7 Great New Year’s Resolutions for Using your CRM Better

Are you thinking about New Year’s resolutions? Do you plan to exercise more and eat healthier foods in the coming year? It is easy to make resolutions at the start of a new year but often difficult to stick to them. You have to be committed to attain your life goals. This also applies when it comes to business decisions. There is more time it than having a structure in place. Better CRM utilization should be one of your priorities for the coming year. Here is a list of 7 great New Year’s resolutions for using your CRM better.

1. Recognize your Goals

It is important to identify goals that you need to attain in the coming year. Objectives are not just for those who are in search of a CRM. Your objectives need to be considered even after you have a CRM in place. The goals that you identify have to be comprehensive and specific. Identify specific targets and measurements for your business. Your CRM provider should help you to attain them. Goals help to determine the type of technology that you will require and how it is applied. Implementation is driven by your objectives.

2. Anticipate and Accept Change

It is important to recognize that CRM is a type of software. This means that it may not address all your issues even after it is configured to suit your business needs. Furthermore, with any CRM platform, be it Salesforce, SugarCRM or any other, you will always face new features to introduce to your team, new applications to implement, etc. You will have to make some changes in your operations to enjoy the benefits offered by the software.

3. Take Advantage of Process Maps

Process maps allow you to determine whether it is necessary to make changes in your business operations. Use simple flow charts to map out your work-flow traffic, internet leads, and phone ups. The maps will make it easy to identify unnecessary components in your business operations.

4. Take Charge of Employee Training

It is easy to plan for training once your processes are clearly outlined. The maps allow you to determine what areas need improvement and who is supposed to take charge of what. CRM providers are valuable when it comes to designing training plans. Some of them offer training classes but you need to monitor the process carefully to make sure your employees are learning something valuable. Look for online guidance tools to help you out as well, as they can provide direct support at the moment of need to employees.

5. Go Beyond Basics

Launching a CRM can be a challenging task and most businesses are comfortable with the basics after implementation. However, better CRM utilization requires you to move beyond the basics. It is important to analyze the logs and ensure that CRM is a part of every aspect of your business.

6. Spend More Time on Leads

Once you have implemented CRM, you need to spend more time on leads. In the coming years, you should spend at least a couple of hours trying to get new leads for your business. This allows you to make the most of your CRM. The leads are also important to improve your profits.

7. Quick Response to Customers

One of the major mistakes that people make is to delay responses to customers. Make a commitment to respond to customers within a few hours after they make an inquiry.

In conclusion, better CRM utilization is possible if you make a few simple changes this year. You can make the most of the software, offer better services to your customers and improve your profits.