Would you like to experience the benefits of effective customer relationship management without so many of the headaches? How about enjoying all the advantages of using client relationship management software, while avoiding the need for installation, maintenance and regular updating? Would you like to do away with the necessity of investing in costly hardware and expert IT help? If so, you're not alone.
Many small business owners recognize their needs for CRM solutions; yet, they don't want to complicate their lives unnecessarily to get them. If this sounds like you, you may be the perfect candidate for CRM professional services.
Here's some terminology that's often used to describe online CRM services which are available to the small business owner who doesn't want to take on the entire burden of implementing CRM: web-based, hosted, on-demand and SaaS (Software as a Service). All four of these terms refer to CRM professional services and software accessed via an Internet connection, rather than through on-site IT hardware and software purchased from customer relationship management vendors.
Here are a few more advantages of subscribing to an online CRM service:
1. Ease and speed of implementation
2. Minimal training requirement
3. Lower overall cost
4. Rapid data transmission
5. Remote data access
6. Automatic updates handled by the CRM provider
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Find out whether an online CRM service meets your need and what to look for in one
Many websites offer a great deal of valuable information on CRM solutions. By visiting them, you'll learn what web-based CRM is all about and how it can help your company.
I recommend: Oracle offers a free downloadable CRM guide on choosing the right CRM solution for you (on-premise, on-demand or hybrid) so you can be sure you're making the right choice.
ArticleDashboard.com has a list of advantages, as well as "What Happens If You Do Not Get Hosted CRM Solutions." The
Entellium CRM Buyers Guide tells you what to look for in an online customer relations service. The website also offers informative webinars, an ROI (return on investment) calculator and free downloads, tours, demos and more, all conveniently linked to at the bottom of every webpage.
CRM Today offers 10 points you should consider when "Choosing a CRM Solution."
Use comparison sites to learn which customer relationship management vendors offer the best CRMs
There are excellent sites that are packed with information and descriptions of many of the best CRM services available today.
I recommend: SmallBizCRM.com provides a wealth of information on a number of CRM topics, as well as descriptions of the best web-based CRM software. It also provides a comparison of the
Top 10 CRMs, though not all are web-based.
Find White Papers offers a "Comparative Guide of the Top Four Hosted CRM Solutions" (Salesforce.com, RightNow Technologies, NetSuite and Oracle).
Visit websites that offer free price quotes, and compare pricing on various CRM services
These sites will let you request price quotes for various CRM software products and services all in one convenient place.
I recommend: All Options CRM and
Buyer Zone can help you find the best prices on various different CRM-related products.
Stay up on all the latest info on CRM solutions to optimize the use of yours and keep your data safe
Keeping up with technology can be difficult, since it changes so fast; be sure you have a continuing education plan to keep you up to speed, even after you've signed up for your new CRM service.
I recommend: CRM Software Guide offers information on "Keeping Data Secure." You'll also find a great deal more information about CRM software of various types, along with many other online resources, in my Work.com
"Guide to Small Business CRM Software."
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Be sure to take advantage of CRM service demos, tours and free trial downloads to help make your decision easier.
- Use the ROI calculator linked to above to help you determine the financial impact your customer relationship management service will have on your business.
The official source of CRM Services is the CRM Services page at Business.com
Related Resources from Business.com
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