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CRM systems in comparison


Choosing the right CRM platform  can mean the difference between a mere customer database and a powerful tool for personalized interactions.

The meaning of CRM systems

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Customer relationships have a decisive influence on business success, which is why customer relationship management (CRM) plays a central role for companies of all sizes and in all sectors. Maintaining and optimizing them is no longer just a sideshow, but rather an essential component of successful business strategies.

In this context, CRM systems are proving to be indispensable tools that not only simplify interactions with customers, but also improve collaboration within the company. They can be used to optimize lead management in order to generate more customers.

Service is also improved through personalized customer support, regardless of whether the company is a small or medium-sized enterprise or a start-up. The range of functions and prices can vary greatly, so you should first consider your own requirements when making your choice.

You can define these by asking yourself specific questions and answering them yourself. Are extensive sales pipelines or lead generation important to you? Do you want a wide range of functions for email marketing?

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Do you have a project in mind?

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How to decide for a CRM

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However, the world of CRM systems is by no means straightforward; on the contrary, it presents itself as a multifaceted and complex landscape. The variety of CRM software available can be overwhelming and reflects the different requirements of companies and industries. From start-ups with limited resources to multinational corporations with complex, global structures - the choice of appropriate software is as broad as the corporate landscape itself. 

Deciding on a CRM system and the right solution for specific needs and objectives can therefore be a real challenge for companies. In this article, we take a closer look at the importance of CRM tools for businesses and provide an overview of the variety and complexity of solutions available to help companies make informed decisions about their customer relationship management strategies.
crm was ist das

What exactly is CRM software?

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A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is a software solution designed to organize, manage and optimize a company's interactions with its customers. This includes all aspects of the customer relationship, from initial contact to long-term retention. The goal of a CRM system is to collect, analyse and provide comprehensive information about customers to enable personalized and efficient communication.

A typical CRM system offers functions such as the central storage of customer contact data, the tracking of interactions, the recording of sales activities, the management of marketing campaigns, customer service and the analysis of customer behavior. Modern CRM systems often integrate seamlessly with other business applications to provide a holistic overview of customer interactions. In addition, many marketing tasks can be automated.

Why is a CRM important?

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The importance of CRM software for successful businesses cannot be overstated. Here are some key reasons why CRM systems are essential today:

Effective Customer Management

A CRM tool enables companies to store all relevant customer information centrally and make it easily accessible. This promotes effective customer care, as employees can quickly access relevant data to better understand customer needs and preferences.

Personalized Customer Interaction

By analysing customer behaviour and preferences, companies can design personalized interactions. This not only improves customer satisfaction through individualized service, but also promotes customer loyalty and leads to long-term business relationships.

Efficient sales processes

The software supports sales by managing the entire sales cycle. They provide an overview of sales pipelines, help to keep an eye on the customer lifecycle and track customer history, allowing the sales process to be optimized. This includes tracking sales activities, identifying sales opportunities and optimizing sales strategies, which can lead to an increase in revenue.

Targeted marketing

By integrating marketing functions, CRM systems enable the planning, execution and analysis of marketing campaigns. Companies can develop more targeted marketing strategies to address their target groups more effectively. Marketing activities can also be automated to enable efficient lead conversion.

Data-based decision-making

A CRM system provides comprehensive insights into customer and market data. Companies can make informed decisions based on facts and real-time information, which leads to better strategic alignment and competitiveness.

The most frequently used CRM software

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For CRM tools to be a decisive success, a well-considered CRM strategy is important, as is the selection of the most suitable software. 

Our comparison will help you make the right choice. We take a closer look at the CRM tools, their advantages & disadvantages and possible uses. 

Here we introduce you to various systems.

Salesforce

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A pioneer and undisputed market leader, Salesforce CRM is a cloud-based platform that offers a wide range of applications for sales, marketing and customer service. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features, Salesforce is a popular, if not the most cost-effective, choice for companies of all sizes.

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One of the most notable features is the robust reporting capabilities. Customizable reports and dashboards can be created to keep track of all key performance indicators. Forecast your sales activities using real-time data and visualize historical trends with embedded charts and graphs. However, many of these reporting features are only available in the premium levels of the CRM. 

A 30-day free trial is available. The billing model is flexible: Pay-as-you-go allows payment only for services actually used. Alternatively, user-based billing is available from 70 euros per user per month. 

The cost structure is as follows: 


Essentials costs: 25 euros/month
Lightning Professionals: 75 euros/month
Enterprise: 150 euros/month 
Lightning Unlimited: 300 euros/month
Free trial period: 30 days

dynamics ms

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This solution integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products. It covers sales, marketing, customer service and even operational processes. Its integrability, flexibility and scalability make it particularly attractive for companies that already use Microsoft products. 


 Costs 

Retail versions vary between EUR 230 and EUR 440, while user licenses for the online version (Office 365) range from EUR 24.50 to EUR 53.10 per user per month. The free trial version can be tested for 30 days.
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This software is known for its inbound marketing tools and also offers an integrated CRM system. It enables marketing, sales and customer service to be closely linked, allowing a holistic approach to customer care.

Costs

The essential functions of HubSpot can be used free of charge.

With a capacity of up to 1,000,000 contacts and no limit on the number of users or customer data, HubSpot's CRM functionality is 100% free and has no expiration date. Advanced CRM features are available as part of the Premium Sales Hub products.

Prices start at €41/month for Starter, €414/month for Professional and €1,104/month for Enterprise. A 14-day trial version is available for the Marketing Hub, which is seamlessly integrated with the CRM. The basic functions are free of charge.

pipedrive

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Pipedrive is a CRM system that focuses on the sales process. It offers visual sales funnels to optimize the sales process. This makes it particularly attractive for companies that want to focus on the sales cycle.

Cost

Between 14,90 and 119,- €/month 
Free trial period: 14 days
zoho

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Zoho CRM is aimed at small and medium-sized companies. It offers a wide range of features, including automation, artificial intelligence and integrations with other Zoho products. As a cost-effective choice, it is an attractive option for companies with limited resources. 

In addition to the CRM system, Zoho also offers a helpdesk, email services and an accounting platform. Although these platforms must be purchased separately, they integrate seamlessly with Zoho CRM and can be an advantageous choice for those who require additional solutions alongside the essential sales and marketing functions. While Zoho CRM is effective, certain capabilities such as unlimited storage and pricing may incur additional costs. 

Costs

Between €14 and €65 
Free trial period: 15 days
mondaycrm

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Monday Sales CRM is designed to efficiently organize and manage the sales process. With features such as pipeline tracking and customer interaction tracking, it provides a user-friendly environment to increase sales team productivity. 

In addition to these core features, monday.com also offers a range of project management and account management features to help you manage ongoing customer relationships and internal projects. The tool's unlimited boards can be used to organize project work with pre-built templates that you can customize to your own needs. monday's account management features help to onboard customers and manage contract renewals. 

Although the Monday Sales CRM offers a free option, the capabilities of this plan are limited to basic task management, without those of the CRM platform. 

Costs

Between €10 and €34 
Free trial period: 14 days 

All plans require a minimum of three seats, i.e. the lowest price is €30 per month for up to three users.

Insightly

is a CRM platform that focuses specifically on relationship management for small businesses and freelancers. It can be used to manage sales, projects and marketing tasks to meet the needs of start-ups.

Apptivo

is a comprehensive CRM platform that covers various business areas, including sales, marketing, projects and more. It is characterized by a high degree of customizability and is therefore suitable for the most diverse and unusual requirements.

Bullhorn

is a provider that specializes in personnel and applicant management. Bullhorn is a CRM solution that is frequently used by personnel service companies.

Propertybase

was developed for the real estate industry. It offers options for managing real estate listings, customers and transactions.

Wealthbox

is a CRM system designed specifically for financial advisors and wealth management professionals to effectively manage contacts.

Vetcove

is a CRM for veterinarians and veterinary clinics that facilitates the management of patient information, appointments and orders.

VTiger

is a web-based, open source application with numerous modules. It includes professional features such as integrated management for business cases, as well as options for managing inventory (products, services and payments).

VineyardCloud

is used as a CRM system in the winegrowing industry. It supports vineyards and wineries in managing vineyard data, harvest dates, customer orders and wine club memberships. It also offers functions for tracking wine quality and vine health.

MarketMan

is a CRM for the food and beverage industry that focuses on the management of stocks, suppliers and orders.

Bizzabo

is an event CRM developed specifically for the event industry and offers functions for managing participants, seating plans and sponsors.
 

BookingKit

is a CRM for tour and activity providers that offers functions for managing bookings, tour guides and customer reviews.

WorkBooks

is a CRM that focuses on creative agencies and offers functions for managing projects, clients and finances.

Capillary

is a CRM system that specializes in marketing for retail and online stores, with functions for customer retention and marketing automation.

Mindbody

is a CRM for wellness and health companies with functions for managing appointments, courses and customer profiles.

AppFolio

offers software for property managers that provides functions for managing rental properties, tenants and financial data.

Hike POS

is a tool that focuses on retail and hospitality, with functions for managing inventory, sales data and customer profiles.

Cliniko

focuses on healthcare practices and the management of patients, appointments and clinical data

FlexBooker

is a CRM that focuses on service companies, with functions for scheduling, payment processing and customer management.

 STAAH

offers a CRM for hotel and accommodation businesses that focuses on the management of bookings, guest data and marketing campaigns.

Case studies CRM systems

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The following examples and case studies impressively illustrate the transformative effect of CRM systems in various industries. They show how CRM systems have the versatility and adaptability to meet the needs of a wide range of institutions. An exceptional case study on the use of HubSpot at the Georgia Aquarium Conservation Field Station also illustrates how CRM systems play a role in more unusual areas of conservation and research.

Georgia Aquarium Conservation Field Station and HubSpot CRM 

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The research team at the Georgia Aquarium Conservation Field Station needed an efficient way to collect, organize and analyze research data. Previous data collection was time-consuming and inefficient, and there were difficulties in merging information from different research projects.

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As a solution, the team decided to implement HubSpot as a central system for managing research data, contacts and communication. 

  • Research data management: The software was configured to serve as a central platform for storing and analyzing research data. This includes information on individual animals, habitat observations and environmental conditions. 

  • Contact management: The CRM allowed the team to create detailed profiles for individual marine animals, including medical records, behavioral patterns and historical data. 

  • Communication tracking: HubSpot facilitated the tracking of communications with other research institutions, donors and stakeholders. Automated workflows helped send relevant updates and reports. 

  • Donor management: The CRM helped track donors, generate reports and analyze donation trends. 

By implementing HubSpot CRM, the Georgia Aquarium Conservation Field Station research team was able to increase efficiency, improve access to research data, and make informed decisions. The management of contacts, communications and donations was streamlined, resulting in better organization of the facility's activities. 

Salesforce Software and Spotify

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Spotify, the leading music streaming service, uses Salesforce as a CRM system to strengthen customer relationships and optimize the sales process. Salesforce enables Spotify to centrally manage customer data, create personalized recommendations based on user behavior and make marketing campaigns more effective. By implementing Salesforce, Spotify has been able to increase customer satisfaction and drive growth in the competitive music streaming market.

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Microsoft Dynamics 365 and AccuWeather

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AccuWeather, a leader in weather information, has implemented Microsoft's tool as a CRM solution to optimize interactions with advertisers. By integrating customer data, sales processes and marketing activities, AccuWeather has been able to run personalized promotions and increase sales efficiency.

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HubSpot and The Motley Fool

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The Motley Fool, a financial services company, uses HubSpot as a CRM tool to automate the sales process and improve communication with prospects. By implementing HubSpot, they were able to manage leads more efficiently, run personalized email campaigns, and increase the conversion of prospects to paying customers. The use of HubSpot led to a significant increase in sales efficiency and improved customer acquisition.

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Summary

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These are just a few examples of the multifaceted and diverse CRM universe, which is tailored to specific use cases. However, they are all linked by a carefully considered strategy, the selection of the right CRM and professional configuration and customization.

Any projects planned?

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Get in touch and we will talk about your needs and ideas without any commitments.

 

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Expert opinions and insights

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The leading CRM technology is cloud-based, optimally designed for mobile devices and integrates AI. These features are considered standard today. Modern CRM systems already allow the creation of a highly individualized customer experience, for example in the sending of marketing emails. 

Customers' high expectations of personalized service extend to every type of company, large or small. They should meet expectations by seamlessly integrating a powerful but customizable CRM system with existing technologies, effectively training their employees and using the system as a central source of information for customer relations. 

According to Salesforce, the future of customer relationship management is emerging in several aspects: 

There is a growing acceptance of CRM technology in companies, deeper insights thanks to increased use of artificial intelligence and more sustainable integration of customer data. Companies that invest in CRM gain benefits at all stages of a customer relationship through centralized and unified customer data. 

Many companies are not yet taking full advantage of CRM technology because they are unable to overcome the associated challenges, such as integration and data consolidation. Specialized agencies such as kkvision GmbH have the necessary expertise and support to master such complex issues. 

Customers' high expectations for personalized service span every type of business, large and small. They should meet expectations by seamlessly integrating a powerful but adaptable CRM system with existing technologies, effectively training their employees and using the system as a central source of information for customer relations.

Conclusion and recommendations

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The choice of suitable CRM solutions is a challenging and momentous decision that should be weighed up carefully. Many different factors play a role, depending in particular on your own requirements and budget. It is recommended to test the free version to check whether the tools meet your requirements.

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User friendliness

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User-friendliness is also an important point that determines whether the solution is adapted in your own company. The most powerful customer relationship management system is useless if it is not used appropriately by your own employees.

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Demand determines

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Pay attention to the right price-performance ratio. An expensive all-in-one solution with a huge range of functions may be attractive, but if only a small part of it is used in everyday work, it can lead to unnecessary costs.

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Support

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Last but not least, the provider's support should be considered an important factor when deciding on a tool. For this purpose, an Internet search for opinions and ratings from other users about the support of CRM systems could be useful.

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Make the right choice

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Do you want to be on the safe side when it comes to making a decision that will have a significant impact on the future of your company? Then contact us for comprehensive advice tailored specifically to your needs. We will help you find the right CRM provider and integrate, optimize and configure the system with our support.

Our CRM experts will be happy to advise you on choosing the right solutions

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Katharina Krug

CEO & Founder

Katharina ist maßgeblich dafür verantwortlich, dass kkvision mit seinen Kunden so viele Erfolgsgeschichten schreiben kann. Denn ohne Katharina als Gründerin und Geschäftsführerin würde es kkvision gar nicht geben. Nach ihrem Studium der Medieninformatik startete sie als Entrepreneurin im Bereich CRM und Marketing Automation durch. 

Katharina hat nicht nur das große Ganze im Blick, sondern auch jedes einzelne Projekt und die Bedürfnisse eines jeden Kunden und Mitarbeiters. Als Supervisor unterstützt sie neue Projektleiter mit ihrer Erfahrung und gibt wichtige kreative Denkanstöße, wenn es mal Probleme gibt.

Neben der Arbeit weiß Katharina gutes Essen und Kreativität zu schätzen. Mit Lego hat sie schon den ein oder anderen Picasso nachgestellt. Außerdem freut sie sich immer wieder auf laute Motorengeräusche und quietschenden Gummi, wenn die Formel 1 an Rennwochenenden ihre Runden zieht.

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Luca Körner

CTO

Luca ist der Chief Technical Officer und Managing Director bei kkvision. Da verwundert es wohl niemanden, dass er von Beginn an seinen beruflichen Werdegang im technischen Bereich gewählt hat.  Vor seinem IT-Studium übte Luca bereits den Beruf des Tontechnikers mit dem Schwerpunkt Ton- und Frequenztechnik aus. Nach dem Studium widmete er sich vor allem der IT-Security. 

Luca ist ein Denker und Lenker.  Als Projektleiter gibt er jedem Projekt die notwendige Struktur und Dynamik die es braucht, um das bestmögliche Ergebnis auf die effektivste Art und Weise zu erzielen. Seine branchenübergreifende Projekterfahrung, vor allem aber im Bereich Softwarelösungen und CRM, verleihen ihm die Souveränität, auf die es bei Großprojekten ankommt.  

Luca ist auch in seiner Freizeit ein Energiepaket. Beim Segeln oder Klettern kann er nach einem anstrengenden Arbeitstag am besten ausspannen. Außerdem gilt er als ein Freund der gepflegten Musik.

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Laura Virginia

Junior CRM Administrator & Accounting Assistance

Laura ist eine vielseitige Junior CRM Administratorin und Accounting Assistance bei kkvision. Sie studiert derzeit Kommunikationsdesign an der HSD Düsseldorf und bringt wertvolle Praxiserfahrung aus ihrer Zeit als Werkstudentin mit. Dort konnte Sie bereits viel Erfahrung in Datenanalyse und Systemtests sammeln. Diese fundierte Basis ermöglicht es ihr, ihre analytischen und organisatorischen Fähigkeiten in ihrem aktuellen Job bei kkvision gezielt einzusetzen.
 
Laura überzeugt nicht nur durch ihre technische Expertise und Liebe zum Detail, sondern auch durch ihre kreative Denkweise. Ihre Begeisterung für audiovisuelle Medien wie Videografie, Fotografie und Animation fließt in ihre Arbeit ein und sorgt für innovative Ansätze bei ihren täglichen Aufgaben. Diese Technikaffinität, gepaart mit mit Kreativität, macht sie zu einer vielseitigen Bereicherung für das Team.
 
Auch in ihrer Freizeit lebt Laura ihre Kreativität und Neugier aus. Ob Musikproduktion, die Beschäftigung mit neuen Technologien oder die Auseinandersetzung mit Themen von Psychologie über Philosophie bis hin zu Science Fiction - Laura ist immer auf der Suche nach neuen Horizonten. Dieser Wissensdurst und ihre Offenheit für Neues sind wertvolle Eigenschaften, die nicht nur ihren Arbeitsalltag bereichern, sondern auch das Team inspirieren.
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Katharina Krug

CEO & Founder

Learn More mehr erfahren mehr erfahren

Katharina ist maßgeblich dafür verantwortlich, dass kkvision mit seinen Kunden so viele Erfolgsgeschichten schreiben kann. Denn ohne Katharina als Gründerin und Geschäftsführerin würde es kkvision gar nicht geben. Nach ihrem Studium der Medieninformatik startete sie als Entrepreneurin im Bereich CRM und Marketing Automation durch. 

Katharina hat nicht nur das große Ganze im Blick, sondern auch jedes einzelne Projekt und die Bedürfnisse eines jeden Kunden und Mitarbeiters. Als Supervisor unterstützt sie neue Projektleiter mit ihrer Erfahrung und gibt wichtige kreative Denkanstöße, wenn es mal Probleme gibt.

Neben der Arbeit weiß Katharina gutes Essen und Kreativität zu schätzen. Mit Lego hat sie schon den ein oder anderen Picasso nachgestellt. Außerdem freut sie sich immer wieder auf laute Motorengeräusche und quietschenden Gummi, wenn die Formel 1 an Rennwochenenden ihre Runden zieht.

X

Luca Körner

CTO

Learn More mehr erfahren mehr erfahren

Luca ist der Chief Technical Officer und Managing Director bei kkvision. Da verwundert es wohl niemanden, dass er von Beginn an seinen beruflichen Werdegang im technischen Bereich gewählt hat.  Vor seinem IT-Studium übte Luca bereits den Beruf des Tontechnikers mit dem Schwerpunkt Ton- und Frequenztechnik aus. Nach dem Studium widmete er sich vor allem der IT-Security. 

Luca ist ein Denker und Lenker.  Als Projektleiter gibt er jedem Projekt die notwendige Struktur und Dynamik die es braucht, um das bestmögliche Ergebnis auf die effektivste Art und Weise zu erzielen. Seine branchenübergreifende Projekterfahrung, vor allem aber im Bereich Softwarelösungen und CRM, verleihen ihm die Souveränität, auf die es bei Großprojekten ankommt.  

Luca ist auch in seiner Freizeit ein Energiepaket. Beim Segeln oder Klettern kann er nach einem anstrengenden Arbeitstag am besten ausspannen. Außerdem gilt er als ein Freund der gepflegten Musik.

X

Laura Virginia

Junior CRM Administrator & Accounting Assistance

Learn More mehr erfahren mehr erfahren

Laura ist eine vielseitige Junior CRM Administratorin und Accounting Assistance bei kkvision. Sie studiert derzeit Kommunikationsdesign an der HSD Düsseldorf und bringt wertvolle Praxiserfahrung aus ihrer Zeit als Werkstudentin mit. Dort konnte Sie bereits viel Erfahrung in Datenanalyse und Systemtests sammeln. Diese fundierte Basis ermöglicht es ihr, ihre analytischen und organisatorischen Fähigkeiten in ihrem aktuellen Job bei kkvision gezielt einzusetzen.
 
Laura überzeugt nicht nur durch ihre technische Expertise und Liebe zum Detail, sondern auch durch ihre kreative Denkweise. Ihre Begeisterung für audiovisuelle Medien wie Videografie, Fotografie und Animation fließt in ihre Arbeit ein und sorgt für innovative Ansätze bei ihren täglichen Aufgaben. Diese Technikaffinität, gepaart mit mit Kreativität, macht sie zu einer vielseitigen Bereicherung für das Team.
 
Auch in ihrer Freizeit lebt Laura ihre Kreativität und Neugier aus. Ob Musikproduktion, die Beschäftigung mit neuen Technologien oder die Auseinandersetzung mit Themen von Psychologie über Philosophie bis hin zu Science Fiction - Laura ist immer auf der Suche nach neuen Horizonten. Dieser Wissensdurst und ihre Offenheit für Neues sind wertvolle Eigenschaften, die nicht nur ihren Arbeitsalltag bereichern, sondern auch das Team inspirieren.

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