Apparatus and method for enhanced client communication

A computer-implemented method, the method comprising the steps of:

• creating an activity program via a CRM mechanism, the CRM mechanism residing in a computer memory and being executed by at least one processor, the CRM mechanism comprising:
• a program control mechanism for creating, invoking, editing, and managing a plurality of automated client communications;
• a graphics mechanism for selecting, approving, and embedding various graphical images in the plurality of automated client communications;
• a communications compliance mechanism for programmatically interfacing with the database to ensure that all intended recipients are approved to receive the plurality of automated client communications;
• a cross-selling mechanism, the cross-selling mechanism providing for the inclusion of third party products and services to be offered in conjunction with the plurality of automated client communications;
• a mail reply mechanism, the mail reply mechanism providing at least one of a pre-selected email address or pre-selected physical address for communication made in response to the plurality of automated client communications, wherein the pre-selected email address or the pre-selected physical address cannot be changed except by a supervisor;
• a user and role management mechanism the user and role management mechanism defining a set of permissions for a plurality of users, the permissions for the plurality of users controlling access to the plurality of automated client communications by the plurality of users;
• a data management mechanism used to import and export data to and from the database to be accessed by the CRM mechanism;
• a marketing mechanism, the marketing mechanism providing for the creation of a plurality of centralized marketing strategies, the plurality of centralized marketing strategies being organize into user-defined categories in a plurality of catalogs;
• and
• transmitting the plurality of automated client communications.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium encoded with a computer program for managing communications with at least one contact and, when executed by a computer, creates an activity program via a CRM mechanism, the CRM mechanism comprising:

• a program control mechanism for creating, invoking, editing, and managing a plurality of automated client communications;
• a graphics mechanism for selecting, approving, and embedding various graphical images in the plurality of automated client communications;
• a communications compliance mechanism for programmatically interfacing with the database to ensure that all intended recipients are approved to receive the plurality of automated client communications;
• a cross-selling mechanism, the cross-selling mechanism providing for the inclusion of third party products and services to be offered in conjunction with the plurality of automated client communications;
• a mail reply mechanism, the mail reply mechanism providing at least one of a pre-selected email address or pre-selected physical address for communication made in response to the plurality of automated client communications, wherein the pre-selected email address or the pre-selected physical address cannot be changed except by a supervisor;
• a user and role management mechanism the user and role management mechanism defining a set of permissions for a plurality of users, the permissions for the plurality of users controlling access to the plurality of automated client communications by the plurality of users;
• a data management mechanism used to import and export data to and from the database to be accessed by the CRM mechanism;
• a marketing mechanism, the marketing mechanism providing for the creation of a plurality of centralized marketing strategies, the plurality of centralized marketing strategies being organize into user-defined categories in a plurality of catalogs;
• and
• wherein the CRM mechanism is configured to display or transmit the at least one communication to the at least one contact via a printed message, an email, or a gift that is shipped to the at least one contact.