Things to keep in mind before buying your first CRM software

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Buying a CRM system for the first time is very much similar to owning your first car. You simply can’t slip into your new car and start zooming around the city. This is because you ought to ensure several vital things such as insuring the vehicle, getting it registered, license and so on. Similarly, there are some vital pointers to keep in mind before you dive into a new CRM system for your business.

Talking about choices, CRM systems are aplenty thus, making it a bit tricky to lay hands on the best in class out there. So how do you ensure that you pick the best CRM software? Here is a checklist of few important pointers that you need to keep in mind while investing in CRM solution for the first time.

Tips to keep in mind before buying a CRM Software

Consider the various available options

Today’s CRM market has become notoriously competitive and aggressive meaning for every best-in-class system out there, you are sure to come across a couple or more claiming the same with almost similar pricing and features. This is why it is advisable to consider the various available options before zeroing on one.

Don’t forget to rope in the executives

Yes! Getting your leadership crew as well as the executives on board right from the buying stage plays a crucial role in reaping the benefits of the system for long run. This means devising the game plan and agreeing upon a unified decision before buying the system. Explain each executive and stakeholder the value and benefits of the soon to be rolled-out CRM software.

Get into a safe contract

Whether you opt for a cloud-based or on premise CRM software, vendors are often seen to compromise on certain factors. Thus, it is imperative to skim the fine print carefully to ascertain the pricing, features, renewal terms, updates, security, etc.

Prep up your employees

Optimum user-adoption is undoubtedly the most important aspect for a successful CRM implementation. In fact, more than 20% of CRM disasters are accounted to poor or substandard user-adoption causing the system to fall back in no time. Thus, training employees becomes extremely important.

Customize it as per your business needs and preferences

Customizing your CRM solution to meet your specific business and user preferences goes a long way in long-term success. For instance, it is advisable to ensure that the system gels in well with the sales pipeline strategy or method that your sales reps are used to or follow. Other customization options may include defining role-based access/controls or integrating other enterprise management solutions such as ERP software with CRM. Make sure to address all these concerns before the system goes live.

Last but not the least, establishing a robust framework or strategy to measure ROI is one of the best means to determine whether the new CRM system is working the way you want. Below listed are few key metrics to consider in this context:

Vendor fees and support expense
Consulting, data migration, implementation and maintenance costs
IT infrastructure costs
Upgrades

Conclusion:

Setting your first CRM software may seem taxing, but the efforts you put in are sure to pay-off in the long run. Nevertheless, if you are a start-up or a small-business/SME trying to get into action with big players out there, nothing can beat a cloud-based CRM solution for you.