Though it has a long way to go, CRM technology has the potential to strongly influence and increase business efficiency and profitability. By using CRM implementation best practices, those CRM companies lagging behind can make a strong comeback. There are many suggestions for CRM implementation best practices out there; the most important CRM implementation best practices are narrowed down to two points.
Two Main Points to Understanding CRM Implementation Best Practices
1. The first point of CRM implementation best practices: You must analyze and gain an in-depth understanding of your client’s business strategy, and figure out the way in which your CRM software can deliver the most value. After that step, emphasize these opportunities through internal marketing of customer-focused programs.
2. The second point of CRM implementation best practices: Make sure to prioritize customer-centric programs based on potential that will bring about an immediate positive impact on businesses. Figure out which resources are vital to success, and then conduct a staged implementation to all parts of the business.
SaaS CRM Implementation Best Practices
William Band, Vice President and Analyst of Forrester Research completed a publication on CRM Software as a Service (SaaS) best practices. In this publication, he provides an in depth analysis of several SaaS CRM implementation best practices. A summary of some of the CRM implementation best practices are:
– Build the right business case and negotiate the right contract
– Understand the costs associated
– Calculate and weigh the benefits
– Keep your eyes open and stay aware of the risks associated
– Get an idea of the flexibility- is it increased or diminished?
– Make sure to clarify so everyone’s on the same page
Microsoft Dynmaics CRM Implementation Best Practices
Listed below are a few of the leading CRM vendor, Microsoft Dynamics’ CRM implementation best practices.
– Implement a social CRM strategy to address the social needs of your customers
– Get a mobile CRM strategy implemented ASAP- smartphones are where it’s at!
– Make the switch to a cloud-based system from an on-premise one if you have not already