How to Run a Business: Part 2

Well, one way to run a business at least.

Over the past 18 months or so, there have been some fairly significant changes to the way we conduct business at MonkeyPuzzle Computers. These have led to more efficient ways of working and a more complete service to our clients.

In a series of blog posts, I would like to explain which technologies have made the most impact and demonstrate how they have improved the way we work.

Decent Business Software

Call it ERP, CRM or line-of business software, or more often a mixture of them all. This is the software you use to keep your accounts, record client details, track marketing campaigns, run your website / eCommerce, manage contacts and a whole host of other processes. Most commonly this encompasses several different software applications that may or may not share information to some degree.

We use Brightpearl web-based CRM & Accounting software to manage MonkeyPuzzle Computers. I’m more than happy to give them a plug (when was the last time anyone did that for Sage?!) as it’s a cracking bit of kit. Why? Because it does all of the above in one online system.
It’s web-based, so I can access all my business information wherever I am. At home, on the road, sat with a client, just as if I were in the office.

• It’s fully integrated, so accounting, sales, CRM, marketing and ServiceDesk information for any client is all together and can be seen at a glance.
• It’s continually improved and updated, so I get the latest features and improvements without shelling out for a whole new version.
• It’s priced per concurrent user, so I’m only paying for the number of people who use it, not to install it on PCs that are hardly used.

Now, any staff member can call up information about a client and see who spoke to them last and what was agreed. They can turn an existing quote into a invoice and email it directly to the client. We track email campaigns and use a ServiceDesk module to manage client job tickets and work scheduling.

Brightpearl integrates with GoogleApps, MailChimp, Rapportive and a host of other third party apps that add functionality to an already great product.

Learn more and test it out with a free 30 day trial here.