CRM - is there any reason or value

CRM has been a buzzword for businesses all over the world for many years and those that understand CRM are having huge success.

CRM is very much a sophistcated planning and forecasting tool. Sadly 90% of CRM users only use it as a glorified telepone book. Few users apply sales rules specific to their needs and even few stick to them.

So is CRM for me?

The answer is very much yes, especially if you are badly organised or very busy. Combined with email CRM is one of the most powerful tools your business can have.

Is CRM difficult to implement?

If planned correctly from day 1 before any data is inputted then the answer is NO but sadly many users jump right in, fill up the fields in the standard view and then try to grow the features. This is 100% wrong if you want to get 100% out of the system. Planning is critical.

Is CRM costly?

CRM prices range from Free to $1000's per user depending upon needs, integration and much more. Linked with a tool such as sharepoint or interfaced with an intranet th cost rises but the returns on investment increase as long as it is used, used properly and managed.

There are a number of FREE Online CRM tools such as ZOHO, Salesforce that are really aimed at the smaller user and there are a good number of more sophisitcated solutions such as Maximizer,Microsoft, ACCPAC and Siebel.

CRM can be as complex or as easy as you want. Anyone can sell you a CRM tool but it worthwhile getting advice from a marketing or sales consulting firm first who deal with the people side of CRM not the technology. Once you know what you want from a system then you can create your shopping list!