With so many CRM platforms, providers, and functionality to choose from, finding a solution that is the perfect fit for your business can be challenging. 

And for many, such as small businesses and start-ups, this could be their first time implementing a CRM. Meaning they will be going through the steep learning curve that comes with choosing a solution that works for everyone.

Unfortunately, there are common mistakes that many businesses make when choosing a CRM. Resulting in them opting for a solution that isn’t user-friendly, doesn’t address business goals, and quickly becomes redundant.

So, we’ve identified 5 of the most common mistakes, to help you avoid them. 

Unwillingness to learn new technology

When it comes to implementing a CRM, you have to get your hands a little dirty.

And by that, I mean jump in and learn how to best utilise the CRM and all of its features.

If a business goes into implementation without a willingness to learn new technology, they will fail at the first hurdle.

And it’s not just the initial excitement that businesses need to buy into. Getting the most from a CRM is not a short-term process. Technology and requirements change and adapt as businesses grow and scale. Meaning users need to do the same.

This could mean keeping on top of the latest updates, attending training sessions, consuming support content, working with an external consultant, and generally being open and engaged to learning. 

Not focusing on the users

All CRM users should be involved in the process from the very start. Else risk them feeling left out, and becoming negative over the new technology. 

Before choosing a CRM, the project leader should identify the key users and gather their requirements for the system. That way the project lead will be looking for the right fit solution from the very start, and ensure that all departments are aligned in their requirements. 

This is important to ensure that you have buy-in from everyone from the very start. That they understand the benefits, and are keen to get the most out of the new technology. 

And this process should continue post-implementation too. If users are experiencing challenges or require more training, they should be listened to and supported. Long-term. 

Not setting objectives

To get the very most out of your CRM, you need to identify what you actually want to achieve from it. 

After all, without goals you have no way of tracking whether or not your CRM implementation and usage has been a success or a failure.

These objectives can be both short-term and long-term, depending on your business requirements.

Common objectives include:

• Identifying the best leads
• Increasing sales/conversions
• Improving campaign attribution
• Streamlining business operations
• Improving efficiency

Spend time identifying and setting specific targets for these objectives. And establish exactly how the CRM can help you achieve them.

And of course, ensure that you are able to measure these objectives once the CRM is implemented. 

Choosing ‘out of the box’ solutions

For businesses who are short on time or knowledge, choosing an ‘out of the box’ solution might seem like an easy win.

However, these solutions often will not ‘just work’ for a business. The reality is, they provide the foundations of a system that can then be built upon.

So, to ensure you choose the right solution for your business, you need to refer back to your requirements and goals – both short- and long-term – and be sure that the CRM supports them.

And if you don’t have the time, work with an expert who can help you select and tailor a CRM to meet your exact requirements. You may be spending a lot of money on a system that will be integral to your business, long-term. So it is worth getting right.

Not choosing a scalable CRM

Often, businesses will focus on their current needs and objectives when choosing a CRM. While this makes sense in the short-term, it can cause challenges in the long-term.

And when businesses try to change their CRM, they find the process incredibly difficult. The amount of data that a CRM stores and complex integrations involved can quickly become complicated and risky. Particularly for businesses who are heavily reliant on their CRM technology.

To avoid this challenge, businesses need to focus on scalable solutions. 

While you may not be able to identify the exact needs and requirements of your business in the long-term. You can choose a solution which has different pricing brackets, offering add-on features and functionality at a cost.

This means that the CRM can grow with your business. And won’t hinder progress. 

Looking to implement the right CRM for your business?

Then why not speak to us? Simply email hello@brightdials.com or book a free Consultation Call. All we need is 45 minutes of your time.