What Is a CRM?
CRM stands for Customer Relationship Management. It is the software that aids in the methods, procedures and technologies by companies to officiate and analyze customer interactions.
The software is primarily used with the goal of improving customer service relations and growing a business.
A CRM is one of the most crucial tools for a business. Especially considering that in their first year over 50% of small business fail.
Statistically speaking the odds are against anyone looking to start up their own business from the very beginning. So it is imperative for one to know the tools available that will provide them with the best chance at success within their business.
However, to put it simply, CRM software collects all customer data into one single, central location.
All user’s activities are thoroughly tracked to accumulate useful information for the operating performance of a business. Thus providing the opportunity to continue practices that have been substantiated.
CRM software also renders the possibility to change some techniques in the procedures and operations that may not have worked so favourably.
Why Do I Need a CRM?
Perhaps all of your client information and customer interactions are scattered in different folders, spreadsheets and programs on your system. It is challenge for you to locate when you need it. Then you most definitely need a CRM.
However, a CRM is useful for much more than just customer data retention. The CRM is able to methodize marketing campaigns for the sales team.
It can generate all necessary and accurate information about customers and your sales at short notice. This is done from any system or devices available to employees, both portable and desktop.
The software can identify from the collected data the practices in which your business has been encountering losses. It can aid in recognising why some deals weren’t successful. At the same time, following any customer service issues and resolving them or preventing such problems from reoccurring.
Best Tips For Starting Up Your CRM
You’ve decided you do need a CRM after all, but what now?
Research the best CRM software for your business.
When starting out, go for more simple software.
However, do ensure that the software will suit the needs of your company too.
Many companies don’t do enough research before choosing the company they wish purchase their software from. As a result, the business can end up paying too much or they face difficulties understanding the software.
All you essentially need your CRM to do is retain information on prospective leads. It should remember what was last talked about within the business and when. Also, providing you with reminders on customer follow ups.
The system should keep thorough details of all customers; who the customers are assigned onto the sales team; what that deal and/or customers dollar value is to the business.
CRM systems have the ability to collect excessive amounts of information. Therefore, making your system more complicated than it needs to be could prove problematic especially when training your employees to use the CRM software.
Finally ensure that the software you choose integrates seamlessly with all other company systems. Your CRM software will track everything, so trust in your software and the data it records.
CRM Software Components
The Dashboard
Every CRM has a Dashboard. The objective of this function is to provide you with a brief overview of your business.
Your employees will have access to the software. However, their view of the software is limited to the information that is publicly available to all employees and their own sales/customers.
The Dashboard will immediately show you how effectively your business is operating. It will detail any current issues (or potential issues) and suggest ways to repair them. The Dashboard should also specify any sales in the pipeline; detail the leads within the business has and where it is those leads came from.
Each employee will notice that when using the software, they will have their own unique identifier for the system. When staff log into the CRM the Dashboard it will be personally relating to their own sales and efforts.
Activities
This particular function provides a more detailed overview of all user’s activities and relations with their customers.
This knowledge is freely available to yourself and your employees. Because it tracks information that in the past could have been jotted down on a sticky note and potentially forgotten or stolen for personal gain.
The tracking in the software prevents these risks. Any necessary information is publicly stored and readily available to all of the employees in your business. It better allows yourself and your employees to work with your customers and each other as efficiently as possible.
Contacts
Now, as simple this feature may sound, it is an important tool to use when collecting and utilising customer information.
This page is for having details more than a customer’s phone number and address.
The contact section details a customer’s past sales and their personal interests.
It will also detail any past marketing the customer may have been a part of or suggest possible marketing ideas for the future that they may be interested by using the knowledge gathered by the CRM as a guide.
Accounts
CRM software provides users with details on all of their personal accounts, this includes invoicing, ordering and/or quotes for customers.
All of the sales your employees have made can be viewed here and lost invoices are no longer a concern.
Product information that customers request can also be sent from this component. It will be recorded as well which will aid in the task of gathering knowledge on your customers. This in turn will develop higher sales and boost your customer retention.
Sales
The sales component is reasonably self-explanatory.
You can safely assume that this feature will follow all of your sales and leads, and it does so very efficiently.
The CRM sales function will also provide you with information that assists in the pursuit of leads, by tracking how customers are arriving and the activities taking place when they did.
CRM software is invaluable but as useful as it can be, it should not be used as quick fix solution for a dying company.
Your business should have a CRM from the very beginning.
However, many small businesses usually learn what they needed for their company too late.
This is not to say that such an operation has no chance of success, but a CRM is unlikely to be helpful if a business has little to no customers.
If you have a small business with a customer base and you do not have a CRM it would be wise to get one.
CRMs are at their most helpful when there is already a stable client base and information for it to collate, the more information you have on your customers the higher your chances are at succeeding in your business.
At Tecso Solutions, we integrate the industry’s best solutions to every client’s needs and our services and solutions serves businesses around the globe. We are committed to our clients and partners. We work together to ensure the highest quality and performance standards.
Our software has helped many companies in different industries streamline their business workflow, implement better management of their sales team, and optimized their marketing efforts and costs. Our dedicated team is always there to grow together with you.