The General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) was introduced in May 2018.  Many companies were unclear about ‘how’ to implement the new legislation, either where to start or how far this needed to reach into their businesses.  Mint Blue Consulting created a 2-hour workshop to explore the ‘how’ or practical application of the key GDPR areas to help small companies and as a joint venture with Jigsaw Tree, delivered this workshop to mostly adviser firms across the country.

Around 40 firms received these workshops in Q1 2018 and this was followed up with webinars for a further 150 adviser firms for Benchmark Capital.

Mint Blue Consulting ran a GDPR Project for a medium-sized firm ahead of the original deadline, presented on GDPR to a further 70 adviser firms, ran 30-minute GDPR drop in call sessions, also for adviser firms and also undertook ½ day GDPR reviews including some for a couple of charities to work through their key requirements.

Mint Blue also created and sold a GDPR paper and checklist reviewing the world post-GDPR to further support companies as they adjusted to the new regime.

Companies have valid reasons for wanting or needing to change their CRM systems, however they do not necessarily have the in-house skills or knowledge to understand what is fully involved in the process before proceeding with the actual implementation.

One example recently involved a small adviser firm looking to move from one CRM to another within Financial Services and they asked Mint Blue to review the proposed work ahead of signing.

This review prompted a number of queries to the company in question regarding their understanding and knowledge including some of the following:

• The transition process between systems
• Business project resourcing
• Training
• Post implementation activities
• Data cleansing

Feedback from the adviser firm was as follows –‘It was good to speak to you too and based on your reply there’s a lot more (planning) to this than I imagined. Thanks for this input it certainly highlights what’s involved.’

Mint Blue is able to help firms prepare and understand what is involved before proceeding with a system change.  Most changes are through choice and not often time-critical, so it’s an opportunity for companies to plan before proceeding.

Account Management between businesses and suppliers is key, but companies often underestimate the importance of forging and maintaining good links.  New technology, e.g. CRM or Platform is a sizeable investment for any company, however, understandably, the focus quickly moves back to business as usual once this is in place. Ongoing Account Management can be seen as a lower priority unless the business instigates a plan to keep up to date with new functionality opportunities and continue to build the ongoing relationship.

This was apparent in one smaller adviser firm where staff had been using a leading CRM for a while but were experiencing issues with their workflows and requested help.

Mint Blue Consulting helped facilitate between the supplier and the company in question to re-engage and utilise the dedicated extended support, not just for workflow improvements, but also to explore their other support services.

Mint Blue can assist companies by reviewing their current levels of Account Management and facilitating to help maximise their system use and utilise the supplier specialist knowledge.