How CRM Software Works -- Creating Customer Satisfaction with a Click
When people ask, "What is CRM?" the literal answer is, "Customer
Relationship Management," but that doesn't really convey much in terms of what
all CRM does for a business. This CRM definition is too narrow to really
explain everything the system does if it is working to its fullest potential and
is user-friendly enough to expand and grow as a customer-client relationship
changes and grows.
CRM in the broader sense encompasses not only customer relationship
management itself but how customer relationship management is handled and the
most important elements of a CRM program that are essential to its being
successful. The range of CRM software options vary from those that provide
simple customer tracking and live chat capabilities to the more complex CRM
solutions that can integrate all of the customer relationship data an enterprise
has on each client past, present and future in a dynamic information data
network.
What should I look for in a CRM software package?
If there's an ideal CRM software package that works for every company and
every situation, it hasn't been discovered yet, simply because every company has
slightly different needs for their customer relationship management needs as
well as software implementation.
In general, however, when you are looking for a strong CRM software package
there are a few things to keep in mind. If you are shopping for a CRM package,
try to forget about the initial price tag at first (as difficult as this may be)
and focus on the adaptability, usability and integrity of each system you
evaluate as it relates to your particular needs. A few things to consider:
- What are the most important facets of customer relations are we looking to
address, and does this CRM software support tracking and updating all aspects
of this? For example, if your company wants to customer service to have ready
access to changes in customer spending habits and an opportunity to offer new
product options based on these records, make sure this capability is built
into the software. Customization down the line will be time-consuming and
expensive -- if you have a primary goal, make sure it is standard in your CRM
software package.
- Will the CRM software package integrate smoothly with all platforms
currently in use at your company? If you will have to re-enter all databases
such as client names, addresses and phone numbers, this will significantly
increase the amount of money you'll spend in the long run. Make sure that you
can either integrate smoothly or import all information needed flawlessly.
- Is the product more than you need? An enterprise solution that offers
fifteen functions you don't need and never will isn't a bargain if you will
never expand into that market niche. Just because it's available doesn't mean
you have to have it. Selling custom-sewn hats? You won't need a CRM software
package for tracking million-dollar overseas accounts.
- Has this CRM software package been used for a company of your size before?
If it has been used for companies up to 10,000 and you have 150,000, the
system may simply not be able to sustain the volume of data and crash or
develop glitches. Look for something more powerful with a support system
capable of understanding the size of your company.
Can you build me a dream CRM software package?
Hmm?let's see. The best CRM software package would be optimally functional
across all platforms and have its own customer support backing it, and ?. Well,
let's take a look at our own list of what we'd really like in a CRM software
package if money was no object and we could "have it all," so to speak:
- A CRM software provider that has partnerships with other vendors for
support in the event you need it for integration of platforms.
- Extensive training from certified CRM software technicians who will walk
your people through the process of setting up, using and training others on
the system.
- Full data migration capabilities to and from all programs in current use
to the new CRM software.
- Offsite server storage backup for all information in the CRM system for
added security.
- A toolbox for company programmers for customizing templates for company
use -- this will save huge amounts of time by eliminating the need to write
custom codes from scratch.
- Either in-house consultants or a choice of contracted consultants they
recommend (try not to be at the mercy of one consultant when there is a
problem).
- A CRM software package designed by a company familiar with our specific
industry and its structural needs.
The best CRM software packages enable customer service representatives to
review the account information of each client or customer when they are talking
to him or her and immediately understand something about that person's needs,
wants and spending patterns.
For banks, CRM software can indicate their banking patterns -- are they
investing through the bank? Have they recently looked into a money market fund?
Do they have substantial funds that could be put to better use than languishing
in a simple CD?
A mail order company can note your shopping tendencies and make Christmas
shopping suggestions based on past purchases by seeing that you buy a lot of
kids' clothes and that you spend about $200 each holiday. Used correctly, a toy
company can steer you toward some bargains and suggest alternatives, enriching
your shopping experience and building customer loyalty.
Why does CRM software fail so often after it's put into place?
You've heard the stories about a company buying a CRM software package and
then realizing it hasn't really changed anything. The big-wigs are disappointed,
customer service is frustrated, and the clients are aggravated with the new
changes that don't seem to show any improvements in customer service or client
relations. How does it happen?
Because CRM software was purchased that wasn't appropriate, was purchased too
soon, or wasn't implemented properly. If you don't purchase CRM software that
specifically addresses what your customer concerns are, you may have software
that is very detailed in an area you don't need and somewhat lacking in exactly
what you do need.
Purchasing too soon means you bought the software before you had evaluated
what you really wanted. Many companies by CRM software with a goal "to improve
customer relations," which is not a clear business goal! You should have a very
specific, well-defined objective that your CRM software solution can address,
and you company should have developed a formal objective before you went
shopping for a solution. Retaining customers? Improving the size of current
customer portfolios? Penetrating a new market niche? Reduce customer complaints?
Improve customer repair response? Determine what it is you want to focus on as a
goal, and then choose your CRM software solution based on how it will address
it.
Finally, implementation of a new CRM program requires proper management
support and effective training. That means that management must be behind it one
hundred percent, and not have "head in the sand" approach where they determine
that "that's for customer service, I never did understand that stuff," and avoid
learning how the CRM software works. It is an attitude that will pervade the
company.
Second, training is essential and must encompass the company to ensure that
all levels of personnel will embrace the new system and understand the genuine
need for it and the real goal of what you are trying to achieve with your new
CRM software solution.
Some CRM software options for small and medium sized businesses
For small and medium businesses, the most common customer relations
management software request is for anything that enhances online communications
and improves the time between a customer complaint or question and resolution of
the issue for them.
For many companies, there are software solutions that can be purchased or
downloaded to be used through their Internet website for basic services such as
online customer support through live chat and customer assistance with online
purchasing that is both efficient and relatively inexpensive. If your need is
primarily to improve sales volume, improve response to customer questions and
complaints and to make your company website more personalized, look into these
solutions that are at the lower end of the price spectrum while providing solid
CRM products:
- LivePerson offers two different versions, Basic and Enterprise that
provide live chat, email and a variety of interactive forms customized to meet
companies' needs for customer relations. This company has developed live chat
solutions and online forms for everything from universities to financial
services firms. This company provides a wide range of services, including
online marketing, case studies, and software designed to improve online
shopping cart capabilities.
- LiveHelper offers many of the same features, and adds real time
traffic monitoring and other data assessment features as well. For the price,
LiveHelper is a very good CRM software value.
- GroopZ includes customer routing software so that you can transfer
entire chat strings from one customer service rep to another if you need be,
along with an efficient filing system for chat transcripts and customer
records. For improving customer relations, the software support suggests pre-
and post-service questions for all customers who contact you.
Also included are templates you can set up with specific, pre-scripted answers
to frequently asked questions in online chat to save customer service
representatives time and make the process clearer and more efficient. This
company does a bit more customizing on the front end to fit your needs, and
pricing is adjusted accordingly.
- SupportWizard gives you three CRM options that give you some
flexibility -- you can buy, lease or let them host your customer
service/relations solutions. Interactive FAQs, live chat, standard answers to
frequent questions, and Boolean search capabilities to review past
interactions all make this package extremely effective. SupportWizard also has
more customizable features than some, including an "escalation alert" that can
be tailored to specific situations when a supervisor would be notified if a
customer service situation exceeds certain parameters.
This is one of the more expensive packages available, but rather than a
monthly fee you are paying for lease or outright purchase options, so factor
this into the cost. You will also get spectacular customer support and
constant upgrades and patches when necessary. The integration of email, live
chat and telephone information into one database is also a plus with
SupportWizard.
- BoldChat offers free CRM software for online customer service chat
that you can use for a limited time, and offers a $9.95/month and a
$39.95/month customized version of their CRM software. Both offer live
customer service chat, but one adds customized windows and more options on
buttons and the number of available customer service reps you can add.
- CSLive offers the most comprehensive CRM software solution
available for small and medium businesses, with live chat, email, and the
usual customer service features you expect from a small business CRM solution,
but with plenty of extras. CSLive also offers an extensive tracking and filing
system, an Internet server site where you can upload and store files of
customer help articles that customers can be referred to that can by emailed
directly to clients by your reps. Throw in the message center and online
meetings, and this is practically an enterprise sized solution at a small
business price of $29.95 a month.
CRM software, whether on a monthly user basis or purchased outright and
downloaded onto your own server, will make serving and understanding your
clients and customers a more productive experience, and you will all be happier
for it.
This article on the "How CRM Software Works" reprinted with
permission..
Copyright © 2004-2005 Evaluseek Publishing.
About the Author
Lucy P. Roberts is a successful freelance writer providing practical information and advice for businesses about everything related to CRM software solutions and live chat software. Her numerous articles include tips for saving both time and money; product reviews and reports; and other valuable insights for persons searching the Internet for information about the history of CRM and related topics.
Related News
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Create a Positive, Upbeat, Can-Do Workforce and Dazzle the Customer with Your Caring!
Given the choice of dealing with a positive, upbeat employee with a "can-do" attitude or dealing with a disgruntled, distracted, uninterested one, which would you choose? No contest. Customers always want the best experience possible; they want it to be easy and pleasant to do business with your company. Enter the real challenge of "Relationship Management," the relationships. Until all of our business is done electronically, and much of it might be, managers, in addition to making sure the work gets done, still need to be concerned with the performance of the most important link in the customer connection - people.
Dont Forget your Existing Clients
Quest for new clients shouldn't ignore those who pay the bills
How to Keep Customers
Who was it that said - "The customer is always right"? Well
for those of you who can't get through the day without
knowing, it was H Gordon Selfridge, the founder of
Selfridges's department store in London.
Customer Neglect
What have you done for your existing customers lately? Probably not much, if you are like most businesses.
4 Myths about Customer Value
The purpose of business is to create and retain a customer.
Dont Work with Jerks: How to Recognize a Difficult Client Early
Five minutes into the call I knew this client was going to make my life miserable. The problem was, I already said "Yes."
Managing Your Business When One Client Takes Alot of Your Time
How often has your schedule been thrown out of whack because of a client's needs?
5 Ways Customer Service Managers are Implementing to Increase Customer Focus
According to a Forum Corporation survey of commercial customers lost by 14 major service and manufacturing companies:
Customer First Customer Service
The world of customer service is rapidly changing. Thirty years ago, telephones and mail services were the norm for most companies. Now, faxes, email and web sites offer more options to customers than they've ever had before. It takes a dedicated team to keep loyal customers coming back and new clients coming in.
How To Handle Customer Billing Snafus
Q: I just discovered that for the past six months I have been billing a client half of what I should have been. Should I just include the total of the past due balance on his next bill or contact him first to let him know that it's coming? This client has been difficult in the past, so I'd rather not deal with him until I absolutely have to. My partner, on the other hand, thinks we should call the client and let him know what's going on before sending the bill. What do you think?
-- Louis K.
And The Difference is... Attitude
I returned a rental car at an airport yesterday. As the person who was going to check me in approached, he smiled (which shocked me) and said, "Hello Mr. Galler," which shocked me further as I don't have a clue how he knew my name ? obviously there was some way of identifying my car, and therefore me, at a distance. "How was your trip; was everything OK with your car?" he inquired in a friendly, personal tone. "Everything was fine I replied" "Great ? I hope we'll see you back soon. There is some bottled water in the cooler over there for you" he said as he directed me towards the shuttle bus to the terminal.
I Wont Tell My Lawyer but I Will Tell You
A general counsel of a large international consulting firm told us about his experience talking to an interviewer who had called to discuss his satisfaction level with his outside law firm. He had been using the services of a "high end, expensive" law firm out of New York.
Clients?Do You Really Need Them?
Running a successful business takes a lot of energy and there are so many areas that as a business owner you need to pay attention too.
Dissatisfied or Rude Customers Can Be Satisfied Customers
Caring for Your Customers
You probably think I am going to say something like, "The customer is always right." Right?? Wrong.
Businesses Need to Rehumanise
Big companies and corporations have lost the human touch. The question is, when will humanity catch on, or like robotic sheep will we do whatever the business shepherds tell us, no matter how bad we are treated? I am talking from firsthand interaction here. Aren't you tired of having to talk to machines and sit waiting in queues that may not even really exist, while horrible music repeats itself over and over for eternity? How about having to talk to person after person as they try to find someone else who 'can' do the task that you need done? What about the machine that tells you to speak into the phone but can never properly interpret what you are saying? Or pushing buttons, how many numbers have you had to push before finally being told that the section you are looking for is vacant? Vacant, how about the humans you do finally get in contact with but for some strange reason know less about their job than you do?
4 Tips Toward Overcoming Bad Customer Service
Customer service is the pits, you say. You are not alone. One of the biggest gripes from consumers today is the poor service they receive at the hand of service providers. You need not be victimized by lousy service nor do you have to move heaven and earth to get what you want. Let's take a look at four options you can take to get the results that you want and deserve!
Top Ten Strategies for Delivering 5-Star Customer Service
Customer satisfaction is valuable, but customer loyalty is priceless. In today's competitive world of business, it is becoming more and more important to deliver customer service that is unbeatable. These ten creative strategies can support you in turning your customers into walking billboards for your business.
Customer Service Has Moved Toward Customer Care
As I waited for an answer to my VCR inquiry from a stereo company, the recording stated a "customer care" representative would be available shortly. At that moment, I realized it's finally catching on everywhere. With aging baby boomers, world events and additional pressures in today's society; it is "customer care" that has evolved in our economy. We have moved from a manufacturing economy to a service economy and are currently leaning towards a "servicecare" economy. As we live in a high tech-high button touch environment, many personal contacts have been decreased making each customer interaction more important than ever to corporate imagery. For example, if you call for computer tech support, the representative often makes it a point to address you by first name. If it's the bank credit card company, they may ask "How are you doing today?" This makes the customer feel less like a number and more like a human being.
Mastering Challenging Service Situations
During the course of everyday business, many of you encounter unsatisfied customers. How you and your staff handle these situations, will shape your service image and ultimately your bottom line. How can you best handle challenging situations? I have developed and practiced a simple method for just such encounters. If you follow the steps listed below, you will greatly improve the likelihood of achieving positive resolutions to challenging situations.
|