MondoCRM

Act! puts it all in one database. Then, you use fields to segment the database between leads and customers. It’s easier to setup, but the drawback for some is the database gets clogged with dead weight, and there isn’t an easy way to archive it unless it’s deleted.

Zoho dedicates a module to leads. This way, you can keep stuff separated until it’s a qualified lead and use different workflows or blueprints to ensure this data gets its own rules. The disadvantage is you must customize an additional set of fields and map out a lead conversion process.

History and Notes Management

Act! puts it all in the history table. Whether it’s a phone call completed, e-mail sent, a meeting held or an opportunity updated Act! records in one place to make it easy everything that happened with the contact.

Zoho separates e-mails from completed events. Zoho’s advantage here is you can easily relate an event to either a lead, contact, opportunity or an account. The Zoho drawback is it’s not easy to pull a report of e-mails sent by user over a timeframe.

Account Centric vs. Contact Centric

Act! sees the core relationship with a person first; then, it has options to connect people to accounts (Companies in Act! parlance). The disadvantage here is if you work with several contacts at one account, you need a process to designate the primary contact and main account details.

Zoho sees the world “account first” then you add multiple contacts against it. This model suits the b2b account-centric sales model where the accounts’ contacts are more transient. It’s also easier to manage opportunities against the account rather than one more contacts. The disadvantage here is you need a process to automate copying data from the account level to the contacts so target mailings are done correctly.

Reports

Act! offers a banded contact report writer, so it’s easier to make reports that reflect the “Crystal Reports” era of report writing. If you wanted to see contacts, opportunities, notes and activities on one printed page, Act! makes it easier.
Act! uses a built in report writer, and you can extract most list views to Excel. For complex reporting, we work with third party tools for optimal business insight.
Act! offers a customizable label template.

Zoho CRM offers a built report writer to build list views and charts. Advanced users can easily tie Zoho CRM to Zoho Analytics to report against multiple data sources simultaneously such as Zoho CRM + Zoho Books.
The Zoho CRM report writer doesn’t require any scripting knowledge to create reports.

E-mail Management

Act! can make e-mail part of the Act! history table. Great for the rolodex model of CRM where every conversation is easily documented and reportable in one table. It cannot retrofit emails from the past automatically. We field tech support problems because Act! needs to keep up with more changes in Microsoft technology or work with local desktop security policies. If you need to run reports against the number of emails managed as a report metric, Act! has the upper hand versus Zoho as well.

Zoho uses IMAP integration to make hyperlinks to the original email messages. This simplifies the integration, and it will easily go back to all emails from your sent items or inbox. We have fewer tech support problems, but it’s harder to do a report against e-mails if your metrics are measured against the quantity of e-mails sent and received.

Data structure

Act! over Zoho

Act! offers a “tag” mode to easily hand pick a lookup and an “edit mode” where inline editing of a list of contacts is done in one step.

Zoho over Act!

Zoho ensures data remains structured. For instance, a text field can be a free-form text field, single pick list or multi-select pick list (not all 3). When it’s a single pick list, this allows Zoho to make proper workflows for business process mapping and automating workflows.

Calendar Management

Act! requires every activity to be assigned a contact, or the user’s record.
The calendar can be configured to show tasks, meetings, calls and custom activities on the calendar.
Color codes are available.
Each activity offers a privacy option.
The Act! calendar allows you to manually clear meetings when done and add a line through the meeting to visualize what’s been completed.

Zoho doesn’t require an activity to be assigned against a contact, which emulates behavior similar to Outlook or Google calendars.\
Meetings are automatically considered completed after the event date passes.
Zoho calendar easily imports and exports .ics (calendar invite) files.

Integrations

Act! for Windows offers an extensive library of third party addons since 2005.
Act! for Web works with Zapier and third party addons.
It’s imperative to check whether an Act! for Windows addon offers an Act! for Web equivalent before migrations take place.
Act! Advantage offers these features without addons like Act! for Windows or self-hosted Act! installation would require.
- Online appointment scheduling
- Web lead capture forms
- E-Mail list verification
- URL shortener
- Online surveys
- Online custom portal
- Project management
- Website chat
- Accounting Link (QBO)

Zoho CRM works with 40+ Zoho applications within the Zoho One ecosystem.
Zoho CRM works with Zoom without paying for additional fees.
Zoho CRM works with Zapier.
Zoho CRM works with their own scripting language (Deluge) to write additional custom functions.
Zoho CRM offers hundreds of free and paid extensions written by third party developers in their Marketplace.

Conclusion

To compare Act! vs. Zoho just listing feature checkbox charts and pricing isn’t enough to know which product is better for your business. Occasionally, we teach our Act! clients a new feature, revise a process or buy an addon to solve a problem rather than upgrading the whole system.

In conclusion, before make any changes we offer a complementary discovery call using our unique approach to see if we can help you leverage your current Act! installation before you commit time and treasure to changing CRM systems.

The post Compare Act! And Zoho appeared first on MondoCRM.

Why Collaboration Still Beats Competition

Mondo — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 21:58:06 +0000

I used the following prompt in Bing’s AI Image creator. “For a power point slide, I need a thank you image citing the United States and United Kingdom working together”

In the world of CRM consulting, collaboration has always been our secret weapon.

Back in the ACT! Certified Consultant program, there was an unwritten rule: don’t compete with each other. Instead, we shared ideas, jumped in to help on tricky projects, and built lasting partnerships. From 2002 until 2019, we regularly attended an Act! Certified Consultant conference. I’d say 90% of the ROI was networking with the other consultants to help each other grow our respective practices.

One of the most important relationships that came from that era is my ongoing collaboration with Vivek Gargav of Caldere Associates. For over ten years, we’ve partnered across continents and industries, proving time and again that collaboration creates better outcomes than cutthroat competition.

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Export Notes from Act!

Mondo — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 15:45:29 +0000

How to Export Notes from Act!
(Hint: You cannot do this within the native program)

In case you are looking go at it alone or with your I.T. contractor, you can export some of the data, but not all the data out of Act!. For instance, the contact list view doesn’t export the unique IDs so notes, history, opportunities or the calendar won’t connect back to the correct contacts when you import them into another CRM or an ERP. For instance, if you employ a native tool such as the ACTREADER, SQL Studio or ODBC connection, these programs cannot strip out the RTF/HTML code formats as shown here. Our service can export the notes from Act! into a CSV format along with the unique IDs.

Sources:

Act! knowledgebase answer: “Can I export Act! notes to Excel?“
Act! knowledgebase answer: “What can I export from Act! ?“

For current Act! users, here are a couple ideas.

If you are trying to get more than what the standard reports provide while you want to remain in Act!, we recommend and implement Keystroke Dash . Then, you can export on the notes, history or opportunity tables and add additional fields to the reports standard Act! doesn’t provide.

Moreover, you can create dashboards, charts or lists with Keystroke Dash. Overall, we find it very easy to train people on this program and it offers extensive customization.

We also support Microsoft Power BI, where you can combine Act! with other data sources to gain additional insight into the business. As an illustration, check out our case study.

Options:

Keystroke Dash is $150/PC.
Power BI with Act! (Fees vary by project).

We offer alternatives to Act!, and we convert the data.

Check out our approach.

MondoCRM is platform agnostic, which means we aren’t tied to one CRM’s limits, and we can weigh a couple options.

Additional Platforms:

WiredContact (Easiest to convert from Act!).
Zoho CRM
Zoho Bigin
Benchmark One

If your CRM or ERP isn’t listed here, we can still help.

Photo by Kevin Ku from Pexels

We offer the Act! database export service, so you can take the spreadsheets to your consultant so they can do the import. We have done this for companies in the US, UK and Israel moving to Salesforce, Hubspot, or other industry specific ERP or CRM systems. If you have additional questions before migrating systems, check out our guide to leaving Act! CRM.

How We Work

Contact us to review your current situation and timeline.
Give us a backup of your Act! database.
We’ll send you a sample set of 100 records from your database.
If you like it, we’ll finish the export.
We’ll email you a link to download the ZIP file for the rest of the data after the invoice is paid.

Fee:

Budget $700.00 (£565.00 + VAT) per database.

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Luddite No More: Susan & Scot Westwater on Voice Search, AI, and Building Better Brands

Mondo — Sun, 19 Jan 2025 18:04:19 +0000

Episode 9

Voice Search & AI: Insights from Susan & Scot Westwater on Building Brands and Boosting Inbound Marketing

In this episode, Mark & Cynthia take on the role of the inquisitive luddite, exploring the realms of Voice Marketing, AI-powered content creation, and their profound impact on businesses.

️ Join us for captivating conversations with our expert guests:

Susan & Scot Westwater of Pragmatic.Digital: Discover the future of marketing with voice search technology and conversational AI. Susan and Scot unveil insights from their new book on Voice Marketing, shedding light on how businesses can leverage these innovative tools to engage customers and stay ahead of the curve.
Vivek Gargav of Caldere Associates: Explore the power of AI in content marketing as Vivek shares his remarkable success story. Learn how he harnessed ChatGPT and other AI tools to achieve a remarkable 400% ROI over just six months. Vivek’s experience provides actionable takeaways for businesses aiming to boost their content strategy’s effectiveness.
Practical AI Solutions for Small Businesses: Susan and Scot share invaluable insights into using AI tools like Bard and Google My Business. Learn how even small businesses with shoestring budgets can create a competitive advantage by harnessing AI’s capabilities. Uncover strategies that can propel your business forward in an increasingly digital world.

Key Takeaways

Voice Search Optimization for Small Businesses:
- Optimize Google My Business profiles to answer customer questions and enhance discoverability.
- Examples include local pest control businesses increasing inbound calls exponentially by refining their listings.
Conversational AI for Brand Building:
- Leverage tools like ChatGPT and Bard to analyze content and identify top-of-funnel opportunities.
- Generate content based on high-impact keywords and customer FAQs to drive traffic and engagement.
Democratizing AI for Practical Use:
- Voice technology is increasingly accessible, aiding not only businesses but also underserved populations like the elderly or those with disabilities.
- Real-time translation and hands-free search are becoming standard, enhancing customer experiences globally.
Business Applications of AI and Voice:
- Generative AI tools can personalize marketing, improve sales strategies, and automate tasks such as content generation and analytics.
- Voice interfaces are evolving from simple commands to rich conversational experiences, enabling better engagement.

In This Episode

0:00 – Introduction: Mark Mondo sets the stage with his “luddite” perspective and introduces guests Susan & Scot Westwater and Vivek Gargav.
5:15 – Voice Technology’s Evolution: Susan & Scot share their journey into conversational AI and its transformative potential for businesses.
15:30 – Practical Use Cases: Examples of businesses succeeding with voice search and AI, including local optimization strategies.
30:00 – AI-Driven Content Strategies: Vivek explains how ChatGPT can be used for content analysis and strategy development.
45:00 – The Future of Voice Technology: Discussions on accessibility, inclusivity, and the role of voice in customer engagement.
55:00 – Closing Thoughts & Resources: Final tips for small businesses and upcoming speaking events.

Guest Bio

Vivek Gargav is the marketing director at Caldere Associates in Reading, England. As a Zoho certified expert, he enjoys working with SMEs to enhance their customer relationship management using Zoho CRM, Zoho Social, Zoho Campaigns, and Zoho Analytics. He’s our goto expert at MondoCRM when comes to learning anything about AI.

Susan Westwater advises the world’s most innovative brands that want to capitalize on the incredible opportunity Voice and conversational AI represent. Combining the strategic marketing and brand knowledge she gained from 25+ years at top tier agencies such as Leo Burnett and working in corporate, Susan helps clients expand their brands into conversational experiences to solve marketing and customer experience problems. Susan has presented and authored a number of talks, workshops, articles, research papers, and books focused on the role Voice, conversational AI, and other emerging technologies like the metaverse, play in marketing and business strategy. She is an organizer of the Women in Voice Chicago Chapter, Ambassador of the Open Voice Network, an instructor at the AI Academy for Marketers. Susan is co-author of Voice Strategy: Creating Useful and Usable Voice Experiences(which was a #1 Release on Amazon) and is a co-author of Voice Marketing (just released!)

Scot Westwater is the Co-Founder of Pragmatic Digital, a consultancy that partners with brands and their agencies to develop and implement conversational AI strategies that deliver tangible results. With expertise spanning various sectors, the Pragmatic team creates tailored solutions that cater to clients’ needs. Scot works closely with restaurant, retail, entertainment, and healthcare organizations to improve their marketing, customer experience, and operational efficiency. He leverages his 24+ years of design, UX, and digital strategy to create compelling conversational experiences for clients.

Scot co-wrote Voice Strategy: Creating Useful and Usable Voice Experiences with his wife, Susan, and is preparing to launch a new book, Voice Marketing, in September 2023. He has been a featured speaker at industry events such as SEM Rush World Marketing Day, Project Voice, VOICE Global, and VOICE22, and he enjoys giving guest lectures for master-level marketing and HCI classes. Scot also serves as an Ambassador for the Open Voice Network and as an instructor for the Marketing AI Institute.

Additional Resources

Pragmatic Digital: https://www.pragmatic.digital
Google My Business Guide: Google My Business Help
ChatGPT by OpenAI: https://openai.com/chatgpt
Bard by Google: https://bard.google.com
Voice and AI Conference Info: Voice & AI Conference
Caldere: https://www.caldere.com.

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Harmonizing Passions: From Teaching to Performing in the World of Music with Tina Pappademos

Mondo — Sat, 18 Jan 2025 19:01:19 +0000

Episode 8

From Stage to Studio: Tina Pappademos’ Journey in Music and Teaching

Cynthia & I interview Tina Pappademos, a versatile freelance singer, piano teacher, and certified yoga instructor. In this episode, Tina shares her path from teaching in public schools to performing with the Chicago Symphony Chorus and finding innovative ways to thrive during the pandemic. With insights on managing rejection, navigating auditions, and balancing multiple passions, Tina’s story offers valuable lessons for performers, educators, and dreamers alike. Tune in for practical advice and heartfelt wisdom!

Key Takeaways

Entrepreneurial Parallels in Music: Musicians must market themselves, manage rejection, and diversify income streams, similar to entrepreneurs.
Adaptability and Resilience: The importance of staying grounded, learning from rejection, and adapting to challenges like the pandemic.
Lifelong Learning: Continual growth and practice are crucial for musicians and entrepreneurs alike.
Technology’s Dual Role: While it opens opportunities (e.g., remote teaching), it also disrupts traditional methods (e.g., Auto-Tune).
Networking is Vital: Strong connections in the music industry can lead to opportunities and stability.

In This Episode

00:00 – Introduction – Host introduces the theme and explains the focus on musicians as entrepreneurs.
03:00 – Introduction of Guests – Cynthia and Tina discuss how and why they became musicians.
06:30 – Cynthia’s Musical Journey – Cynthia shares her experiences transitioning from speech pathology to a career in classical music and nonprofit administration.
15:00 – The Audition Process & Rejection in Music – Discussion on how auditions compare to sales calls and the emotional toll of rejection in the music industry.
25:00 – Tina’s Musical and Teaching Journey – Tina recounts her background, from her Greek heritage to teaching and performing in various settings.
40:00 – COVID’s Impact on Musicians – Exploration of how the pandemic reshaped teaching and performing, with insights on technology’s role.
50:00 – Advice for Aspiring Musicians – Guests share pearls of wisdom for young musicians and the importance of lifelong learning.
57:00 – Closing Remarks and Resources – Wrap-up with details on how to access the show and where to listen to the podcast.

Guest Bio

Tina Pappademos is a freelance singer, accomplished piano teacher, and certified yoga instructor with a passion for blending artistry, education, and mindfulness. With experience performing in renowned ensembles like the Chicago Symphony Chorus and the Grant Park Chorus, she combines technical expertise with emotional insight. A dedicated educator, Tina mentors aspiring musicians by integrating mindfulness into her teaching, fostering both technical growth and personal well-being. Her journey highlights resilience, adaptability, and a lifelong commitment to creativity.

Additional Resources

Mentions:
- Mario Lanza’s Music: Wikipedia
- Renee Fleming: Official Website
- Chicago Symphony Orchestra Chorus: CSO Chorus
- Lyric Opera of Chicago: Lyric Opera

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From Frustration to Freedom: The Path to Success in Commercial Real Estate with Matthew Mondo

Mondo — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 20:11:43 +0000

Episode 7

Follow Matt’s story as he turned his career around in four years after realizing he was banging his head against the wall selling MSP (Managed Service Provider) services.

In this episode, Mark Mondo and Cynthia Zimmerman host a two-part series finale on commercial real estate, featuring insightful stories from Matthew Mondo and Conor Mackin. They discuss their unconventional journeys into the field, from overcoming corporate frustrations to building thriving careers in commercial real estate. The conversation highlights the grit, relationship-building, and entrepreneurial mindset required to succeed, while sharing practical advice for aspiring agents and entrepreneurs.

Key Takeaways

Corporate Frustration: How dissatisfaction with rigid corporate structures drove Matt and Conor to seek entrepreneurial freedom.
Skills for Success: Communication, resilience, and the ability to build trust are key to thriving in commercial real estate.
The Role of Mentors: How brokers like Jeremiah Baron guided their paths with hands-on advice and support.
Entrepreneurial Freedom: The advantages of owning your career path and working directly with clients.
Turning Relationships into Results: Stories of building long-term client trust and creating multimillion-dollar deals.

In This Episode

00:00 – Show Introduction and Underwriter Support: Mark introduces guest Vivek Gargav and the topic of using AI for marketing.
05:00 – Vivek’s Career Transition: Vivek discusses his journey from microbiologist to marketer and how he navigated various challenges.
12:00 – The Power of AI: Vivek explains how AI tools, especially ChatGPT, revolutionized his approach to content creation.
20:00 – Using AI to Create SEO Content: Vivek describes leveraging AI for writing SEO-optimized articles and content marketing strategies.
30:00 – AI’s Role in Business Pivot: How AI helped Vivek pivot his company’s focus, saving time and resources.
40:00 – Concrete Results from AI: Vivek shares the direct business results from using AI, including increased leads and improved content marketing efficiency.

Guest Bio

Matthew Mondo is an accomplished commercial real estate broker with over a decade of experience in property management and IT services. Since 2019, Matthew has specialized in commercial real estate in the Treasure Coast and South Florida region, earning recognition as a top performer. Before entering real estate, Matthew spent 10 years in IT support and managed service provider (MSP) sales, where he honed his client-focused approach and problem-solving skills. Today, he combines his technical expertise and industry knowledge to deliver exceptional service to clients, helping them achieve their property goals.

CoStar Awards

Q3 2022 Power Broker – Quarterly Industrial Lease
Q3 2022 Power Broker – Quarterly Retail Lease
Q4 2021 Power Broker – Quarterly Industrial Lease
Q2 2021 Power Broker – Quarterly Retail Lease

Additional Resources

Matthew’s Listings and Portfolio

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From Donuts to Deals: Unconventional Success in Commercial Real Estate with Conor Mackin

Mondo — Sun, 15 Dec 2024 19:44:03 +0000

Episode 6

Discover how Conor Mackin transformed his life from serving donuts to closing deals in commercial real estate within two years, proving that resilience and putting a support team together can lead to extraordinary success.

In this episode, Mark and Cynthia interview Conor Mackin, a rising star in commercial real estate. Conor shares his inspiring journey from working at Dunkin’ Donuts and overcoming personal challenges to becoming a successful commercial real estate agent. He provides a candid look at the determination, mindset shifts, and relationship-building skills required to succeed in the competitive commercial real estate world. Conor’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and the support systems that help people transform their lives.

Key Takeaways

The Journey from Struggles to Success: How Conor transitioned from battling personal challenges to thriving in commercial real estate.
Lessons in Resilience: The importance of grit and adaptability in navigating setbacks and failures.
Relationship Building: Why forming strong connections is essential in the real estate industry.
Navigating Rejection: How Conor reframed rejection as a stepping stone to success.
Support Systems: The role of mentors, colleagues, and a strong community in achieving personal and professional goals.

In This Episode

00:00 – Show Introduction: Mark introduces Conor Mackin and sets the stage for the discussion.
05:00 – Early Career and Challenges: Conor recounts his journey from Dunkin’ Donuts to starting his real estate career.
15:00 – Overcoming Addiction: How Conor’s personal struggles shaped his resilience and drive for success.
25:00 – Breaking into Real Estate: The steps Conor took to enter the commercial real estate industry without prior experience.
35:00 – Handling Rejection: How Conor reframed rejection as part of the process and stayed motivated.
45:00 – The Power of Collaboration: Working with colleagues and building a strong network to close deals.
55:00 – Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Conor’s tips on staying focused, maintaining a positive mindset, and leveraging support systems.

Guest Bio

Conor Mackin is a leading commercial sales and leasing agent with Jeremiah Baron & Company Commercial Real Estate, serving the Treasure Coast of Florida since 2021. Specializing in retail and industrial properties, Conor has earned recognition as a CoStar Power Broker, receiving awards for Top Retail Leasing and Top Industrial Leasing Broker. Known for his strong relationship-building skills and commitment to client success, Conor is dedicated to helping businesses find the perfect spaces to grow and thrive while upholding the highest professional standards.

Additional Resources

Conor’s Current Listings

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Owning a Franchise: Lessons on Building a Business and Community with Maureen Twohy

Mondo — Sun, 15 Dec 2024 18:14:49 +0000

Episode 5

If you want own a gym franchise, listen to Maureen’s story before you put up that down payment.

In this episode, Mark Mondo and Cynthia Zimmerman interview Maureen Tuohy, owner of a 9Round Kickboxing franchise in Wheeling Illinois, about her journey from personal trainer to franchise owner. We explore the benefits and challenges of owning a franchise, from startup costs and employee management to navigating the pandemic and fostering a strong community. Maureen shares practical insights and personal stories, offering inspiration for anyone considering franchising as a business model.

Key Takeaways

Why Franchising? Maureen explains her choice of the 9Round franchise for its affordability and strong support system.
Startup Challenges: Balancing significant upfront investment, training, and adapting to franchise requirements.
Employee Management: Tips for finding, training, and retaining dedicated staff members.
Navigating the Pandemic: Overcoming unprecedented challenges with the help of government loans, community support, and creative solutions.
Building a Community: How 9Round fosters a sense of belonging among members while supporting their fitness goals.

In This Episode

00:00 – Show Introduction: Mark introduces the topic of franchising and welcomes Maureen Tuohy.
05:00 – Why Franchising? Maureen shares her reasons for choosing the 9Round Kickboxing franchise over other business models.
15:00 – Startup Investment: The costs and sacrifices involved in launching a franchise.
25:00 – Employee Retention: Strategies for building a loyal and flexible team.
35:00 – Overcoming the Pandemic: How Maureen kept her business afloat during COVID-19 through innovative solutions and community support.
45:00 – Marketing Tips for Franchisees: The importance of grassroots marketing and leveraging digital tools like social media.
55:00 – The Value of Community: Building a supportive environment for both members and staff.

Guest Bio

Since 2017, Maureen Tuohy lives her dream as the owner of a 9Round Kickboxing franchise in Wheeling, Illinois. Along the way, she’s built amazing teams, connected with incredible customers, and turned many of those connections into lifelong friendships. Now, Maureen spends her days helping people reach their fitness goals and creating a welcoming, empowering community.

Additional Resources

The post Owning a Franchise: Lessons on Building a Business and Community with Maureen Twohy appeared first on MondoCRM.

Affordable Tools for Starting a Professional Services Business

Mondo — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 16:14:50 +0000

Episode 4

Setting Up a Professional Services Business with the Right Software on a Shoestring Budget

In episode 4 of Getting Down to Business, Mark Mondo and Cynthia Zimmerman discuss how entrepreneurs can set up a professional services business on a tight budget. They cover affordable or free software solutions for website hosting, CRM, email marketing, video editing, and collaboration tools. We explore how AI tools, like ChatGPT, can help streamline content creation, making it possible to run a business efficiently without breaking the bank.

Key Takeaways

How to find affordable website hosting and domain services (Weebly, GoDaddy, Zoho Sites).
Affordable tools for video and image editing (Vimeo, CapCut, GIMP, Canva).
Collaboration and communication tools for teams (Zoho Cliq, Slack, Zoom).
Using AI (ChatGPT) to assist with content marketing and other creative tasks.
Introduction to email marketing tools (Mailchimp, Mailjet) and free invoicing/accounting tools (Zoho Invoice, PayPal).

In This Episode

00:00 – Show Introduction: Mark and Cynthia introduce the topic of setting up a professional services business on a budget.
05:00 – The Importance of a Website: How to set up a professional website using affordable services like Weebly or Zoho Sites.
15:00 – Domain Names and Hosting: Discussion on buying domain names and the importance of having a professional email address.
25:00 – Tools for Video and Image Editing: Free tools like CapCut and GIMP for video and image editing, and when to invest in premium services like Vimeo.
35:00 – Collaboration Tools: How tools like Zoho Click and Zoom can help teams collaborate efficiently without high costs.
45:00 – AI for Content Creation: Using ChatGPT to generate marketing content, including blog posts, cold emails, and SEO strategies.
55:00 – Email Marketing and Invoicing Tools: Free email marketing platforms like Mailchimp and Mailjet, and accounting software options like ZohoBooks and PayPal for startups.

Guest Bio

Mark Mondo founded MondoCRM 1997 and earned his skills growing up in the family business and working in the software industry as VAR, publisher and consultant since 1993. Cynthia Zimmerman has worked in the non-profit space since 1991 in event and project management, and when she’s away from the desk, she’s singing utilizing her classical training for Christ Church in Winnteka, Illinois.

Additional Resources

Website Hosting and Domain Services:
- Weebly: https://www.weebly.com
- GoDaddy: https://www.godaddy.com
- Zoho Sites: https://www.zoho.com/sites/
Video and Image Editing Tools:
- CapCut: https://www.capcut.com
- GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program): https://www.gimp.org
- Canva: https://www.canva.com
- Vimeo: https://www.vimeo.com
Collaboration and Communication Tools:
- Zoho Cliq: https://www.zoho.com/cliq/
- Slack: https://www.slack.com
- Zoom: https://www.zoom.us
AI Content Creation:
- ChatGPT by OpenAI: https://openai.com/chatgpt
Email Marketing Tools:
- Mailchimp: https://www.mailchimp.com
- Mailjet: https://www.mailjet.com
Invoicing and Accounting Tools:
- ZohoBooks: https://www.zoho.com/books/
- PayPal: https://www.paypal.com

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Stakeholder Business Case: Profit for All

Mondo — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 01:41:29 +0000

Episode 3

Let’s create the case for all stakeholders to profit along with the shareholders.

In episode 3 of Getting Down to Business, Mark and Cynthia interview guest Michael Woyan delve into how businesses can adopt a stakeholder approach to ensure the success of not only shareholders but also employees, communities, and the environment. They explore case studies that highlight the benefits of creating equitable and socially responsible business models, including improving customer loyalty, reducing employee turnover, and fostering cooperation between businesses.

Key Takeaways

The Stakeholder Approach: Why businesses must prioritize all stakeholders, not just shareholders, for long-term success.
Benefits of Social Responsibility: How customer loyalty, employee retention, and community involvement strengthen a company.
Cooperative vs. Competitive Business Models: The advantages of collaboration over competition in solving social and economic problems.
Practical Steps for Entrepreneurs: How small business owners can start building socially responsible business models, including becoming a B Corporation.

In This Episode

00:00 – Show Introduction: Mark welcomes guest Michael Woyan, returning to dive deeper into unfinished business from Episode 1.
05:00 – The Stakeholder Approach: Michael discusses the shift from a shareholder-first model to a stakeholder-focused business approach.
12:00 – Social Impact in Action: Michael shares his experience working with communities to improve economic development, including his work with the Lakota tribe.
20:00 – Employee Retention Strategies: The discussion shifts to how businesses can reduce employee churn by treating employees as assets rather than commodities.
30:00 – Cooperative Business Models: Michael explains how cooperative models can foster stronger businesses, sharing examples from the Chicago B Corp community.
40:00 – Practical Steps for Entrepreneurs: Mark and Michael provide practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to adopt a stakeholder model, including how to start the process of becoming a B Corporation.

Guest Bio

Michael Woyan is a social impact entrepreneur with a background in real estate development and nonprofit work. As the founder of Marketsling Innovation Labs, he focuses on ethical business practices and creating economic opportunities in underserved communities.

Additional Resources

B Corporation Guide –