WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO ADOPT CRM
“The customer is first” is a motto that many organizations build their businesses on. The motto acts as a driving force for successful businesses; however, lack of insight and visibility are common plagues that affect some companies especially those businesses that do not follow the above principle. Organizations that just start to grow may be void of investment opportunities therefore they may not know what the business needs to maximize profit. What most of these organizations need is a CRM platform.
CRM is an acronym for Customer Relationship Management; the term is mostly used in business. It is a technique or strategy that can be used to build relationships which can help manage a crisis, leverage on those relationships to make profits. CRM also entails simplification in lead tracking, reporting, revenue forecasting, and other areas that affect the business.
Some organizations adopt CRM systems to help boost the businesses as earlier explained mainly because the benefits of CRM to a business are outstanding. According to CRM buyers, “nearly two-thirds of sales reps achieve their sales targets by using mobile CRM, while only 22 percent using non-mobile CRM have hit their quota”.
The astonishing effect of CRM in business growth also transcends to the reputation and image of the company. An organization with strong CRM systems in place will be able to influence customers’ decisions to suit their image. Let us elaborate with this scenario: once CRM systems are adopted, and efforts are being made to foster a relationship with the organization and the customers, the gap between them will be cut as there is a free flow of information. This then further translates to the customer vouching for the company through the establishment of a cordial relationship; thereby maximizing the growth and image of the organization.
The era of operating with spreadsheets to track customers has expired. CRM has ushered modern businesses to an age of ease and comfort where employees of the company now have access to the customers’ information anytime they need it, making their work more effective. The Internet has propelled businesses through CRM systems with the use of SMS, social platforms, traditional mail, and email to establish a relationship with customers. Are we still wondering the best time to adopt a CRM?
There are signs that still point to the need for a CRM if the business does not take the initiative of adopting the system early.
An important sign to point organizations in the direction of a CRM is if the institution lacks structure. Small and new businesses usually have this problem when sales meetings go south and the sales process unorganized, confusion is inevitable. The second sign is when there is a change in structure; this may occur when an employee leaves or there is an abrupt change in the policy of the company. Another indication is when two employees or sales representatives are working on the same job. CRM helps to track contact information and link it with the right sales representative, which ensures order in the organization. Also, in a case where a customer is changed or leaves the company, CRM will help restructure the system assigning new customers and roles to sales representatives. CRM allows for consistency, irrespective of changes going on in the organization, relationships are properly maintained.
The customers are regarded as stakeholders; they play a very vital role in the growth and survival of any establishment. It is important to build relationships that will last even to the third generation of the customers, leverage these relationships and maximize profit. Companies that do not know about CRM should, therefore, endeavor to learn about the rewarding concept, which can empower the business and give insights to what they are lacking. CRM is not only for growing businesses but established ones too, regular CRM systems should be implemented to constantly check the excesses and guide them in line with the goals and objectives.
There is no better time for companies to adopt CRM but now. The earlier the system is implemented the better for the growth of the business since the customers are valuable assets. It is, therefore, important to establish a cordial relationship with the stakeholders.
