Just playing around with and evaluating a couple crm systems for my use. I've used them in various companies more for marketing campaign managment and ROI tracking, and have understood how the sales side of things works, but now I REALLY get it. Everything ties together. EVERYTHING.
It can truly be a powerful tool if it's used by everyone. This is a great way for forecasting ahead and to manage each and every relationship. That's the real key. Understanding who you're talking to and managing that data. Plugging in everything. I know it's a pain at first, but once you get through cleaning your data and really using it, you'll see the value.
What CRM systems are you utilizing and to what extent are the effective?
The customer is the central point to all activities. With the latest production technologies such as variable data printing and electronic communications a customers preferences can be catered to, creating a maximum customer experience. Creating and maintaining a customer database, whether through a CRM system or a separate marketing database, is the first step. By taking the time to set this system up correctly for any and all of your anticipated needs, is the first step. In addition to the typical data captured (contact information, product interest, products owned) why not capture preference data? Data like what information the customer wishes to be sent, how often it should be sent and how it should be delivered. What about delivered with the customer’s logo as well? How else could communications be tailored to a customer preference?
Thoughts?