I've been assembling databases for decades - from pre-Internet contact management software databases using Yellow Pages and business cards - through to today's auto-populating marvels.

I've never come across a one-size-fits all solution, but Sales Rocks, in combination with a two other tools from Appsumo, looks set to become just that.

Here are a few reasons why I'm a happy chappy:

1. Localisation. I'm focussed on Australia and New Zealand markets. The Sales Rocks team have yet to begin adding data for these countries, but from what I've seen I trust they will do soon - and in the next few days, rather than months/years, like other vendors.

2. Filtering is intuitive. I can't wait to test the Australia/New Zealand ANZSIC codes. Having local industry filters that link with the stats categories for both countries will be a major plus.

3. Deep diving - Being able to zoom in on specific communities, suburbs, and regions is another big bonus. Like ANZSIC codes, this helps align my CRM data and government stats.

4. Size matters - Being able to filter by Company Size is really useful.

5. Backfilling data - There is always a need to backfill the contacts for companies / organisations, but I can see an integrated system using a combination of Sales Rocks, SalesFlare, and Reply (all ex Appsumo), will make life a lot simpler. A well-populated CRM database should be possible within hours / days - or even happen automatically overnight while I'm asleep!

6. The proposed auto-checking will save a lot of time and money. (Long term "data churn" rates are typically about 15% per annum, that is likely to increase over the next few years.)

My take is that Sales Rocks is set to become an international "go-to" standard for CRM data over the next few years. Given that the software remains easy to use, by mapping regional data structures into a common framework, the system could end up becoming a "single point of truth", which has been a bit of a CRM holy grail of mine for a while now.

Other thoughts since I purchased the software:

1. I would like data for Government organisations and contacts. Governments account for 15%-40% of GDP, so Government data would add significant new commercial opportunities for Sales Rocks users - especially where "Buy Local" policies prevail. A related bonus would be to add / update elected politicians.

2. Another part of the economy that I am keen on is the non-profit sector. In some countries non-profits employ 10%+ of the total workforce, making them one of the largest employers of any local industry. And given the ongoing disruption from Covid, not-for profits are likely to become more important over the next few years.

So, overall, I think the system already works as advertised, and with the enthusiasm driving the Sales Rocks team being so obvious, magic is likely to happen. At the very least, check out Sales Rocks for yourself, risk-free. I'm pretty sure you'll be impressed.