Your database is one of the most valuable things your business has – as long as it’s a good database. That means it needs to be current, complete and well maintained. If your database isn’t helping you out, then these 4 tips for CRM success might help you:
Update regularly
The easiest way to keep your database working for you is to keep it up-to-date. This means entering changes as they occur, rather than putting them aside to be amended later. If you find it hard to remember to make updates set aside 10 minutes at the start or end of each day to make any relevant updates to your database. Otherwise, you’ll regularly find yourself searching through emails to find contact details; or not being able to recall when you spoke to someone or what you discussed.
Have a standard way to enter details
Having a standard way to enter details makes it easier to find items both when browsing and via search. Set a standard for how things are set out (i.e.: Whether phone numbers are entered as +Country code area code 4 digits 4 digits or (Area Code) 4 digits 4 digits) so it’s much easier to know how to enter text to search. It’s also a great idea to note all your entry standards so you can remember them next time you’re updating an infrequently updated field, and so that new staff and contractors can make any additions correctly.
Use all the features relevant to your business
It’s important to use the right database for you. So if you want to be able to store your emails in the database, make sure it’s easy to do so. If you want to be able to easily record calls and conversations, make sure the database can. On the other hand, if you rather use your current email program for emails then don’t use that facility in your database. Likewise, if you do most of your work from the road, make sure it has a great mobile app. Don’t feel you have to use things you don’t want/need and don’t feel you should have to drastically change the way you work to use a database.
Don’t over-complicate
There’s many databases available now that have amazing features that help with sales, marketing and other facets of your business. If you’re a small business or soloist, it’s very unlikely that you’ll the more advanced functionality, or be able to afford that sort of cost. So when you’re looking for a database, make sure you know exactly what you want before you start the search. Then don’t get distracted by bells and whistles that you don’t need and only add features to your wish list if they’ll actually help you work more efficiently.
So there are 4 tips for CRM success that should help you get more from your CRM. What’s your favourite CRM? And do you have any tips you’d like to share?
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