Posted by Camille Musick on Wed, May 16, 2012 @ 03:55 PM
As previously announced, Ascendix has partnered with ClickDimensions for their extensive marketing knowledge and abundant features. There is some cool stuff that comes with their solution - like showing a leads picture from their social network profile before you have even met them! So not only do you know where their interest lie based on how they found your site and where they spent their time once they got there - you can see their picture and maybe learn a little about them.
Before you explore the wonderful work of marketing software, they have provided a "terminology check" to help start you in your research.
The term Lead Scoring in the marketing automation space can be a bit confusing for CRM users. This is because CRM systems like Microsoft Dynamics CRM have records for individuals named Leads and Contacts. For the purposes of this post, we'll just talk about scoring and it will refer to any individual. That works a lot better when talking about ClickDimensions because our solution actually scores Leads, Contacts and Anonymous Visitors, the latter being a ClickDimensions custom entity.
Scoring
Scoring specifically refers to the interest level of the individual (i.e. Lead, Contact or Anonymous Visitor). This is because the score is calculated based on email clicks, web form submissions, visits, page views, link clicks and file downloads. The more someone clicks on your emails and visits your site, the more interested they probably are. However, their level of interest doesn't mean they are a good prospect for you. That is where grading comes in.
Grading
Lead grading is the right term for the 'fit of the individual. You can define fit in a number of ways. Depending on the complexity of your product/service line, someone who is a fit for one product/service may not be a good fit for another. Fit can be based off of both demographic (e.g. a person's title) and firmographic (e.g. a firm's industry) attributes. Referring to the graphic in this post, for our prospects a good fit is someone whose company uses Microsoft CRM and whose role involves marketing. In addition, if the company is a high-tech company, then it'll tend to be even more suited to our solution because high-tech companies are early adopters of marketing technology. So, when we see someone with these attributes and a high lead score, we drop everything we're doing and sell. If you have a lot of prospect volume, CRM's Advanced Find tool can be a great way to pull out which Leads/Contacts fit your criteria. Sort by score (i.e. interest) and you've got a nice, prioritized list.
How we use our scoring
Internally, we've tweaked our default scoring values to a weight that is right for us. Email link clicks are high value so they get 10 points each by default. Likewise, form submissions are worth 25 points. Each visit is worth 5 points. Page views are worth 3 points each but all of our product tour pages are custom set to 5 (except for the main tour page which is 10) and our overview video is worth 15. When someone passes 50 points, they are interested. When they hit 100, it is time to really give them attention.
Summarizing interest at the organization level
If you are a B2B company, which most Commercial Real Estate firms are, then you might be asking yourself if we should look at the score at the overall organization level. Well, we do. Since our solution also scores Anonymous Visitors and since we correlate all visits (anonymous and identified) at the organization level (i.e. at the IP address level), we can often see a bigger picture of interest being generated from a single organization. For example, there may be 5 different people interacting with us (i.e. with our emails, web site and blog) from one organization but we'll see that activity grouped in a single place (i.e on our IP Organization records). So, we can sell with confidence knowing the overall organization is clearly interested. This is informative and encouraging. We are no longer flying blind wondering who is interested, what they are interested in and how interested they may be.
For more information on scoring and grading, watch this video. Or schedule a demo to learn how Ascendix|RE and ClickDimensions work together by call 1-888-FIND-CRM.
Posted by Todd Terry on Mon, May 14, 2012 @ 05:38 PM
We are looking for individuals with software development language skills to join our team. The ideal candidate will be a graduate of a computer science, software engineering or MIS program who is interested in learning and using C#, JavaScript and .NET to build solutions that will be used by people worldwide. Prior programming knowledge is required, but C#/.Net is not. We will train and mentor the right individuals.
Opportunities will also exist to help build and support cross-platform/cross-device mobility solutions leveraging HTML 5, CSS3 and JavaScript toolkits working in concert with native iOS, Android and Windows mobile frameworks.
Senior Solution Architects from Ascendix will personally mentor and oversee the training and skills development and on boarding process. This position will lead to a fast-paced and lucrative career in the world of enterprise software development, CRM consulting or project management.
We are a small, specialized and culturally progressive environment with casual dress, flexible hours with a focus on a work-life balance. You can learn more about us on our website and blog.
If you are interested in learning more about software development careers at Ascendix, please send your inquiries and resume to careers@ascendix.com. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
About Ascendix Technologies
We provide customer relationship management (CRM) solutions based on the Microsoft Dynamics platform. While we serve companies of all types and sizes, our focus, specialty and product offering addresses the needs of the commercial real estate industry. Three of the top five global commercial real estate service companies use our solution with thousands of users located in the US and Canada and rapidly growing numbers in Europe, Australia and Asia.
Posted by Camille Musick on Wed, May 09, 2012 @ 11:01 AM
Ascendix Technologies has been providing CRM solutions in the United States for over 15 years, however, our commercial real estate focus over the last 9 years has created a recent global demand. Based on their vertical subject matter expertise, developer experience in the field and flexible platform CRE businesses overseas are turning to AscendixRE and AscendixRE Online for their Commercial Real Estate CRM solution.
Some of the features and capabilities of the system that generated this demand was the base platform. Built on Microsoft Dynamics CRM, AscendixRE can be translated in to various languages by using provided language packs. However, we have created the ability to provide multi-lingual brochures which takes users beyond the standard provided by MSCRM. Combining Microsoft's global platform and our CRE knowledge means that a international company can get their team a CRM solution quickly and with less development than if they start building from scratch.
So where is Ascendix going to be outside of the US? France, Australia, South Africa, Luxembourg, China and the UK to name a few - and what these companies have in common is the need for a fully proven CRM that works for this very specific vertical. They have tried the apps and patch work systems to find that if you don't unite people and systems in one place you create a disconnect between employees and business intelligence.
Another key selling point is that our team has subject matter experts not only experienced in CRM solutions, but Commercial Real Estate which equips them to think 10 steps ahead of a client request. We could say yes to every request, but wouldn't you want a vendor who is able to think about what you are trying to accomplish, map out the best plan and then see how it can be integrated with other aspects of the system for a truly efficient solution?
Being busy is universal so if you aren't collecting information in one location you are bound to miss out on important insights.
Posted by Camille Musick on Wed, May 02, 2012 @ 01:37 PM
I know the title of this blog won’t match the beginning of this article, but stick with me:
Until I started working for Ascendix, I never put much thought into Commercial Real Estate and how it can shape a neighborhood. Like most people, businesses come and go – you whine when your favorites leave and then find a new store. However, now that I am a grown up homeowner that worries about property values things have changed.
The back story is that I grew up in Richardson, Texas and my family has been here for generations. I had a great experience growing up here, so did my Mom and brother, and that’s why we have three generations in the same neighborhood that we jokingly call “The Cult”. And although we all love Richardson, we all have a deep, strong love (bordering on obsession) for Austin, Texas where we all went to college. My parents graduated from Texas in the 60’s, my brothers played football there in the 80’s and 90’s and I played volleyball at St. Edward’s University in the late 90’s.
The neighborhood where I live is going through big (and wonderful) changes. The homes here were built in the 50’s – 60’s and we still have several original homeowners. But now the neighborhood is seeing more and more young families. I suspect that most of these families were tired of driving to and from the border of Oklahoma to get to work each day. The local Mom’s group has seen a baby boom…I see strollers at all hours when people take their daily run. We bike to local restaurants for dinner and know that we will always run into someone we know – so what could make that even better?
Rumor has it that Alamo Drafthouse, an Austin original , is moving to a nearby shopping center and that other Austin based retailers might follow them – this is a game changer for us. Richardson Heights Shopping Center has been around since the 1950’s and was described online as “in need of a face lift” – I would say we all agree. Our newly little hip neighborhood and longtime strip center now has the potential to be a “go to” spot for those who are craving a little Texas Hill Country. If you take the number of UT alumni in DFW, easy access to the “High Five” (635 and 75) and prime visibility from 75 and Belt Line this could mean we are ready to “Keep Richardson Weird”. I am hoping this will also make our neighborhood more desirable…which makes me happy in an economy that has been hard on our biggest investment- our homes.
How have you seen commercial real estate change a neighborhood? I want to hear the possibilities when brokers strike deals that change the local landscape for the better. Think of it as a chance to do a little bragging and show the opportunities that commercial real estate brokers create. I might even take you out for beer and popcorn if this all happens; just leave your cell phone in the car…
Posted by Camille Musick on Tue, Apr 17, 2012 @ 04:10 PM
We have a new team member here at Ascendix Technologies. We want to introduce you to Jeff Dean – Project Manager and Business Analyst extraordinaire. Jeff will work closely with clients in order to ensure successful planning and implementation of AscendixRE. His responsibilities include gathering client requirements, project management/leadership, product training, quality assurance, product documentation and product presentations. We had been searching for just the right employee for this job and were happy to find someone with both the experience and real estate subject matter expertise from his previous positions. He has hit the ground running and is already learning the ins and outs of our CRM software for Commercial Real Estate.
His professional background includes:
4.5 years as a Senior Business Analyst in multi-family housing property management specializing in affordable housing and renters insurance
Senior Business Analyst at a well-known financial institution
9 years in telecom as both a Web Services Specialist and Supervisor
In addition to his experience with property management software, Jeff has attained a Certified Professional of Occupancy (CPO) certification and Specialist in Housing Credit Management (SHCM) certification.
Outside of the office, Jeff enjoys spending time with his family which includes his 11 year old daughter and 5 year old son. He attended Tulane University and went to high school at nearby Berkner High School in Richardson, Texas. He enjoys Cajun food, barbecues and most importantly around here…football. We asked Jeff the 3 questions that define an Ascendix-ian:
- Do you root for Texas or Oklahoma? (TEXAS!)
- iPhone, Android or Windows phone? (Self-proclaimed avid iPhone user)
- Are you willing to shave your head for St. Baldrick’s? (In a new twist, he might be willing to grow his hair out for St. Baldrick’s)
Interested in joining the growing Ascendix team to flex your CRM skills? Learn more about our open positions or submit your resume today.
Posted by Camille Musick on Fri, Apr 06, 2012 @ 02:13 PM
It’s quite chilly in the office today, especially for the Smooth Operators; Ascendix Technologies very own team for the St Baldricks Foundation.
Last weekend the Smooth Operators shaved their heads at Trinity Hall- Irish Pub & Restaurant in Dallas as part of a worldwide effort of Shaving the Way to Conquer Kids’ Cancer. The team raised $8500 to surpass their goal of $7500. Overall the Dallas event brought in over $91,000 that will help fund the best research and the top pediatric oncologists. And even though team captain Chad Lindsey and managing partner Todd Terry were 8500 miles away in the land Down Under, their heads met the fate of the clippers (check out the beautiful view behind their bald heads).
Looking forward to another successful event next year - thank you for your support!
Posted by Camille Musick on Fri, Mar 30, 2012 @ 03:33 PM
Let us know if you would like to review any of these or compare with your current solution. Call 1-888-FIND-CRM
or click here to learn more.
Graphic background provided by Cubicle Ninjas and Fast Track Tools
Posted by Camille Musick on Fri, Mar 16, 2012 @ 10:21 AM
It's getting hairy around here...in a good way...
Ascendix employees have been growing their hair for the upcoming St. Baldrick's event in Dallas, Texas on March 31. St. Baldrick's funds research to find cures for childhood cancers. In addition to funding research, they fund initiatives for survivors long term as they face the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation throughout their life. You can learn more at www.stbaldricks.org. Or if you are around Trinity Hall in Dallas, Texas on March 31 stop by see us!
Here are this years "shavees" representing Team "Smooth Operators" - you can click on their picture to support them in their fund raising goals. The team has a combined goal of $7,500.
Wes Snow - CEO/President
Fun Fact: Member of Rowing Team while attending UT Austin.
Motivation for Participation: Being the father of two children who have been blessed with good health, I feel an obligation to help those who are not as fortunate. Indirectly, there are many around me and my family who have been affected and they serve as motivation as well to get involved and not sit on the sidelines.
Todd Terry - Managing Partner
Fun Fact: Enjoys all hairy events such as "Mo-vember"
Motivation for Participation: Wants to make a difference in the lives of infants, children, teens and young adults.
Chad Lindsey - Director of Professional Services & Team Captain
Fun Fact: I am officially a “Knight of the Bald Table” for over 7 years of volunteering with St. Baldrick’s
Motivation for Participation: My niece is a Leukemia survivor and I originally shaved in solidarity with her. The St. Baldrick’s Organization became important to her as she fought that horrible disease and still is to this day. She is currently in her residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital and so now I shave to say thanks to the doctors who saved her and in solidarity with the kids still fighting.
Jeff Donato - Vice President of Professional Services
Fun Fact: One of my few talents is that I can juggle; a friend taught me in college
Motivation for Participation: It’s a wonderful organization and financially efficient, my wife hates the way I look bald and my kids get a kick out of it. NOTE: I'll match any contribution to the charity of the contributor's choice up to $100! Let's pay it forward.
Tyler Laney - Network Engineer
Fun Fact: I love to build Legos with my son
Motivation for Participation: My mother died in 1999 from cancer. I think it is a horrible disease and I like to do what I can to fight it in her memory.
Watch out for our before and after pictures after March 31st!
Posted by Camille Musick on Sat, Mar 03, 2012 @ 12:22 PM
Recently, there have been a lot of questions on our ability to create a history or archive for different records in CRM. I have never blogged on this because it seemed like a feature that everyone had or was expected to have. Upon further research, this isn’t a standard item with the other Commercial Real Estate software solutions. So let’s spend a little time talking about how Activities serve as reminders and work to create a timeline of events for your data residing in CRM.
Activities can be used to create reminders such as tasks, phone calls, emails, appointments and more. As you create and complete these activities, you will begin to create a history on the different records like properties and contacts. This includes sent emails and calendar events sent from your Outlook. It also logs marketing activities associated with the record should you integrate your Marketing Software (like ClickDimensions) with AscendixRE. Therefore, we don’t need to look in multiple locations to get an overview of events or to monitor their interests. We can also assign activities and/or action plans to others. For example, one of our marketing employees will review an email campaign and then assign sales a task to follow up with leads based on number of interactions with that email.
As you create and complete activities, you create a history under “Closed Activities” in CRM that makes it easy for you to track who looked at a property, how many activities it took to convert prospects, or who isn’t worth pursuing anymore. It also helps you decide if someone is doing their due diligence in maintaining a relationship with landlords, tenants, and clients. Can you monitor every interaction with a record in your database? If your current system doesn’t see this as a “must have” it should be because that is key to CRM – relationship management.
Want to learn more about CRM? Contact us today at 1-888-FIND-CRM
Posted by Todd Terry on Tue, Feb 28, 2012 @ 02:54 PM
…and that is precisely the idea!
For the 6th consecutive year, I’ve teamed up with some of my compadres at Ascendix to raise awareness for children’s cancer research. On March 31st, through the St. Baldricks foundation, we will be (purposefully) losing all our hair in solidarity with the youngsters who are engaged in a very different kind of project.
Please join with me in helping raise awareness and funds for fighting this terrible disease.
We’ve been doing this every year since 2007 and even though it’s only a handful of us, we will easily top $40,000 this year and start working our way to $50,000.
We couldn’t do it without your help!
Now hopefully my subject line brought you in; let me see if I can close the deal. If you donate to this cause, I will personally match your donation and make it to the charity of your choice. If you don’t have a charity you champion, I will match your contribution to MY favorite charity…this one. But either way, I will match.
Go here to laugh at my “before” picture, and while you are there, please donate to this wonderful cause: http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/todd2012
And March can’t get here soon enough. As is tradition, the haircuts have ceased. It will be getting quite unruly (except for the top of my head, unfortunately.)
Todd Terry