Configuration of Complex Joomla CMS and CRBM Platforms

Joomla is a powerful framework for delivering Complex web portals. With over 4700 extensions and counting, the largest developer network in the world and the most user friendly interface has made the award winning Joomla CMS the fastest growing open source CMS project perhaps in the world. With millions of users and enthusiasts from all around the globe and a low cost of entry this is quickly becoming the dominant content management system (CMS) for small businesses (SMB's) and even larger enterprises and institutions.  We compared Joomla vs Drupal and Joomla vs Wordpress which are other worthy technologies but Joomla seemed for us to be the best overall platform for recommending to our customers. As Joomla integrators and Joomla Component Developers we deliver complex Joomla configurations for a wide variety of customers. Joomla is a perfect framework for the micro small business owner that needs training and mentoring to work independently on building their web empire as well as the small business enterprise with complex Joomla configuration needs. 

There are several layers in deploying a Joomla CMS project.

• Planning and content architecture
• Template Design and graphics
• Components and Configurations
• User experience
• Customer Programming
• Legacy System Integrations
• SEO and Marketing
• Joomla User Training
• Ongoing Technical Support

Just to name a few... With any technology there are different points of entry depending on the experience and technical aptitude of the humans interacting with the system, the technical and business process requirements and the overall dynamics of the organization implementing the particular solution. We (our CNP Consultants) try to help folks "Get the most value out of their technology investment". Yea you will see this in our marketing but this is much more than hype. Value can be the key to success or failure.  Among the biggest mistakes we have seen folks make and even made ourselves are:

Common Mistake #1

Just because you can do something with technology does not always make it practical.

I have personally implemented many powerful tools that accomplish their intended functionality but they actually never get used to their full potential by the end customers. While these were fun for us to build as developers and to see something cool that works, it did not really serve any of us well since our clients customers do not use them and thus they have a significant investment they are net getting a return on and thus until this first investment is paid for they are not all that excited to engage us to build more stuff.

The key here is determining first the business priorities of the project and then making sure everyone is listening to the needs of the end customer or user. Hey sometime folks build web tools just for themselves. I know I often post blog articles with a lot of links I want to not only share but also refer back to and we put plenty of tools online that we want to use ourselves as much as we want to and share with our customers.  Just make sure you are clear why you are doing something and assess if it is going to deliver the right return on your investment.

Stay focused on what your customers are saying and what will yield the greatest return.

Technology implementation can be a never ending pit you throw money into, something that my father used to say about owning a luxury boat. If you are building your site for the shear ego of having a beautiful site with all kinds of creative features and functionality, have at it and of course we love to work with entrepreneurs with big ideas. However, like any relationship and any good investment a long term strategy is often much more practical. Our consulting customers get good advice about products and services that can grow their business or allow them to continue to get value from their investments. I have seen folks to often go for a quick sell and end up with dysfunctional customer relationships that ultimately cost more than the profit you made in the first place. Ask yourself many questions including "Is what I am doing today going to matter a year from now"? If you ask the right questions up front this can help you get the most out of your initiatives.

Technology is a moving target

One of the many reasons we got behind the Joomla CMS project as a core competency was because it was open source which offered freedom and scalable options for solving the greatest amount of business problems.  We took the gamble from the trends in the market place that Joomla would continue to grow with features and stability and that the developer community would continue to be attracted to the Joomla framework thus building more confidence in the market place. With a scalable platform that is built on open source code for use was great since we wanted to work with technology that sold itself and that we could support and expand upon it to meet the needs of the types of customers we wanted to attract.  Any kind of dynamic web portal project is a moving target and often needs to change course in mid stream. You have to keep good forward momentum yet listen to the trends in the marketplace so you can sail into the wind effectively. An innovative and scalable open source platform like Joomla is a perfect foundation for meeting this challenge.

But wait there is more...

A couple years ago, after a good year of working with Joomla we were looking for solutions that could actually help us build an all-in-one web based framework for managing our business in a Virtual Office Environment (everything accessible on the web). This is when after trying and implementing several CRM and project management tools ranging from SugarCRM to MS Project to SharePoint we found Info@hand CRBM. This was the perfect platform since it was open source code base and integrated with the Joomla CMS and QuickBooks. Now after 3 years of connecting the dots we have a powerful web infrastructure with "Complete transaction life cycle management" and "Customer Relationship Business Management". Very very very cool platform... we love it and so do many of the customers we have introduced to it. Though this system is also wired up with the DimDim.com conferencing and collaboration suite it also fills many gaps in client customer collaboration. These types of regular new innovations continue to add low cost of entry tools and value to the small business.

Sounds complicated but it is also very simple if you have time as your friend

What we have learned as "early adopters" is that there is much more to it than the technology if you are going to be successful. Complex Joomla Integrations are getting simpler as this platform evolves. The old carpenters saying get the right tool for the right job is very good advice.  Since there are so many tools now in our toolbox and we fully understand how they all can work together I know I can start talking about it and it does not take long to get that "deer in the headlights look" from a prospect. The trick here is making sure we establish a clear roadmap and strategy for implementing technologies that will bring the greatest reward to your business and value to our customers. This takes time and effort to get it right and should be done early on in your process.

Common Mistake #2

Just because you have the technology does not mean you should implement it.

The second most challenging aspect of implementing a complicated project is the thought process of "let's do it all at once".  I have often had clients that want to load up their sites with a ton of components and then they want to throw these new features out to their customers or workforce all at once. Well this is a huge horse pill that never gets swallowed. Hate to say it but until recently I have been guilty of this myself. There is a fine line between "Build it and they will come" and "Here take a bite and let me know if you like it".

Remember this is all about relationship management

I remember back in my days of dating that it only takes one or two words to "turn off" and scare someone away. Essentially this is a similar process we go through for attracting customers. While you want to make sure what you are presenting is honest and has substance you do not want to overload, overwhelm folks with more information than they are particularly interested in at the moment. You also want to put out information and web tools in a way that they want to have them presented. As in listen well and be a good conversationalist. Such is the case even more now with the Social Technology boon. I used to say "it is not hard to fall in love since people are impulsive by nature but the real challenge is falling in love with the right one". The same is true with technology. It can be easy to get excited about some new features and want to add them right away to your site just because they are cooler than the site next door. However,  every time you push something new out it may distract or turn off your customers.

In relationships of any kind they are best nurtured over time. Deploying technology is a complex multi dimensional relationship. Moving too fast has greater risk of failure for everyone involved. You actually have several relationships and processes that need careful consideration over time:

• Solutions: Customer Needs - Business Process Need - Technology Implementation
• Relationships: Vendor Teams - Client Teams - Customers

In Conclusion work smarter with a good plan

Plan carefully and gather the right information about your customers and how technology can get you the best results as it relates to your business strategy. Make sure you deploy solutions over time with good the right vendors and the right customers. These systems have enough complexity that you have to really keep your eye on the ball or you can and will often times fail. None of us want to waste time or money and the wrong decision in this economy could cost you business. Before you travel anywhere it is a good idea to get directions, a map or invest in a GPS. Why would you not want to invest in good quality consulting to help guide you along the path of implementing technology?

 

Value Builder Methodology

We have since built consulting practices to address these two common mistakes folks make with complex technology implementations. Yea sure we have to be geeks and able to wire all this stuff up and yes we do this well but the trick to getting value out of your technology is much more that the groovy tools we can dish out.  With a few exceptions, most of the technology these days is all ready built and what that means is there is a greater need for configuration and being able to map the humans with the technology in a way that will allow you to stay focused on your priorities. Just start asking yourself questions like: What actions will give the best long term results? What will put out the fires of tomorrow before they start? How can I make this profitable to my company and add unique benefits to my customers?This should help get you on the right path.

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The following is a press release that goes out today and tomorrow. We are excited about this program since it helps us give our new CRM customers (Small Businesses) an easy low risk point of entry. It will also help us demonstrate our value, expertise and better understand where we can help our customers the most. The Launch pad program will provide in-depth information for a small upfront investment that can save customers a significant amount of money. The program begins with evaluation and works through to a rapid deployment process based on CNP's  needs alignment process and value building methodology. Customers can either avoid purchasing the wrong technologies or failures from deploying infrastructures and new processes without clear focus on value to the organization.

We are looking forward to your questions and discussion as we continue to build success stories for growing small businesses.

Small Business launch pad program for CRBM Platform offers substance to the Value Equation

Boston MA, July 20th

CNP Integrations announced today the introduction of its new Small Business CRBM Launch Pad Program. This service and consulting support bundle is built off of CNP's proven success model; The Value Builder Program (VBP), a strategic, tailored planning methodology for businesses integrating virtual technology, designed with proven practices for success. "Setting your priorities and focus up front will help you better manage the results and expectations of your technology implementations" says Chris Nielsen CEO/General Manager for CNP Integrations. The CRBM Launch Pad program is based on the concept that significant cost savings and increased sales, along with improved customer and market relations, equate to greater profits and business value. Defined as the SMB CRBM Launch Pad Program, CNP is offering blended learning/consulting/technical support programs that include consulting, software solutions and training. These programs are designed to offer small businesses a cost effective way to deploy CRBM Technologies. By evaluating and mapping business processes with organizational needs and technology features to create an optimized deployment strategy provides an opportunity for guaranteed success.

The program comes in three distinct flavors;

1.     The CRBM Kick Start System,

2.     The CRBM Jump Start System

3.     The CRBM Rapid Deployment System.

Each of the three targeted technology alignment tracks is a tiered point of entry tailored to the needs of businesses eager to see rapid results with deploying Customer Relationship and Business Management solutions. This program pairs the human dynamics of your small business with the priority requirements to get your set up, configured and aligned with a proven success program. These programs can be delivered succinctly in a phased approach or as a standalone deployment launch program. It all depends on the size and expertise within your company. "We have found that CRM systems in general are often complicated in nature and companies often try to take on to much all at once when they deploy CRM. Essentially we have taken these lessons learned and turned them in to affordable solutions for business owners. We offer what SMB's need to launch a turnkey program that aligns the people with the technology successfully at a price point that maximizes their investment."

The Launch Pad Program is three unique deployment packages built around CNP's unique Value Builder Methodology. The VBM is a series discovery steps delivered in one-on-one workshops where clients and subject matter experts translate a proven methodology into a plan specific for the client's needs. The main goal is to build value and improve the return on investment for the targeted technologies. The strategic planning process will address an integrated approach including management consulting, IT solutions, product training and support services. Value Builder Program is a structured approach that will take your team through an in-depth evaluation and strategic planning process to define a solid roadmap. This is a hands on consulting experience tailored to a business's specific needs and goals which provides a working integrations plan. Based on this roadmap CNP configures a custom support contract based on your CRBM platform design, and offers this on a low cost monthly retainer fee vs. large upfront costs.

Download a brochure and other information at: http://consulting.cnpintegrations.com

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Internet provides powerful networking opportunities that allow users to effectively target their audience by logging on to social sites like LinkedIn, Digg and more . Take advantage of these tools by asserting your company's presence online and reaching more potential customers, business partners and employees.

Social-Media/Social-Bookmarking Sites

Share your favorite sites on the Web with potential clients and business partners by commenting on, uploading and ranking different newsworthy articles. You can also create a member profile that directs traffic back to your company's Web site.

1. Reddit: Upload stories and articles on reddit to drive traffic to your site or blog. Submit items often so that you'll gain a more loyal following and increase your presence on the site.
2. Digg : Digg has a huge following online because of its optimum usability. Visitors can submit and browse articles in categories like technology, business, entertainment, sports and more.
3. Del.icio.us: Social bookmark your way to better business with sites like del.icio.us, which invite users to organize and publicize interesting items through tagging and networking.
4. StumbleUpon: You'll open your online presence up to a whole new audience just by adding the StumbleUpon toolbar to your browser and "channel surf[ing] the Web. You'll "connect with friends and share your discoveries," as well as "meet people that have similar interests."
5. Technorati: If you want to increase your blog's readership, consider registering it with Technorati, a network of blogs and writers that lists top stories in categories like Business, Entertainment and Technology.
6. Ning: After hanging around the same social networks for a while, you may feel inspired to create your own, where you can bring together clients, vendors, customers and co-workers in a confidential, secure corner of the Web. Ning lets users design free social networks that they can share with anyone.
7. Squidoo: According to Squidoo, "everyone's an expert on something. Share your knowledge!" Share your industry's secrets by answering questions and designing a profile page to help other members.
8. Furl: Make Furl "your personal Web file" by bookmarking great sites and sharing them with other users by recommending links, commenting on articles and utilizing other fantastic features.
9. Tubearoo: This video network works like other social-bookmarking sites, except that it focuses on uploaded videos. Businesses can create and upload tutorials, commentaries and interviews with industry insiders to promote their own services.
10. WikiHow: Create a how-to guide or tutorial on wikiHow to share your company's services with the public for free.
11. YouTube: From the fashion industry to Capitol Hill, everyone has a video floating around on YouTube. Shoot a behind-the-scenes video from your company's latest commercial or event to give customers and clients an idea of what you do each day.
12. Ma.gnolia: Share your favorite sites with friends, colleagues and clients by organizing your bookmarks with Ma.gnolia. Clients will appreciate both your Internet-savviness and your ability to stay current and organized.

Professional-Networking Sites

Sign up with these online networking communities as a company or as an individual to take advantage of recruiting opportunities, cross-promotional events and more.

1. LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a popular networking site where alumni, business associates, recent graduates and other professionals connect online.
2. Ecademy: Ecademy prides itself on "connecting business people" through its online network, blog and message-board chats, as well as its premier BlackStar membership program, which awards exclusive benefits.
3. Focus: Focus is a business destination where business professionals can help each other with their purchase and other business decisions by accessing research and peer expertise. Most importantly, Focus provides open, quality information for all businesses that is freely available, easily accessible, and community powered.
4. YorZ: This networking site doubles as a job site. Members can post openings for free to attract quality candidates.
5. Xing: An account with networking site Xing can "open doors to thousands of companies." Use the professional contact manager to organize your new friends and colleagues, and take advantage of the Business Accelerator application to "find experts at the click of a button, market yourself in a professional context [and] open up new sales channels."
6. Facebook: Facebook is no longer just for college kids who want to post their party pics. Businesses vie for advertising opportunities, event promotion and more on this social-networking site.
7. Care2: Care2 isn't just a networking community for professionals: It's touted as "the global network for organizations and people who Care2 make a difference." If your business is making efforts to go green, let others know by becoming a presence on this site.
8. Gather: This networking community is made up of members who think. Browse categories concerning books, health, money, news and more to ignite discussions on politics, business and entertainment. This will help your company tap into its target audience and find out what they want.
9. MEETin.org: Once you've acquired a group of contacts in your city by networking on MEETin.org, organize an event so that you can meet face-to-face.
10. Tribe: Cities like Philadelphia, Boston, San Francisco, New York and Chicago have unique online communities on tribe. Users can search for favorite restaurants, events, clubs and more.
11. Ziggs: Ziggs is "organizing and connecting people in a professional way." Join groups and make contacts through your Ziggs account to increase your company's presence online and further your own personal career.
12. Plaxo: Join Plaxo to organize your contacts and stay updated with feeds from Digg, Amazon.com, del.icio.us and more.
13. NetParty: If you want to attract young professionals in cities like Boston, Dallas, Phoenix, Las Vegas and Orlando Fla., create an account with the networking site NetParty. You'll be able to connect with qualified, up-and-coming professionals online, then meet them at a real-life happy-hour event where you can pass out business cards, pitch new job openings and more.
14. Networking For Professionals: Networking For Professionals is another online community that combines the Internet with special events in the real world. Post photos, videos, résumés and clips on your online profile while you meet new business contacts.

Niche Social-Media Sites

Consider linking up with one of these social-media sites to narrow down your business's target audience. You'll find other professionals, enthusiasts and consumers who are most likely already interested in what your company has to offer.

1. Pixel Groovy: Web workers will love Pixel Groovy, an open-source site that lets members submit and rate tutorials for Web 2.0, email and online-marketing issues.
2. Mixx: Mixx prides itself on being "your link to the Web content that really matters." Submit and rate stories, photos and news to drive traffic to your own site. You'll also meet others with similar interests.
3. Tweako: Gadget-minded computer geeks can network with each other on Tweako, a site that promotes information sharing for the technologically savvy.
4. Small Business Brief: When members post entrepreneur-related articles, a photo and a link to their profile appear, gaining you valuable exposure and legitimacy online.
5. Sphinn: Sphinn is an online forum and networking site for the Internet marketing crowd. Upload articles and guides from your blog to create interest in your own company or connect with other professionals for form new contacts.
6. BuzzFlash.net: This one-stop news resource is great for businesses that want to contribute articles on a variety of subjects, from the environment to politics to health.
7. HubSpot: HubSpot is another news site aimed at connecting business professionals.
8. SEO TAGG: Stay on top of news from the Web marketing and SEO (search-engine optimization) industries by becoming an active member of this online community.

General Social-Media Sites

The following social-media sites provide excellent opportunities for businesses to advertise; promote specials, events or services; and feature published, knowledgeable employees.

1. Wikipedia: Besides creating your own business reference page on Wikipedia, you can connect with other users on Wikipedia's Community Portal and at the village pump, where you'll find conscientious professionals enthusiastic about news, business, research and more.
2. Newsvine: Feature top employees by uploading their articles, studies or other news-related items to this site. A free account will also get you your own column and access to the Newsvine community.
3. 43 Things: This site bills itself as "the world's most popular online goal setting community." By publicizing your company's goals and ambitions, you'll gain a following of customers, investors and promoters who cheer you on as you achieve success.
4. Wetpaint: If you're tired of blogs and generic Web sites, create your own wiki with Wetpaint to reach your audience and increase your company's presence online. You can easily organize articles, contact information, photos and other information to promote your business.
5. Twitter: Is a social networking and microblogging service that allows you answer the question, "What are you doing?" by sending short text messages 140 characters in length, called "tweets", to your friends, or "followers."
6. Yahoo! Answers: Start fielding Yahoo! users' questions with this social-media Q&A service. Search for questions in your particular areas of expertise by clicking categories like Business & Finance, Health, News & Events and more. If you continue to dole out useful advice and link your answer to your company's Web page, you'll quickly gain a new following of curious customers.

Job Sites

If you want to secure high-quality talent during your company's next hiring spree, you'll need to maintain a strong presence on popular job sites like the ones listed below.

1. CareerBuilder: Reach millions of candidates by posting jobs on this must-visit site.
2. The Wall Street Journal's CareerJournal: The Wall Street Journal's CareerJournal attracts well-educated professionals who are at the top of their game. Post a job or search résumés here.
3. CollegeRecruiter.com: If your firm wants to hire promising entry-level employees, check CollegeRecuriter.com for candidates with college degrees.
4. Monster: Post often to separate your business from all the other big companies that use this site to advertise job openings.
5. Sologig: Top freelancers and contractors post résumés and look for work on this popular site.
6. AllFreelance.com: This site "offers self-employed small business owners links to freelance & work at home job boards, self-promotion tips" and more.
7. Freelance Switch Job Listings: Freelance Switch is the freelancer's online mecca and boasts articles, resource toolboxes, valuable tips and a job board.
8. GoFreelance: Employers looking to boost their vendor base should check GoFreelance for professionals in the writing, design, editing and Web industries.
9. Yahoo! Hot Jobs: This site is often one of the first places that job seekers visit. Post open opportunities and check out informative articles and guides to gain insight on the hiring and interviewing process.
10. Guru.com: Build your company's repertoire with top freelancing professionals by advertising projects on this site, otherwise known as "the world's largest online service marketplace."

The original source of this article is InsideCRM.com, part of the Focus network of sites. I was in the middle of compiling my own and stumbled upon this great list. We hope you find it useful.

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Site Redesign with Joomla is booming 

Joomla Themes or Templates and Drupal vs Joomla Comparisons are rather popular topics and searches right now on twitter, google and in the blogosphere. Understandably since there are a lot of folks planning site redesigns and this is a logical time to question if you are using the right framework and what are my lowest costs for getting a new graphic design that best represents my business online. I have explored the Joomla vs Drupal comparison in a couple other blog posts listed below so this article will explore the whole custom design vs prebuilt template issue.

• CNP Blog Post: CMS WARS, JOOMLA VS. DRUPAL and the winner is... http://bit.ly/GUj9L
• CNP Blog Post: Joomla, Wordpress and Drupal best choice comparison http://bit.ly/xI0Rb

Three key elements of a template

When I start this discussion about the graphic design options with customers looking to deploy a Joomla CMS site I try to explain the three key elements of Joomla template. Which are:

1. The Graphics (design)
2. Module positions (wire frames).
3. Features and functionality (such as standards adherence, AJAX tools, unique modules, theme modifications etc.). 

I also take them to Rocket Theme demos to explore the template designs  they have available. While there are a number of template developers out there the Rocket Theme folks are simply the best prepackaged template developers and they have the best documentation and forum support in the marketplace.

Custom vs Prebuilt where is the value and priority for your site?

We do design and build templates for Joomla and appreciate customers that see the value in having a custom design so we do not shy away from this business when budgets or the client brand warrants it. However, when building any CMS system where there is a lot of content and features or functionality to consider, I highly recommend working with a solid well built prebuilt template that can meet your taste and requirements, for a number of reasons:

• The design process takes time and is often very subjective. This means everyone is going to have an opinion and it can often take a while for everyone to agree. In the mean time most of the other aspects of the site can be built while an in-depth creative design is being developed.
• Using a template can allow you to significantly reduce the deployment time and allow you to get your site live quicker.
• Most customers can not afford the level of development that goes into a robust full featured template with quality documentation. Documentation is key for ongoing maintenance.
• Often a custom design is not required since we can brand and tweak a prebuilt template to meet most clients' needs. This frees up resources to allocate on areas of the site development that could have more value in the end to your customers. Perhaps investing more into training your team effectively to manage and develop content can give you more bang for your dollar. Depending on the scope of your project you also need to make sure you balance your resources throughout the entire life cycle so you have enough to complete priority features or marketing once the site is built.
• Building a custom designed template and testing the template in multiple in multiple browsers is a significant project on its own. If you are building a site with any complexity it can be very helpful to isolate any potential issues. Such as if a layout with a component or module view is in the component code or caused by template CSS. Starting off with a template that has been thoroughly vented can save on development time hunting for and resolving bugs.

Joomla CMS let's you change your mind over time

If your project budget and brand identity require custom template development by picking prebuilt template that has a module position layout consistent with what you are going to need the custom template module positions could be modeled to match, making the transition to a custom template very efficient. The beauty of a Joomla framework is that you can always update and change the template design as your tastes, brands and customer requests evolve over time.

Another thing to consider that could save you a lot of money is that when you purchase a Rocket Theme,  for example, you get the Photoshop/Fireworks source files. These files are pre-sliced (layered images that are called into the template framework) for the template layout. If the graphics are all that you need to change the files can be output as "slices" once changes have been made to the graphics and provided you are careful not to change the "slices" these new graphic files can be integrated into your template directories with far less effort than trying to completely reinvent the wheel.

Build value through careful planning and setting priorities

One of the ways we offer considerable value to our customers is through careful evaluation of your needs so that we can help you determine the most cost effective way of achieving your goals and objectives. There are a lot of areas you can invest time and money into a Joomla CMS deployment . Our goal is to help give you the best information for making informed decisions about where you what to focus your priorities. Every project is different and thus each has its own unique considerations. The template considerations are the starting place for most projects since creative design is often the most subjective and because it sets the layout and style for which the functionality will be presented to your customers.

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Social CRM blossoms from good old human nature and a wave of new tools - now is the time to plug in

The transition from Traditional CRM to Social CRM is a bit of a paradigm shift while still being rooted in the basics of human nature. This new wave still includes all of the elements of traditional relationships where trust and loyalty are king. Business has always been social to a certain degree this is just a revolution in the way people are communicating through a new tool set. There is also a significant shift in "Who is in charge". It began with the consumer taking charge through the evolution of the web and Globalization. This all required you to compete globally vs locally. The trend is that collaboration will become more horizontal vs vertical. The military/enterprise [esk] (vertical) top down authoritative management model will be transformed over time to a lot more (horizontal) network based collaboration and contribution oriented. CRM magazine's latest issue is all about Social CRM and this phenomenon. Well worth the read and they have a beautiful graphic that illustrates their projected map of the future.

Where do Small Businesses fit in?

So the big question here is where is all of this leading for the small business owner or entrepreneur launching a start-up? How can this evolution create opportunity for those new innovators and how can they compete with the big boys in the marketplace?

I believe the accessibility of this new technology can really level the playing field if implemented with a smart plan that targets the right priorities. The trick is that it is all about listening effectively and being able to respond. There are a ton of great case studies on this in the book "Groundswell " and throughout the blogosphere.

Quite the BUZZ and fight for market share

The buzz is defiantly out there for Social CRM and Social technologies in general. The race is on for who is going to get the best market share of the social wave(s). I say waves since there are so many viable niches. Take the contrast between a linked in and myspace as a fair example. I am very surprised that I have grown such a significant following on my twitter page in a very short time period (@cnpsupport) and last week Google pushed out the "Google WAVE":

Google WAVE: http://mashable.com/2009/05/28/google-wave-guide/

Twave: http://mashable.com/2009/05/28/twave/

I also posted last week about 1000 twitter apps that I found online. I am building a pretty good list for facebook right now as well. These are all indicators of serious momentum.

With all of these powerful tools flooding the market you really have to be on your toes and it is easy to get overloaded with information. This all comes back to developing a good listening strategy and implementation plan for the right technologies. The social technology boom is a natural fit with traditional customer relationship so it is just figuring out what is going to be the best approach for you. It is going to take a lot of careful thought and some "testing of the water" to get the right plan. Remain flexible to change and then you have to have the discipline to execute it consistently over time.

Platform for future proofing your business

Since our conception our model has been to provide support for a variety of open source tools that provide solutions to particular pains and challenges faced by the average small and midsized business. They all face hurdles trying to increase sales , lower costs or to become more competitive in a global marketplace. The CRBM Platform offers fully integrated capabilities once only available to large companies with deep pockets. Most often small businesses grow from one or a couple people's great ideas or innovations and this means that these entrepreneurs often become overwhelmed with wearing many hats and juggling a lot of information and tasks all at the same time.

Having a good web based infrastructure and consolidated tool set to help them create, scale and manage a role and process based organization while increasing their marketing and communications efficiencies and reach is of vital importance. For these systems to be effective they have to be an integrated part of how companies do business, come from the leadership (top down) so starting early is always better, before other habits are formed. It is a well know fact that properly implementing technology can have a significant impact on success at any stage in your company's growth. It can have a equally devastating consequence if implemented poorly or the wrong decisions are made along the way.

The right tool for the right job

The right customer relationship business management system (CRBM) will help future proof your business.  However, it can be a daunting task sorting out which tools to implement and when. It is just a lot to get your head wrapped around in concert with all of the new social technologies, while you are trying to do all of the other aspects of developing your product or service and responding to the needs of your customers. For any business with a face on the web it is not a matter of "if" you need a CRM, because you do, but rather how effectively you can use the right tools for your business model.

Building Value, reducing costs and better execution

For the reasons stated above we have put significant effort into our new Value Building Methodology , designed to help small businesses bridge that gap between their people, the right technology and an effective strategic plan. We are finding that with this proven process for defining requirements and implementing carefully thought out strategies in the project life cycle, that we can guarantee success like never before.

With the current economic conditions in a global economy, no one can afford to miss their targets or duplicate efforts.  Companies need to attract more customers with less resources, they need better business intelligence to respond faster to their customers, they need to consolidate their technologies, improve efficiency with their team collaboration and they have to reduce overhead. To do this they need to get the best value out of their vendors and the technology choices they make. They also need to align and train the people integrating with these systems to be as effective as possible.

Plan for success

It is very clear that the only way to do this without a lot of hit and miss is to use a Value Building process to:

1.       Identify the right questions to be asking

2.       Identify the right tools to connect the right dots

3.       Identify the right processes and map them to the technologies

4.       Build a targeted strategy that matches your business model

5.       Creating a realistic action plan and timeline

6.       Track the results and align/update program with feedback

This may sound like some of the same old project management methodology stuff but we have some twists that really take this up a few notches. Since most of the Social technologies are new and continue to change, this program is structured but quite fluid to adapt to the chances not only in technology but within your organization. We also incorporate a baseline technical support contract that includes a bunch of bundled services and discounted rates for the CRBM Platform . This brings deployment costs down for customers while allowing us to respond more effectively to help make each program more successful. Customers benefit from the growing customer community, falser innovations and collective knowledgebase.

In conclusion:

The WAVE of Social CRM is something that small businesses need to jump on and ride effectively if they are going to get a place at the table.

Social Technologies and application of CRM tools are evolving and you need to remain flexible in your approach yet be consistent over time and keep listening to your customers (or you will lose them).

If you do not develop the right strategic approach and realistic execution plan you could end up spending way more money and time than you should or you could just miss the bus all together. Who can afford to do this in the current state of the economy?  This is a series of make and break decisions so make sure you pick the right tools, develop a solid plan and get good advice and support from the right vendors along the way .

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