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CRM Onboarding and Its Subsequent Challenges

Many companies spend a significant amount of time exploring CRM options due to their positive impact when implemented correctly. According to Grand View Research businesses are expected to spend up to $80 billion in CRM software, however, successful implementation remains a challenge.

Project failures and the unsuccessful implementation of CRM seem to go hand in hand. Reports conducted by Forrester and Merkle Inc. show failure in the adoption of CRM and project failures are correlated. Companies that successfully adopt CRM see marked improvements within project completion.

Though some of these reports are dated, the evidence still holds up for many industries. This article will highlight the difficulties of adoption and some methods that you can use for your company’s success.

User Adoption is Slowing Down CRM Buy-in

User adoption has continually been earmarked as the main impediment to successful CRM adoption. How users interact with CRM systems from the outset usually affect the overall experience and usability of CRM systems. To this end, we will focus on user adoption and methods that can improve or undermine the use of CRM.

Improving CRM adoption could potentially lead to a significant rise in productivity, save time, and increase sales conversions for your business.

Thus, businesses must identify these tenets of CRM management that increase the chances of success in CRM uptake:

·       Organisation

The need for CRM is often proposed and spearheaded by key individuals within a company. These individuals may have previous experience working with CRM software, its potential benefits, and the people involved. It’s important for these leaders to continually champion its use and use their experience as a benchmark for success.

Lack of experience in CRM may pose a challenge. However, coordinated efforts by sales managers, IT departments, and the workforce at large can greatly bolster successful implementation.

·       Employee Success and Accountability

The secret to effective CRM implementation is tied very closely to how staff members view these new systems. By working with employees who used CRM systems strategically and see the benefits it becomes a much easier task to then roll this system out to your workforce.

·       Timelines, Goals, and Long-term Strategy

Defining the CRM uptake process through communication, setting go targets and developing clear pathways to success will help with CRM. Clear strategies and roles encourage a cohesive environment where a CRM solution is more likely to be nurtured and incorporated as a mainstay in customer affairs.

How to Overcome Resistance in CRM Adoption

New systems can often be met by resistance particularly among older staff members and those who find new tools unnecessary and complicated.

It’s important to communicate the effectiveness of CRM systems and why they are useful to your business. Pay particular attention to how your CRM systems will improve productivity and make roles easier for those who are hesitant to use such systems.

Success stories from your CRM provider are often some of the best strategies to motivate your staff.

Important Aspects of Customer Relationship Management

Different CRM software has unique features and functions. With the CRM industry growing rapidly, the sheer number of options to choose from can be overwhelming.

Deciding on your most essential KPIs and customer relationship metrics beyond standard customer details can be the difference between a good CRM and a great CRM.

Discuss your needs and options with your providers and other industry leaders within the field.

Laying the Groundwork

Finding the right balance between CRM implementation, uptake and success can be challenging at the start.

Successfully communicating the benefits of such software, its widespread use within your industry and the collaborative effects that it can have, are keys to success.

It’s important to continually improve upon your CRM system and its uptake so your business does not go back to traditional ways.

Many CRM systems are continually updated with new features. If you feel that they will work for you then it’s important to take these onboard also.

The Bottomline

CRM solutions are more powerful and effective than traditional record-keeping programmes such as Excel. They offer an interactive interface with hundreds of tools that can be applied to give a detailed overview of a customer’s profile.

As the industry continues to grow, the need for businesses to get a reliable CRM system in place increases. Perfecting the customer relationship side of a business is, perhaps, the true lifeline of a business and is critical to attracting investors.

While CRM adoption may be a tad tricky initially, there are proven ways to deal with the most impactful challenges to make the CRM process much simpler. Using the aid of Acclivity CRM and trained professionals is one sure way to ensure successful CRM uptake.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you with implementing a CRM solution. We provide free consultation, free demonstration, and free 30-day trial.