7 Things to Consider When Buying a CRM

Deciding to invest in a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) solution can feel overwhelming, especially when there are multiple factors to consider. With so many CRM platforms on the market, how do you know which one is right for your business? Here are seven things to consider when making your decision:

1. Consider your people and process

People and process are two key components to consider before making any tech decision. Understanding what your leadership team is looking to accomplish by implementing a CRM will help drive your team’s decision.

To get started, ask yourself and your team these essential questions:

1. What is my end goal?
2. What are my organization’s current problems?
3. How will my stakeholders benefit from using a CRM?

Creating a needs analysis is also a great way to fully grasp what your company wants and needs from adopting a CRM. By explicitly addressing pain points within your organization, you’ll understand how a CRM can best serve your team.

2. Data Migration Plans

It’s essential to consider your data migration process so that you can move large amounts of data across systems while ensuring security. Perhaps your company is considering migrating to a new CRM. We know — it seems like a headache, but switching to a new CRM that checks all the boxes is worth it.

Don’t let the stresses of transferring data prevent your company from reaching its maximum potential. We’re here to help!

[Learn More: BrainSell data migration and integration services for all companies looking to adopt a new CRM]

3. Sit down with an SME (subject matter expert) from each function of your business to understand what current processes need improvement

Meeting with an SME from each function of your business can help you develop a deeper understanding of whether tech can add support and assistance to your current processes. Before deciding to invest in a CRM, it’s crucial that you identify and discontinue any bad processes. You never want to build on top of a process with cracks.

Once you’ve identified your organization’s key pain points, it’s time to develop a solution blueprint. A solution blueprint is needed to provide a clear roadmap for success and seamlessly implement a CRM that genuinely delivers.

Not sure about what the hype surrounding a solution blueprint is? Let us catch you up to speed.

[Watch & Learn: CRM Solution Blueprint Webinar: An Action Plan to Drive the Success of Your New Technology.]

The webinar covers everything from why a CRM solution blueprint is valuable for your organization to the tangible results of companies that invested in a solution blueprint.

4. Identify the features and functionalities you’re looking for in a CRM

Now that you know what your business needs, it’s time to create a wish list of features and functionalities. What would make your life easier? What integration requirements do you have? What would make your customer’s experience better? Make a list of everything you can think of and use it as a guide when evaluating CRMs.

[Get the Guide: Check out our technology comparison guides to find which CRM solution houses everything you need and want]

5. Price

Price plays a huge factor when it comes to choosing a CRM. It’s essential to clearly understand your budget, hidden costs such as data storage, implementation costs, integrations, and cost to run/year. If the CRM system is not maintainable, it won’t benefit your company long term.

6. Time of buying  

It’s important to consider the buying time before investing in a CRM or any new technology system. Adding a new CRM to your tech stack isn’t something that should be rushed without any planning. The success of your CRM long-term is based mainly on time dedicated to learning the new system so that you can make the most out of your investment.

7. Find the best fit implementation partner

Finding an implementation partner dedicated to helping your team overcome your business challenges is vital. At BrainSell, we know what it takes for companies to successfully adopt and implement a CRM solution. Our team of growth enablement experts are here to help you through the planning process so that you choose the best CRM solution for your business!

Reach out today to discuss your company’s needs and goals with one of our experts!