Smart Techniques for Implementing CRM

Customer Relationship Management is not about technology, though technology is the means by which companies can implement CRM, the technology is not the focus of smart CRM. For example, a company may choose to spend thousands of dollars and purchase the most expensive CRM platform available, hiring an internal team of software engineers to provide round the clock support for their product. This however is no guarantee of success and most small business cannot afford to throw money at ideas and hope they work.

Research: You do not start a business with out creating a business plan and analyzing the current market. Why would you purchase a CRM solution without taking the time to research its effectiveness? Not only does a business need to know what features and services a CRM platform can provide, they also need to know what features are important for their business. Some businesses choose to handle this, by purchasing a customized solution, but it is expensive. By starting out with web-based CRM solutions and taking the time to do a little research small companies can increase their sales.

Put the customer first: CRM may use expensive technologies and a high tech approach, but it covers an issue that should already be automatic to any business, putting the customer first. Simply put businesses are supposed to understand the wants and needs of their customer base then go about fulfilling these needs. Treat each customer as if they are the only priority. Following up after a sales call to see if a customer was satisfied with their purchase, make sure when customers enters your store or office that they are greeted and get the attention they deserve.

Make the customer a part of your community: Smart businesses know that CRM is useless if the customer does not feel as if a company appreciates their business. Ask for the customers' opinion about your business and let the customer know that they are a part of the makeup of your business. Some businesses use social networking sites like Twitter to let customers feel as if they are involved in the activities that happen with the company behind the scenes.

Get employees interested in making customers happy: Utilizing customer service employees who treat customers with respect, listen to the clients needs and have a positive attitude go a long way towards keeping customers loyal. Train employees on behaviors to avoid, as well as techniques for handling rude customers. By showing employees how to handle any situation, you can keep a frustrated client from deciding to cross your business off their list for good.

Happy employees work hard to create happy customers. Making sure employees receive performance bonuses for a job well done, can encourage employees to do a good job. As will having employee of the month contest, newsletter recognition and pay raises to award loyal customers. Even though your customers are your buyers employees are the image of your company and they carry the responsibility of making a sale. The attitude of an employee tells the customer a lot about whether or not they should do business with you.