Newer to CRM? -- 3 tips

So you're looking for a CRM? 

I've found there are two camps: those who have used enterprise CRM and those who haven't.

Little enterprise CRM experience?

Businesses in this camp don't know what they don't know. It's like someone who has never sent a text considering an iPhone. The iPhone seems too expensive, until you use it for a week. Many of you know what I'm talking about.

If you're in this camp, I have three suggestions:

1. Talk to at least two similar companies using enterprise CRM. By enterprise, I mean more robust CRM--not just your $15/mo. contact manager (remember my iPhone comparison?).

• Ask them what their best sales people do/don't like about it
• Ask them about total cost of ownership including coding/system admin costs
• Ask them how easily they can make changes
• Ask them about any surprises

You'll learn a lot!

 2. Figure out what's really successful in your business, that you simply want to automate (and not be required to change).  On the other side of the coin, be honest about processes that need to be 'ironed out' first and automated second.   Remember any good CRM is not an out-of-the box experience, it's an evolution.  More on that in the future.

3. Get going! Set up web demos with at least two enterprise vendors -- one with an older mainstay CRM and one that' five years old or newer (not brand new!)  I can help you on the later.

The right CRM can bring incredible value. Waiting around to begin using CRM is something you'll eventually regret.

Been there done that with enterprise CRM?  ...watch for my next post.