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There are various customer portals available from SM8 Partners, we have been exploring the possibility of creating a ServiceM8 Customer Portal from ERP/MRP/CRM sector.

Why would we do this, I guess the short answer is because this is a feature not offered by ServiceM8 in its core offering and Add-Ons. And we believe that it is a critical functionality that can be required  when ServiceM8 users become larger and work with more complex organisations, especially letting agents, property managers, and the NHS. read more

Serviceguru Customer Portal for ServiceM8

ServiceM8 does not have an inbuilt customer portal, which has created a clear opportunity for third party developers to create tools to improve the customer service element – when trades companies are dealing with larger clients like letting agents and property management businesses. Serviceguru customer portal aims to resolve this.

We continually receive enquiries for customer portals  from our clients and prospects. While we believe that ServiceM8 has incredible ‘inside the box’ capability – there are some times when a robust customer portal could add massive value to our clients operations. read more

Made Smarter MRP Systems Manchester is enabling engineering companies to take advantage of grants to improve business efficiency by creating a smarter manufacturing facility.

Typically engineering manufacturing companies in Manchester use out of date systems, like SAGE Manufacturing, or even worse have no MRP or ERP systems in place.

Grants and funding, of up to £20,000 is available for ambitious engineering business owners that want to their business through digitalisation projects, as well as systematisation, projects can also include bespoke software development, digital twinning, and even website development – all wit the aim of modernising Manchester base businesses, and delivering ‘an industrial revolution’. read more

Over the months I have had quite a few ServiceM8 clients telling me that they had too much 5* Feedback, and they felt that it was not benefiting their businesses because it did not mean anything externally to ServiceM8..

This is a really interesting dilemma, and ServiceM8 did start to address this in their 2020 update by introducing an automated Facebook/Google review request for all 4/5*Feedback that was received. In our view this is a great development, however just because the system auto requests reviews on external platforms – does not mean the clients will do anything with it. (Some clients also set a reminder Badge with another review link that means more to them.) read more

When will ServiceM8 Franchise End

ServiceM8’s Franchise Management system will end next year, it will being deactivated on 30 September 2022.

This directly affects the franchisor “head office” and call centre account, which is used to allocate leads, deploy settings, and report on franchisees – directly to associated ServiceM8 client accounts.

This means head office accounts will be permanently deactivated on 30 September 2022 — they will not be accessible to log in or use past this date.

NOTE – that this does not include franchisee ServiceM8 accounts. read more

Serviceguru Price Comparison – New to ServiceM8

CP12 Certificate Form for ServiceM8 (Landlord Gas Safety Certificate)

As you will be aware, you can build your own Forms in ServiceM8 for ‘no cost’ (only your time!), or you can purchase CP12 Gas Safety Certificate templates form different websites and ServiceM8 partners.

Working with Gas Safe Engineers, we have helped them to customise their Forms and Reports including the CP12 Certificate. Please get in touch if you would like a 30 minute online training session

If you do  not have the time or inclination to do it yourself.. see ‘how we work with ServiceM8 users‘. read more

iCluster iQluster Industry 4.0 what does all of this mean for the UK and in particular the Northeast Engineering supply chain?

Fitfactory, part of the ValueChain Group recently expanded its operations in the UK by opening an office in Stockton, Northeast of England.

iQluster (pronounced iCluster) is not new to the Northeast – having an established client base in the Stockton, Darlington, Middlesbrough and wider Teesside region.

The technology is also used by the North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA). The NEAA say “iQluster Link is a new intelligent business-to-business networking platform, provided by Valuechain, that the North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) is launching for its member organisations”. read more

February’s ServiceM8 Smarter Marketer meeting talked about everything from Referral Voucher Systems to Suicidal thoughts!

One of the topics that has been discussed before is content generation, February’s meeting was recorded using otter.ai – the full transcript of the Zoom meeting is recorded below.. EVERTHING from referral vouchers to suicidal thoughts came up un the hour long conversation (you can see some of the meetings keywords in the Otter screenshot below)..  The next meeting will also discuss ‘how to generate over 11,000 words of unique conversational content – in 60 minutes!’. read more

Thomas Wiggins Commercial Chimney Sweeping Ltd has been doing some incredible work not only using ServiceM8 in his own businesses, but also helping out fellow sweep business to go digital. We have had some small project meetings and conversations with Thomas over the last few months, as we are both Silver ServiceM8 Partners – it is clear that our values and aims have lots of commonality.

When we learnt that there may be an opportunity to pick up from the hard work that he had done with regard to systemising his sector – we jumped at it. read more

FixFlo ServiceM8 integration is an exciting prospect for our clients – and as both of these systems have Zapier connections – the opportunity to improve efficiency and reduce admin seems very possible..

However – the FixFlo Zapier development is only partially completed – it is in place to connect Tenant to the Letting or Managing agent, enabling communication in only a limited area.

The FixFlo to SM8 Zapier connection for,:-

      Letting Agent FIXFLO >> ZAPIER >> ServiceM8 >> ZAPIER >> Letting Agent FIXFLO read more

• LeadHero – automation
• GiftUp – a new Zapier integrated for managing gift cards.

It was also clear that the ideas being discussed were not easy to set up quickly – and they also had additional costs associated with them – before the project was started!

It was difficult to imagine how a referral voucher system could work within ServiceM8 – without having a specific application!

1. Idea was to create a Job for each voucher.
2. Record the serial number of voucher as a New Customer (Company)
3. Record the name of the person tat buys the Voucher as the Billing Contact
4. Record the recipients details as the Job Contact – when known.
5. Set them them as Quotes in SM8
6. Create and apply a Voucher Badge
7. Then Queue for 12 months
8. As Vouchers get redeemed, convert to Work Orders, and Completed as work finished

Going forward, client can record serial numbers of Vouchers as the Names in SM8, Badge, and Queue – and simply convert to a Client if they are redeemed within expiry date..

This process works for this particular client because all sales are made through an EPOS retail till system, Stripe, or direct bank transfer. read more

We recently received this ServiceM8 One Full Star Review.

It was for our assisting with the implementation of a full Job Management and CRM system. The transformation to the business was dramatic. The project was carried out while the business was in lock-down, which was placing particular strain on their paper/excel/diary based in-house system.

The project consisted of a number of elements:-

• Mapping the outline requirement
• Understanding the Job Management / CRM for Tattoo Studio requirements for 10 staff and 20+ freelancers
• Connecting with accounting/QuickBooks
• Assisting with workflow
• Using ServiceM8 for Voucher Management (prize / gifts / cash).

Please see the One Full Star Review.

“Russell has really opened my eyes on how to make my business run so much smoother and more streamline than I could ever imagine. I honestly think once we implement everything he has helped us with over the past 3 weeks will save me and my team at leased 40 hours a week. It will improve my business in so many ways. My customer retention will improve, my sales will improve, our losses will be much less, our customer and contractor relations will improve, my team well-being will improve, and we will have more time to concentrate on developing the brand. Very clever guy with a hunger to solve problems. Listens thinks it out and comes up with solutions. I’m sure we will continue to work together on future projects. Thanks Russell.” read more

ServiceM8 Supplier Invoice Management can be assisted by using the Add-On Automated Supplier Invoice Import – however this is not always flexible enough for more advanced ServiceM8 users.

Burdi has been developed to save trade and service company’s time and money, as well as the comfort in the knowledge that suppliers are not making mistakes that are casting them mardin on jobs.

Are you sick of paying different prices for the same item day to day, spend hours going through wholesaler invoices questioning items and asking for prices to be fixed up? Say hello to burdi. read more

Best CRM for tattoo studios might not be a CRM but a Job Management system!

When studio owners are searching for the best CRM for tattoo studios they are probably working with a number of artists, and are feeling the pain of managing the admin. As well as struggling to market your services to, not only new prospects, but also to existing clients!

A CRM, customer relationship management, system is the obvious choice for any business wanting to better manage clients, with the aim of improving service and ultimately increasing revenue/sales – more efficiently. Like any systems, CRM’s have core functionality, with different strengths and weaknesses – depending on if they are a generic solution or have been designed and developed for a specific sector. read more

Another insightful 60 minute meeting was held in January, although the groups core interest is ServiceM8 users with an interest in marketing – it was apparent that it is good to consider more creative ways of doing things within a business – it is not ALL about tech and processes.

Main talking points:

• Dream 100 strategy as a way of growing a business by having a strategic focus on where your next 100 ideal clients are going to come from. The backbone of this strategy is a direct mail/communication approach, with creative focus and consistency! It was recognised that core to this strategy was understanding clearly what your ideal client ‘looks like’ – which sounds simple, but can be overlooked..
• It was recognised by a couple of members of the group that the best sales performance was not from a sales approach, but when the technicians/engineers engaged directly with clients – the successful conversion of quotes was staggeringly better! It was recognised that the technician/engineer approach was better because there was a much better relationship/rapport with the client. This led the conversation onto how video might be used to improve the customer experience – building client relationships faster. How this could be automated using ServiceM8 and software like Bonjouro, and Bombomb – even down to having pre-recorded footage. Another way of improving clent/technician rapport was the use of iOS Shortcuts – the ability to have Siri read out the client (special/personal) notes for the next job – while the technician is driving to site.
• Best way to get customer reviews! This is a hot subject on forums, how to effectively manage/automate this activity. It was recognised that ServiceM8 has some features in this area, however there are other tech’s that are more advanced. What was interesting was the experience of one member – how they received 50 new 5* reviews in a few months, for the cost of some equine kit (£200) – without implementing any new system/processes!

It was agreed that members would investigate the Dream 100 strategy as documented in Chet Holmes book ‘The Ultimate Sales Machine’ – and this would be discussed further at the next meeting. read more

A mechanical engineer by profession, Russell has in depth experience of working in service and product delivery within the global engineering sector, through to small local companies with a couple of vans on the road.

Over the last four years, Russell’s focus has been on the implementation of ‘no code’ (off the shelf Software as a Service, SaaS) Job Management/CRM solutions for engineering/service company owners, with an ambition to grow on a regional/national basis.

Having a strong belief that there are many software and technology solutions that can provide step changing improvements to businesses (and business owners lives) – it is not all about the tech! The choice of partner/consultant that you make is critical – someone that you can rely on to provide trusted advice. read more

Free mini audit for ServiceM8 users has been set up by Mills Consulting Group to provide feedback and insight on how an account is being managed and used.

We have been working with SM8 users for over 2 years, helping new companies using the system for the first time during a free trial, to advanced users completing over 1500 Jobs per month.

We have a focus of working with engineering service companies, and have some great testimonials in various sectors including: Lifting (Loler/Safed, static, mobile), Solar (domestic/commercial), Plumbing & Heating Engineers, Electrical Contractors, Construction, Specialist Cleaning (Chimneys/floors/stone), etc. read more

Tattoo studio software is a critical part of any modern business that wishes to run a professional and efficient operation.

Sometimes studio owners and managers can become bogged down when it comes to choosing a studio management software because they do not know what they do not know. When asking for any help or advice, the answers that they are craving are often hidden by the noise!

One of the main challenges that is faced is the fact that tattoo studio owners are not system experts – as you might imagine their interest is more in delivering an amazing service and product delivery to their clients. read more

We are often asked about the benefits, and how to set up direct debit payment automation, and how you can work even more efficiently by using direct debit in an integrated ServiceM8 workflow.

But what does integrated direct debit mean, and how can service companies better integrate within their job management systems.

If you use GoCardless already, you will know that it automates cash collection by taking payments from your customers. each time payment is due, with a single upfront mandate. Making cash flow more predictable for your business with integrated direct debit payments combined with the tools you use every day to build and manage your customers. read more

For companies that are serious about growing their service companies on a regional and national basis, they will typically start their ‘technology foundation’ with a modern app based job management system with some CRM functionality – the challenge arises – when growth happens and the core system starts to show signs of weakness, at this point if they are using Squeeg.ee, they might consider combining two CRM solutions – Squeegee App and Infusionsoft..

When tech software/systems are outgrown and if unchecked can cause serious business pain! Just before this pain causes serious business issues, savvy professional business owners have a number of choices:- read more

How to include the CIS deduction on ServiceM8 invoice. This can be done by adding a deduction (call it ‘CIS’) as an item under the jobs Quotes & Invoicing item list.

To do this:-

1. Open the job you wish to apply CIS onto
2. Go to the Quotes & Invoicing Tab
3. Click the add item/service button to add a new item
4. Set the item quantity to -1 (Negative 1)
5. Set the item name / code to CIS
6. Set the item price to its %age equivalent

You should see the total amount adjust automatically. It’ll be best to always put the CIS at the last part of the item list so it is easily seen. Once the invoice is generated, the CIS deduction should show at the bottom of the item list.

Another option is to send the invoice to your accounting package and issue the invoice from there, with the CIS deduction added but we’re not really so sure on how to do this in Xero. (It would be best to get in touch with Xero, or your accounting advisor as they are experts on this. read more

You have found this page because you are trying to get through the fog of information regarding choosing  CRM software for franchisors, you know what a great CRM can do for any business, and you also know that choosing the right shortlist of systems is critical to the ability of your idea to work!

How you handle the issues below (and others) will determine the success of your CRM system choice and overall success of the complete project.

1. Advisory group/feedback. Utilising the full network available to you, understanding business needs of your franchisees, and most importantly that of your target market/prospects. Without their up front investment and backing, your plan could be dead on inception.
2. Not identifying a CRM Lead. Identifying an individual that has the responsibility and accountability to manage this element of initial project and business, ensuring that goals and vision are met. 
3. Not understanding the details  of how the business works in serving Its franchisees AS WELL AS ITS clients. Business models and services change over time, especially during the formation of a growing organisation: most of the time with an absence of documentation and procedures. Creating a CRM ‘system’ without understanding the subtleties of the current activity will not fill any purpose other than frustrating staff who feel that the support team does understand the genuine everyday requests. Visually mapping processes and activity can help overcome this.
4. Depending on ‘off the shelf’ systems to meet the custom needs of the complex business. Understanding the complexity of your own organisation, while being clear on the limitations of readily available software is critical. What is your budget, what expertise do you have in house to manage software projects are some of the hard questions that need answering.
5. Attempting to fit new technology into your current structure. As you start on the journey to implement CRM innovation, continual change is a fundamental prerequisite. Existing sets of expectations should be re-composed for the new procedures and innovation. Those workers who can rapidly incorporate new innovation enthusiastically in their business to the advantage of the organization should elevated to more administration positions, 

When you have clearly mapped out your CRM plans for your organisation, being aware of the issues, and those above, you will be more prepared to handle this task. read more

It was amazing to read a post by Michael Cairns, on linkedIn, about how Celsius Plumbing and Heating have launched virtual help service and that they have helped over 50 families around Edinburgh and the Lothians – ALL without needing to send a single engineer out to their homes!

The virtual help service is a free service, as they wanted to help their local community and contribute ‘a bit more’ during the current difficult times, as many people can’t risk having anyone in their homes due to personal/health/family reasons. read more

With the rise of the global economy, we have all become more aware of what’s going on around the world and all of the problems that people are faced with every day, and there are organisations and companies working fix the problems – micro franchising as a model can help.

Many of those problems have one common denominator and that is poverty – Globally, 10 percent of the world is living on less than $2 a day.

There are many non-government organisations, non-profit organisations, and governments that have put billions of dollars into fighting poverty but it has little long term sustainable success, social innovators and entrepreneurs have noticed this pattern taking place, and are starting to develop new ways to fight poverty, they’re thinking long term sustainability. read more

Customer Service Vs customer experience are often used interchangeably – but, is that correct? This post is going to be going through some of the biggest differences between customer experience and customer service. (If you would like to learn how this relates to growing an engineering services company – always happy to schedule a chat.)

The first key thing to understand is the difference of customer service vs customer experience – customer service is part of a holistic customer experience, customer service usually refers to a support function within a business. It refers to an event that’s been raised by a customer, and the company’s response to that event, the manner in which your company then responds to that event is termed customer service, the customer service side of the business is usually looked after by one or two parts of the business. And these are typically customer-facing roles, such as in the contact center or in physical stores. read more

OK, as of April 2020 we are in the middle of the Coronavirus pandemic. If your business is quiet at the moment then now is the ideal time to educate yourself. Here are my top 9 best marketing books for entrepreneurs. Now, these books will only resonate with you if you own or work in a small entrepreneurial business where generating sales is key. If you are looking for academic marketing books or you work in corporate marketing then these will not be for you. There is just a brief explanation of the value I received each time I read these books. read more

If you are responsible for electrician marketing then I hope you will find these 6 ideas valuable, so please read on.

The first step to winning more electrical jobs is to think like a potential client who has an issue with their electrics. Put yourself in their shoes.

What thought processes will they go through? Which websites do they visit when they have an electrical need or problem? How can you engineer so they “see you” online when they are searching for a solution?

Idea 1

Initially, potential customers will be searching online for information. Maybe they are looking for a DIY solution. This is your ideal opportunity to become their trusted advisor. Have information on your website to educate them to the problem they are experiencing and even give them help on the solution, it may seem counter-intuitive to give free advice but this really does build you as the trusted advisor and even though some people will solve the problem themselves there will be others who simply want to call in an expert when they do not have the time or the issue is not a simple DIY solution. So this can be blog posts, PDF guides or videos. Here is a book I would recommend on how to create content that attracts customers to you. They Ask, You Answer by Marcus Sheridan.  And this becomes even more powerful when it can be linked to a marketing automation system, see Idea 5 below. read more

If you are responsible for roofing repair marketing then I hope you will find these 5 top tips valuable, so please read on.

The first step to winning more roof repair jobs is to think like a potential client who has a leaky roof. Put yourself in their shoes.

What thought processes will they go through? Which websites do they visit when they have a roof problem? How can you engineer so they “see you” online when they are searching for a solution?

TOP TIP 1

Initially, potential customers will be searching online for information. Maybe they are looking for a DIY solution. This is your ideal opportunity to become their trusted advisor. Have information on your website to educate them to the problem they are experiencing and even give them help on the solution, it may seem counter-intuitive to give free advice but this really does build you as the trusted advisor and even though some people will solve the problem themselves there will be others who simply want to call in an expert when they do not have the time or the issue is not a simple DIY solution. So this can be blog posts, PDF guides or videos. Here is a book I would recommend on how to create content that attracts customers to you. They Ask, You Answer by Marcus Sheridan.  And this becomes even more powerful when it can be linked to a marketing automation system, see point 5 below. read more

How to find the best Infusionsoft Consultant.

So you have gotten this far, you have researched (or may even have bought) Infusionsoft – now you are looking for the best Infusionsoft Consultant. In order to make this choice there are a number of considerations to make:

Considerations when making a choice:

• Are you looking for a ‘local’ Infusionslft Consultant;
• Is onsite or off-site training required;
• How much will consultancy cost be;
• Have they done projects in the same sector as you;
• What is their area of expertise?

Another way of helping you to make a shortlist of consultants is to do your own research or review the research of other people and organisations – check out this link to see in-depth reviews of 16 consultants.

Three of the Infusionsoft Consultants that jump out from this list are:- read more

How to Grow a Pest Control Franchise

Pest control franchise owners are in a continually growing market place. According to Franchise Direct. The pest control industry has been performing well in recent years. A service that will always be very much in demand, pest control is a necessary function in society and ensures adequate health and hygiene standards are maintained in both homes and businesses. A couple of key factors have contributed to the growth of this industry:

• Budget cuts within local authorities have led to an increased use of private businesses within the public sector, replacing their former in-house pest control provision.
• Tighter health and hygiene standards, due to legislation.

*According to the 2015 Rentokil report, the UK pest control sector is valued at approximately £400 million with a growth of 3% per annum. read more

It is possible to create a complete service delivery and marketing automation solution for service businesses with ServiceM8 and Infusionsoft.

So ServiceM8 is great a managing service jobs from initial enquiry, generally via a phone call to the job being completed to the satisfaction of the customer, payment collected and all the accounting completed.

But what ServiceM8 does not do is any marketing for your business. And this is what Infusionsoft does. In the sort video demonstration below I show how ServiceM8 and Infusionsoft can be “bolted” together to form a complete marketing and service delivery system for your business. read more

Automation and systemisation is something we take very seriously in our own business. These systems are in the form of flow diagrams, with one chart being developed for each element of the business. From taking an enquiry, following up payments, and even doing social media posts.

Systemisation of your trade business will also allow you to take time out of the day to day running, whenever you want. Take that family holiday you have been dreaming about. Enjoy an afternoon off for some personal time… knowing your business will run exactly the way you have planed it to. read more