If you’re in the market for a CRM system, you’ll encounter a wide array of choices all claiming to have that special feature which you’re currently missing. In fact, you may even decide that some of these bells and whistles are necessary to help grow your business. However, the CRM solution that you ultimately choose should contain several core features that help improve productivity in your firm’s operations and increase client retention.
Service Your Clients Better
Today’s firms want more tools to help build client relations. In their evaluation of each CRM system, firms subject these solutions to a high degree of scrutiny. Today, it’s more than just seeing who has the fastest and most automated features. Today’s firms want the best
John Silvani
solutions in a simple, cohesive, and readily adaptable format. The best CRM solution will have core features that help end users view the CRM solution as one that fits like it was made especially for them, and not a one-size-fits-all solution just off the shelf.
Collectively, these must-have features are proactive in form and function, thinking ahead and even anticipating client needs. If you can better manage the information and interactions with your client you can drive business success.
Here’s are a few traits to look for in your next CRM solution.
- Easy-to-Use
- Mobility.
- Customizable
- Real-time Insight & Collaboration
Easy-to-Use
A good CRM system should be easy to use. There’s no point in making something so elaborate and complex if the end user cannot easily adapt to it. Why invest hours of staff training if a system is too difficult to use? In this case, less is more; or to put it another way, simpler is better. Nothing hurts adoption more than a difficult to use CRM application.
Mobility
Do your consultants and staff have to wait to return to the office before they can enter valuable client data? Why not stay connected so you can better manage your clients from anywhere? As your firm grows, take time to consider scalability, high availability to critical data and the associated costs with keeping your systems updated. Also, a solid CRM solution will allow secure remote access through a variety of devices. From desktops and laptops to tablets and phones, consultants and staff should be able to easily access their client data from anywhere.
Customizable
A solid CRM system should be easy to customize; and it should be able to adapt to your firm’s operations and processes, not the other way around. Can the dashboard and other features be easily customized? Or, do you need a specialist or lengthy training before it’s user friendly?
Real-time Visibility
Why not take advantage of a CRM solution that helps your business sell more, improve client relations and client loyalty? With real-time insights into your operations you can make better informed decisions and help increase sales productivity. Your consultants can start to deliver amazing client experiences by providing them with the essential insights, guidance and tools that they need. The best CRM systems will help to develop and apply strategy and measure results so you can proactively plan for the future.
With these core features in place, your firm can reap the benefits of a solid CRM system, allowing your practice to thrive. Give your firm that extra gear needed to provide a meaningful experience for every client.
John Silvani, President & CEO, Gravity Software, combines his in-depth market knowledge with practical business strategies, meeting the unique needs of a broad client group. In May
Gravity Software
2001, he was recipient of the Crain’s “Who’s Who in Technology” award and continued to receive awards for his companies throughout his career. In 2011, he was recognized by Lawrence Technological University as one of the “Leaders & Innovators Honoree” in Michigan.
After 30 years in the software industry, John has become one of the nation’s top respected resellers of business applications. His background and leadership has provided him with an understanding of the demands and needs for growing organizations. In 2012, John sold First Tech Direct, a Michigan Microsoft Dynamics reseller company and decided to develop an online cloud financial solution for smart businesses, Gravity Software.