CRM, shorthand for Customer Relationship Management, is the process a business uses in order to manage its customer interactions. It is a corporate buzzword because it allows organizations to track and manage their interactions with customers and prospects.
Most likely, you already have a system to track the needs of your customers and have regular conversations with them. It is often a piece of paper and pen. You can probably relate to the frustration caused by a basic CRM system if you have a desk cluttered with reminders about who to call or email.
It can be challenging to put in place a system that allows your employees to manage customers. This post should make it seem easier.
Are you looking for a system?
First, determine if your business is large enough to require a CRM system for managing customers. A Customer Relationship Management system would be beneficial if your company has more than 20 customers and you are connecting with new customers every week. You may be able to function well with just a few active customers, regardless of how small your business is.
Which CRM System should you choose?
There are many options available if you decide that a CRM system for small businesses or CRM software will be beneficial to you. You will need software that allows you to track customer details and their interaction history. Software options are available for a variety of business types, as well as those that are specific to one industry. These streams offer Software as a Service (SaaS), which is a web-based CRM software solution.
ZNET’s review provides a comprehensive review of the available CRM software options (see below). This review covers SugarCRM and Microsoft Dynamics, SugarCRM, SAP, Oracle, SAP, Oracle, and Infor. SugarCRM offers both an enterprise and open-source option. Although this piece of software is compelling, we recommend paying for a paid service if you want to use it for CRM purposes. It is essential to streamline this area of your customer history.
SaaS Options
These options, along with a large number of Google results, will give you access to CRM software solutions for a monthly cost. This approach has many benefits:
Start with low upfront costs
Installing the software requires no IT skills
Accessible from any computer that has an internet connection
Software developers provide active support
Flexible account options that fit your business’ needs (i.e., different plans)
These are the cons to this approach:
It may be more costly than purchasing software outright over the long term.
Limited features in comparison to other software.
After you’ve decided on the option that you want, take some time to understand the system and add your customer details.
Log in and leave a comment below if you’ve used or are currently using CRM software.
Matthew Tibble is passionate about small business success and has more than 15 years of experience in marketing and managing his own businesses. Use the free resources he offers to write your business plans
