Monday, October 3, 2011

CRM on Demand – What’s It All About?


For businesses to succeed in any market environment, they must have solid relationships with customers and clients; they’re the ones who make success possible. But many businesses are falling behind on keeping those relationships strong because of one thing-they don’t have a simple way of keeping track of everything.

Businesses, especially ones that rely on sales forces, lack a system to maintain good customer relationships. Whether it be through sales force automation or contact management. They try to integrate many different programs, but all too quickly it becomes a hassle. More and more businesses are realizing the benefit of cloud computing solutions that provide on-demand CRM services to get organized and dramatically improve sales.
On-demand CRM is different from traditional CRM software because it’s not hosted on a computer hard drive or an office server. It’s hosted on what those in the IT world refer to as “the cloud,” know to most of us as the internet. The cloud refers to the structure of the internet and how it’s depicted in diagrams as a series of computer and server connections. Free e-mail services such as Google’s Gmail and MSN’s Hotmail are all in “the cloud.” Businesses just take it one step further and, in essence, pay to have operations through the cloud rather than on individual computers in an office.

One of the biggest benefits companies who use on-demand CRM find is that it’s easily accessible. With software, you’re tied to a desk, making it hard when it comes time to travel or when you’re somewhere else and need information quickly. Because everything is online, it’s accessible wherever there’s internet—including cell phones and PDA’s.

Sales is a multi-step process, and companies who provide on-demand CRM understand that. Most of the services out there offer easy integration with the programs most business already use. They also offer the whole spectrum of CRM, like help desk services, sales force automation and lead management. For organizations seeking more applications, many CRM companies even offer ways to develop applications yourself to integrate into your business, and ways to share applications with others. With customizable options, the ability to change the look, feel and flow of the platform online is quickly becoming a popular choice for all types of businesses.

Hosting all of your CRM services on the cloud is also beneficial to your entire sales force. It provides an environment of support and encourages collaboration among your sales reps. They’re able to share information among each other and interact in unique ways. Managers will appreciate faster access to sales reports and data, as well as the use of provided data analytical tools to evaluate sales performance.

Your CRM software system is only as strong as the customer experience it provides. Don’t forget about who these services are really all about—the customer. CRM services and platforms help provide a better customer experience. While customers aren’t using CRM directly, they benefit from what it does for a company.

Businesses who use on-demand CRM have opportunities to really study their customers, their habits, behaviors, preferences and what works for them when it comes to sales. Everyone will benefit by having stronger customer relationships and customers that stay loyal. With a good CRM system, you’ll be able to provide better customer service while still maintaining your budget and your bottom line.

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