Software Articles

With many vendors and new releases of CRM products & services out there, the task of selecting a CRM that’s right for your organization and its purpose is overwhelming. To simplify the selection process for you, I’ve created a step-by-step approach.

Definition of Your Business Requirements. This step starts with re-iterating your business goals and the main purpose(s) of a CRM, followed by the shaping of your functional needs of a CRM program. Define what you need from a CRM to set your organization apart in your market, and include aspects such as marketing analytics, sales lead generation or help desk requirements.

Definition of Your Technical Requirements. When the business, sales and marketing needs are clarified, the task of detailing your technical requirements of your CRM platform begins. At this point, you include aspects like reporting, software integration among many other things. The details of this step are the subject of another article at CRMhelpdesksoftware.com.

When looking for vendors for CRM software, you have a wide pool to choose from. A quick net search will turn up dozens of names and companies, but out of those companies, who is going to to provide you with with the best service and the best software interface? One way to find a good CRM vendor is by referral. Do you know of someone who recently got CRM software installed? Ask them who they went to and if they would go again. Remember that when you are looking for a good CRM vendor, he should have some experience in your field or industry. A good CRM vendor will be able to install your new software with a minimum amount of fuss and ensure that everything displays correctly.

When working through these issues with the various vendors, you’re ready to make your decision to plan, pilot and roll-out your new CRM. I trust this approach results in a cost-effective and fast decision making process for you and your organization.