If you could start from scratch, what would a CRM system tailored for New Zealand immigration advisors look like? This is the question I asked when we started to develop Ezymigrate: forget the restrictions of other CRM systems; forget the limitations of other types of software; and assume anything is possible. What would the CRM look like?

In summary, any CRM system for immigration advisors should make it easier and less time consuming to meet the IAA’s code of conduct for immigration advisors.

What Is A CRM?

First let’s look at what a CRM does, in general. The acronym stands for Customer Relationship Management. A CRM system should therefore manage processes, communications, and documents related to your immigration clients.

 It sounds the perfect technology for immigration professionals, so why are CRM systems so under-utilised in the industry. It comes down to three reasons: 

• Suitability – there are hundreds – probably thousands – of CRM systems on the market but none of them (until Ezymigrate was launched) was customised for the New Zealand immigration professional. You can have as much choice as you like but it is useless if none of them deliver the functions that you need.
• Time risk – faced with the fact that there was nothing specifically designed for the industry, immigration advisors had to consider the amount of time they would have to invest in a CRM system to make it work. It is understandable that many thought that the time they would have to spend didn’t justify the benefits.
• Financial risk – finally there is a financial risk of investing in a system that is not 100 percent right, but that you will try to make-work. The likelihood is that it would end up unused and gathering dust.

What Should A CRM Customised For Immigration Advisors Do?

 Now we are back to the original question – what should a tailored CRM do so that it seamlessly fits into any immigration advisory business in New Zealand? There are three main things:

1. Client files – maintaining proper client files is essential to the work of an immigration advisor, but it is a task that can be labour intensive. It is also an area where mistakes are easily made – documents saved in the wrong place, items removed from hard copy files and not returned, etc. A CRM tailored for immigration advisors must handle the maintenance of client files. Everything should be stored in one place, processes should be automated, and manual processes should be made more efficient.
2. Communication – making applications on time, meeting deadlines, and maintaining good levels of communication with clients is also crucial to the role of an immigration advisor. This includes specific tasks like informing a client when an application has been lodged, keeping the client up-to-date on the progress of that application, and in general building a relationship with the client so that proper advice can be given. A CRM customised for immigration advisors should handle emails and other forms of communication, facilitate the filling out of VISA application forms online, have reminders, and automate as many processes as possible.
3. Security – the IAA places significant emphasis on the importance of security and confidentiality in relation to an immigration advisor’s dealings with a client. Things like financial and personal documents must be kept secure, while the identity of the client must be kept confidential. Any CRM system tailored for immigration advisors must meet these requirements while still maintaining functionality that makes the business more efficient. For example, employees should have access to a client’s file so that their application can be handled properly, but it should be restricted to prevent anyone else from accessing it.

The Blueprint  :- What you have above is a blueprint of a CRM system that could integrate seamlessly into an immigration advisor’s business. It would create efficiencies and help the business save money.

These are the core functions that are included in Ezy Migrate. If you would like to find out more about the system or see this online two minutes video https://youtu.be/ywFLjshiYg8. In case of any other query, feel free to get in touch today.

In many respects running an immigration advisory business is like running any other business in New Zealand. This means you have to find clients, but how? I help businesses in a range of different industries with their online marketing, so this is a question I am often asked by immigration professionals? They want to know how to find more clients. To do that you need to find and manage leads. 

Unfortunately there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and there is no magic formula. From my marketing, lead generation, and immigration industry experience, you need to adopt a multi-faceted strategy.

Some ideas that you can incorporate into your strategy are below, but it all centres around having a clear and worthwhile USP (unique selling point). Why should people work with you instead of the competition? What is that makes your offering different? If you can identify that and communicate it clearly, finding clients will become easier.

Here are some practical tips for finding new immigration clients:

• Build an online presence – potential immigration clients will find it easier to find you if you have a strong presence online. This doesn’t mean you have to invest thousands of dollars in websites and apps, but there are a few cost effective steps that you should take. This includes creating a website that gives details of your USP, outlines the services that you offer, and gives details of how you can be contacted. You should also register with Google My Business so that you become more visible in search results, and you need to market your online presence. You can do this in a number of ways including on social media and via a blog.
• Get referrals – referrals are crucial to almost all successful immigration advisory businesses in New Zealand. You can get them from two main sources: from your existing clients, and from other professionals. With your current clients you should simply ask them if they know anybody else who could use your services. It is also good to have a business card that they can pass on. With other professionals you will need to build up relationships. Remember that this sort of relationship works best when it is two-way, i.e. that you refer clients to them for their speciality, and they refer immigration clients to you.
• Operate an effective CRM – getting a lead from a contact message online, or a referral from someone in your professional network, is only the start of the process of getting a new client. You have to turn that lead into a prospect and then convert them into a client. To do this you need an effective CRM, preferably one that has been designed specifically for immigration professionals.
• Make timely contact with previous clients – previous clients are an excellent source of revenue so you need a system that reminds you to contact previous clients several months before their VISA expires. This will give you a chance to keep their business. A CRM like Ezymigrate will allow you to keep contact details of leads and communicate with those leads through email to build trust and promote your service. It also reminds you when VISAs are due to expire.

By implementing the four steps above you will find more immigration client leads, and you will convert more of those leads into sales.

My name is Anna Hyatt and I’m the director of Ezymigrate. Feel Free to contact me at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn at https://nz.linkedin.com/in/annahyatt.