May 20, 2015
What are some of your pain points with third party CRM?
I am curious about what CRM platforms lack for small / mid-size companies. I have reviewed many and have my own conclusion, but would welcome some input from others.
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May 23, 2015
Hi Bill,
There are the pros and cons of a lot of CRM systems.
What I look at is cost and return. If you are looking for a free type solution or a lower cost solution for smaller businesses you have to think in simple functionality
1) Does it track the lead
2) Is there a sales process you can setup
3) reporting
4) Mobile accessible
5) Support
From there use it and build the business. This way as your business grows you move towards a better solution going from insightly.com to say salesforce.com.
Currently for my small digital marketing agency I am testing insightly.com as my CRM solution.
Their support is terrible, the system is not bad to set up sales funnels they call them "Opportunities".
Notifications are e-mailed every morning.
But the main point is it's tracking leads right now and I can follow the process.
Best of all it's FREE for two users. Most small companies only have 1 or 2 sales people.
I figured it's the best solution for now.
May 20, 2015
It's usually an issue of paying for services you don't need. I utilize 2 CRMs for my clients, GreenRope and InfusionSoft. I believe that GreenRope has really created a service that meets the needs of most business owners. Infusionsoft seems heavy and expensive for the majority.
May 20, 2015
Hi Bill,
From my experience with different CRM, you can invest/waste money on a fantastic product that provides you with more features than you actually need.
I wouldn't say that they are lacking. For me, it is that they are over populated with features and smaller businesses may be overcharged for things that you don't necessarily need.
One of the main areas that a CRM may be lacking is integrations with other programs you might use (xero, quoteroller etc.) It's not essential that you have these, but it can definitely make life a little easier...I suggest trying out CapsuleCRM if you haven't already.
Which CRMs have you tried?
May 21, 2015
That was the reason I have started writing CRM from Scratch. Make it basic and then give ability to install app industry specific. Also I have realize there are lack of social integration in CRM so I am going to build Social CRM
May 21, 2015
It is tough to find a CRM solution that can easily do everything you want out of the box, without a whole lot of unnecessary aspects that complicates usability. This is why many develop their own system or stick to something more simple.
Jun 1, 2015
Whatever system you settle on...make sure your staff use it effectively!.
rubbish in / rubbish out...empty database is worthless etc...