This week we’re heading to South Australia to talk to Edward (Ted), Managing Director of 2excel Software and App Development. Let’s hear what Ted has to say about his experience switching to Bark!
Can you tell us a little bit about you and your company?
2excel work on diverse projects ranging from simple information systems and websites to complex enterprise systems and web-enabled applications. We follow three main rules to get to our goals: do it on-time, do it within the scope and offer the best service delivering the best value possible.
Have you always been interested in the software industry?
I had a lifelong passion for technology and coding from selling computers in primary school to coding games in high school.
What made you want to start your company?
I kind of fell into it.
I have always been a bit of a geek; in primary school, I was building computers, in high school, I was programming and then when I left high school, I started building websites for people. When I was working for Yellow Pages I started building more websites, and that was when the accountant suggested that I should register my own business. I took on that advice and made it a reality, turning my passions and hobbies into a career and business.
What year did you join Bark, and why did you join?
Bark found me and started sending leads around February 2020, so out of curiosity, I accepted them as they seemed intriguing. After accepting the leads, I was able to make some sales from them. Because of the promising leads that Bark was generating I decided to continue with their service and started paying for the leads – I haven’t looked back since.
Tell us about your experiences on Bark…
Bark has kept the business very busy. Before Bark, we used to get around one or two leads a day, but now we’re getting around ten to fifteen leads a day. It was overwhelming, to begin with, but after a while, we managed to get accustomed to the extra leads. I will admit it has been a lot of work getting through the increase in leads but it has been a positive experience. The leads have helped increase our bottom line and they are now a major part of our marketing strategies.
What do you like most about Bark?
One of the best things has been the excellent communication from Simon who is Head of Partnerships with Bark. I feel we have built a close relationship where we can both be transparent and open with one another. It is nice to get someone who takes the time to listen and seems to take on any feedback; we can give feedback on their leads and they will actually respond! This has been very helpful in gradually improving the leads to help benefit our business. We have also been able to share information with each other, which in turn has helped each other out; I feel like it has been a win-win relationship.
Tell us your top tips for success on Bark!
- Speak regularly to your Account Manager. Because they are there to help you convert the leads that they give you. They know how to deliver leads. If you want a long-term relationship, Bark is perfect, as they also look for long term relationships with their clients.
- Take on all the leads you get from Bark. As you can’t always believe the information the customers provide until you follow up and they answer the phone, and you speak to them personally.
- Don’t expect Bark to deliver miracles – you must work and sell to the leads that you do get. Bark is not expected to make a sale for you, and you need to do your part to make the relationship work. You need to be able to sell to the leads that they give you.
- Make sure you have got the resources to back up the number of leads you get from Bark, as they will potentially send you a lot!
What do you think of the Customer Success Team at Bark?
They have been very helpful and prompt in answering any questions.
How useful has Bark been during the coronavirus pandemic?
Bark came to our attention back in February 2020 when the pandemic was starting to gain traction. Since then they have been a huge source of leads, which continues to grow. This has enabled our company to grow during the pandemic, rather than see us temporarily close our doors.
Due to this influx of leads, the company has had to expand resources and our team has now grown from three to a team of twelve here in Adelaide, South Australia. Our Indian team has also expanded from eleven to a team of forty. We are now three-four times larger than what we were, this time last year.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Because of Bark and the leads they have generated, we are now on our way to expand the business into New Zealand and eventually the UK and USA. Bark has changed our business for the better and is helping us achieve our expansion goals.
It was a pleasure chatting with Ted about the huge success his company has had in the short time since joining Bark. If you’re looking for Software and App development, head over to 2excel’s Bark profile where you can read reviews and request more information. Check out their New Zealand branch Bark profile too!
2excel software are also on social media! Check them out on Facebook or LinkedIn.