CRM Software for Small Business

Businesses from Small to medium-sized are looking to the new software to help them manage their customer base. From lead generation to contact management and from sales forecasts to customer service, new CRM software is providing organizational and analytical capabilities that help businesses bottom line. CRM software is known for on-site application hosting and the high cost of in house administration. The price was well out of the range of most small businesses.

Today, new CRM software is offering a more magnificent array of services and capabilities, many of which are customizable. New web-based or Cloud-based CRM applications offer complete hosting, updates and access via the web. The user only has to learn the software usability and pay per user CRM pricing fees.

Also Read: Prospecting Software-A Review and Summary

CRM software packages provide three primary services for customer relationship management: contact management, salesforce automation, and customer relationship management. Having all three of these functional capabilities allows sales teams and customer service representatives provide better service to their customers and clientele.

Before CRM the packages such as the ACT, Outlook, and Maximizer helped people maintain customer contact information, schedule meetings, organize email, and record notes on customer-related activities. The CRM software today allows sales teams to collect, organize and analyze sales data. Powerful database capabilities enable sales managers to drill down into sales data for accurate sales forecasts and insight into customer behavior. Whatever salespeople can research and collect, is recorded in the sales database. This stored database provides deep insight into the customer's needs and business processes. It also enables to foresee and respond to customer-related events such as buying patterns and past purchases.

Web-Based CRM

The use of web-based CRM tools means the companies don't need to purchase, install and maintain the software. A business using Non-web-based CRM applications require hosting services and technical expertise, capable of fulfilling all support requirements. The benefits of web-based CRM software applications are worth noting:

1. Low cost as the base of users increases,

2. Ease of implementation as only the required CRM software modules should be purchased and implemented

3. Internet connectivity and PDA/cell phone connectivity provides anytime anywhere access relevant for increasing the potential contributors

4. Minimal IT support staff are required.

Proprietary and open-source software are available for users; however, we need to make some considerations before deciding on which is the best choice.

Leading CRM software includes Microsoft CRM, Salesforce CRM, Sagesugar CRM, and Fresh sales CRM. Salesforce is a complete web-based solution; however, others still have web access.

CRM Training and Support

To make the most of these CRM software packages, it is best to have a consulting firm conduct a design audit, perform software installation, and provide training to your sales and service staff. Implementing the software successfully and learning how to maximize its value, means you're getting the full benefit of CRM software to help you improve your sales bottom line.

With in-house CRM software programs, there is a need for a technical staff capable of implementing the software and maintaining databases and the network for access whether via the office LAN or Internet. If you have an IT staff, they should be able to implement the software quickly. However, there are always technical issues to be faced, and that's why you'll want an experienced consultant to help you choose the right software for your needs and to be able to upgrade to newer versions as they are released.

Also Read: CRM in Cloud Computing | Cloudbased CRM | CRM and Cloud Computing

CRM software can best be understood when users have hands-on experience Users need to feel they have a certain level of confidence in what they are using and what they're using it as it was designed to be. CRM seminars can give an overview, but nothing can help your sales staff, customer service people, and other company staff better than professional trainers. With CRM software, the team will be generating more sales and finding new sales leads, customers themselves will feel more confident in your organization, that you understand their needs and can anticipate issues before they're even aware of them.

A CRM system will empower your employees. This is the power of technology working to help integrate your business activities and generate higher value from your staff's collective knowledge. Most big companies are using CRM systems, continually looking for insight into customer behavior and new sales opportunities.

Find a good CRM consultant to help you assess your needs, find the right product and provide the proper training and support services. The bonus for your bottom line in increasing sales, retaining customers and giving the best customer service makes it a smart investment.