Software Advice has posted a grid that presents a new way of looking at the social CRM market. More importantly, Marketing Director Houston Neal argues that social CRM actually doesn’t exist. The market is too fragmented and no vendor pulls together all the necessary features, which include platforms, monitoring tools, social analytics and CRM. As a result, “If you want a complete social CRM system, you will have to piece together tools from multiple vendors,&# he concludes. previously expressed my opinions about the whole concept of social CRM. MORE >>

For evidence that a free entry-level product does not automatically drive out higher priced systems, consider the hosted CRM market. Marketo now calls itself a “the revenue cycle management company”, giving equal public weight to lead management, sales insight and analytics. The Market2Lead-Oracle deal raises the other major question facing marketing automation vendors: what role CRM vendors will play? In addition to Oracle, CDC Software (owner of Pivotal CRM and MarketFirst) recently invested in Marketbright. LoopFuse knows that, of course. MORE >>

This week, we are pleased to have Jonathan Block from SiriusDecisions joining us to discuss marketing automation, lead management and B2B marketing. While at SiriusDecisions, he has helped many B2B organizations expand their traditional reputation management initiatives with the integration of social media strategies and tactics into the communications mix, as well as advised clients on evaluating and choosing appropriate marketing technology and services providers. Just as important is change management. Remember, the key word here is “automation.” The reason? MORE >>

To make the hours spent worthwhile, it’s important to ensure that your sales team is only talking to the most qualified leads. Lead management is a strategy and set of corresponding tools that help companies filter out unqualified leads and better understand the buying cycle of their good leads. When executed well, lead management makes your marketing team more effective, your sales team more precise, and your leads happier. Lead management programs vary from company to company, but here are several important components to consider. MORE >>

Sales wants more, better leads. Marketing wants sales to call all of the leads they're delivering. How do you improve lead management so leads aren't wasted or contacted before they're ready, and both sales and marketing can live together in harmony? With or without a lead management system, you likely still face these types of problems. That's because great lead management is kind of, well.hard. If your lead management isn't operating as smoothly as you wish, read through these 14 kick-ass lead management tips. MORE >>