How a CRM Benefits a Business

A CRM business usually starts with a need.  Often business owners are using tools they have purchased and find that the features they really need are not included in their CRM and the features they can access aren’t relevant to their business. Typically the end result of those frustrations is a CRM system that has additional features that contribute to the success of a business.

CRMs benefit a business most when they are set up to work for that business and how it already operates.  A business based predominantly on sales and leads wouldn’t need the same features as a service based company sending technicians out in the field.  With many different options, it can be overwhelming to dig into how a CRM can help your business best.

Choosing the right CRM benefits for your business is essential to success

Every CRM business has created a unique and specialized type of CRM for the industry they are most familiar with.  While some CRM systems are designed with benefits for a specific business in mind, all CRM systems have the basic functionality to benefit all businesses in a big way.

Careful selection of a CRM that is right for your business also includes evaluating features against cost.  Many CRM businesses offer several different packages.  Each package usually offers additional features.  It’s important for a business to consider what features it really needs.  Having too many features available may look overwhelming to employees trying to learn their way around the new online system.

 

A CRM business usually builds its software with functionality in mind

The number one thing that stops a CRM system from working effectively is compliance.  Often employees are set in their ways and have learned that if they don’t use and don’t like the new way, things won’t have to change.  The key to changing this is not all about the mindset of the field technicians.

Managers and business owners that choose to actively think about how their team members go about their day see less turnover and better employee morale. Since employees will be logging their time, filling out reports, and using the applications and CRM system most often, it’s important to weigh how they feel about the system and how it works into their day more heavily than any other factor.

A good CRM system will have a user friendly design that keeps tasks completed most frequently easily accessible.  A CRM with an interface that allows technicians and other staff to quickly find what they are looking for helps create motivation to stay on top of using it.  When employees start to see the value in using the new system, a business will begin to see the difference in customer service, effectiveness and profits.

 

3 ways a CRM benefits the bottom line of a business

Different types of CRM systems will have different benefits for a business.  While each one is different, CRM systems all share some basic ways in which they can help a company increase their bottom line.  Understanding that all aspects of the business impact customer satisfaction and ultimately profits is a good place to start.

 

Increased efficiency from a CRM system increases client satisfaction.

When customers are expecting a service or product, the company they put trust in has one chance to deliver.  Mishaps, miscommunication and mistakes happen but they do impact the way a customer views a business.  With a CRM system, those small things are less likely to fall through the cracks.

In a cloud-based CRM every employee has access from anywhere.  Customer communication is logged in the CRM database and available for all team members to see.  When someone new answers the phone and already knows exactly what the customer is referring to based on past notes, it gives the customer added confidence that their needs matter.

 

An online CRM system streamlines processes.

A business with an online CRM can keep track of inventory, day to day operations and progress automatically.  CRM systems are more than just client relationship management tools.  They also help business owners and managers manage team members, projects and timelines.

 

Seeing which employees are where and what inventory they left with is helpful for managers that control inventory and fleet.  Operations managers may find more value in the progress reports and time tracking features.  Business owners often enjoy the luxury of tapping the screen on their smart phone and seeing how the work day is progressing.

 

Customizable reporting available in a CRM changes the focus of managers.

Having the ability to customize a report to include only the information required decreases the amount of time employees spending updating on progress and allows managers to get the full picture with a quick glance instead of an on site visit.

Reports can include pictures, time stamps and communication logs that help managers stay in the loop without having to call every foreman or technician to get an update. Time spent chasing down employees and finding out what has been completed turns into investments in client relationships.  Managers are able to take the time to understand a customer’s needs and develop strategies to meet them.

 

The ways in which a CRM benefits a business are limitless

When correctly implemented, CRM systems touch every part of a business.  The automated features help free up time and impress customers while the reporting features hold employees accountable and help managers stay on top of what’s happening in the field.  Data on how long service calls take and which products aren’t selling can also be tracked in a CRM to help owners make more informed decisions for their business. How a CRM benefits a company largely depends on how the company chooses to use the system, but with the right features and implementation the possibilities for growth are immense.

 

See how a CRM benefits your business with a free trial from CRM Runner.  CRM Runner is a client relationship management system designed with flexibility in mind.  Customizable reports and GPS tracking are some of the unique features it boats.  Click here to learn more and sign up risk free to see if CRM Runner is the system for your team.

 

A CRM Database Helps Manage Client Communication and Projects

We are all bombarded on a daily basis with new task management software and it can get overwhelming deciding if something like a CRM approach would really help your business. Let’s simplify what a CRM does to help companies function and grow.

A CRM definition often helps with being able to see the potential of the system.

What does CRM stand for? CRM stands for “customer relationship management.” A CRM definition can be understood in two different ways.

The first CRM definition is: “A management philosophy according to which a company’s goals can be best achieved through identification and satisfaction of the customers’ stated and unstated needs and wants.”

Customer feedback is only one way to learn about what a customer really wants out of a business in your industry. Not all customers who are interested in your products or services are willing, out of politeness or lack of time, to fill out a satisfaction survey or write a review. With a CRM database capturing their purchasing behavior, you gather more information about what they really want. In this sense, the philosophy of monitoring customer behavior with your company directly impacts a company’s ability to maintain loyal customers, predict potential customer needs, and grow as a business.

 

The second CRM definition others use is: “A computerized system for identifying, targeting, acquiring, and retaining the best mix of customers.”

Where the first CRM definition speaks to the mindset of a company when seeking to grow, the second CRM definition talks about the literal method which transforms the philosophy into action. A CRM database operates within software applications to run automated reports and streamline day-to-day operations which directly impact your customers’ satisfaction.

 

How can you benefit from using a CRM database?

A CRM database does the work of gathering all the information a company needs to thrive. Your relationship with your customers is how you stay in business – if they’re happy with what you do, they tell their friends and family about your company and you receive less costly advertising as well as long-term customers who will continue to bring you business over time.

A CRM database is designed to help every aspect of your business function with greater efficiency. This may not seem immediately relatable to customer service, but, from the executive decisions down to the supply management trail, every bump in the road affects your customers.

Think of it this way: if you are spending money on a low-performing employee or an unpopular product collecting dust on the shelf, what would it take to even learn this is the case? With everything managers need to do to keep operations running smoothly, it may take months of lost revenue to discover these corners which should be cut. A CRM database will capture the lifespan of items in inventory and automatically run reports on items in stock without an administrative member of the team taking the time and resources to run the report and then submit it to you. This makes it easier to place more focus on items of interest and avoiding running out of your customer’s favorite products with space freed up on the shelf.

 

Increase profits with a CRM approach.

When your business is better set up to meet your customers’ needs and stop wasting money on items or processes which detract from this goal, profits increase. A CRM approach to your daily operations makes it clear to your customers they matter and are the soul of what your company does. Most customers switch to competing companies in the same industry if they feel the business, essentially, doesn’t care about them or the problems they came to the company to fix.

A well-run business with a CRM approach makes it easier to give your customers information in real-time and refined products and services to better serve your community. Waste less money on what is not serving you and your customers with a CRM approach to evaluating where your company needs to improve and where it truly shines with your ideal clients.

 

To maximize growth, learn about using a CRM tool to streamline processes.

CRM Runner offers several helpful tools within their CRM system packages. Their GPS and time tracking CRM tool demonstrate in real-time where employees are working and how long they worked at a particular site. This information is valuable for identifying top performers and where staff may need extra assistance to complete difficult tasks. This CRM tool also tracks inventory and company vehicles exiting and entering job sites and the headquarters.

Another helpful CRM tool feature provided by CRM Runner is automated sales documentation and transactions. Because CRM Runner is cloud-based, the CRM tools are available on any device with an internet connection. You or your staff will be able to dispense invoices and get paid anytime, anyplace.

CRM tools included with CRM Runner also feature work progress reports and other customizable reporting options. Learn what you need to know about the experience of your staff in the field and your clients interacting with them using daily progress reports you can review with a swipe on your phone while commuting or even after hours.

 

A CRM database can manage client communication seamlessly.

We improve what we check and a CRM approach to business will show your customers you’re ready to be the best in your industry to support their specific needs. Managing communication with customers means that they don’t have to repeat information and they receive updates when there are delays.  Answering customers’ questions and informing them proactively about potential issues can make the difference between bad customer experience and a good one.  To get the help of a CRM database for your business sign up for a free trial with CRM Runner, a feature-rich cloud-based solution for businesses.

 

A Guide to the Different Types of CRM Software

No matter your business’ industry, a loyal customer base is the only way to support your company’s survival in the long term. Whether you sell products or services, finding a way to keep tabs on how your customers experience what your company has to offer is vital.

Short of issuing annoying surveys or following up with every single customer to ask about his or her experience, how does a business improve its relationship with its clientele?

A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is a combination of practices and software to help stay on top of what keeps your customers coming back.

CRM systems automate various business procedures in order to increase efficiencies within the day-to-day tasks of the company and collect data on the customer experience. These two elements, when monitored, can lead to greater customer satisfaction.

For example, imagine you have a security system business requiring employees to go out to offices and homes for installation or maintenance services. Without a CRM, when a customer calls to ask for an ETA regarding his or her service technician, a business manager would have to hang up, call the technician, ask his or her whereabouts, and the call the customer back with an answer. With a CRM system with a GPS tracking feature, the swipe of a screen could answer the customer’s question on the spot.

Most of us do not appreciate playing “phone tag” which makes a feature like this a faster, more efficient way to serve a customer and boost trust in your company.

 

What can a CRM system really do to help businesses increase customer satisfaction?

When various administrative and daily due diligence tasks are automated, business managers have more time to focus on building good relationships with customers and creating promising new leads. If your business relies on field service technicians, you can’t accompany every single one on the job to make sure work is completed in a satisfactory way. Even shadowing one technician will take time away from developing better deals for your customers.

For example, if a CRM system includes integrated communication features, every essential employee will have a log to review of what has been said or what troubleshooting has occurred for any specific customer. To avoid delays with double-work or asking a customer the same questions he or she has already answered, a more streamlined work flow is created. This means less work on the labor side of the equation and more free time to work up an improved service for your clients.

CRM systems track your data in a way which makes it fast and easy to learn more about what your customers do and don’t want. For example, inventory features of a CRM system may track and report what has been purchased and what is consistently returned. This valuable information makes it faster to decide which products to stop ordering and which require back-stock in order to never run out. This reporting feature saves time and resources needed in hours and effort to draw up the same report on an Excel or Google sheet.

 

The three main types of CRM systems are known as Analytical, Operational, and Collaborative.

Depending on the focus of your business, one of the three main types of CRM systems may be more useful to you and your team.

Analytical CRM systems track large amounts of customer data to help businesses understand how to gain and keep customers. These CRM programs are designed to monitor the procedures of customer acquisition, retention, and various customer details. Acquisition data demonstrates how leads are converted to customers; retention information reveal how to keep customers happy and returning to your business; and customer details worth tracking include contact information, communications with the customer, and any information which helps improve your relationship to the customer. An analytical CRM system helps businesses learn all this information by reporting on customer behaviors, patterns, and complaints. This is critical knowledge for any business wanting to grow.

Operational CRM systems take a day-to-day management approach when it comes to basic operations, sales, and serving customers. Predictable, automated tasks are handled by the operational CRM software to include e-mails sent to new visitors or coupons offered to returning customers. Aspects of sales are automated to nurture the right leads following the right actions made by new prospects. Higher levels of customer service may be reached with an operational CRM system by automating helpful information with clear communication via any method preferred by the customer. Ideally, this level of administrative support helps to make more time for business development tasks.

Collaborative CRM systems focuses on enhancing the customer experience. This kind of CRM system will keep all essential personnel “in-the-know” on customer relations. Rather than calling meetings, making numerous texts or having several phone calls to keep everyone on the same page, a collaborative CRM system offers the information regarding a customer’s needs at the click of a button. Customer data is shared across the appropriate company channels so whoever picks up the next line of communication is ready to represent the company with all the relevant information (which means a customer will not have to repeat him or herself).

 

Start a free 30-day trial with the CRM Runner system to decide if this CRM is the right type of CRM system for your company.

CRM Runner offers several features to streamline every day operations, communication, and reports in one easy-to-use software program. From scheduling to tracking products and gathering critical data for business development and improved customer satisfaction, CRM Runner has a lot to offer industries across the board. While there is no one-size-fits all program for every business, CRM Runner stands behind its system with a 30-day trial to give your team a chance to experience the difference before committing to a package. Check out the features and start a free trial by signing up here.

 

Though the industry is rather new, almost everyone looking to grow a business hears about and compares CRM systems. If you’re wondering if a CRM system is what your company needs to earn more revenue, this blog offers definitions and tips for evaluating what your company really needs to cultivate success.

 

CRM stands for customer relationship management

The meaning of which sounds like one particular aspect of your business; If you have a great CRM system, you’re optimizing your efficiencies in ALL aspects of your business.

You’ve heard of working in customer service and it’s often thought of as a separate job within numerous companies. Someone does the work, handling the questions, concerns, and transactions with clientele purchasing goods or services.

Smart business owners know happy, loyal customers, means longevity. It requires a lot of resources to constantly bring in new customers whereas maintaining a returning group of clients translates to consistent income and word-of-mouth (otherwise knowns as free) advertising. The application of the right CRM system improves your customer relationships by making sure the business is set up to serve the community at the highest operating capacity.

For example, having the most popular products in stock at all times will reduce the number of times you have to tell a customer you don’t have what they want. A well-made CRM system may include an inventory tracking option to show what products are most often purchased and which are simply taking up space on the shelf. This is a material aspect of your business and, still, it touches your ability to keep customers satisfied.

 

Which of the three types of CRM systems would best fit your business?

The three different types of CRM systems are known as Analytical, Operational, and Collaborative. The product or focus of your business may make one of these three types the most obvious choices or you may find you need a CRM system which can perform on more than one level.

Analytical CRM systems basically learn about a customer through sales activity to predict what the customer will want to buy in the future. For example, if a customer makes a purchase for air conditioning check-ups, the information will work through the CRM system to send promotions for filters or other cleaning necessities for the AC unit.

Operational CRM systems focus on automating sales and marketing activities. Let’s say a customer writes to the company asking about a rate for a particular service. A message can be designed to auto-deliver to the customer advertising a deal for a lower rate. Getting to know what customers need and for what they are willing to pay refines this system of offering customers incentive to stay with your company rather than switch to a competitor.

Finally, a Collaborative CRM system, sometimes referred to as a Strategic CRM system, interconnects information across all departments of a company. For example, if you are a plumber and you receive a complaint from a customer about a part or service, this data is shared with each department in order to zero in on the problem and resolve it efficiently and to the customer’s satisfaction. Maybe human resources will see a particular plumber tends to perform poorly on certain service jobs or someone will notice a specific part is failing and Logistics will see a replacement part is required.

 

Top 5 things to look for when trying out a new CRM system

With the various types of CRM systems in mind, here are 5 qualities in need of a test drive before you buy any CRM application.

 

#1: Finding the right CRM system will mean there is an obvious ease of use for your team.

If the CRM system is difficult to use, it defeats the purpose of choosing to implement it into your company. According to Syed Balkhi of OptinMonster, “When deciding on a new CRM system, my initial thought is to analyze the user experience. I know that if the design is intuitive and easy to use, my employees will be able to find information quicker, which could result in them reaching out to more clients.”

 

#2: Another critical item for consideration when choosing the best CRM system for your business is whether or not customizable templates are available.

Not all businesses run the same way even if they are in the same industry. Each team is unique with a unique set of necessities to function at the highest level. Customization is important to have the capability of adjusting your CRM system to work seamlessly with your organization’s best practices.

 

#3: A CRM system must have sophisticated reporting features based on the metrics most important to your business.

If your business is service-based only, you want to make sure the reporting features tell you what you need to know about your customers’ needs. What you will want to see reported are hours it takes service providers to complete tasks, a record of communication with the customer to avoid double troubleshooting for tough service calls, etc. Whatever you need to know to keep your business running smoothly, the reporting features must marry up and be easy to scan and understand.

 

#4: Expert CRM systems offer ways to integrate into day-to-day operations.

If you’re tracking hours, the CRM system should have a clear scheduler and alert system to keep essential personnel in the know even while on-the-go. Check to see if the CRM system has a mobile app to maintain visibility on what is happening during the day no matter where you are. Is there a GPS tracker so you can see when company vehicles leave and return for the day? Check to see what features would be the most useful to streamlining your everyday tasks.

 

#5: Before you choose a CRM system, be sure to gather feedback from all staff after a free trial.

A CRM system which can stand behind its product will offer some kind of free trial. Have your team give it a try for a period of time and learn from your employees’ feedback as to what did and did not work before you buy anything.

 

Try CRM Runner software for free over the next 30 days to see how this CRM system will increase efficiencies, save money and grow company revenue.

CRM Runner is ideal for service and product-based businesses relying on employees in the field. See how this collaborative CRM system will offer a strategic approach to daily operations in order to give managers the time they require to interface with customers. Check out the features and start a free trial by signing up here.

 

The world is online and the way we do everything, from having a personal life, finding a job, or running a business has changed. Meeting our customers’ expectations doesn’t boil down to being more conveniently located than a competitor anymore.

These days, consumers know they can hop on Google and find just about anything they want. With so much competition at the click of a button, how do businesses stay in the game?

The acronym CRM has likely come up in your own business searches if you’re looking for ways to improve sales and grow your company. CRM stands for “customer relationship management.” It’s in coming full circle with how you make your current customers feel as loyal supporters of what your company has to offer which makes all the difference in thriving.

 

What does a CRM system actually do?

The way Google Contacts maintains information about the people with whom you speak, their personal details, important notes about them, a collection of their correspondence with you, and so on, is similar to how a CRM system helps a business keep all their information organized.

A CRM system, however, does so much more than keep customer information consolidated and in one easy-to-access location.

 

Online CRM software helps companies manage their relationship with a growing customer base with several tracking, monitoring, and database tools.

A CRM will not only track your interactions with any given customer – the system will maintain information about every task completed, every product purchased, and every communication company-wide with this customer. This information is vital when it comes to protecting how your customer feels when interacting with your service.

When the last conversation and the history of a work log is available to business managers with the same speed and ease as a Google search for places to eat, less time is wasted trying to figure out where the company as a whole left off with the conversation. A manager will know exactly what to say on a follow-up call and what issues the customer wants to address. This kind of attention to detail is what makes customers want to stay loyal and make future purchases.

One can think of CRM as an exclusive social media platform, a closed group, for your company and your clients where managers have oversight of all the critical, personal data worth collecting to nurture the “R” of CRM.

 

CRM field management software does much more than log conversations with clients; it helps guide the company towards offering optimal customer service without losing time or resources.

If your business involves sending employees to homes or other work sites to provide a service or install a product, you’re up against a potential middle-man scenario.

To find out what has occurred on a job without CRM, a manager is faced with the task of calling the employee, the customer, or shadowing the employee to know what has happened. This is a loss of company time and it may come off to the customer as an indicator the company doesn’t know how to communicate properly internally – a sure way to lose trust.

If, instead, business managers have the hawk-eye view of everything happening in the field with the click of a button, they avoid repetitive conversations and human error in communication. Everything which is said to a customer company-wide is logged for a business manager to quickly scan at the touch of a screen. Additionally, a CRM will automate or streamline administrative tasks to avoid losing time to typing reports and to gain hours for completing more revenue generating work whether it’s employees in the field able to provide service to more customers or managers spending less time performing data entry and more time working on business development tasks.

 

Increase the efficiency of your team to your customers’ satisfaction: CRM for employee management

If you have employees working at job sites, keep all essential personnel in the loop with the scheduling, chatting, and GPS features of an easy-to-use online CRM system.

A CRM system keeps every employee in-the-know with where he or she is expected to be and at what time. Notes on desks can be lost, voicemails are not always heard or received, and texts can get lost in the mix of other messages. With an online CRM system, the company has one place to access all essential information leaving less room for error or questions.

A chatting function will allow for real-time discussions in the event an employee is unavailable to work or a customer has a question needing to be answered ASAP. Business managers have the instantaneous ability to reschedule and find a replacement for employees who are ill or have an emergency preventing them from working. This further promotes the accurate, easy communication with the customer as to what he or she should expect from the company’s service on any given day.

Know where your staff is if questioned by a customer with a GPS tracking feature. Business managers are able to offer an accurate ETA to allow for easy communication and smooth service.

 

How does this translate into using CRM for increasing sales?

It costs a significant amount of time, money, and resources to acquire new clients. The majority of reliable, sustainable revenue derives from maintaining a loyal client base to whom a business can “upsell” and promote membership renewals. Promoting a positive relationship with customers using the full features of online CRM software is what makes this kind of financial longevity possible.

None the less, CRM software is a valuable asset when it comes to knowing important information about leads. Information regarding a customer’s personal position as well as most recent conversations are all recorded in the CRM database. This makes it possible to view data and focus on the most promising leads for sales in a timely manner. Even more significant, this data helps you build a standardized company sales process with precision for the kind of customers who are in need of your services and products.

 

Try out the features of CRM Runner for a 30-day free trial to see the difference in your company’s efficiencies and how your customers respond to your efforts.

CRM Runner offers communication functions between staff, management, and customers, permissions settings, inventory reports and tracking, GPS employee status monitoring, leads reports, scheduler, work progress reports and work orders, contractor information, QuickBooks integration, and much more in one all-inclusive app for mobile and/or desktop. Have the information you need at your fingertips on the go or at the office right when you need it.

Sign up for the 30-day free trial here or call a sales representative to learn how CRM Runner can help your company grow using a CRM database management system at (877) 590-0040.

What is a CRM System and How Do You Know Which One is Best for Your Small Business

If you run your own business, chances are good you’ve heard colleagues or peers talk about (or complain about) their CRM system. In the modern age of social media, it sounds like another one of those “in-the-know” acronyms and, yet, when you hear it coming from fellow business owners, you may get curious about what the fuss is all about.

 

 

What is a CRM system? How would you define CRM?

If you’re wondering, “Okay, what does CRM stand for?” the answer is “customer relationship management.” The CRM definition, according to most sources, is an approach to manage a company’s interaction with current and potential customers. As you know, the word “relationship” when it comes to business is generally transactional – the business provides a good or service and the consumer purchases this product from the business. However, in order to secure this direct line of communication, there are several expectations to meet to convince someone your product or service is worth his or her money.

It is much more expensive to acquire new clients than it is to retain loyal customers. Ads and sponsorship take time, effort, creativity, design, etc. According to KPMG, the highest revenue driver for business is customer retention. The question is, how do you retain loyal customers?

It might help to understand why customers leave in the first place. According to superoffice.com, while there are extenuating circumstances which cause a customer to leave, from finding a friend to provide the service to simply leaving the market, larger percentages of customer loss are attributed to a competitor convincing a customer to choose their service. The largest percentage, a whopping 68%, is attributed to customers believing the business doesn’t really care about them or their needs.

 

Customer relationship management tools arrange a number of functions together to optimize efficiencies within a company to better satisfy their customers’ needs.

An easy-to use CRM system will provide your business with the tools to fulfill the essential components of what is a good business relationship. When keeping tabs on who among your customers is looking to leave, a CRM system will have detailed reports on their purchasing patterns. This offers an opportunity to open a dialogue before the customer simply leaves without notice. When you have this chance to identify what makes the customer unhappy, a CRM system makes it possible to follow up with a special offer or a reassignment of a service employee. This is how you show a customer you care.

 

How do you evaluate the best CRM system for your business?

Considering a CRM system is supposed to help you make more money, there are a couple of important things to look for when evaluating the best CRM system for your business.

Take a look at the features a CRM system offers and verify if they meet the needs of your business. For example, if you run an installation business, you may want to have GPS tracking on your employees so you can more readily inform you customers when they should expect service.

Figure out the costs of a CRM system and make sure to consider what features are included with the package. Many online CRM system providers have various different packages which include some, but, not always all the features available. After choosing what you need to run your business to your customers’ satisfaction, look at the package which best suits your needs and decide whether or not the monthly or yearly cost is affordable.

 

CRM Runner is one of the best CRM systems that help generate sales.

CRM Runner includes a variety of useful features for small businesses from reporting of daily work completed to chatting options with employees and customers all in one simple to use mobile or desktop app. CRM Runner has come to define CRM with higher efficiencies making both companies and customers happier.

With all the information of a day’s work included on a simple app, from schedules to conversations with staff, it becomes much easier to manage customer expectations and waste less time in the minutiae of calling staff members to find out where they are or helping them get the contact information for where they should be going. Managers are free to personalize their follow up with customers and focus on these relationships, as the CRM meaning suggests, and keep a loyal customer base.

CRM Runner provides reporting to assist with where corners should be cut. For example, the inventory feature will demonstrate what products are most frequently used as well as the opposite. See the trends of sales with the click of a button in order to stop draining resources in unpopular items as soon as possible.

 

Find out what CRM software can do for your business with a free 30-day trial.

Start your evaluating process of how the CRM Runner customer relationship management system will help you generate more revenue with a free 30-day trial. You’ll have the opportunity to test drive which features work best for you and your team. Sign up here and learn the affordable monthly and yearly costs ahead of time to determine which package the features you need while fitting your budget.

 

Features to Consider When Choosing the Best CRM Software in 2018

In today’s current market prospective customers have high expectations of an online crm platform.  Users who once could suffice with a simple spreadsheet or email chain to share information now expect automated tracking for communications and leads.

In industries where staff isn’t all located at one office, CRM applications are becoming a must have for operation. The ability to access data from anywhere for a sales team has always been at the forefront of a CRM, however the best CRM software in 2018 is more forward thinking and expands to more than just communications regarding sales.

Client Relationship Management systems are designed to help streamline processes for businesses, thus increasing their profits and decreasing their workloads.  A comprehensive and effective online CRM can make a huge difference in customer retention and ease of workflow – but a CRM that doesn’t serve your business can become a useless investment. Choosing a CRM that’s right for your team can be a time consuming process, so consider these features when making a decision.

 

 

An effective online CRM is easy for customers and employees to use.

It’s nearly pointless to invest in a system that your employees can’t or won’t use.  When a mobile CRM platform is hard to navigate, employees are less likely to continue to use it.  If employees can’t easily perform tasks required, any new CRM system will quickly be seen as more of a hassle than a tool that improves job performance.

With an easy to use interface customers can easily input requests and employees are able to access the information needed to complete those requests at the touch of a button.  Employees don’t appreciate having extra steps added to their daily to routine.  An intuitive approach to design is essential in an online CRM to help employees feel more confident in implementing the new processes.

 

The Best CRM Software of 2018 is accessible from anywhere.

The fast paced and competitive world of business means that accessibility is a more common expectation than it used to be.  CRM platforms that do not support mobile and remote access fail to leave a good impression with customers on job sites and prospective customers in the field with sales agents.

An online system that has CRM applications and is cloud based proves to be most effective.  The ability for field staff to log on to an application and record their notes for the job or sales call is invaluable when it really counts.  Also, the use of contractors and remote workers isn’t a concern for an online CRM that you can access from anywhere.

 

Online CRM Platforms must have a dedicated and reliable support team.

Almost all online CRM software has a ticketing system which they use to provide their users with support.  Many of those users report long response times and other various frustrations with that form of support for an online CRM.

Having various channels to reach out for support when a CRM experiences technical issues is vital.  Companies who provide support through phone and online chat are preferred to those with just a ticketing system.  Choosing a company with various support channels for their CRM software can help eliminate down time and help keep you on top of your workload.

 

Reporting features in an online CRM are vital to maintaining client relationships.

All client relationship management systems are designed to collect data to help improve the customer experience, but not all CRMs have the capability to help users analyze that data.  Real time reporting built into an online CRM can help managers stay on top of customer requests and can help sales teams keep track of their leads more effectively.

Without an integrated reporting feature, employees would be left to sift through the data and draw their own conclusions.  Reporting and analytics are must have features for the best CRM software in 2018.  They ensure employees can accurately interpret and analyze information.

 

Online CRM software that allows for easy invoicing and estimates helps streamline processes.

Customers that are entered into the CRM system have a need for the business to fulfill.  Sometimes they are a prospect, other times they need support with a service or product they have already purchased.  For some businesses, clients need a repair or an install when their information is inputted.

All of these customers have one thing in common.  They need help with something.  More often than not, what they need help with also has an associated cost.  Customers enjoy the ease of receiving a professionally presented cost estimate quickly.  Employees appreciate being able to populate the estimate with just a few clicks.  Some online CRM systems go above and beyond by offering a payment processing option built in.

 

The Best CRM software of 2018 must be customizable to the meet the needs of any business

No small business operates in the same way. As such, a good CRM system will have the flexibility to account for that.  Whether it be when and where an action takes place or just the words used to describe a product or service, an online CRM system that allows for custom fields is essential in 2018.

When an online CRM software allows for customizable templates and reporting the usability is increased.  Customized reporting and invoicing can help others find information later or in the event that someone new gets added to the project.  Customizing fields and templates is common practice in 2018 and the best CRM must have those capabilities.

 

Client Relationship Management software is expanding to meet the needs of service industries.

It’s expected to continue to expand further as demand for highly effective CRM systems increase.  Businesses who adopt the use of an efficient online CRM can expect to see increased profits and customer satisfaction from easy to use features.

As more features are added, CRM software will continue to become more essential for day to day operations.  Inventory tracking, appointment setting and GPS locating for employees on their way to service a customer are among added features that are now giving CRM platforms an edge over their competitors.

 

What is Customer Relationship Management Software and How Can it Help You Grow Your Business?

The role of a Customer Relationship Management system continues to evolve.  What was once a spreadsheet with some beefed up features now integrates with other popular tools to allow business owners to more effectively manage all of their business.

Online CRM platforms are becoming essential for all businesses to meet the expectations of today’s customers.  With so many ways to communicate via the web, tracking communications with customers and prospects has become increasingly challenging.  CRM software can help boost sales, increase customer retention and decrease workload.

Businesses who are in the growth phase must streamline processes and look to maintain excellent rapport with their customers.  Many businesses that chose to use an effective CRM in their day to day operations were able to grow more quickly because of increased efficiency.

 

 

What is a Customer Relationship Management Software?

Also known as a “CRM,” customer relationship management software is a tool used to keep track of interactions with existing and potential customers.  When asked to define CRM, business owners are quick to discuss how having the needed tools to keep everything in one place improved their business.  Reasons vary from industry to industry as some businesses see more benefit from sales and lead tracking while other businesses get more bang for their buck with reporting features.

Each business has it’s own needs and each type of customer management relationship software has it’s own features and preferred style of use.  Across the board – all CRM systems have some basic functionality that any business can see results with.  The more growth a business begins to see, the more likely considering additional features in a CRM becomes.

 

What does a CRM do?

A customer relationship management software provides and easy to use solution for management of information between colleges and customers.  Housing data about prospects and interactions with current customers, a reliable CRM can become invaluable when bringing on new staff to support business growth.

Once an online CRM system is implemented, every bit of information is tracked and recorded in relevant customer files.  Emails, phone calls, presentations and even service requests are often recorded with built-in features of a customer relationship management software.  With the popularity of social media comes the need to integrate and track communications from customers interacting with a business on via those channels.  Additional features like scheduling follow-ups and adding notes to accommodate client preferences are among the reasons you need a CRM to grow your business.

Keeping track of staff, inventory and customer interactions are some of the most loved features of customer relationship management software. Business owners across the globe have found that they see actual results with an effective CRM system.

 

Who can benefit from using a Customer Relationship Management Software?

Nearly every business can benefit from continued use of a CRM system.  As a business grows it’s need for additional features and integrations will often also grow.  An expandable CRM is most likely to help a business climb to the top.  Each stage of business development will require specific uses for a CRM – with growth those uses will change.

 

Sales Reps

For sales representatives working in the field an online CRM can make a difference in productivity.  Reviewing previous conversations, leads, sending and tracking emails and scheduling follow ups are full function features that sales reps use to help make the most out of their day.

 

Managers

Managers using a customer relationship management software can track employees using custom reports.  These reports work to hold field staff accountable for their actions while also keeping managers up-to-date on what is going on in the day to day.  With information updating immediately, managers always know what work is happening where.

 

Startups

Startups have little to no money and even less time to learn how to use software.  They need to maximize profits and minimize costs.  CRM systems designed for start-ups haveeasy to use and basic features that focus on the foundations of customer relationships and scaling a business with ease.

 

Small Businesses

A CRM with a valuable mix of features and affordability is key for small business owners.  They’ve grown past the need for basic features but aren’t quite profitable enough to need all the features CRM system offers.  Finding the perfect balance in the right customer relationship management software can push a small business into a big spotlight.

 

Enterprises

Larger businesses have more comprehensive needs.  CRM systems that enable staff and managers to easily communicate streamlines sales processes. Sales teams often report having more clarity about goals and sales opportunities with the use of a good online system.

 

 

How Can Customer Relationship Management Software Help Grow your business?

Using a CRM will give staff a centralized location to look for information, manage leads, and discuss plans. Unfortunately, it’s common for businesses to never implement the use of their online CRM system.  Without normalized use, staff becomes disinterested and will see the new customer relationship management software as anything but an asset.

Ensuring that managers and staff utilize the features offered is the most important step toward growing your business using an online CRM.  Once staff begin to use the system, the features of the CRM will begin to pay off.  Allowing for easy transfer and tracking of information will keep sales teams and field staff on top of their game.

A CRM system, like CRM Runner, designed to track communication, empower staff with correct information and increase productivity with easy to use features will help grow a business.  Evaluating customer relationships, inventory, staff performance and goal progression is easy for managers and owners who have an online CRM that will allow them access information and reports from anywhere.

 

A Web-Based CRM Platform Can Provide an Opportunity to Grow For Your Business

Competition is stiff –  and advertising only gets you the client.  Then you have to wow them, which more and more businesses are doing with a CRM platform. Expectations of consumers are higher than ever before while brand loyalty trends are seeing some downward shifts.  This indicates that in order to keep a customer coming back, businesses have to exceed expectations.

For many businesses this means learning to work “smarter not harder.” When it comes to customer relationship management, going above and beyond competitors while also maintaining a small business feel becomes the only way to achieve a client surplus.

The largest problem with the “small business feel” is that it often gets lost when a business tries to scale or increase their coverage areas.  Ditching archaic systems and using a web CRM can help alleviate all of those growing pains while increasing profits.

 

 

Businesses who use an online CRM platform report an improved customer experience.

Using a web CRM has shown to streamline processes, decrease workload and impress customers when implemented appropriately.  Over time, the tools provided by a good client relationship management system provide managers and business owners with valuable insight.

The insight gained by the features of the online CRM platform often allow for more detailed review of employees, inventory and the business as a whole.  Having this information available at their fingertips enables business owners to make more data-driven decisions that result in an multitude of opportunities.

 

A CRM platform improves communication with staff and customers.

Web-based client relationship management software enables anyone to access the information they need – from anywhere.  Designed to keep all communications in one place, employees have an easy way to find out exactly what management expects and is notified when changes are made.

Contacting customers and knowing what they need is easier with an online CRM.  All of their communications are kept in one central location.  This fosters a more trusting environment between the clients and everyone working on their project.  That sense of trust will carry over after the project is complete and often results in the best kind of referrals – word-of-mouth.

 

A web CRM is the key to managing projects effectively.

Managing multiple on-going projects and providing various services can result in a stack of paperwork on the desk and late night visits to evaluate the progress of a job site.  Add in the pressures of acquiring new clients and you get the perfect recipe for an over-worked business owner.

When an online client relationship management software, like CRM Runner, becomes part of the regular day to day, managers can spend their time more effectively.  Customizable report templates will give them the information they need inside the same CRM platform that also tracks which prospective customers are due for check in.

 

 CRM platforms that track inventory help control costs for a business.

Inventory issues have been known to cause many a headache for managers and business owners, especially those who need a mobile inventory.  Businesses with more than one location also have double (or triple) the worries when it comes to tracking inventory.  Web CRMs can help ease the mind of business owners by showing them opportunities to increase profit with a built-in system.

Not just the source of owner headaches – inventory issues are also one of the number one reasons a company loses money.  Often owners are skating by with all of the administrative duties on their calendar and the evaluating of inventory as well as what really needs to be ordered gets placed on the backburner.

A CRM platform with a built in feature designed to track inventory can help a business owner quickly and accurately evaluate what is selling and what is stagnant.  This can make a huge difference in profit and open up space for new and exciting services for customers to get excited about.

 

Web-Based CRM platforms give updates to managers in real time

Online client relationship management software enables managers and staff to access the system from anywhere.  A CRM platform that updates in real time allows managers to see what is happening – when it is happening – from their desk, their home or while traveling.

Keeping managers more informed allows for more honest conversations with clients about schedules and other questions that arise.  With the right information, clients feel more engaged in their customer experience.  This leaves them with a more positive view of the business and the service they received.

Opening the lines of communication and changing the expectations so that staff communicate through the online CRM platform keeps them more accountable.  With the web CRM, the manager has one place to look for the information they need – saving time and money.

 

CRM platforms utilize reporting that impresses clients.

There is value in having something tangible that shows the client progress has been made.  A visual representation of the project and how it’s moving forward is available with web CRMs, like CRM Runner.  A client that receives a professional and aesthetically  pleasing report about their project will feel more confident in your business.

When discussing a project with a client, being able to show them reports from different intervals of the project will add trust and value to the service you provide.  An informed client is less likely to feel blind sided by things like schedule shifts and shipping delays on parts that were ordered.  Having these reports also helps business owners properly scope future projects.

 

Businesses who choose to utilize the features of an online CRM platform see results.

Using the tools your business needs to stay on top of costs and customer experience is a long term investment in your business.  Implementing processes that allow for easy scalability and oversight are essential steps to laying a solid foundation for a budding business.  An online CRM platform helps businesses control costs, improve customer experience and see growth.

 

How to Find the Best Client Relationship Management Database System

There are a few key considerations when choosing the best online CRM for your company: Cost, relevant features, ease of use, and integration. CRM software should make your day-to-day operations much easier and free up time to make sure you’re providing personalized service to your customer base.

There are a number of options available with varying levels of user-friendly integrations and features.

 

 

Finding the best CRM database management system: Start identifying what tools your team needs to better serve your clientele

Before you start shopping for CRM software, look at what you already know about your organization right now. What do your customers request the most often? What products are more often in stock and which are consistently running out and slowing progress? What struggles do your staff regularly pose? How often do your customers tend to want to hear from you?

When you have clear understanding of these aspects of your company’s day-to-day operations, choosing from the many varieties of features available through an online CRM system will be an easier task. Make a list of these key gaps in your workflow and then start surveying who has the features your company needs to optimize efficiencies.

For example, if you have a business which requires service providers in the field, you may want to make sure you find a CRM which tells you the location of your staff in order to quickly answer a waiting customer rather than having to call your employee to see where he or she is. If your service involves installation equipment and products, you may want to find a CRM with inventory controls and reports to help you identify which products are in demand and which can be removed from the shelf due to lack of interest.

 

Among the critical criteria for choosing the best CRM system is ease of use.

One look at a complex, high volume business CRM like Salesforce may send a small to medium business owner running back to Google contacts, spreadsheets, and longer hours. You want a CRM software which is designed with the user in mind.

It will take time for your team to grow accustomed to using the software for reports, contact information, and so on. You want an online CRM tool which makes this process as smooth as possible. It may be beneficial to have a conversation with a sales representative to discuss how well a CRM tool may or may not fit the particular needs and operations of your business.

Verify if there is training or support included to assist you and your team with the transition to the CRM software. This one service could make all the difference in whether or not a tool with high functioning features is right for your business, but, requires training to use correctly.

 

An important criteria of a CRM tool is the ease of integration.

Do you want your CRM tool to integrate with a system on which you already rely to manage information? There are a few CRM tools which have an integration feature with reliable and common business tools such as Outlook or QuickBooks.

Discuss with a sales representative the process and support provided for integration to your current business software. Not all CRM tools are equal in this way and you will need to decide if it’s worth your time to incorporate by hand all of your contacts, reports, notes, leads, etc., if assistance for the integration process is neither available nor the software simple to use.

As important as integrating into systems you already use, is the ability for your new CRM to integrate into the day of your employees.  A CRM system that doesn’t easily fit into the routines of managers and staff will become something that doesn’t get completed as regularly as you’d like and then eventually not at all.  Making sure your employees can easily integrate the new CRM into their routines and the systems they currently use is an important part of which CRM is right for your business.

 

Finding the best CRM database management system which fits your budget.

There is currently no industry standard of what to expect when purchasing CRM software. One common trend among the top performing CRM apps is to divide what a CRM tool offers into packages. This helps companies avoid paying for services they won’t use. Take a look at the yearly and monthly costs of the CRM tools of interest and see what fits into your budget given all the other criteria of CRM you’ve identified above.

Be aware there are a few “free” CRM tools on the market which may seem to offer quite a few useful functions without providing vital information such as work progress reports or a track record of customer communication.

 

Try out the CRM Runner for a 30-day free trial to identify the features and packages which work best for your business and your clients.

CRM Runner features span across the board of business priorities with communication functions between staff, management, and customers, permissions settings to establish parameters of who can view what information, inventory reports and tracking, GPS employee status monitoring, leads reports, scheduler, work progress reports and work orders, contractor information, QuickBooks integration, and much more in one all-inclusive app. Have the information you need at your fingertips without rustling through paper, searching through old e-mails, or feeling the need to call your staff to verify their whereabouts.

Sign up for the 30-day free trial here or call a sales representative to learn how CRM Runner is the best CRM database management system for your company at (877) 590-0040.