The video is fun to watch, even if you already have your Microsoft Dynamics CRM in place. If not, check out our QuickStart options. MS Dynamics CRM has grown up quite a bit since this video was made -- that lemonade stand probably has, too.

When A increases B and then B increases A, we sometimes call it a vicious circle. When we do that, we're forgetting that those circles aren't always vicious. Sometimes they're downright beneficial, and that's how it is with Customer Relationship Management.

Beginning to use a CRM takes a little bit of a leap of faith. You have to trust that taking an extra step to capture information within the system will be better than doing anything else you could do with those seconds of your day.

When the benefits of using the CRM begin to show in happier customers, increased sales, and faster turnaround, you'll naturally feel more positive about using the CRM. You'll make the effort to use it more effectively and more consistently. You'll be rewarded with more benefits, which in turn will encourage you to dig deeper into the further potential of your CRM.

Far from being a vicious circle, this is what is known as a virtuous circle.

We sometimes see companies which have tried a CRM in the past and it hasn't worked for them. Sometimes the system has just been a bad fit -- that's one of the reasons we're so passionate about Dynamics CRM: it works the way most of us expect it to, without requiring users to change their lives to accommodate it.

But just as often, the problem isn't so much that the system didn't work for the users as that the people didn't use the system. This is what doctors call "failure to comply." It's a common reason that medications, physical therapy, and other treatment plans don't work, and it's a common reason for a CRM not to work, too.

Do you spend all your time in the office these days? Do your sales reps, tech support specialists, and customer support staff?

With more people working remotely, telecommuting, and traveling, your CRM solution should be in your network -- and your Android, Blackberry, and iPad, too.

Recently I read that a CRM solution has to be "tailored" to a company's CRM strategy. No news there; we're in the business of tailoring.

The part of the claim that was most interesting was that the company needs to begin with a customer relationship management strategy, not with the CRM solution.

This caught my attention because one of the common concerns about CRM solutions is whether they "work." Sometimes this comes down to asking whether a company that isn't very good at customer relationships can become better at it by buying MS Dynamics CRM.

Can you go from ignoring your customers to providing the kind of service that brings 'em back for more just by buying MS Dynamics CRM?

We have plenty of reasons for using customer relationship management solutions like Microsoft Dynamics CRM. We want to cut costs, increase profits, drive sales, improve customer service, streamline office systems, integrate marketing into the daily routine -- and lots more along those lines. You might not have considered that your customer relationship management software can also reduce your carbon footprint. First, by providing the kind of data you need to target your marketing efforts well, your CRM reduces unwanted direct mail and other marketing pieces. The fewer of your brochures end up in the landfill, the less waste you're contributing -- and the lower your costs. Second, by making more of our contacts by electronic means or by phone, you can reduce the number of miles your company drives.  Solving your...

Microsoft's Office 365 is big news. Now out of beta testing, Office 365 is set to bring enterprise level functionality to small and medium businesses. Of course you should be using it. Should you be using it with MS Dynamics CRM? Microsoft plans to add Dynamics CRM to the Office 365 suite later this year. We can integrate it for you right now. So should you jump in now or wait? Here's the question to ask yourself: what's the opportunity cost for waiting? Put it another way: How many leads could you lose by waiting? How much of the improved functionality of Dynamics CRM would you miss out on while you wait? How many extra hours will your staff put in while waiting for the streamlined process it would give you -- and how much will those hours cost you? Let us run some numbers by you. Call (801) 428-1200 if you're in the Western states and we'll be happy to show you how Office 365 and Dynamics CRM together...

It isn't really news that Dynamics CRM is a leader in customer relationship management solutions. We're glad to say, though, that new research confirms that MS Dynamics CRM continues to be the top choice for business.

What does this mean for your business? Look at some facts and figures that might surprise you...

You've seen it in really old movies: the heroine walks into the store and someone steps up to greet her by name. "We have a new gown that you will adore!" says the saleswoman, taking the heroine's furs and dog and leading her to a cushy chair. The heroine sits at ease watching the new gowns being modeled.

At this point, of course, the hero arrives and is attacked by the dog, gangsters race in and hide behind the furs, and our whole metaphor breaks down.

Your customers would still like you to contact them by name and show them new things you know they'll love while they relax in comfort. Email marketing allows this sense of personal interest and luxury, at a much lower price per conversion than personal sales calls.