11 Tips To Help You During New CRM Implementation

The process of new CRM implementation can be quite challenging. Some employees will be excited to work with a new tool, while others might be more resistant to change. Because of the potential problems this process brings, it’s important to be prepared for anything. You want to be able to start off on the right foot, and address any concerns before they have a chance to fully form. When properly implemented and used, CRM can bring great value to your business. Regardless of the size of your company or the industry it operates in, there’s a CRM out there for you. With this in mind, here is a list of eleven different tips to help you during your new CRM implementation.

Choose a CRM That Your Employees Won’t Hate

One of the biggest hurdles for companies transitioning to a new CRM is the potential problems it generates with other employees in the company. Whether they disagree with your solution choice, or are simply averse to change, it’s extremely challenging to work with employees who are dissatisfied with a major tool they’re expected to use. Make sure that whatever you’re going to be using has your employees satisfied, if not excited. Implementing a new CRM takes time and money that you can’t really afford to waste.

Choose A Solution With Mobile Access

Mobile CRM software solutions are becoming more and more important. For many organizations, it’s necessary to be able to access your data on the go. Whether you’re a sales agent out in the field, a remote worker, or simply want hands-on access, mobile CRM software is a great tool to consider for your business.

Work With a Vendor That Provides High Quality Support

Regardless of the quality of your CRM solution, you will eventually run into some sort of issue. Whether you have a question about certain features, or run into technical problems, chances are you’ll have to reach out to your software vendor. Ideally, they should be available whenever you need them. Since CRM is some of the most integral software that you can use, it’s important that it stays up-to-date and fully functional.

Make Sure Everyone Gets The Right Training

Some employees love using new software and tools. It can be exciting to get to work in a new environment. But for the employees that are more skeptical about change, make sure that they’re given the proper time and resources to prepare for your new CRM. Project managers should be ready to handle all sorts of employees, and decide what kind of training would best fit your company.

Set Up Internal Usage Guidelines

It’s essential that your employees use your brand new CRM in the way that it’s intended to be used, not only by the vendor’s standards, but by your own business standards. During training, make sure that employees know how to include new company data, how to register a sales, and any other important guidelines. Employees should be able to easily find out what, when, and how something needs to be done within their new CRM system.

Define a Clear CRM Strategy

Before getting down to business, it’s important to define how your work processes will change as a result of CRM adoption. Establish clear goals for each implementation stage, and discuss how exactly your new CRM is going to complement your business development plan. This also means making sure that you’re keeping your customers at the forefront of your mind. A customer-centric business model is integral to taking full advantage of your CRM.

Work With Your CRM, Not Against It

Make sure that your new CRM isn’t going to revolutionize your established workflows. At least, not in a bad way. Your new CRM should augment and enhance the good work you’re already doing. If your company has to completely change the way it works, there’s no guarantee that your shiny new CRM will bring as much value as you thought it would. As long as you keep your current workflows in mind and make an effort to combine those strategies with your new CRM, your transition should be much smoother.

Encourage Collaboration Across Teams and Departments

One of the greatest benefit of CRM solutions is that they centralize various business processes. From customer service to social media management, from sales to marketing, CRM is a great resource. When you implement this software solution, make sure that it enables and encourages cross-team collaboration. In addition to there being situations where you’ll have to involve people from different teams, your employees will have a more well-rounded understanding of your business.

Take Advantage of Process Automation

Another great benefit of CRM is the ability it gives you to automate certain sales and marketing processes. Eliminating repetitive, time-consuming tasks frees up the rest of your time to address important, high-level tasks. Automation capability differs from vendor to vendor, and can include things like automatically sending follow-up emails to a new lead, or sending promotions depending on how they’ve interacted with your brand thus far. Make sure to keep potential automations in mind when choosing your solution.

Learn From Your Analytics, Insights, and Reports

CRM can be an incredibly helpful resource in terms of data collection and analysis. You can study things like customer trends and behavior, product demand spikes, social media interactions, and more. This customer data should be used to shape your sales and marketing tactics. The more information you have, the better you can deliver sales pitches and create personalized marketing materials. If all you’re doing is collecting data and not learning from it, you’re wasting your time.

Keep in Mind That CRM is Just a Tool, Not a Magic Fix

This is something to keep in mind for any enterprise software, not just CRM and sales software. CRM has a variety of functions, and can have a very positive impact on your company, if used correctly. Your sales won’t magically go up by themselves, and communication won’t automatically get better. Make sure that your team takes the time they need to learn how to use your new software. Additionally, make sure that your business strategy is sound, and that your employees stay persistent and motivated. A tool is only as good as the people who use it.

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