Wednesday, January 28, 2015

7 SIGNS YOUR BUSINESS IS READY FOR CLOUD CRM


YourCRMHereo writes: Over time, customer relationship management (CRM) tools have continued to develop.  Today, some of the best CRM programs are cloud-based.  As cloud-based applications, these are affordable CRM solutions for small businesses.  For those businesses that have not transitioned to cloud CRM, here are seven signs that it is time to invest in a cloud CRM program.
There Is Too Much Information
In today’s digital age, the issue most people and companies have is not a lack of information.  This era has been called the Information Age, where people have access to more information about others than they have ever seen before.  What sales-based organizations need in this age is a way to process this information, which a good cloud CRM tool provides.  A well-designed application will let sales teams sift, sort and use the data they gather in a wide variety of ways.  Good software, implementation, and training enables sales teams to close more business in less time with automation, reminders, and reporting.
Desks are Covered with Post-It Notes
In order to reduce initial expenses, many small companies start out using common software applications and Post-It notes.  Spreadsheets, Microsoft Word Documents and Post-It memos are fine for burgeoning startups, but there is a time when businesses must transition to a more efficient method of organization.  A cloud CRM tool consolidates all of these documents, including invoices, external communications and internal notes, into one digital location.
Reducing Overhead
As the economy continues to slowly recover, companies must still find ways to reduce their overhead expenses.  Transitioning to a cloud-based CRM system is one way to significantly reduce costs.  With cloud-based CRM tools, companies do not have to pay large sums for software licenses.  Instead, they pay a nominal monthly fee, which is much lower than an expensive license.  Because competition for cloud business customers is fierce, the monthly cost will remain low for the foreseeable future.
Going Mobile
Some established companies already have a CRM program they use, but it is not cloud-based.  Thanks to the proliferation of cloud-based services and CRM software developers, there are now many cloud CRM programs available.  Every company should be able to find one that meets its specific needs and offers mobility that a non-cloud CRM tool does not offer.  Any company that is suddenly growing in a mobile direction should consider transitioning all its programs to the cloud, including its CRM application.
Gathering Sensitive Data
Regularly on the news there are stories of companies that have been hacked, and their customers’ data has been compromised.  Businesses are responsible for adequately protecting the information they collect about customers.  Many small companies, though, cannot afford the digital security precautions required.  This responsibility can be safely outsourced in an affordable way to a cloud CRM service provider.
No IT Department
Many companies find themselves in need of a CRM program but do not have an IT department.  Businesses that cannot afford to maintain their own servers, update computer programs and sort out compatibility issues will find a practical CRM solution in the cloud.  Cloud-based CRM tools are affordable and free businesses from the hassles of maintaining a software application.
Growth Spurts
Businesses must be able to capitalize on sudden growth.  With traditional methods of managing customers, this can be difficult.  It takes time to update programs and adjust operations.  Cloud CRM programs, however, are scalable and can help companies quickly adapt to the new demands.  With the cloud, businesses are able to grow without sacrificing the flexibility they require.
Businesses that are experiencing any of these symptoms should consider transitioning to a cloud CRM tool.  Providing greater reliability, flexibility and convenience than other solutions, there is little reason to delay the move to a cloud-based CRM application such as Microsoft CRM Online.

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