Most modern businesses are well-aware of the benefits of CRM software. A CRM is a great platform that allows companies to organize data, activities, and metrics into one cohesive system as well as connect departmental units within a business.
Some of its advantages include structured data, up-to-date communication, and financial forecasts. It is no wonder why statistics show 99 percent of online businesses use CRM. The idea of evaluating and choosing a CRM software can be quite daunting, given the vast number of CRM solutions in the market. The best way to pursue a CRM implementation is to break the process down into stages. Here are the five steps of seeking and pursuing new CRM implementation:
Awareness of the need for CRM software
You may or may not currently have CRM in your company. If your current CRM lacks functionality, flexibility, or offers poor integration with other applications, maybe it is time you consider investing in a new CRM. If your business isn’t using a CRM at the moment, then you’re losing out on the significant benefits it offers.
Initial research on CRM systems
Once you have identified the need for a CRM, the next step is to conduct initial research into prospective solutions. However, before you start, it is recommended that you delve deeper into your company’s current processes and assess what you will need from a new system. This activity will help you short-list a few possible options while ensuring they meet your business needs.
Getting in contact with CRM vendors
Your initial research should ideally result in shortlisting a few CRM solutions that meet your business needs. The next step is to get in touch with the vendors to understand their pricing structures and implementation timelines. This step is also an opportunity for you to eliminate solutions that do not meet your budget or expectations.
A preliminary round of demos or trials
Most CRM providers offer free trials or demos as a means for potential users to evaluate their offering. The free trial allows you and your team to experience the software first hand. Make sure you also use this opportunity to assess the vendor’s support systems and user documentation. By the end of this step, you should have a pretty good idea of which solution is the best fit for your business.
Final decision
While you may have zeroed-in on the perfect CRM for your business, it is always important to take inputs and feedback from other users. Having a clear understanding of your business needs and how effectively each CRM solution maps these requirements is the key to choosing the right solution.
