Choosing The Best CRM System For Your Business
Published: 30th Oct 17
Categories: Customer Service, Money, Success
Choosing The Best CRM System For Your Business
At Virgate Accounts, our goal is to make our clients’ lives easier and their businesses more profitable, and that’s why we would always recommend that you invest in a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) application.
Sharing the same ethos as we do, such technology can make a real difference to your venture, by helping you to boost sales and increase revenue – but only when carefully selected to make sure that it will work for you.
For those considering investing in such a system, we wrote this article to make the decision-making process just that little bit easier. We hope you find it useful.
What could a CRM system do for your business?
We began this article by telling you that a CRM system would make your life easier, but we don’t just expect you to take our word for it. That’s why we thought it best to compile a list of the extensive benefits attached to such technology, so that you can see for yourself how it might help you.
Major benefits include:
• An increase in sales (of up to 30 per cent for some businesses).
• A reduction in admin, leaving sales staff free to do what they do best.
• An increased identification of opportunities for cross-selling or up-selling to existing customers.
• The ability to ensure that customer requests are never left to slip through the cracks, leading to an improvement in the overall client experience.
• The consolidation and protection of institutional knowledge.
We’re sure that this all sounds very appealing, and if so, you’re probably wondering how you can have a taste of this for yourself. Here’s what we recommend.
How to choose the right CRM system for your company
In order to choose the best CRM system for your business, you need to do your research to make certain that you’re making the right decision before you invest. Here are a few top tips that we would suggest following to help you narrow things down:
#1: Do your homework
In order to make the most of a CRM system, you need to choose an application capable of supporting your unique sales process, and this means taking the time to sit down and identify exactly what you’re hoping such technology will help you to achieve. Talk to your team and ask them what they need, specifically focusing on which parts of the sales process could be made easier. Only begin looking at websites when you have this clear in your own head.
#2: Ask the right questions
Choosing the right software is a process that should be led by the team who will be using it, so ask both them and the companies selling CRM products some very specific questions. Begin by asking your team how they collect lead information, before checking with various retailers how they could accommodate this. Then move on to looking at how many sales leads your business has, how many steps it takes you to close a deal, and what’s needed to simplify admin, in order to work out which system is most likely to meet your needs as a team and as an enterprise.
#3: Shortlist and test
Once you’ve compared the answers you’ve received from both your team and the vendors you’ve approached, try to spend some time compiling a shortlist of around three systems, and then request the opportunity to test these. It’s not enough to decide that an application looks good on paper – have the retailers demonstrate a working model to see what it could really do for your business.
The most important thing throughout the entirety of this process is to liaise with your sales team, and to make sure that they are kept in the loop throughout. Their input will be more important than anything else, for they are the ones whose professional lives and performances will be most greatly improved by a CRM system that supports them, and in doing so boosts your sales and bolsters your business.
To learn more about the sort of advice and input Virgate Accounts could offer to your business, feel free to send across any questions or queries you might have, whether they relate specifically to this blog or are a more generalised enquiry. As retail specialists we are committed to making a difference to the businesses we work with, we’ll always be happy to help in any way we can by offering our professional expertise and advice.
What our clients say...
Very fast response times, flexible, easy to work with. They helped us sort out our financial management and take it forward to the level we need as we grow.
Phillip Oppenheim, Managing Director at Cubana Bar & Restaurants
The team is friendly, dynamic, efficient and works with you for the benefit of your business and a fraction of the cost of having full time in house finance staff.
Jamie Robb, Managing Director at Marlborough Tiles Ltd
I am highly satisfied with the professionalism and expertise demonstrated by VIRGATE. Their streamlined systems and proactive communication ensure efficient and accurate financial management. The team’s dedication to client-centricity is commendable, providing personalized attention and valuable insights. I confidently recommend their services to anyone seeking reliable accounting solutions.
Olivier Mention, Finance Operation Support Manager
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Scott Chillery, Barworks FD
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Adam Taylor, Founder, The Feathered Nest Country Inn
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Moe Hashimi, Managing Director at 42 Acres Ltd
As a business that has previously received quite basic bookkeeping and accountancy services, Virgate are in a different league. It’s a ‘proper’ bookkeeping and accounts service aligned to my needs.
Louise Palmer-Masterton, Founder at Stem + Glory
Their communication is excellent, and this is really important to us. They’re always there if we need them. They’re happy to explain things to us with patience and clarity.
Sidonie Warren, Founder at Papersmiths
In just a short time we have already seen a 10% increase in our gross profit. As well as other efficiencies such switching to National more cost effective suppliers.
Angelee Sidar, Founder at Soul Deli
Working with Virgate has been an exceptional experience. Their professionalism and personalised approach to our financial needs have truly streamlined our accounting processes, making day-to-day operations much smoother. What stands out is their dedication to client service—Virgate ensures that we always feel supported, even through complex financial scenarios. Their ability to tailor their services to the unique needs of our property has made a significant difference in how we manage and plan our finances. Virgate’s proactive and hands-on approach has allowed us to navigate challenges more efficiently, making them an invaluable partner. I would highly recommend Virgate for any organisation seeking reliable, client-focused financial management solutions.
Saira CIELOSZYK, General Manager Ibis & Adagio London Sutton Point
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