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Have a Successful CRM Implementation With These 10 Tips.jpegHave a Successful CRM Implementation With These 10 Tips

Posted on Aug 17th, 2018

As a business owner, you’re probably on the lookout for helpful tools. If that’s the case, you should consider implementing a CRM system.

There are many benefits to using a CRM system. These include happier employees, better relationships with customers, and greater cross-selling abilities.

While CRM systems are great, switching to one can be stressful. Luckily, there are ways to get around that.

You need your switch to CRM to go as smoothly as possible so business continues efficiently through it.

Here are ten tips for successful CRM implementation that should help.

1. Provide Training

Before implementing your new CRM system, make sure all employees are well trained. Don’t roll out a program that employees aren’t ready for.

Choose someone who can dedicate time and energy to coordinate and oversee the training. Make sure they know all the ins and outs before they start teaching the CRM to others. This change may seem intimidating and overwhelming to some on the team. It’s important that your team lead has the knowledge and patience to resolve any concerns they may have.

Allow role play and other opportunities for employees to get familiar with the system. Practice makes perfect, so let employees try things out before working with actual customers. This will allow troubleshooting without frustration for customers and stress for employees.

2. Have a Strategy

Implementing a CRM won’t change only one team within your company. Many or all employees will likely be affected in some way. Make sure all affected teams are ready for the change.

Be strategic in planning for this. Get all employees on board and encourage positive change. Don’t just wing it, unless you want to deal with chaos later.

3. Choose the Right CRM

There are plenty of CRM options to choose from, so make sure you choose the right one.

Consider your needs and do some research. Compare systems and consider how they’ll work in your situation.

One CRM will fit better than another, so go with what’s best for you and your customers.

4. Use an Experienced Consultant

If you haven’t used a CRM before, consider partnering with a consultant. Bringing someone in who’s experienced with CRMs could be invaluable for your company.

Implementing a CRM is no small thing, so don’t be afraid to get some help. Making the investment now can save headaches and frustration in the future.

5. Throw a Kick-off Party

It takes a commitment from the entire team when implementing a CRM. Employees love having a break from their regular work, so give them a chance to celebrate. Throw a kick-off party for the launch of your new CRM!

There are plenty of ways to celebrate this big change. Throw a barbecue for lunch one day, or host a fun dinner and allow employees to invite their families.

Whatever you do, make it tons of fun! Implementing a CRM is a lot of work, so help lighten the load by letting your employees have some fun.

6. Plan for Migration Time

You probably have a data storage and organization system. Once you implement your new CRM system, you’ll want to move your data.

Migrating data takes time, so plan ahead! Set aside ample time so you’re finished by your launch date.

Prepare ahead of time and shorten the migration process by going through your data. Delete all unneeded duplicate files. Get rid of personal information for past employees that are no longer with the company.

You’ve probably got some files sitting around that you don’t need, so get rid of them before moving your data. There’s no need to move and keep files that you don’t need.

7. Don’t Rush

When implementing a CRM system you may want to rush. If you feel the need to push through things too quickly, don’t do it!

Changing to a CRM system is complicated enough without missing steps because you tried to go too fast. Take a deep breath and proceed one step at a time. Make sure everything is taken care of properly.

If you won’t make the planned deadline, that’s okay. Simply push it back. It’s better to launch late than to launch before you’re truly ready.

8. Accept Resistance

You’ll probably have some people who don’t like the change that’s coming. That’s okay, just plan ahead for it.

The entire team doesn’t have to be 100% in support of the change. But you don’t want a mutiny on your hands, either.

Do your best to ease employees and upper management into the idea. Involve everyone in positive ways to help them enjoy the process as much as possible. If your team feels prepared and informed the transition will be easier for everyone.

9. Have Guidelines in Place

In order for your CRM system to work the way it should, all employees need to use it properly. Create some guidelines for how employees should interact with the CRM.

Devise a way to make sure all employees are following guidelines. It won’t be very helpful if some follow them and others don’t. Make sure the guidelines are easily accessible to everyone.

10. Be Smart About Timing

Switching to a CRM will take some time, so look ahead when choosing a launch date. Don’t choose your busy season!

Make sure you aren’t rushed by choosing a period that’s usually quiet for your company. Doing so will ease the stress of the change and give you time to troubleshoot any issues without undue pressure.

CRM Implementation Doesn’t Have to be Rough

The implementation of a CRM system is a big deal for your company, but it doesn’t have to be a major trial. Get all employees involved in the change. Help them see the positive results that will come from CRM implementation.

Don’t be afraid to get some help. It’s out there and can be very valuable, so don’t limit yourself to working without it.

Switching to a CRM system may seem complicated, but the benefits far outweigh the efforts to make the change.

Are you still looking for the perfect CRM system? Head to our website to see what we have to offer.