- 1). Identify your reasons for looking into purchasing a CRM system. Write a list of issues you are currently experiencing in your sales process, which will help you determine what kind of features within the CRM solution you need.
- 2). You have many CRM solutions to choose from, and the process can seem overwhelming and potentially expensive. Set a budget, and use sites such as destinationcrm.com and insidecrm.com to educate yourself on what type of CRM solutions fits your business needs (see References section for links). Try to find solutions specific to your industry.
- 3). Once you have narrowed down your search, set up meetings and live demos with each vendor. Do not become caught up in their sales pitches; no magic button inside their system will suddenly increase your sales revenue.
- 4). Ask for a free trial of the vendor's application, which will give your sales managers and reps the opportunity to use the CRM solution. It allows them to buy into the new system, and the feedback you receive from them will help you determine whether the vendor's solutions fits your needs.
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