System and Method for Filtering, Distributing and Routing Sales Leads

Abstract

A system and method of managing leads by filtering, distributing and routing leads to a representative using business intelligence.

1 . A method of managing leads, comprising the steps of:
 (a) receiving a plurality of leads;   (b) classifying each lead by type;   (c) selecting a first criteria as a function of the classification of the lead;   (d) comparing each lead against the selected criteria and assigning a score to the lead as a function of compliance of the lead with the first criteria;   (e) accepting a lead if the lead score exceeds a first predetermined threshold;   (f) accessing a memory device identifying available representatives;   (g) selecting a second criteria as a function of the accepted lead;   (h) comparing an available representative against the second criteria and assigning a score to the representative as a function of compliance of the available representative with the second criteria;   (i) qualifying a representative if the representative score exceeds a second predetermined threshold;   (j) selecting one of a plurality of qualified representatives as a function of a distribution algorithm; and   (k) distributing the accepted lead to the selected representative.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the type of lead includes at least one of insurance, consumer loan, mortgage loan, housing rental or parking permit. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the first criteria includes at least one of a valid home address, a valid telephone number and a valid e-mail address. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the second criteria include at least one of language spoken, geographic area, and representative's license. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the first predetermined threshold is based on historical information. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the second predetermined threshold is based on historical information. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the distribution algorithm is at least one of round-robin, fewest leads received, and most-likely to-sell. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of distributing includes electronic transmission of the lead to the selected representative. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of selecting includes appending an identifier associated with the selected representative to the lead. 
     
     
         10 . A method of managing leads, comprising the steps of:
 (a) receiving a plurality of internet leads;   (b) filtering each internet lead by comparing each lead against a first predetermined criteria and accepting a lead as a function of compliance of the lead with the first criteria;   (c) identifying a plurality of representatives qualified to receive each accepted lead as a function of a second predetermined criteria;   (d) selecting one of the identified representatives to receive the accepted lead as a function of a third predetermined criteria;   (e) associating an identifier with the accepted lead as a function of the selected representative; and   (f) electronically transmitting the accepted lead to the selected representative using the associated identifier.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the first predetermined criteria is selectable based on the type of lead. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the second predetermined criteria is selectable based on the skills of the plurality of representatives. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the third predetermined criteria is selectable based on evenly distributing leads to a plurality of representatives. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the associated identifier includes at least one of an e-mail address, an Internet Protocol address, a text address and an identifier associated with a CRM system. 
     
     
         15 . A computer program for the managing leads, the computer program comprising:
 a computer usable medium having computer readable program code modules embodied in said medium for managing leads;   a computer readable first program code module for receiving a plurality of internet leads;   a computer readable second program code module for filtering each internet lead by comparing each lead against a first predetermined criteria and accepting a lead as a function of compliance of the lead with the first criteria;   a computer readable third program code module for identifying a plurality of representatives qualified to receive each accepted lead as a function of a second predetermined criteria;   a computer readable fourth program code module for selecting one of the identified representatives to receive the accepted lead as a function of a third predetermined criteria;   a computer readable fifth program code module for associating an identifier with the accepted lead as a function of the selected representative; and   a computer readable sixth program code module for electronically transmitting the accepted lead to the selected representative using the associated identifier.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the first predetermined criteria is selectable based on the type of lead. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the second predetermined criteria is selectable based on the skills of the plurality of representatives. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the third predetermined criteria is selectable based on evenly distributing leads to a plurality of representatives. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the associated identifier includes at least one of an e-mail address, an Internet Protocol address, a text address and an identifier associated with a CRM system. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the lead relates to at least one of insurance, consumer loan, mortgage loan, housing rental and a parking permit.