Why Brokers Should Stop Using Excel: A CRM Story by Cory LaDuke

Challenges

Ascendix: What tools did you use to track your data before AscendixRE?

Cory: Prior to joining AscendixRE users, I used Microsoft Excel, OneNote, and Outlook to stack data. I had a separate spreadsheet for Contacts, Companies, and Deals.

While the Microsoft Office Suite has many great features, it doesn’t work effectively as CRM software.

The Ascendix interface allowed me to integrate all of my data into one platform, which has drastically improved efficiency in my day-to-day brokerage operations.

Results

Ascendix: Why did you choose AscendixRE CRM?

Cory: One of the main reasons I elected to move forward with Ascendix instead of their competitor is the level of customer service.

The Ascendix team is very responsive to questions, and the Concierge works quickly and does a great job of accurately importing data.

Furthermore, I respect that Ascendix works with individual brokers and small teams. They treat all of their clients with a high level of care, while other CRM platforms only target and service large teams looking for enterprise-level solutions.

Onboarding

Working with the Ascendix team during the onboarding process is imperative to success in your first year using the software.

I had thousands of contacts and records to import to the system which seemed to be a big mountain to climb when beginning the onboarding process.

Ascendix worked with me to get my Excel spreadsheets organized to allow the data to be imported to Ascendix easily and accurately.

Ascendix: What are some of the other Ascendix features, in product or service, that have led you to success?

Cory: Most of my business focuses on Office Tenant Representation. The task management and lease tracking mechanisms in Ascendix are useful because it’s impossible to remember every lease expiration date you need to track.

Additionally, the stacking plan feature is extremely beneficial to brokers who want to see a visual representation of tenancy in office buildings. Early on in my tenure with Ascendix, I was asked by a client to produce a stacking plan for their building.

I was able to create this plan within 24 hours because of the simplicity of importing lease information into AscendixRE. My client was happy with the quick turnaround time as producing the stacking plan would have been a much more difficult task if I wasn’t using Ascendix.

The Payoff

Ascendix: What are the main benefits of using AscendixRE?

Cory: AscendixRE keeps me organized because it allows me to track calls, letters, and emails with ease. I can easily relate various activities to listings, accounts, and/or deals.

The software helps my business flow efficiently. I use the Broker Dashboard to hold myself accountable for the calls I make and the contacts I reach out to on a weekly basis. Among others, I keep charts for tracking both calls to prospective clients and lease expiration dates on my Broker Dashboard.

These widgets are great visuals and two of the first items I look at when I begin work every day.

As with any CRM, implementing Ascendix is a process. I’ve been using the software for roughly one year. I’m happy with the progress I’ve made and look forward to diving even deeper into the software in the years to come!