By Lauren Fenthum <---- To View/Save this infographic please
CLICK HERE A CRM system saves your business time, increases communication as well as boosts incoming profits, but sometimes it can be difficult to get your employees onboard with implementing new systems. One of the biggest hurdles within the launch of a CRM system is that of employee buy-in. Here are a few steps to make the implementation process easier for both your business and your employees.
Get Employees involved in selecting the CRM System: Every successful implementation of a CRM system happens before it is even selected. Involve your business’s key stakeholders in the process of selecting a CRM system so that everyone feels included in the decision. This will inadvertently help you decide which function is the most beneficial and well tell you what employees feel they need to make it easier for them to do their jobs. Many CRM systems come with a trial period, so encourage employees who will be using the software to try out one or two different systems and report back with the feedback.
A CRM System Should Not Be Extra Work: Once you have a CRM system in place, you need to make sure it is used intelligently. Try breaking down existing tasks and workflows that sales employees are already doing and replace them with new-software related tasks. This way you are able to encourage employee buy-in because the new computerized systems save time and effort as opposed to the traditional analogue system.
If It Doesn’t Exist In CRM, It Doesn’t Exist Develop an attitude of “if it doesn’t exist in CRM, it doesn’t exist.” This leads to the most favourable outcomes in which employees will be motivated to use the software constantly, and avoid potential employee resistance to the new software. By making a CRM system the bible of your company, you avoid unnecessary confusion and conflict. However it is important not to punish employees for failure to use the system, rather reinforce the benefits of the system and incentivizing the right behaviour as motivation to integrate the system into daily working life.
Failure is Not an Option: Don’t let employees get into the mindset that if the CRM system does not work they can always go back to the old way of doing things. Once this message has been communicated to employees, they would be more likely to get on board with implementing the system, as there is no other option. Ensure that your delivery is firm but respectful and that there is no room for any offence to be taken. You also need to ensure your staff receive full CRM training – this will help them get a better understanding of how the system works enabling them to get the most benefit from the system – this will also help with avoiding failure with the system.
At BluWave our CRM system provides you with all the tools to streamline your business from; marketing to final sales as well as customer retention. Your sales team will love the ease of our user-friendly software, reducing daily admin time and building excellent customer relationships. Contact us to find out more about our CRM software Tel (011) 462 6871 or email:
sales@bluwave.co.za, or to test our software with a free 14-day trial:
www.bluwave.co.za/free-CRM-software-trial
