The team, over here at Selling Lane, absolutely love using Venmo. We send money to friends and families, to our children, and even to the local coffee shop where we all partake in way too much caffeine. PS, my 89-year-old grandmother just sent a birthday gift with Venmo to my niece. If she can figure it out, anybody can. Most of you are familiar with Venmo’s awesome QR code system for payment, but I searched the web recently looking for a way to “link-to-pay” , to my surprise, there was quite a bit of miss-information.

So I thought I’d make it abundantly clear how it’s done. By the way, Link to Pay and QR pay is a standard feature in Selling Lane’s invoicing system, but we thought we’d show you how to do it for other services, such as your outbound mailers or other marketing materials.

How to Add a “Link-to-Pay” link

It’s actually quite simple, it looks like this: https://venmo.com/{Username}

this is the shorter version, it will link you to something more complicated, that looks like this: https://account.venmo.com/u/{username}

IMPORTANT: Do not include the @ symbol from your Venmo username, or it will not work.

How to Find your Link-to-pay UserName?

• Open the App
• Make sure you’re logged in
• Click on the “Me” icon on the lower right
• And it will show your name and your @{username} in the upper left.
• No use that to create your Link-To-Pay Link

Who Do I Find My Venmo QR Code?

• Open the App
• At the top center you’ll see your Avatar, tap on it
• then at the top you’ll see “Venmo Me” tap on it.
• It will show you your Custom QR code.

We recommend you take a screenshot of your Venmo Pay Me QR Code and add it to your printed invoices and even the back of your business card.

How long does it take to get my money with link-to-pay?

Funds sent should appear immediately in your Venmo account. If you have notifications turned on, you should see that the money arrives immediately. From there you can transfer it into your bank account as needed or use it to pay other bills.

Is Venmo Income Taxable:

In the words of my father, Lord rest his soul, “all income is taxable.” So you should treat payments coming from digital payment processing services, like any other payment method, such as cash or business check. We highly recommend you consult your tax advisor on the best way to manage payments that come in through digital portals. Business software systems, such as, Selling Lane makes it easy for you to track invoices and inbound payments so when tax day comes, you’re prepared.

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We as a species have evolved into an “always-on,” “every task is critical,” “self-important” successful business leaders. There’s a pervasive myth: the idea that constant hands-on management and a never-ending stream of work is the hallmark of success. The feeling that you are so interwoven into the DNA of your business that you cannot take time off or let others do your tasks.

But, let’s challenge this notion because I believe true success, or what I like to call “Personal Business Nirvana,” is achieved when your presence isn’t a necessity for your business to thrive. THAT’S RIGHT, you should be able to take a long weekend off and never have to check in. It’s about creating a system so robust and efficient that it allows you the freedom to step away, whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or the head of a large organization.

But, But, But, If I’m Not needed, What Am I Actually Doing?

One of my friends, the general manager of a large car dealership, asked, “if I’m not needed won’t they just replace me, or cut my position?”

Of course not, because you’re now more valuable than ever. When you’ve reached Personal Business Nirvana, you can step back and actually run the business, think through the big picture problems and see your vision through to fruition. More importantly, you can be the leader that you were designed to be. Once you have the ability to delegate responsibilities to other people, or automate with CRM systems, your value actually increases dramatically.

Don’t Be The “Hit By a Bus” Kinda of Guy or Gal

In my younger days, I was in a stagnant job, because I believed I was the most valuable person there. I was the only one who knew how to manage the large processes that make the company tick. I was a one-man band. It was exhausting, but in my 30s I thought that was what the company wanted from me.

I remember sitting in a parking lot or our hotel, trying to connect to Wi-Fi while my wife and kids were waiting to go to Disney, as I worked on tasks that I could’ve easily delegated. I could never disconnect, I felt too self-important.

Thank God, my boss straightened me out one day. He took me aside and said, “Don’t be that guy that if he’s hit by a bus, the company stops running. That simply irresponsible, and is not good for the company you work for or for your own personal health.”

I never thought of it that way, I always thought that the more important I made myself, the more valuable I became. I never realized the owners were thinking that I was actually dangerous to the company.

So I hired a second, and eventually a third, and before long, I was not managing the team myself. Instead, I was directing and soon became project manager, acquisitions manager and ultimately CMO of the company.

As soon as I replaced myself, I was able to grow to the next level, and became invaluable in a different way.

The Illusion of Indispensability to be Successful

Many entrepreneurs and business leaders fall into the trap of believing that their business can’t function without their constant oversight. There’s a certain ego boost in feeling indispensable, but this is a dangerous mindset. If a business can’t operate without you, it’s not just a business; it’s a job. You’re essentially tethered to it, which isn’t sustainable in the long run.

The Power of Delegation and Automation to Become Successful

The key to achieving this Business Nirvana lies in two main strategies: delegation and automation.

• Delegation: Putting the Right Players in the Right Positions

  • Delegation is not just about offloading tasks; it’s about empowering your team. It involves putting the right people in the right roles, with the right training, and then trusting them to do their job without micromanaging. This doesn’t mean relinquishing control. It means cultivating a team that’s capable of operating efficiently in your absence. It’s about creating leaders, not followers.
    My father used to say: “delegate than investigate.” in other words, empower people to do their jobs, but then check in from time to time to make sure that they are actually completing the tasks you assigned them. This is a much less stressful management method for both of you, and it holds people accountable

• Automation: Let Technology Do the Heavy Lifting

  • For solo entrepreneurs and large businesses alike, automation can be your co-pilot. With the advancements in technology, especially in CRM systems, tasks that used to consume hours can now be automated. From customer interactions to sales pipelines, and even basic administrative tasks, these systems can keep your business running smoothly while you’re away.

The Long Weekend Test

A good litmus test of your business’s independence is the ‘long weekend test’. Can you take a long weekend off without your phone ringing off the hook? Are there systems in place ensuring that things are moving along, even in your absence? If the answer is yes, you’re on the right path.

The Benefits of Redundancy on your quest to become successful

Having a business that can run without you doesn’t just afford you personal freedom. It also adds to the value of your business. A company that’s dependent on its founder is a risky proposition for investors and potential buyers. On the other hand, a self-sustaining business is far more attractive and valuable.

Bottom Line: Embrace Your Redundancy and Flourish

In conclusion, strive to make yourself redundant. It might sound counterintuitive, but it’s the epitome of business success. When your business functions perfectly well without you, you’ve not only created something sustainable and scalable, but you’ve also achieved true Business Nirvana – the ultimate freedom to enjoy life outside work while knowing your business is thriving. This isn’t just success; it’s smart, sustainable, and truly fulfilling entrepreneurship.

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CRM software is not just a tool; it’s a game-changer for sales teams and solo business owners alike. It’s the engine behind sales strategy, customer engagement, increase sales and ultimately revenue growth. Here’s an expanded look at how CRM software, like Selling Lane (shameless plug), can transform your sales process and performance outcomes.

OK, here they are, so you don’t have to read the whole post,

1. Understand and focus on customers specific needs
2. Help you upsell and cross-sell with ease.
3. Nurture leads into raving fans.

Study Your Customer to Increase Sales Perspective

CRM software empowers you to understand your customers like never before in human history. By analyzing purchase history, communication logs, and support tickets, you’ll reveal hidden insights into customer behavior and preferences. This data helps you craft personalized messages and offers that resonate, leading to increased conversion rates and more personalized relationships.

Here are some specific examples of how you can use CRM software to understand your customers better:

• Identify your most profitable customers. By analyzing purchase history data, you can identify the customers who are spending the most money with you. This information can help you focus your marketing and sales efforts on these customers.
• Segment your customers based on their interests. By analyzing communication log and support ticket data, you can segment your customers based on their interests and needs. This allows you to send targeted marketing messages and offers that are more likely to be relevant to each customer. Using selling lanes tag system is the easiest way to add a customer to a specific segment, and it even allows you to place the same customer in multiple segments. Example: auction buyer, might also be a seller. A Sufi book reader might also enjoy fantasy.
• Identify customer pain points. By analyzing support ticket data and complaints, you can identify the common problems that your customers are facing. This information can help you improve your products and services and reduce customer churn. For example, if a software company gets lots of calls to the support line asking for password reset, you might consider adding a reset my password button, so they can reset their own password. If a restaurant gets lots of complaints about parking, they might consider adding Valet parking or expanding their lot size.
• Predict customer behavior. By analyzing customer data, you can predict customer behavior. This information can help you personalize your marketing and sales efforts and improve your customer experience. For example, if you notice that customers are buying certain products during the holidays you can both stock up early and market early to increase sales. If a new car dealer has 500 customers out on three year leases, they can have their business development team call customers early and try to get them to trade ahead of schedule.

CRM software gives you the tools you need to understand your customers better and build stronger relationships with them. With CRM, you can:

• Get a 360-degree view of your customers. CRM software integrates with all of your customer-facing systems, so you can see all of your customer interactions in one place.
• Automate tasks. CRM software automates many of the time-consuming tasks associated with customer relationship management, so you can focus on building relationships with your customers.
• Collaborate with your team. CRM software makes it easy to share customer data and collaborate with your team to provide the best possible customer service.

If you’re serious about understanding your customers and building stronger relationships with them, then Selling Lane’s CRM software might be the right solution for you.

Upsell and Cross-selling Effectively

Upselling and cross-selling are two of the most effective ways to increase sales and grow your business. When you upsell, you encourage customers to purchase a higher-priced or upgraded version of the product they’re already interested in. When you cross-sell, you encourage customers to purchase complementary products or services.

CRM software can help you upsell and cross-sell more effectively by tracking customer purchases and allowing you to identify opportunities for upselling and cross-selling. With Selling Lane’s Menu Sales System, you can take this one step further by creating custom menus that offer complementary products and upgrades to your customers.

Here are a few ways to use Selling Lane’s Menu Selling System to upsell effortlessly:

• Create menus for different customer segments. By segmenting your customers based on their purchase history and preferences, you can create custom menus that offer them the most relevant products and upgrades. For example, you could create a menu for customers who have recently purchased a new phone, offering them complementary accessories such as cases, chargers, and screen protectors.
• Offer discounts and promotions on upgrades and complementary products. Offering discounts and promotions can make it more attractive for customers to upgrade or purchase complementary products. For example, you could offer a 10% discount on a new case to customers who purchase a new phone.
• Use images and videos to showcase your products and upgrades. Images and videos can help customers visualize how your products and upgrades can benefit them. For example, you could include images of different phone cases on your menu, so customers can see how they look on different phone models.
• Make it easy for customers to upsell and cross-sell themselves. Selling Lane’s Menu Selling System makes it easy for customers to upsell and cross-sell themselves. When customers are viewing a product, they’ll see a list of complementary products and upgrades that they may be interested in. Customers can simply add these products to their cart with a single click.

Here are 3 upsell examples, from three different industry types

• Clothing Upsell: Offer a discount on a second pair of jeans or a belt to customers who purchase a t-shirt.
• Electronics Upsell: Offer a discount on a laptop sleeve or carrying case to customers who purchase a laptop.
• Food and beverage Upsell: Offer a discount on a milkshake or dessert to customers who purchase a burger and fries.

How can use CRM software to nurture your leads and increase sales:

• Create a sales pipeline. A sales pipeline is a visualization of the different stages that a lead goes through before they become a customer. CRM software can help you to create and manage your sales pipeline, so that you can track the progress of each lead and identify opportunities for nurturing.
• Send targeted email campaigns. CRM software allows you to send targeted email campaigns to your leads based on their interests and needs. For example, you could send a different email campaign to leads who have visited your website but haven’t downloaded a white paper, and leads who have downloaded a white paper but haven’t signed up for a free trial.
• Automate follow-up tasks. CRM software can automate many of the follow-up tasks involved in lead nurturing, such as sending emails and scheduling phone calls. This ensures that your leads are always being nurtured, even when you’re busy with other tasks.
• Use drip marketing campaigns. Drip marketing campaigns are a type of email marketing campaign that sends out a series of emails to leads over a period of time. CRM software can help you to create and manage drip marketing campaigns, so that you can nurture your leads at their own pace.
• Provide valuable content. One of the best ways to nurture your leads is to provide them with valuable content, such as blog posts, e-books, and webinars. CRM software can help you to track which leads have consumed your content, so that you can target them with more relevant messages and offers in the future.

The idea of using tags in your CRM to categorize things in our lives is not a new concept, libraries and automotive parts departments have been using them for decades. And software companies only recently started adding tags to help us sort through our contacts.

What are tags? Tags are a powerful tool that can help you organize and manage your customer data in CRM. By tagging your contacts and companies, you can create custom categories and filters that make it easy to find the information you need

Here are seven awesome uses for tags in CRM:

1. Segment your customers and companies:

Use tags to segment your customers based on their interests, demographics, or purchase history. 
When it comes to marketing, one size does not fit all. By using tags in your CRM, you can create highly targeted call and email campaigns that speak directly to the interests and needs of specific customer groups.

For instance, tagging customers as “Return Buyers” or “Interested in Tech” or “Old School” allows you to send personalized emails with curated products or services that they are more likely to purchase. This segmentation leads to higher engagement rates, more conversions, and a marketing strategy that resonates on a personal level.

Suggested Segments for Interests, Demographics and Purchase History

• Demographics: Age, gender, location, income, education level, occupation, etc.
• Interests: Product categories, brands, hobbies, etc.
• Purchase history: Products purchased, date of purchase, amount spent, etc.

Use case: A clothing retailer uses tags to segment their customers by age and gender. This allows them to send targeted email campaigns to different customer groups.

2. Track your Sales Pipeline with Tags in Your CRM

Use tags to track the stage of each deal in your sales pipeline. This will help you stay organized and identify any potential bottlenecks. Time is money, and in the world of sales, knowing where to focus your time is crucial. Tags like ‘High Value’ or ‘Urgent Follow-Up’ can help your sales team prioritize leads that are more likely to close or require immediate attention. This ensures that high-potential opportunities are never missed and that your team is always working efficiently towards the most profitable outcomes.

• Sales pipeline stages: Lead, prospect, qualified lead, opportunity, closed won, closed lost, etc.
• Sales Pipeline Priority: Hot, Cold, Urgent, High Value, etc.
• Sales Time: This month, Next Month, Jan Deal, etc.

Use case: A software company uses tags to track the stage of each demo they give. This allows them to identify which demos are most likely to convert into paying customers.

3. Identify opportunities: 

Use tags to identify opportunities for cross-selling and upselling. For example, you can tag customers who have purchased a certain product with a tag for a complementary product.

Use case: A computer retailer uses complementary product tags to identify customers who have purchased a laptop. They then send these customers targeted emails with offers on laptop accessories.

4. Use Tags in your CRM to Improve customer service

Why add the additional expense of a separate support ticket manager such as Zendesk when you can add support tags to your customers and keep it all in one place.

Use tags to identify customers who need special attention. For example, you can tag customers who have had a negative experience or who have opened a support ticket.

Every interaction with a customer is an opportunity to learn and improve. By tagging interactions such as ‘Support Call’ or ‘Product Feedback’, you can keep a detailed record of how customers engage with your business. This data is invaluable for understanding customer behavior, improving service, and making informed decisions about product development and customer support strategies.

Listening to your customers is key to product improvement. By using tags like ‘Feature Request’ or ‘Bug Report’, you can categorize customer feedback and ensure that it reaches the right teams quickly. This organized approach to feedback management accelerates the improvement cycle and demonstrates to your customers that their input is valued and acted upon.

Customer support tickets: Open, closed, unresolved, high priority, etc.

Use case: A telecommunications company uses tags to identify customers who have had a service outage. They then contact these customers to apologize and offer a resolution.

5 Use Tags in Your CRM to Create Instant Reports

Use tags to generate reports on your sales, customer service, and marketing campaigns. This information can help you make better business decisions.

Collaboration is essential in any business, and tags can play a pivotal role in ensuring everyone is on the same page. You could create quick reports using tags such as ‘Needs Review’ or ‘Awaiting Approval’ clearly communicate the status of tasks and projects within your team. This clarity helps prevent bottlenecks, ensures tasks are completed in a timely manner, and fosters a collaborative environment where everyone understands their responsibilities.

Graphic: A report showing sales data for different customer segments.

Use case: A used car lot uses tags to track customer satisfaction. They then generate a report on customer satisfaction by salesperson and dealer location.

6. Managing Event Attendees with Tags

Events are a great way to connect with customers and prospects, but managing attendees can be a logistical nightmare. Tags like ‘Webinar Attended’ or ‘Trade Show Guest’ can help you keep track of who has engaged with your events, allowing for effective follow-up and nurturing of those relationships. This targeted approach ensures that the momentum from your events is not lost and that potential leads are pursued appropriately.

Use Case: A Towing Software company, uses tags to track opportunities from each of the trade shows they attend, such as the Baltimore tow show, or Orlando Tow show. This way they can pull up two tags, 1 “opportunities” and 2. “Orlando Tow Show” and work those leads as a group.

7. Collaborate with your team: 

Use tags to collaborate with your team members on deals and customer relationships. For example, you can tag a team member in a note or task to keep them updated.

Use case: A real estate team uses tags to track the status of each property listing. They then tag team members in notes and tasks to keep everyone updated on the progress of each listing.

Final Thoughts:

These are just a few of the many ways that you can use tags in CRM. By using tags effectively, you can organize your customer data, improve your sales process, and provide better customer service.

In conclusion, tags in your CRM are more than just labels; they are powerful tools that can transform the way you interact with customers, manage your sales pipeline, and collaborate as a team. By leveraging tags effectively, you can create a more organized, efficient, and customer-centric business.

I hope this blog post has given you some ideas on how to use tags in CRM to improve your business. If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave a comment below. And I hope you’ll consider Selling Lane’s Tag Manager as your favorite choice for small business software.

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Even if software is not your thing, this guide to CRM Should Help.

“I remember the first day that I decided to quit my job and start my first business, I’m not going to lie, I threw up in my mouth a couple of times that day. Even though starting a business is thrilling, it was also overwhelming. I had products to sell, I needed to find clients, not to mention data to manage, all without much income coming in at first.

To say I was nervous, was an understatement, and one of the first things my partner and I had to do was figure out what CRM software we were going to use to track it all, because I was damned if I was going to run a business with pen and paper like my parents. I wish I had this guide to CRM the day I started.”

Kevin, co-founder of a software company in 2014.

If the term “CRM” has popped up in your research, and you’re feeling a tad anxious about it, fear not! This guide is here to ease your worries, let’s get you started, and in the words of Douglas Adam’s in the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, “Don’t Panic”

What is CRM Software?

A CRM, or Customer Relationship Management system, is like a digital assistant that helps you manage all your business’s relationships and interactions with customers. Imagine having a tool, on day one of your startup, that remembers every client detail, every transaction, and every promise you’ve made. And as you grow, and add employees, the business software becomes a critical part of your business. Check out this ultimate guide to CRM, it may help.

Why Do You Need CMR software?

CRM software is essential for businesses of all sizes. It helps you to manage your customer relationships more effectively, which can lead to increased sales, improved customer service, and reduced costs. Good CRM’s include Invoicing, websites, selling systems, task management and much more. Have you ever forgotten a client’s name or missed a follow-up call? Then a CRM system is your safety net, It ensures you stay on top of tasks, remember client preferences, and never miss an opportunity to grow your business.

Benefits of Using a CRM System:

• Stay Organized: No more juggling between notebooks, emails, or apps. Everything is in one place.
• Build Stronger Relationships: By remembering client preferences and past interactions, you can tailor your service, making clients feel valued.
• Boost Sales: With all client data at your fingertips, you can spot opportunities faster and act on them. Great CRM’s include selling system’s to help you make those deals, such as Selling Lane’s Menu Selling System. It gives customers choices so they upgrade themselves.

A Nervous Person’s Guide to CRM and Choosing the Right Software:

• Understand Your Needs: Do you want mobile access? Do you need it to integrate with your email? Do you want it to give you free stuff like website builders and link to pay invoices?
• Test a Few: Most CRM systems offer free trials, for example, Selling Lane offers 31 days free, so you can play around and hopefully get hooked. But, test a few to see which one you’re most comfortable with.
• Consider your budget. CRM software can range in price from $6 per month to hundreds of dollars per month. It’s important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you don’t overspend. For example, we set a budget of $25 per employee per month for Phone, CRM and Accounting software, not an easy task, but to this day we still use that budget.

How to implement CRM Software:

• Start Slow: Begin with basic features. As you get comfortable, explore more advanced features.
• Train Your Team: If you have employees, ensure they know how to use the CRM.
• Stay Updated: CRM software gets updated. Make sure you’re always using the latest version.
• Consistency is Key: Make it a habit to update the CRM regularly.
• Clean Your Data: Outdated or wrong data can hurt your business. Regularly check and clean your CRM data.
• Use Integrations: Many CRMs integrate with other tools like email marketing software. Use these integrations to save time.

A couple of CRM Software Case Studies:

• Sarah’s Handmade Crafts: After using a CRM, Sarah saw her sales double in just one year, mostly because she could follow up on leads coming from Etsy and eBay more efficiently. She even added tasks to previous customers to remind them to purchase at key holidays such as Hanukkah and Christmas.
• Tech Fixers: A tech repair shop used CRM to track customer device repairs. They reduced device return rates by 30%. Selling Lane CRM also improved the speed in which they were able to fix the devices, because no device got left behind while they were waiting for parts, Selling Lane’s task manager specifically prevented this.

Common Myths About CRM Software:

• “It’s too technical for me!”: Modern CRMs are designed to be user-friendly. Plus, there are tons of tutorials available.
• “I’m just a small business. I don’t need it.”: CRM isn’t just for big corporations. Small businesses stand to gain a lot from using a CRM. Even when I was a solopreneur, my CRM was a crucial part of my operation and it just 6 to 12 bucks a month it was highly affordable and was like having an AI employee.

Why we created this guide to CRM?

We created this guide to CRM to help business owners like you understand the benefits of using CRM software and how to choose and implement the right system for your business.

Starting and running a business is challenging, and there are many things to juggle. Customer relationship management (CRM) software can help you automate tasks, streamline processes, and gain valuable insights into your customers.

With Selling Lane’s CRM, you can:

• Track leads and manage your sales pipeline with CRM
• Increase sales, upsell easier and grow your business, with Menu Selling
• Create proposals and invoices, then get paid faster with Invoicing and Link to Pay
• Automate tasks, create to-do’s, and get things done with Task manager
• Create your own business website and get found easier with Website Builder
• Share your business or personal contact info with potential clients with QR Code Business Card
• Create custom tags for your customers companies and projects, with Tag Manager

Bottom line, with CRM software, you can gain valuable insights into your customers, and turn them into raving fans

I get it, embracing a CRM software system might feel daunting at first, but it’s a game-changer. And with Selling Lane’s CRM, you’re not just getting an easy-to-use tool; you’re getting an AI partner that helps your business grow and thrive. So, take a deep breath, dive in, and watch your business soar to new heights!

We hope this guide is helpful. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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Ever noticed those smooth roads and driveways in your neighborhood? They don’t just magically appear. There’s a whole industry behind it, and it’s called the asphalt and seal coating industry. And guess what? There’s a cool job in this field where you can make good money. It’s called a sales estimator.

Seal coating is a popular way to protect and extend the life of asphalt driveways and parking lots. It works by creating a barrier that protects the asphalt from the elements and prevents it from cracking and crumbling.

Starting a seal coating side gig can be a great way to make extra money. The business is relatively easy to start and operate, and there is high demand for seal coating services.

What’s a Seal Coating Sales Estimator?

A sales estimator is like a detective. They look at a project, figure out what materials are needed, how many people will work on it, and how long it will take. Then, they tell the customer how much it will cost. It’s a super important job because if they get it wrong, the company they estimate for can lose money.

“Seal coating is one of the best ways to protect and extend the life of your asphalt driveway or parking lot.” 

– Bob Vila, Home Improvement Expert

Benefits of a Seal Coating Side Gig:

• Low overhead costs: The main overhead costs associated with a seal coating side gig are the cost of equipment and materials. You can start small and purchase equipment as needed.
• Flexible schedule: A seal coating side gig is a great way to earn extra money without having to commit to a full-time job. You can work evenings and weekends, or on your own schedule.
• High demand: There is high demand for seal coating services. Homeowners and businesses need to seal coat their asphalt every few years to protect it and extend its lifespan.

1. Master the Basics

Before you can excel, you need to understand the fundamentals:

• Materials: Know the types and grades of asphalt, sealants, and other materials. Understand their costs and appropriate applications.
• Labor: Familiarize yourself with the workforce required for different projects and the associated labor costs.
• Equipment: Be aware of the machinery used, their operational costs, and maintenance expenses.
• Travel Time, how long does it take to get there? Can all your team arrive at the same time?
• Production Rates and materials, we recommend you check weekly with the suppliers to verify that the price has not sharply risen or plummeted. Different times a year have different effects on the price of the product, example if you’re in the middle of the fall season when everybody’s getting seal coated before winter, the supplier may increase the rate.
• Set up / clean up time, make sure to factor in the amount of time it takes to set up the equipment, and to clean up after the job. Underestimating here can really hurt your profits, especially since seal coating can be dirty work. If the seal coating company does not take precautions to protect areas that are not being sealed coated.

2. Invest in the Right Tools for the Job

Simple, business software, such as Selling Lane, can help you manage your customers with its CRM, keep track of your tasks with its built in task manager, and get you directions to the job. But more than that, it can provide a website for customers to find you, invoicing software, to get paid faster, and you can tag your customers to help you flow them through the process from lead to sold. We think it’s a must-have for any small business, especially a start-up.

Measuring wheel: This tool is used to measure the area of the asphalt that will be seal coated. Although the measuring tool built into your iPhone can also do a decent job, but there is risk, sometimes old-school methods are the best.

3. Continuous Learning

The construction industry is ever-evolving. Stay updated with the latest techniques, materials, and best practices. Attend workshops, webinars, and industry conferences.

4. Build a Network

Relationships matter. Connect with contractors, suppliers, and other industry professionals. A strong network can lead to referrals and more job opportunities.

5. Offer Consultation Services

Leverage your expertise by offering consultation services. Help clients understand the best materials for their needs, the importance of regular maintenance, or how to extend the lifespan of their asphalt installations.

6. Diversify Your Services

Don’t limit yourself to just asphalt and seal coating. Explore related services like striping, crack filling, or drainage solutions. The more you offer, the more opportunities you have to earn.

7. Prioritize Customer Service

A satisfied client is likely to refer you to others and come back for future projects. Ensure clear communication, provide accurate estimates, and be transparent about potential additional costs.

8. Understand Your Market

Know the going rates in your area. While you don’t want to undersell your services, overpricing can drive potential clients away. Find a balance that reflects your expertise and the market demand.

9. Manage Your Finances

Keep track of your expenses, from software subscriptions to travel costs. Efficient financial management ensures you’re pricing your services profitably.

10. Promote Yourself

Having an online presence is crucial. You can create a professional website using companies like Selling Lane, where you get full business software including the website for one low price. Or use companies like Squarespace, a dedicated website creation, tool, where you pay monthly, but can build something a lot more extensive. I’ve always been a fan of getting to the point though, showing customers what you offer and providing away for them to contact you. Simple is usually the best.

Either way, with a business website, you can showcase your past projects, gather client testimonials, and engage on social media platforms.

11. Upselling to Full Blacktop Replacement

Most of the time you’re going to be estimating for seal coating businesses, however, sometimes you’re going to come upon a job that requires Blacktop replacement. Finding these upsell can be a real bonus to your business, because the job goes from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Especially late in the season, Blacktop companies are looking for work to extend the season before the asphalt makers shut down for the winter.

Final Thoughts

Being an asphalt and seal coat sales estimator offers numerous avenues to make money. By honing your skills, embracing technology, and building strong relationships, you can carve a successful and profitable career in this industry. Remember, it’s not just about estimating costs; it’s about providing value to your clients and setting the foundation for long-term success.

Additional Tips:

• Offer discounts for new customers and repeat business.
• Provide excellent customer service.
• Guarantee your work.
• Get testimonials from satisfied customers.
• Network with other businesses in your area, such as asphalt paving contractors and home improvement stores.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success in the seal coating business.

Read More:

Why a Seal Coat / Asphalt Sales Estimator Needs a CRM and Invoicing Software?

What the heck is a Blacktop/Seal Coat Sales Estimator?

Everything you need to grow your thriving business. Get higher quality leads, close more deals and manage customers all in one place with Selling Lane CRM Try For Free Get Sellinglane CRM No credit card needed setREVStartSize({c: 'rev_slider_12_5',rl:[1240,1024,778,480],el:[500,400,300,200],gw:[1240,1024,778,480],gh:[500,400,300,200],type:'hero',justify:'',layout:'fullwidth',mh:"0"});if (window.RS_MODULES!==undefined && window.RS_MODULES.modules!==undefined && window.RS_MODULES.modules["revslider125"]!==undefined) {window.RS_MODULES.modules["revslider125"].once = false;window.revapi12_5 = undefined;if (window.RS_MODULES.checkMinimal!==undefined) window.RS_MODULES.checkMinimal()}

In Selling Lane CRM, adding contact tags is like highlighting your customers or companies. It helps you group them by something special or important, making it easier to find them easily. Company tags work the same way, with one advantage, by categorizing the whole company, all of the contacts within the company will also display.

Tags allow you to categorize, highlight, and quickly identify specific attributes or interactions with your customers or the companies you do business with. 

Adding Contacts Tags

• Search for the contact and click into the contacts details
• Click + Tag
• Add a new tag or pick from the pull down
• You can add as many tags as needed to a Contact
• When you search for that tag, it will bring up all contacts and companies with that tag.

Adding Companies Tags

• Search for the Company and click into the companies details
• Click + Tag
• Add a new tag or pick from the pull down
• You can add as many tags as needed to a company
• When you search for a company tag it will bring up all contacts in that company.

Here are some specific tag suggestions for contacts and companies:

Contact Tags:

• Lead type: Lead, prospect, customer, partner, vendor, etc.
• Industry: Finance, healthcare, technology, retail, etc.
• Company size: Small business, medium-sized business, enterprise
• Job title: CEO, CFO, CTO, VP of sales, VP of marketing, etc.
• Location: City, state, country
• Engagement level: Active, inactive, engaged, disengaged
• Source: Website, referral, event, social media, etc.
• Interest: Product A, product B, product C, etc.
• Purchase history: Product purchased, date of purchase, amount spent

Company Tags:

• Industry: Finance, healthcare, technology, retail, etc.
• Company size: Small business, medium-sized business, enterprise
• Location: City, state, country
• Revenue: $1M-$10M, $10M-$100M, $100M-$1B, etc.
• Number of employees: 10-50 employees, 50-250 employees, 250+ employees
• Growth rate: High growth, medium growth, low growth
• Customer segment: Small business, medium-sized business, enterprise
• Products or services: Product A, product B, product C, etc.
• Competitors: Company A, company B, company C, etc.

Short explanation video, how to add contact tags and company tags

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In the sprawling digital jungle of startups, great business software is the trusty machete that clears the path to your organization’s success. It’s the Marvin Gaye of the business world, making operations smoother than a love song, improving efficiency to hit those high notes, and enhancing customer service to win over even the toughest crowds. But hold your horses, not all business software is ready for the big stage. Check out these features that you are going to need.

1. Know Your Ideal Client with Customer Relationship Management:

Having a CRM integrated into your Small Business Software is invaluable, because:

1. Centralized Data: A CRM consolidates customer data, ensuring that all information, from contact details to purchase history, is stored in one place. This makes it easier to access and manage customer interactions and ensures that every team member has a consistent view of each customer.
2. Improved Customer Relationships: By tracking interactions, preferences, and feedback, a CRM allows businesses to understand and anticipate the needs of their customers. This leads to more personalized service, fostering loyalty and enhancing customer satisfaction.
3. Efficiency and Productivity: Automating tasks like follow-ups, data entry, and lead tracking means less manual work. This allows teams to focus on more value-added activities, improving overall productivity.
4. Sales and Revenue Growth: With tools for lead management, sales forecasting, and opportunity tracking, a CRM can help businesses identify potential deals, prioritize leads, and streamline the sales process, leading to increased sales.
5. Data-Driven Decisions: CRMs often come with analytics and reporting tools. These provide insights into sales performance, customer behavior, and marketing effectiveness, enabling businesses to make informed decisions.
6. Enhanced Communication: A CRM ensures that every team member, whether in sales, marketing, or customer service, has access to the same information. This promotes consistent communication both internally and with customers.
7. Cost Savings: Over time, the efficiencies gained from using a CRM can lead to reduced operational costs. Additionally, by improving customer retention, businesses can save on the costs associated with acquiring new customers.
8. Scalability: As a business grows, so does its customer base. A CRM can easily scale to accommodate more customers and more complex sales processes, ensuring that businesses are always equipped to manage their expanding operations.
9. Integration Capabilities: Many CRMs can integrate with other tools, such as email marketing platforms, accounting software, and e-commerce systems. This ensures seamless data flow across different business functions.
10. Enhanced Security: CRMs often come with security features that protect customer data, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations and building trust with customers.

Incorporating a CRM into Small Business Software ensures that businesses have the tools they need to manage customer relationships effectively, drive growth, and remain competitive in today’s dynamic business environment.

2. Get found faster with a Business Website Builder:

Having a business website builder integrated into your CRM offers a multitude of advantages:

1. Unified Platform: Instead of juggling multiple platforms, you can manage both your customer relationships and your online presence in one place. This streamlines operations and reduces the learning curve.
2. Data Integration: With a website builder within your CRM, data from your website, such as lead forms or customer inquiries, can be directly integrated into the CRM. This ensures that potential leads or customer interactions from your website are immediately captured and can be acted upon.
3. Consistent Branding: By managing your website and customer interactions in one place, you can ensure consistent branding and messaging. Any updates or changes can be reflected both on your website and in your customer communications seamlessly.
4. Cost-Effective: Instead of paying for a separate website builder and CRM, integrating the two can be more cost-effective. It can also reduce the costs associated with training staff on multiple platforms.
5. Real-time Updates: Any changes or updates to customer data in the CRM can be reflected on the website in real-time, ensuring that the website always displays the most up-to-date information.
6. Enhanced Personalization: With integrated data, you can personalize the website experience for returning customers or leads, showing them content or offers tailored to their preferences or past interactions.
7. SEO Benefits: Some CRM-integrated website builders offer SEO tools, ensuring that while you manage customer relationships, your website remains optimized for search engines, driving more organic traffic.

In essence, integrating a website builder with your CRM not only simplifies operations but also enhances the effectiveness of both your online presence and customer relationship management.

3. Remember everything, with Task Management and Distribution:

Task Management and Distribution within a CRM software is crucial for several reasons:

1. Streamlined Workflow: Efficient task management ensures that every task, from following up with a lead to sending out an invoice, is organized and tracked. This reduces the chances of tasks falling through the cracks and ensures that every customer interaction is timely and relevant.
2. Enhanced Productivity: Distributing tasks among team members ensures that workloads are balanced. When tasks are assigned based on expertise or availability, they are more likely to be completed efficiently and effectively.
3. Clear Accountability: When tasks are assigned to specific individuals or teams within the CRM, there’s clear accountability. Everyone knows their responsibilities, reducing ambiguities and potential conflicts.
4. Real-time Monitoring: With task management features, managers and team leads can monitor the progress of tasks in real-time. This allows for timely interventions if tasks are off-track and ensures that projects stay on schedule.
5. Improved Customer Service: By ensuring that customer-related tasks (like follow-ups or addressing queries) are managed and distributed promptly, businesses can provide better service. This leads to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
6. Data-Driven Decisions: Integrated task management within a CRM provides valuable data on team performance, task completion rates, and bottlenecks. This data can inform decisions, helping businesses optimize processes and improve efficiency.
7. Collaboration Boost: A CRM with task distribution capabilities fosters collaboration. Team members can easily share updates, notes, or ask for assistance, ensuring that tasks are completed collaboratively and knowledge is shared.
8. Prioritization: Not all tasks are of equal importance. Integrated task management allows for prioritization, ensuring that critical tasks, especially those directly impacting customers, are addressed first.
9. Reduced Manual Efforts: Automating task management and distribution reduces manual efforts. For instance, certain tasks can be automatically assigned to specific teams or individuals based on predefined criteria, saving time and reducing errors.
10. Scalability: As a business grows, the volume of tasks and the complexity of processes can increase. A CRM with robust task management and distribution capabilities can scale to accommodate this growth, ensuring that businesses remain efficient regardless of size.

Task Management and Distribution in a CRM software is not just a feature—it’s a necessity. It ensures that businesses operate efficiently, team members collaborate effectively, and customers receive the best possible service.

4. Give Customers Choices with Menu Selling:

Choice menu selling within a CRM software offers a structured approach to presenting products or services to potential customers. Here’s why it’s essential:

1. Personalized Customer Experience: Choice menu selling allows businesses to present tailored options to customers based on their preferences and needs. This personal touch enhances the customer experience, making them feel valued and understood.
2. Streamlined Sales Process: Instead of overwhelming customers with every available option, choice menu selling presents a curated selection, making the decision-making process more straightforward and efficient for the customer.
3. Increased Sales Opportunities: By presenting a menu of choices, businesses can showcase a range of products or services, increasing the chances of upselling or cross-selling. Customers might opt for a higher-priced option when they see the value it offers in comparison to other choices.
4. Clear Communication: Choice menus provide clarity. Customers can easily understand the differences between options, whether it’s in terms of features, benefits, or pricing. This transparency builds trust and reduces the chances of misunderstandings.
5. Data Collection and Analysis: With choice menu selling integrated into a CRM, businesses can collect valuable data on customer preferences and choices. This data can inform future product development, marketing strategies, and sales approaches.
6. Consistency in Sales Approach: Choice menus ensure that every salesperson presents options in a consistent manner. This uniformity ensures that all customers receive the same quality of service and information, regardless of who they interact with.
7. Efficient Training: For businesses with a rotating sales team or new hires, choice menu selling provides a structured approach that’s easy to teach and implement, ensuring that even new team members can hit the ground running.
8. Enhanced Customer Engagement: Interactive choice menus, especially digital ones, can engage customers more effectively. They can visually compare options, leading to a more informed and confident purchase decision.
9. Reduced Decision Fatigue: Too many choices can overwhelm customers, leading to decision paralysis. A well-structured choice menu simplifies the selection process, reducing decision fatigue and increasing the likelihood of a purchase.
10. Feedback Loop: Based on customer selections and feedback, businesses can continuously refine their choice menus, ensuring they remain relevant and aligned with customer needs and market trends.

In summary, choice menu selling in a CRM software is not just a sales tool—it’s a strategic approach that enhances customer experience, boosts sales opportunities, and provides valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences. It ensures that businesses remain customer-centric, agile, and competitive in a dynamic market.

5. Get Paid Faster with Invoicing and Link to Pay

Invoicing and link-to-pay functionality within a CRM software can significantly enhance a business’s efficiency and customer experience. You should be able to link to Venmo Paypal, CashApp, Apple Pay and Google Pay and even your own bank if needed. Here’s why it’s crucial:

1. Streamlined Payment Process: Integrating invoicing and link-to-pay directly within the CRM means businesses can generate and send invoices instantly after a sale or service is completed. This reduces the time between service delivery and payment.
2. Improved Cash Flow: With the ease of link-to-pay, customers are more likely to make payments promptly. Faster payments lead to better cash flow, which is essential for the financial health of any business.
3. Enhanced Customer Experience: Customers appreciate convenience. By providing a direct link to pay, you’re offering a seamless, hassle-free payment experience. This can lead to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.
4. Reduced Administrative Burden: Automated invoicing and payment links mean less manual data entry and fewer errors. This not only saves time but also reduces the administrative burden on staff.
5. Centralized Financial Data: Having invoicing integrated with the CRM allows businesses to have a centralized view of both customer interactions and financial transactions. This holistic view can provide valuable insights for sales forecasting and financial planning.
6. Secure Transactions: Modern link-to-pay solutions often come with built-in security features, ensuring that customer payment information is processed securely, building trust with your clients.
7. Automated Follow-ups: If a payment is overdue, the CRM can automatically send reminders to customers, reducing the effort required for follow-ups and increasing the likelihood of timely payments.
8. Customization and Branding: Integrated invoicing often allows businesses to customize invoices with their branding, giving a professional look and feel that aligns with the company’s identity.
9. Real-time Updates: As soon as a customer makes a payment through the link, the CRM can be updated in real-time. This ensures that sales and finance teams always have up-to-date information on payment statuses.
10. Environmental and Cost Benefits: Digital invoicing reduces the need for paper invoices, leading to cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint.
11. Easy Reconciliation: With all financial transactions linked to customer profiles in the CRM, reconciling payments becomes more straightforward, reducing discrepancies and ensuring accurate financial reporting.

In summary, integrating invoicing and link-to-pay functionality in a CRM software is not just a matter of convenience—it’s a strategic move that can lead to improved financial performance, enhanced customer relationships, and streamlined operations. It ensures that businesses can focus on growth while offering an optimal payment experience to their customers.

Those Are The Essentials

These five dazzling features – think of them as the five Horsemen of the Software Apocalypse – will have you managing customers like a charming maître d’, optimizing routes like a five-star Uber driver, distributing tasks like a seasoned quarterback, and boosting sales through menu selling like a celebrity chef.

Brace yourself for not just an uptick in your operations, but a full-on renaissance. A flood of streamlined operations and a wave of growth that will make a surfer giddy. So, strap in, hold on to your hats, and let’s rocket your business into the stratosphere. Over and out!

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How to Edit Keywords on the website builder included in Selling Lane.

When you are adding keywords to Selling Lane’s Website Builder, remember to put commas between the keywords. This will make each of them separate in the eyes of the Google search engines, for example, “blacktop sealing, pothole repair,”

Example of how to add keywords in the website builder included in Selling Lane

It’s super simple to add keywords to selling lanes website builder. We highly recommend. don’t mess this step because it is incredibly important, because it helps Google and Bing in Yahoo find your website.

 

What is The Website Builder Included in Selling Lane?

We realize that most small businesses don’t have a website, especially when they initially start up. So we include a comprehensive business website feature in Selling Lane, when you are a Selling Lane member. The website builder, allows you to post images, describe your products, list your phone numbers and social sites,  and very easy steps.

Example Keywords by Business Type,

Every business is slightly different, and you know your business Best. Before you begin picking keywords, ask yourself, what would people do if they were searching for the things you do. For example, if I am looking for a plumber at one in the morning, I might search “plumbing service open 24 hours”

Here are three examples of keywords by business.

• Search for the company
• Once found, click on the company or added it from scratch
• Then click add contact on the right-hand side
• Add the additional contact and you’re good to go

below is a brief video explaining the process mentioned above.

Short explanation video, how to add additional context to a company