How to Choose a CRM?

How to Choose a CRM? A Salesperson's Guide to Core and Unique CRM Features

In the dynamic world of sales, having the right tools can be the difference between closing a deal and missing an opportunity. At the heart of these tools is the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. But with countless CRMs on the market, how does the everyday salesperson choose the best fit?

Here at Touchbase CRM, we're simplifying this decision. We've broken down CRM features into two categories: Core and Unique. By understanding these, you can identify what truly matters for your sales activities and make an informed choice.

‍

Core CRM Features: Your Everyday Essentials

These are the bread and butter of any CRM. They cater to the fundamental tasks every salesperson performs daily. If your sales routine revolves around these features, then a wide range of CRMs could fit the bill.

Core CRM Features include:

1. Contact Management: Store and retrieve client information without a hitch.

2. Lead Management: Keep tabs on potential deals and nurture them.

3. Sales Pipeline Management: Monitor every stage of your deal's journey.

4. Reporting and Analytics: Get insights into sales trends and forecasts.

5. Task and Calendar Management: Never miss an appointment or follow-up.

6. Email Integration: Keep your email conversations in sync with your CRM.

7. Customer Service/Support: Address client issues or queries swiftly.

8. Integration Capabilities: Connect your CRM with other essential tools you use.

‍

Unique CRM Features: The Game Changers

While core features handle everyday tasks, unique features offer a competitive edge. They cater to specific requirements or preferences, ensuring you have that extra boost when needed.

Unique CRM Features include:

1. Automated Data Entry with Large Language Models (Touchbase CRM): Focus on selling while AI manages the tedious data input, saving you time and effort.
2. AppExchange Ecosystem (Salesforce): This is a marketplace that allows users to buy and integrate third-party applications directly into their Salesforce environment. It amplifies the capabilities of Salesforce by giving users a vast range of specialized tools at their fingertips.
3. Einstein Conversation Insights (Salesforce): An AI-driven tool that analyzes conversations, helping sales reps understand customer needs, sentiments, and trends, enabling more tailored and effective interactions.
4. Enablement (Salesforce): Designed for sales training and onboarding, it helps teams to maintain consistency and share best practices, making it easier to bring new team members up to speed.
5. Focus on Inbound Marketing (HubSpot): HubSpot emphasizes attracting customers through relevant and helpful content, adding value at every stage in the customer's buying journey.
6. Conversation Tracking (HubSpot): Allows users to monitor interactions with potential leads and customers. This ensures that no important detail or requirement is overlooked.
7. Predictive Lead Scoring (HubSpot): Uses AI to rank leads in terms of how likely they are to convert into customers. It assists salespeople in prioritizing their efforts effectively.
8. Integration with Zoho Suite (Zoho CRM): Allows seamless merging of CRM functionalities with other Zoho applications like Zoho Books, Zoho Campaigns, and more.
9. Visual Sales Pipeline (Pipedrive): Offers a visually intuitive interface for tracking the stages and progress of various deals.
10. Integration with Microsoft Products (Microsoft Dynamics 365): Easily integrates with familiar Microsoft products like Office 365, enhancing the user experience and increasing efficiency.
11. Real-time Data Sync with NetSuite ERP (NetSuite CRM): Ensures that your CRM data is always up-to-date by syncing in real-time with NetSuite's ERP platform.
12. Open Source Architecture (SugarCRM, SuiteCRM): Users can modify the source code to tailor the CRM software to their specific needs, providing maximum customization.
13. Customization Options (Insightly, Maximizer CRM): These platforms offer robust customization tools, allowing businesses to modify the CRM to fit their unique workflows and processes.
14. Focus on Small Businesses (Keap CRM, ActiveCampaign): These CRMs cater specifically to the needs and budgets of smaller businesses.
15. Gamification Features (Agile CRM): Incorporates gaming mechanics to motivate users, encouraging desirable actions and driving engagement.
16. Social Media Integration (Agile CRM, Nimble): Seamlessly integrates with various social media platforms, helping users track and engage with leads and customers.
17. Automated data entry with pattern matching(Salesflare): Automates data input by pulling relevant information from emails, signatures, and other sources to reduce manual entry.
18. Affordability and Ease of Use (Specific CRMs): Some CRMs, like Less Annoying CRM or Copper CRM, emphasize a user-friendly interface coupled with budget-friendly pricing.
19. Focus on Specific Industries (e.g., Solve360, Bloom CRM): CRMs tailored for specific sectors like real estate or professional services, ensuring niche needs are addressed.
20. Visual Workflow Management (Monday.com CRM): Provides a graphical representation of workflows, making task management and progression tracking intuitive.
21. All-in-one Business Platform (Bitrix24): More than just a CRM, Bitrix24 offers a suite of tools including collaboration, project management, and communication tools.
22. Social Media Insights (Nimble): Gives detailed insights into customers and prospects based on their social media activity, helping salespeople understand and engage with their audience better.

‍

The Final Pitch: Making the Right Choice

Choosing a CRM is like selecting a trusted sidekick in your sales journey. If your daily tasks align with core features, a broad selection of CRMs might suffice. However, if you're looking for that special edge, zero in on those unique features that match your sales style and needs.

For those tired of manual data entry, Touchbase CRM is a game-changer. Imagine a CRM that understands your language and populates fields for you — that's the power of our automated data entry, backed by state-of-the-art language models like ChatGPT.

In the end, as a salesperson, your CRM should work for you, not the other way around. By distinguishing between core and unique features, you're well on your way to picking the perfect CRM companion for your sales journey.