Alain Legrand, CEO, Legrand CRM
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Legrand CRM CEO, Alain Legrand. We talked about a wide variety of subjects, but I will only share the "interview" portion of our conversation so that you can get some insight from one of the profession's CRM pioneers.
IA: What is Legrand CRM and why should accounting professionals be interested?
AL: Legrand CRM is simply the best business CRM for QuickBooks and XERO users.
A CRM system essentially is a central database of all the people you do business with — prospects, customers, suppliers, contractors, partners — and all the activities that have taken place with all those people. CRM provides business intelligence and business continuity.
Business Intelligence, because CRM enables the business owner to keep his/her finger on the pulse of the business – what has been happening with clients and prospects.
Business Continuity, because CRM stores information about client relationships and client activities. When a team member leaves that data stay with the business.
IA: You mentioned QBO and Xero. Does it work with other accounting platforms?
AL: Legrand Online works with QBO and Xero in terms of accounting platforms and with SmartVault for document management. Further integrations will be added during 2014.
IA: What is on the horizon for Legrand?
AL: First, we look forward to our listing on apps.com – we are currently going through Intuit’s stringent review process. Second, we have been working with a Not For Profit (NFP) organization to develop a new generation NFP solution that is well integrated with XERO and QBO and is much easier to operate than the solutions currently in the market. Look out for this towards the end of Q1. If any of your readers are in the NFP space and have a list of suggestions for their ideal NFP solution then please contact our Irvine office on 1-888-361-0611.
IA: Where do accounting professionals fit in to your "go to market" strategy?
AL: Accounting Professionals are very important. They are in close contact with their clients and can notice when things don’t work smoothly; e.g. broken processes, unhappy clients, poor service – all of which are often caused by poor communications and poor data sharing. Most small business owners don’t realize that a CRM system can fix these issues.
Accounting Professionals can notice these things and recommend that the client investigate a CRM solution. Not only is the Accounting Professional helping the client by finding a solution to improve their business operation but the goodwill generated by this interaction will strengthen their relationship with the client.
We conduct monthly webinars for Accounting Professionals to highlight the various ways CRM can help improve their clients’ operations. Your readers can go to our website (www.legrandonline.com) or contact our Irvine office for more information.
IA: Do accounting professionals have residual or income opportunities with Legrand?
AL: Yes. We have an affiliate program that allows the Accounting Professional to earn a commission. In addition, there is the opportunity to become a certified Legrand Trainer and earn fees in the delivery of training and consulting.
IA: What is your "go to market strategy"?
AL: In addition to our listing on apps.com we are working closely with Intuit and XERO to reach out to their Partner channel. Then, as mentioned before, we are conducting monthly webinars for Accounting Professionals to help them understand how to share the value of a CRM system. And look out for some advertising on Intuitive Accountant in 2014!
IA: I can't wait to see the advertising! Lastly, if our readers get nothing else from this interview, what would you want to make sure they walk away with?
AL: First, realize that a CRM system is an essential tool for any business to grow. Helping your clients find the right CRM for their business will strengthen your relationship with them. Second, know that Legrand CRM is simply the best business CRM for QuickBooks and Xero users! Call us or check it out on www.legrandonline.com