If you are a micro or small business owner you're probably wondering if a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system is actually worth the cost or time? It is a fair question , one that's often discussed online or in magazines, because small enterprise is naturally less resourced. So today we have a look at the advantages of a CRM.
What is a CRM?
A CRM system - Consumer Relationship Management - is a database that enables you to store info on your customers, prospects and other folks related to your business. The larger, fancier CRMs are far more flexible and customisable, whereas the simpler, lower-priced ones are stock standard and therefore have constraints. Price follows functionality in this example.
What might it do for you?
I recall a customer a year or two ago who had a particularly profit-making business, but was extremely ineffective in their processes and systems - so they employed me to sort things out. What surprised me was that they had built a enormously huge database and huge client list using just Outlook, Word, Post-it notes and lists. It isn't any wonder they were in disarray!
Since they were adept at tempting business, imagine how much better off they were after they could view all of their clients and sales details, and then follow-up with them all using automated marketing processes in the CRM.
Finally you want a system that is making life easy for you. So it should:
- save you time
- enhance your productiveness
- streamline your processes
- help you to earn money
You may think that using those paper files, post-it notes, Outlook lists and Excel spreadsheets is safe - nevertheless it may be costing you dearly in time, not to mention efficiency.
Having all of your client and contact information in the one central location is not just 'mandatory ' for giant business; it's necessary for small enterprise too. As a solo entrepreneur your time is valuable - and you need to be able to access crucial info swiftly.
Do your prep, set up a system, and reap the rewards. Your time and business success is worthwhile.
What is a CRM?
A CRM system - Consumer Relationship Management - is a database that enables you to store info on your customers, prospects and other folks related to your business. The larger, fancier CRMs are far more flexible and customisable, whereas the simpler, lower-priced ones are stock standard and therefore have constraints. Price follows functionality in this example.
What might it do for you?
I recall a customer a year or two ago who had a particularly profit-making business, but was extremely ineffective in their processes and systems - so they employed me to sort things out. What surprised me was that they had built a enormously huge database and huge client list using just Outlook, Word, Post-it notes and lists. It isn't any wonder they were in disarray!
Since they were adept at tempting business, imagine how much better off they were after they could view all of their clients and sales details, and then follow-up with them all using automated marketing processes in the CRM.
Finally you want a system that is making life easy for you. So it should:
- save you time
- enhance your productiveness
- streamline your processes
- help you to earn money
You may think that using those paper files, post-it notes, Outlook lists and Excel spreadsheets is safe - nevertheless it may be costing you dearly in time, not to mention efficiency.
Having all of your client and contact information in the one central location is not just 'mandatory ' for giant business; it's necessary for small enterprise too. As a solo entrepreneur your time is valuable - and you need to be able to access crucial info swiftly.
Do your prep, set up a system, and reap the rewards. Your time and business success is worthwhile.
About the Author:
Expert resource on CRM systems for tiny, micro & medium firms, to enable effeciencies, leverage and help with automated marketing.
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