The Keys to Effective CRM Implementation

A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool acts as a single database, bringing your sales, marketing, and customer support activities together, streamlining your processes, policies, and people all in one place. 55% to 75% of CRM implementation projects initially fail, there are a number of reasons but a major one is improper planning. There are a number of variables involved in effectively implementing a CRM system for your organization.

Employ a CRM Implementation Team

This is a lengthy process and many roles within the company are likely to have an input. Ensure this team has a strong understanding your business processes. Some roles to include are a Project Manager, CRM System Admin, and key users from each department.

Complete ALL of the System Setup

The more the system knows about you, the better you can tailor it to your needs. Setting up your users profiles and role hierarchy can be tricky. Fully configure the security of your system before adding users, it’s best to restrict access and gradually increase visibility.

Identify the Right System

Your CRM must align your business needs with your sales force. Identify all the feature requirements; such as contact management or phone integrations and system design requirements such as custom workflows and data mapping.

Configure Sales Foundation Modules

A module is a category of sales data, like a column on a spreadsheet. These are the foundation of a CRM and other modules will work in conjunction. These modules include Leads, Contacts, Accounts, Deal, and Activities. Customize these to fit your processes.

Align your Sales Method with the CRM

When you marry your unique buyer journey to your CRM, you ensure one cohesive process. Your customers will enjoy the buyer journey and your reps will feel empowered. This includes the stages in your sales pipeline and clear instructions for data entry.

Train and Empower Your Users

Fully train and explain to your team how this system will help them. End-user adoption is one of the most common reasons CRM implementation projects fail. Stay up to date with your CRM, these systems are always evolving so be sure to stay current on all new features.

It takes an average 1 – 6 months before a traditional CRM can be implemented. Another 3 – 5 years can be expected before seeing a good ROI. The more organized and planning, the easier and faster the whole process will be, this is where we can help.

Let Virago Ventures, Inc. be your CRM Implementation Project Manager and System Administrator so you can focus on more important business tasks. Simply fill out the form below and we’ll reach out to schedule a FREE consultation call.