Commence Corporation can be a valuable partner. We have established a series of CRM best practices for sales execution which has resulted in hundreds of successful implementations. The CRM best practices coupled with Commence’s top rated CRM software ensures that new business opportunities do not fall through the cracks and that sales management can review each opportunity from introduction to closure”.

The magazine also offers its readers assistance in selecting the right CRM solution for their business. A full copy of the article 7 Points to Consider Before Selecting a CRM Solution written by Caretsky, is incorporated in the article. “We certainly hope that the information we have provided will assist the FDA member organizations who may be looking to use CRM software to improve sales execution and call on Commence Corporation for our expertise” concluded Caretsky.

About Commence Corporation:

Commence Corporation is a leading provider of cloud based CRM software for mid-size companies and small enterprises. The company has been providing web based CRM software and sales consulting services for more than two decades and has several thousand customers around the world. For more information about Commence CRM, visit the company’s web site at www.commence.com.

Larger Companies Cut Expenses With Commence CRM

Posted by Commence on April 1, 2011 under Press Release | Read the First Comment

TINTON FALLS, N.J. / March 31, 2011 –- Commence Corporation a leading provider of cloud based Customer Relationship Management software (CRM) for mid-size and small enterprises has announced the ability to utilize their top rated CRM solution in-house or on-premise.  “Many larger organizations we have spoken with have two significant concerns regarding the selection and implementation of CRM software”, says Larry Caretsky, president of Commence Corporation.  “First, they are simply not comfortable with traditional pay by the user pricing model of CRM software providers Salesforce.com and Microsoft.  They refer to this as a “pay by the drink” solution that just gets too expensive as you continue to add users.  Secondly, many larger firms have an IT infrastructure and the staff to manage and maintain the CRM software right on premise.  Unfortunately, this is not an option with Salesforce.com.”

Commence has addressed both concerns which should bode well for the company’s continued success in the CRM sector.  Commence has been offering site licensing options to their customers for some time.  Even smaller companies with less than twenty users can purchase a block of licenses that allows them to add up to twenty users at no additional cost and the blocks are discounted from the standard pricing.  This has made Commence CRM an appealing choice for smaller organizations.

In order to better serve the interest of larger organizations, Commence has also announced the ability to deploy their online CRM software on premise.  This new deployment option will also offer site licensing plans to ensure that the customer’s cost does not get out of control if they require additional users.  The deployment of CRM software on premise is also not available from competitors like Salesforce.com.

For the past twenty years Commence Corporation has continued to pay close attention to our customers’ requirements.  The site licensing program coupled with an on premise deployment model for larger organizations is a clear indication that the company is working hard to earn their business. For more information about Commence Corporation’s cloud based online CRM software visit the company’s web site at www.commence.com.

About Commence Corporation:

Commence develops and delivers a diverse suite of award winning CRM software that integrates people, processes and technology.  Available on premise or online as a hosted service, Commence CRM solutions are utilized by several thousand businesses to streamline sales, marketing, customer service and front office business processes.

Media Contact:

Nicole Reed
marketing@commence.com

Commence CRM Rolls out Challenge to Salesforce.com Customers

Posted by Commence on March 11, 2011 under Press Release | 2 Comments to Read

TINTON FALLS, N.J. /PRBuzz/ March 10, 2011 –- Commence Corporation a leading provider of CRM software for mid-size and small enterprises is making an interesting and aggressive offer to companies looking to purchase or save money on their CRM system.  Commence is  willing to offer customers free use of the company’s top rated CRM software if they compare Salesforce.com against Commence’s offering and do not agree that Commence is an equal or better product at a significantly lower cost.

“We are essentially asking customers to take the Pepsi challenge” says Larry Caretsky, president of Commence. “A few years ago Salesforce CRM was the only game in town” says Caretsky, ” but not any more. The gap has closed and they don’t offer anything more than we do at much higher price points.  The objective of this program is to simply introduce Commence to potential customers, and let them decide which product is better for their business.  If they can demonstrate that our solution is not comparable based on the key CRM features most businesses use at a lower cost we will offer them the opportunity to use our solution for free for the first six months, then decide if they wish to continue with it or not”.

Customers that have reviewed the key features of both products have found Salesforce.com to be cumbersome and complex, while Commence CRM is easier to use and navigate and also less costly.

Another advantage for larger customers is that there is no on-premise offering available from Salesforce.com. Commence CRM can be hosted via the cloud or implemented on-premise as a CRM server appliance.  This is extremely attractive to large customers that want to control their CRM system and keep their data in house. While Commence may not be as well known as Salesforce.com, the company is no stranger to the CRM space. Commence has been providing CRM software solutions to mid-size and small enterprises for two decades and has several thousand customers around the world.  To learn more about Commence CRM, visit the company’s web site at www.commence.com or call Commence sales at 1-877- 266-6362.

About Commence Corporation:

Founded in 1988, Commence develops and delivers a diverse suite of award winning CRM software that integrates people, processes and technology.  Available on-premise or online, Commence CRM solutions are utilized by several thousand businesses to streamline sales and customer service front office business processes.  As a result, Commence clients increase workforce productivity, generate positive customer interactions and reduce operational cost.

Media Contact:

Nicole Reed
marketing@commence.com

Why is Selecting a CRM Solution so Hard?

Posted by Commence on January 19, 2011 under Commence News, Press Release | 4 Comments to Read

Commence Corporation Makes the Selection Process Easier with “Try Before You Buy” CRM Program

Why are so many people disappointed with their CRM system?  Nigel Park, Managing Director of TPS Consulting believes he has the answer.  “Customers are simply not experts in selecting CRM software.  I often find that they have not properly documented their critical requirements list.  As a result, these firms have tendency to shop solely on price because they perceive that all CRM offerings are the same. They find out later that there are limitations they were unaware of.  Another reason customers may be hesitant about making a decision is because the vendor’s free trial offering does not enable the customer to truly ensure that the software meets their requirements.  The free trials often consists of a vanilla out of the box program that is not tailored for the customer’s business so while free, they have limited value.  Unique work flow capabilities may not be incorporated in the trial versions and other key components such as e-mail integration that traditionally involve some assistance from the vendor cannot be properly tested.  And because it’s just a trial, customers are unable to take advantage of the vendor’s expertise in helping them to realize the maximum value from their software.  I don’t blame the vendors says Park, because they cannot afford to address questions, tailor the software, integrate e-mail, and provide support services for a free trial, but if I am a customer I want to ensure that the software will work as advertised,”  he concluded.

Commence Corporation has introduced a unique solution to this problem by offering customers a 90 day pilot program that includes the company’s award winning CRM software coupled with a set of best practices that ensure that the customer attains immediate value from the solution.  “We appreciate that customers may be apprehensive about making a CRM decision and may not fully understand the value they can realize from our software, said Larry Caretsky, president of Commence Corporation.  We want to mitigate the risk for them by providing them with an opportunity to utilize our software and provide the professional expertise to solve their business requirements.  Our professional services staff will implement the software, assist the customer with the customization they require, integrate their e-mail, Outlook, calendar, mobile devices, and even provide training.”

View the full press release.