Background: A Legacy of Excellence in Executive Recruitment
For over 34 years, Ken Loyd of kenloyd.com has been a key player in the restaurant industry, working as an executive recruiter focused on senior-level executives, VPs, and directors. Serving national chains like Cheesecake Factory and Blaze Pizza, he has witnessed the evolution of technology from the era of thermal fax machines to the digital age. Initially starting with paper-based processes, Ken’s journey with Act! began when he came upon its first version in a computer retail store.
“I happened into an Egghead store, asked them if they had a software program that could manage contacts, and there it was—Act! V1, green screen DOS-based, backed up on 5-inch floppy disks. And here I am today, 34 years later, still using Act!”, says Ken Loyd.
Today, Ken manages a database of over 78,000 contacts and 50,000 email addresses using Act!, proving its longevity and reliability in the competitive recruitment industry.
Challenge: Keeping Pace in a Rapidly Evolving Industry
Before adopting Act!, Ken faced significant challenges in maintaining organization and ensuring consistent follow-up with clients and candidates. The transition from paper to digital was driven by the need to handle a large volume of data without missing crucial calls or meetings. Ken’s main pain point was the overwhelming amount of paperwork and the inefficiency of managing contacts manually.As the recruitment industry grew more complex, the need for a comprehensive CRM solution became clear.
Solution: A Seamless Transition to Digital with Act!
Act! became the backbone of Ken’s business, offering a powerful email marketing tool that empowers him to send 15,000 to 20,000 emails weekly. Ken also uses Act!’s fully integrated Marketing Automation module to create quarterly newsletters and personalized video emails.This shift not only streamlined operations but also enhanced his ability to maintain personal connections with candidates and clients.
Impact: Enhanced Organization, Efficiency, and Personalization
With Act!, Ken has achieved a level of organization and efficiency that was previously unimaginable. The software’s reminder features ensure that no appointment is ever missed, while its data tracking capabilities allow for comprehensive documentation of conversations and follow-ups. Ken leverages advanced searches which revolutionized his approach to outreach and segmentation.
The integration of marketing automation into Act! was a game-changer, enabling Ken to scale his operations while maintaining a personal touch. His open rates improved dramatically, reaching as high as 60% on follow-up emails. And, by combining email marketing to promote his video content on LinkedIn, Ken has successfully established a strong personal brand, often being recognized as a “celebrity” within the industry
