Tag: crm software

Customer Database Software Programs for Businesses

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Customer Database Software Programs are an Essential Growth Tool for Businesses

Customer database software for businesses often help owners and managers focus on growing the business instead of the little time consuming details.  By automating things like reporting, time keeping and progress tracking, a comprehensive online CRM system can save time and streamline processes.

Growth in a business comes from a valuable service provided with excellent customer care in a scalable way.  Many businesses see enough growth that some of the details get missed or finally get accomplished after hours or on weekends. With a CRM system to automatically take care of some administrative and reporting tasks, growth becomes part of the daily routine.

Customer Database Software Programs

Customer database software for businesses helps improve customer service

Customers report that they lose confidence in a company when they have to repeat their concerns and when they feel like their needs are not being met.  A CRM system tracks client communications throughout the whole company.  This means that every employee has access to the information the client has already provided and can better serve them.

When customers questions and concerns are addressed quickly, it gives them a positive impression of the company.  Customers feel special when many employees know their story and what they need.  They also appreciate being informed ahead of time when something isn’t going as planned.  Customer database software for businesses helps keep all employees knowledgeable about every client thus improving their customer experience.

 

Find a client management program that works for your business

Not every growth tool is right for every business. When looking for a client management program, it’s important that business owners consider not only how they will use the program but also how their employees will use it.  Many CRM software programs are equipped to only track information pertaining to sales and leads.  More comprehensive client management programs will include scheduling, invoicing and on-site reporting features.  Since not all business needs all of those features, business owners should find a CRM system that is designed to work for the way their go about their day.

A client management program that includes job reporting and GPS tracking is well suited for a business with field staff and technicians that often don’t come into the office.  Integrating invoicing and timekeeping may be essential for a business owner that doubles as the CFO.  Basic functionality of a CRM is essential to growth for any business, but finding the correct client management program for the way your business operates is key.

How to find the best CRM software programs in 2019

The best CRM software programs for your business are those that will work well with the way the business already operates on a daily basis.  Not all CRM systems are created equal and some don’t have the user in mind.  Many employees have reported that navigating thru features they don’t use and too many options they don’t need access to actually deters them from using the new client management program.

A hard to navigate interface isn’t the only thing that keeps employees from using a CRM system.  Many employees don’t see value in changing up the way they have been doing things, especially if they think it’s working.  By choosing a CRM software program that easily integrates into the way employees go about their day, managers increase the chances that employees will stick with the new process without intervention or constant reminders.

In addition to fitting seamlessly into day to day operations, a CRM software program should also include features that make running a business easier and not more complicated.  Several features make life for a manager easier but very few CRM software programs have built in flexibility that allows them to make it work for their business.  Customizing workflow and reporting is a feature that the top CRM software providers are beginning to include.

3 things top CRM software providers are doing

The top CRM software providers of 2019 have started to notice that businesses (and CRM systems) aren’t one size fits all.  Integrating commonly used technology into CRM software programs as a way to increase business efficiency has become the new benchmark for client management programs.  The top CRM software providers are including these 3 features in 2019:

Customize-able features and reports

Leading CRM software providers are including the option to customize what is needed on reports and on their dashboard.  Customizing important reports that are commonly reviewed by managers will help streamline their process; which makes knowing where the company stands as easy as logging in.

GPS tracking

Perfect for tracking down technicians and sales staff, GPS tracking is a feature that CRM software providers are taking advantage of in 2019.  CRM systems that have GPS tracking enable managers to know where sales staff are and how long it will take a technician to arrive to their next stop.

Integration with other programs

Top CRM software providers are including integration capabilities in CRM programs in 2019.  Some programs integrate invoicing and payments while others focus on integrating with social media and other communication channels.  The most effective client management programs do both.

The best customer database software for businesses have CRM apps for client management

Technicians, field staff and managers are not always on site with the office staff that performs scheduling and contacts customers.  For businesses that operate on this model, CRM apps for client management is the best option.  Cloud CRM solutions allow for all employees to access the CRM system from anywhere with an internet connection.

Businesses that operate from multiple locations need access to CRM apps for client management.  With a Cloud CRM solution updates are provided in real time to all employees that are logged on.  In applications like CRM Runner, business owners get real time notifications when technicians arrive to a job and complete their report.

Client management software should come with a free trial

CRM software providers should offer a free trial with their product.  During the free trial, owners, managers and employees should take full advantage of using the system.  Once the trial is complete, it’s best to ask for feedback about the new CRM system from those who used it.  Top CRM software program, CRM Runner, offers a 30 day free trial to business owners looking to see growth.  Click here to learn more.

Best CRM Software 2019

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The Best CRM Software for the Service Industry in 2019

CRM software for service industry business owners must meet some unique needs.  Businesses that are based on providing services to customers are faced with special challenges.  Often these business are operated by multiple employees that spend their day in the field moving from location to location.  The revolving door of inventory and jobs makes the work of the manager in service based business time consuming and disorganized.

In service based businesses, it’s hard to track where employees are and when they will be at their next appointment.  Since most companies that operate in the service industry rely largely on field staff and technicians, being unable to hold them accountable for their day is has long been a top complaint for business owners.

Tracking employees isn’t the only moving target many managers need to hit.  In most service-based business, inventory is also spread out and hard to pin down.  When technicians load up their vans and head out to complete service calls, many managers are left in the dark about which van is carrying the inventory or how much is on it. As one of the most costly issues owners face, excess and unused inventory is just money hiding in the back of a technicians van.Best CRM Software 2019

How does a CRM software for the service industry benefit businesses?

A specially designed CRM Software for the service industry is essential to managing day to day operations.  Many service based businesses have multiple types of software and programs that monitor time, progress and invoicing.  Yet another platform monitors inventory and most often there’s an additional program that houses customer information and work orders.  Time lost to navigating through these systems and the hidden costs of not being able to review them all everyday can contribute to low employee morale, less than ideal customer experience and lost profits.

The largest benefit to a CRM software designed for the service industry is that it has the capability to handle all of those functions in one central location.  With an effective CRM system, managers can log on to one platform and have access to progress reports, location of employees and inventory all at once.  Online CRM systems for service based businesses should also incorporate invoicing and timekeeping to maximize the benefits for business owners and managers.

CRM Runner - Why Choose CRM Runner

Which features are essential for a CRM software for the Service Industry?

 A CRM system that works well for the service industry must do more than track sales leads and communications with customers.  While those features are great for managing part of the business, they do little to manage the operations that occur daily.  CRM software for service industry professionals must contain features that allow for accurate monitoring and updates in every aspect of the business.

Cloud based CRM Applications

Web based CRM platforms enable employees and managers to log on from anywhere they have internet access.  CRM applications that are downloaded to the technicians device help staff to accurately update managers via reporting features.  Cloud based CRM applications keep managers in the loop and employees operating in the field accountable.

GPS tracking

A must have for any business with field staff, this CRM tool is highly recommended for a service based business.  GPS tracking allows managers to know where employees and company vehicles are as well as how long they have been there.  Also used to better estimate time of arrival, this feature helps improve customer service and manager oversight.

Inventory tracking

Service based businesses rarely have all of their inventory in one spot.  Often it isn’t cost effective for technicians to return to the warehouse to return unused items daily.  With a CRM platform tracking inventory, businesses can easily know when they are ordering items they don’t need and which technician has materials on board for a new service call.

 Customizable reports

Managers of businesses in the service industry are well versed in the challenges of managing multiple employees traveling to multiple job sites.  CRM software for service industry businesses ensures that managers receive progress updates in real time from every job site.  With easy to customize reports, a CRM platform can help a manager be able to review the progress of all job sites and all employees more quickly and efficiently.

 Timekeeping

In the service industry it’s hard to know when a technician is working hard or hardly working.  With a built in timekeeping feature, CRM platforms designed for small businesses make running payroll and knowing who showed up for work as easy as clicking a button.  Timekeeping features allow for employees to clock in and out right from the CRM application on their device while also sending an alert to their manager.

Jobs

The ability to track jobs and work orders is invaluable to the manager of field staff employees.  The right CRM software will allow customization of the job, assigning of the job and notification to the employee and the customer with just a few clicks.  Tracking jobs inside the same system as inventory not only saves time but also saves money.

Choosing the best CRM software program for a business with field staff

The best CRM software programs of 2019 include features that are ideal for businesses in the service industry.  CRM tools and features that enable tracking of employees and progress are essential for growng any businesses.  Inventory, jobs and reporting that are accessible from anywhere with a web-based CRM is the most effective CRM solution for service based businesses.

CRM software providers with reliable programs offer a free trial

CRM cost is a concern for most businesses.  Investing in a platform for all employees can be a costly endeavor.  While CRM cost is a factor to consider it shouldn’t be the deciding factor when an owners buys a customer relationship software.  The cost of a CRM is minimal compared to what it offers in opportunity.  CRM software providers that stand behind their product should offer a free trial to businesses before asking for payment.  To learn more about how a CRM platform can help your service based business, click here for a free trial of CRM Runner.

Simple CRM for Small Businesses

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A Simple CRM for Small Businesses Helps Increase Profits

With a simple CRM for small businesses, owners are able to automate tasks and track more aspects of their business.  These insights lead to customer satisfaction and increased efficiency.

Owners of small businesses often wear many hats and work after hours to complete administrative tasks.  When an owner can’t be everywhere at once, it’s hard for them to continue to maintain the same level of oversight once their business starts to grow.  With a simple CRM for small businesses, owners will be able to know what’s going on with their business at the touch of a button.

CRM software for small businesses often have the same basic functionality.  Depending on the type of CRM you’re looking for, you may need additional features that a basic CRM software can’t provide.  Each industry has different needs for which CRM system will work best in their day to day operations.

Simple CRM for Small Businesses

A Simple CRM for small businesses has the features needed to increase efficiency.

Increased effectiveness is top priority for those looking to invest in a CRM for their small business.  Most online CRM systems accomplish this by automating repeated tasks, tracking customer communications, and providing a central location to keep necessary customer information.

Many CRM systems for small businesses include additional features that help managers and team members communicate without tracking each other down.  Some industries, like those that rely on field staff, find that the use of additional features decreases time spent on projects, increases profit and improves the impression customers have of their business.

What features are in a basic CRM software?

Basic CRM software typically functions to maintain all of the information pertaining to a customer and their account in once place.  Often these basic CRM systems track communications with the customer.  This is very beneficial for staff to stay up to date about what the customer has already expressed and what they are expecting. When a customer feels like a business understands their needs and is working to meet them, they turn into satisfied referral sources.

With a basic CRM software, staff can log on and see all of the customer information.  This enables them to quickly answer questions and catch up on the issues the customer needs to have resolved.  A basic CRM functions as one place to look for information when it’s needed most.

What to look for in a less annoying CRM

Many employees have a hard time adjusting to using a new CRM system if it doesn’t fit into the way they normally go about their day. Often they have trouble understanding the interface or navigating through features they don’t need to access.  Many employees simply don’t use the system and then it begins to be an afterthought.

Business owners that look for a less annoying CRM for their employees report that their team wants to use the system.  Easy to use features and customize-able reporting that smoothly fit in to the way the employees already work keeps them excited about using it.  It also helps them easily find the value in changing the way they have been doing things.  If they have to change their whole work routine, it’s likely they will resist the change.  Businesses that implement a less annoying CRM for their employees see increased effectiveness and a boost in employee morale.

Choose a web based CRM software for improved efficiency

For small business owners who are monitoring employees and meeting with potential clients a web based CRM software is essential.  When using a cloud based CRM, all updates happen in real time and are accessible from anywhere that has internet.  Applications that are available on any device make it easy for employees to update their managers.

Web based CRM software allows on-the-go access that is invaluable for sales and field staff.  Knowing where technicians and equipment are is easier with a cloud based CRM.  Accurate updates on job sites, customer communication and scheduling is available to managers when they log on.  The use of a web based CRM software streamlines communication and decreases the amount of time it takes to know where your business stands at the end of the work day.

An ideal small CRM system creates more streamlined processes and better direction for employees.

Many small CRM systems lack what employees and managers need to make sure that customers are taken care of.  Several online CRM systems only track communications related to sales and orders.  Those small CRM systems don’t have additional features that help ensure employees know exactly what to do to take care of the customer, all the way through payment.

In contrast to small CRM systems, more comprehensive online CRM software may be essential to give a business the upper hand in a competitive market. A long term solution for a business may not be a small CRM system but instead one that also has a better way to get in touch with employees and automatic tracking of progress and resources.

When choosing a simple CRM for a small business, the way that the business currently operates should be the number one factor in deciding whether or not an online CRM system is right for your team.  Consider how the use of the new CRM tool will fit into the work day of your team members.  It’s important to not only consider how your employees will use your new CRM but to also ask them to try it out.  Choose a CRM with a free trial and then ask employees for their feedback to ensure to you are choosing the right investment.

CRM software providers behind CRM Runner designed an easy to use client database software.

CRM software programs designed with the user in mind are often a more reliable choice for business owners seeking efficient practices.  CRM software providers that stand behind their product typically offer a free trial to prospective clients.  When they know their CRM software program is beneficial for business owners, they will want to ensure it has the features needed to help the owner streamline processes.

Seeking out a CRM software provider, like CRM Runner, to enroll in a free trial to see how a client relationship management software can streamline processes could help business owners see more profit.

Features the Best CRM Systems Have

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7 Simple and Easy Features the Best CRM Systems Have

If you’re hoping a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software might make it easier for your company to function and generate more revenue, you’re right… so long as the system is simple and easy for you and your staff to use. Otherwise, it could become an expensive tool no one at the company uses.

Features the Best CRM Systems

Using a simple CRM software is the easiest way to increase the efficiency of a small business.

Many CRM systems have varying features within certain packages or level of usage. You only want to pay for what you really need and what makes the most sense for your team. Before you buy anything, consider what sort of information would make it easier to run your business. For example, if you run a delivery business, maybe what you need to see in your reports is how long it takes each employee to run a certain number of deliveries. Look for a CRM with features to track progress and make decisions faster when it comes to top performers and how many people would be required to increase deliveries.

A simple, easy-to-use CRM software will cut down on the administrative work load which likely falls on a business manager who could better use his time improving customer relationships. Aided by the right data automatically collected by a CRM system, business managers have more time to develop products and services that appeal to their loyal customer base.  With managers focusing their time on more important tasks the possibility for growth and revenue increases. Whenever corners are cut without losing quality, a business is set up to succeed.

7 Features You’ll Find in the Best CRM Systems

When you’re ready to look around at different CRM systems, there are 7 basic features which definitely stand out for user-friendly implementation in work life.

1: The best CRM systems offer accessibility everywhere via mobile applications.

If you own or operate a small business, you likely wear several hats. The best CRM systems for small businesses tend to include a mobile app to allow managers to access vital business information no matter where they find themselves. In addition to a desktop application for the office, a CRM system available on a mobile app will keep you up-to-date. For example, if a customer has a question you can answer in a timely manner while on-the-go and the CRM will track it and then all staff can see it in real time instead of waiting to hear it from you when you get back in the office.

2: Role-based access is another key feature for small business owners looking for the best CRM system.

While your CRM system should be easy for anyone to use, not everyone should have access to the reports managers need in order to make decisions for the betterment of the company. A simple CRM software system should allow for managers to choose who can view what reports as well as who can use certain features.

3: The best CRM systems of 2019 offer GPS Tracking.

Knowing where your staff is and how long it takes them to complete work are valuable data points to consider for hiring and scheduling purposes. The best CRM systems offer GPS tracking for people as well as property – know when company vehicles or equipment are checked out for work use and the longevity of the items purchased by the company.

4: The best CRM software comes equipped with customization reporting

Even businesses within the same industry do not necessarily thrive in the same system of operation. You want to find a CRM system which allows for customization reports so your managers have the information they truly need to increase company efficiencies. For example, rather than knowing only what products are ordered, maybe what you really want to know is how much of a product is bought by your loyal client base in order to get dud products out of your inventory and make room for the upgrades your customers really want. Customization reports will help a business manager employing a CRM platform narrow down what is truly valuable for the business to know in order to improve customer satisfaction.

5: Real-time tracking is a vital component to a simple CRM system

Answer customers asking for an ETA from their service technician with the click of a button rather than multiple texts and phone calls. This level of awareness is a critical component to customer satisfaction. Most customers who abandon a business for a competitor do so if they are treated like a number rather than a valued member of the brand team. Additionally, answer your own need-to-know questions on the go with real-time tracking on the progress of the work day.

6: The best CRM systems offer integration for invoicing and popular communication channels.

Your business has likely lived longer than your search for a CRM software solution – you may already have practices and software systems with vital information. You want to find a simple CRM software which will integrate the information you already have without a lot of hassle or longer man hours transferring everything over to the CRM platform.

7: Automated quotes and invoicing are included in the best CRM systems.

Automating whatever you need to make business operations move more smoothly will save time and money in the long run. Quotes for typical work orders can be sent without drawing up a whole new document every time the order is made. Similarly, an integrated system for invoicing and receiving payments make billing and getting paid easier than ever before.

CRM Runner offers the best free CRM software trial available.

CRM Runner is proud to produce a CRM system which meets the needs of all businesses and their employees. They stand behind their product with a 30-day trial so you can try it out at no cost and verify if it’s the right CRM for your company. Check out the features and start a free trial by clicking here.

3 Challenges Business Face When Managing Field Staff Without a CRM System.

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Running a business is hard enough, but adding in the element of tracking field technicians often doubles the time it takes to manage day to day operations.

Field technicians are the most effective way to operate many service based businesses.  Electricians, construction crews and installation technicians are essential to providing excellent customer service.  However, when business is spread out across town or across the country, maintaining the most efficient processes presents a different set of challenges.

Business owners who now utilize CRM Runner, an online CRM, to manage their field staff listed many challenges they faced prior to using the system.  Across the board, each business owner listed 3 main road blocks to having their business run smoothly and efficiently.

Business Challenges Managing Staff

 

3 challenges most business owners face when managing field staff are resolved by using the best CRM

Business owners are looking to eliminate the extra work while maintaining everything they need to run their business all in one place.  Most often they state their time is spent tracking down the missing parts to the business and having all of the business tracked in one place would cut the time they spent chasing paper to nearly half.

Tracking inventory held by field technicians is a major concern for business owners.

Field technicians need basic parts to complete their job.  Since they are on the go, often these parts get pulled off the warehouse shelf and put into the back of the company truck without documentation.  To avoid extra trips back to the supply house, they may also take more than what the job requires.  This means company time is often spent tracking down a missing part or a purchased item that was never used.

CRM Runner’s field management software tracks inventory effortlessly.  Inventory can be tracked across several locations; including warehouse management and trucks driven by field staff.  This online CRM shows exactly where inventory is – even if it’s on the jobsite.  With real time reporting, managers and business owners can see where progress is made or halted with a quick glance.

Managing deadlines and progress at a job site with field staff presents a big challenge for businesses.

With job sites in multiple areas of town and staff spread thin to keep costs down, businesses can’t afford to not keep all of the projects moving forward.  Most owners report being unable to know exactly what was completed and when the crew left without visiting for themselves.  Making personal visits to each job site to ensure they stay on track is not only costly, but also isn’t a scalable model.

CRM Runner allows for up-to-date reporting on job sites with custom designed templates.  Using GPS tracking ensures you know where your technicians are while real time reporting keeps progress moving forward.  With end of day reporting, technicians can upload photos allowing managers and owners to have eyes on the project without actually driving to it. Time tracking included with the reports eliminates the worry of when the crew was onsite and when they left.

Controlling field staff communications with clients has led to problems for business owners.

Clients main complaint is often that they feel like they aren’t communicated with appropriately.  This is often the case because field staff are there in person with the customer and may get questions they don’t know the answers to about the project.  Field staff also are presented with changes the client requested prior to being notified by the office.  Clients are likely to have a better experience if they feel like they are informed, which is often not possible without costly software or additional dispatching and paperwork.

With CRM Runner’s software, communication is built in. Keeping all communication in one place allows the technician to receive real time updates to requests from the home office and the client.  Technicians and other staff can let the client know where they are, when they will be there and how the project is progressing all at the touch of a button.   Using CRM Runner makes communication with field staff and clients seamless.

Manage your business in a better way with an online CRM field management software.

Business owners face enough challenges finding reliable employees and bringing in clients.  When time is spent chasing down paperwork, checking on jobsites and managing inventory with a hands on approach there is not a lot of room left to manage day to day operations.  CRM Runner saves business owners time and money while also effectively managing processes and field staff.

Learn more about CRM Runner and how it can change the way your business operates with a 30 day free trial.  Sign up here.

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