CRM - what is it and how could my business benefit from using it?

Everyday we are asked to research software tools to help customers with an immediate solution or as options to consider before buying new software. Recently we have had a number of questions about customer relationship management (CRM) tools, particularly with xero integration (i.e. 'add ons').

There are many CRM applications and there is more than one option that will suit your business, the needs of your team - their skill level and their mobility.

Choice is great, but it can get overwhelming.

You may be tempted by a referral from a friend or the largest, most comprehensive software available. But what suits someone else or a large corporate business may not suit your business.

Our advice is to keep it simple for your staff, make it easy for them to transition to something new and you will get the best out of the CRM and their engagement with it. There are many options that will give you what you need now but also be scaleable as your business grows and changes. If you can trial 2-3 CRM tools first. Trials are free and let 1-2 people in your team have a play and ascertain if it will work for the team.

We can help you find the best options and ensure that the pricing is competitive for the value it provides.

What do we look for in a CRM for your business:

• It makes 100% sense to integrate the CRM tool with your accounting software, email and calendar software.

• It must have good support.

• Cloud connectivity - ability to update information in real time particularly if your staff are mobile.

• Great trial and pricing options.

• Simple connectivity and a great user experience.

We have recently researched the following CRM tools: Insightly, Capsule, Zoho, Agile, Prosperworks, Pipedrive, Really Simple.

#customers #CRM #informationmanagement