Client Relationship Management (CRM) software is an essential tool for professional services firms focused on lead nurturing and maintaining client relationships. The software energizes relational data by connecting people, organizations, relationships, projects, experience, and expertise to meet strategic objectives. Today, there are several options for CRM software for professional services firms in the cloud.
Sophisticated industry leaders are familiar with the Cloud. Accessing CRM software via the cloud allows users to access critical information with a little help from their mobile devices. Some CRM software solutions allow for the upload of marketing collateral to support business development objectives. Leadership and business development professionals with mobile devices can now capitalize on every prospective client meeting with easy access to relevant content.
Founded in 1999, Salesforce.com is a pioneer in cloud-based CRM and offers services for businesses of all sizes. In addition, there is a plethora of third-party cloud services that integrate with Salesforce.com. Users can leverage CRM data for other business initiatives, i.e., accounting, human resources, project management, etcetera.
Salesforce is one of many cloud CRM tools; other choices are on the market. CRM tools range from free to extremely expensive. A little investigation will help you discover how to incorporate the best combination of software components to manage and engage your clients effectively. Examples of free and low-cost cloud CRM services include SugarCRM, vTiger CRM, Zoho CRM, Highrise, and Microsoft Dynamics.
SOCIAL CRM OPTIONS
Many relationships begin on the Internet. Prospective clients seek project resources through Google searches, websites, and social media venues. From a marketing perspective, it is mission-critical to have the ability to track and nurture prospective client activities using cloud CRM and inbound marketing services. The following offers a few options for incorporating social CRM...
Hubspot is an all-in-one marketing software incorporating leading nurturing and tracking, marketing analytics, social media monitoring, website hosting, and search engine optimization. The software also integrates with Salesforce.com.
LinkedIn Profile Organizer Subscribers can add CRM features to their professional social networking account. These features include organizing and filing clients and adding notes to profiles.
Chatter is a social component of Salesforce.com. It allows for public exchange and is a tool for 140-character exchanges. You can selectively follow Chatter by person or group, i.e., project teams, company initiatives, etc.
With a range of cloud-based CRM options, it is time to begin your plan for a greater “Connection.” Check out our free guide to marketing from the Cloud.
