In the latest episode of The Rundown with Ramon, small business expert Ramon Ray covers a range of topics relevant to both business owners and individuals looking to improve their lives.
- Is Free CRM Bad for Your Business? One CRM experts says it is.
- Corporate retreats are BACK! People want to get together in person, not just on Zoom calls.
- Awe in your life is GOOD for your health, says a new study.
- YouTube is primarily used for brand awareness by marketers.
- Getting featured in the NY Times was bad for their business as they didn’t know who their customer was.
- How much are companies losing in doing unnecessary tasks?
- Is Google’s Gemini AI getting in the way of work?
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Is Free CRM Bad for Your Business?
According to CRM expert Gene Marks, free Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software might not be the best choice for your business. While it may seem attractive initially, free CRM solutions often come with significant drawbacks:
- Security risks, especially with software from less-known international providers
- Limited support options
- Lack of advanced features
- Risk of the software disappearing, along with your data
- Limited scalability as your business grows
- Potential negative impact on recruiting efforts
While free CRM options like Zoho, VTiger, and Pipedrive offer entry-level versions, businesses should carefully consider their long-term needs before committing to a free solution.
Related article: How To Keep Your Customers Happy After the Sale with CRM
The Return of Corporate Retreats
As people tire of remote work and virtual meetings, corporate retreats are making a comeback. Hotels are seeing a boom in business travel as companies recognize the value of face-to-face interactions. These in-person gatherings offer opportunities for:
- Team bonding
- Company growth discussions
- Making connections that can’t be replicated through video calls
Ramon encourages listeners to invest in attending events and retreats to nurture personal growth and business development.
The Power of Awe for Your Health
A recent New York Times article highlights how experiencing awe can improve your health. Awe, defined as “the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your understanding of the world,” has been linked to several health benefits:
- Calming the nervous system
- Triggering the release of oxytocin, the “love hormone”
- Promoting trust and bonding
The article suggests seeking out moments of awe in everyday life, from witnessing natural wonders to appreciating the moral beauty of others.
YouTube’s Role in Marketing Strategies
A study by marketingcharts.com reveals that marketers primarily use YouTube for brand visibility:
- 46% focus on increasing brand visibility
- 23% target specific demographics
- 16% use it for concise format promotion
- 14% drive traffic to longer content
The study also found that influencer marketing and organic content are the most common strategies on YouTube. Ramon encourages listeners to consider incorporating YouTube into their marketing mix if they haven’t already.
When Press Coverage Backfires
A cautionary tale reminds entrepreneurs that getting featured in major publications like The New York Times isn’t always beneficial. One company experienced rapid growth after media coverage but ultimately failed due to a lack of product-market fit. The lesson: ensure your product truly meets your target market’s needs before seeking widespread attention.
The Cost of Unnecessary Tasks
A report from Wrike reveals that organizations lose an average of $15,000 per employee annually due to unnecessary tasks. Employees spend about 30% of their work week on low-impact activities such as:
- Searching for information
- Chasing status updates
- Duplicating work
- Attending unnecessary meetings
To boost productivity and profitability, businesses should focus on eliminating these time-wasting activities.
Is AI Getting in the Way?
Ramon shares his experience with Google’s Workplace AI, Gemini, noting that constant AI prompts and suggestions can sometimes hinder productivity rather than enhance it. While AI tools can be beneficial, it’s essential to find a balance and use them strategically rather than letting them interrupt your workflow.
The Rundown with Ramon continues to provide valuable insights for business owners and individuals alike. To learn more, visit zoneofgenius.com or connect with Ramon Ray at ramonray.com.
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