Laneways Software & Digital’s Post

Custom CRMs - what are they and can you afford one? That’s a great question.   A custom CRM is a customer relationship software solution built in-house from the ground up by an organization. Far from “off the shelf” – with a custom CRM you are the master of your own destiny – your system will be designed with your exact needs in mind.   Question is… Can you afford one? Well, that really depends.   It depends on what your requirements and appetite for risk are. If your organization has intricate business processes with highly specialized processes, a custom solution can be the answer.   There are quite a few concerns around custom CRM solutions though. You need to do everything from scratch with a strong idea of what it is you need to build. For the small to medium sized company – this can be really burdensome. No one is there to do the heavy lifting for you.   Building and deploying such a CRM is a lengthy process (just like any in-house software development) that includes vendor selection (finding a reputable development partner); design and development; testing and deployment (including security verification); and then ultimately perpetual support and maintenance.   If all of this still feels necessary, the expense of developing this kind of software will likely be less of a key consideration. Without a doubt though, a custom CRM is going to COST you a lot more than something bought off the shelf. I think this can be frustrating for some companies who value the flexibility of something custom but don’t have the resources to meet their wants.   But what if there was a third option?   Rather than build your own knowledge base, you can draw from professionals like Cencomp Systems Solutions Inc. (shameless plug… ) who have a track record working with highly customizable CRM solutions (like Maximizer ) and getting them to fit specific business needs.   Maximizer has always helped  balance ‘your CRM – your rules’ with ‘effective, affordable, and easy to stand-up’. Such a CRM can insulate a business from software obsoletion, offering up new features as they come about, and keep development costs out of mind.   For those who want enhanced control, Maximizer supports on-premises implementation.   Not many CRMs are as elastic as Maximizer . It’s one of the reasons we use it at Cencomp Systems Solutions Inc. and why it’s so popular with our customers who have quite specific expectations of how a CRM should look like for them.   Across my career I’ve seen so many different ideas and approaches. When I meet potential new customers, some can worry that ‘their need’ is too ‘out-there’. Trust me. It isn’t. And the team here at Cencomp Systems Solutions Inc. are up for an implementation challenge… If you’d like to chat about starting your CRM journey (or getting your current CRM to be a better place) feel free to book into my calendar here: https://lnkd.in/gJumCvDA - CB #crm #customcrm #crmimplementation

Custom CRMs: What Are They and Can You Afford One? At Cencomp Systems Solutions Inc., we often get asked about custom CRMs – what they are and if they’re affordable. ⚪️ What is a Custom CRM? A custom CRM is a customer relationship management software solution built in-house from the ground up by an organization. Unlike “off the shelf” solutions, a custom CRM allows you to design a system tailored precisely to your unique business needs. ⚪️ Can You Afford One? The affordability of a custom CRM depends on your requirements and risk tolerance. For organizations with intricate and highly specialized business processes, a custom solution can be the ideal fit. However, there are significant concerns to consider: Development Burden: Small to medium-sized companies may find the development process burdensome. You need a clear vision of what you want to build, and no one will do the heavy lifting for you. Lengthy Process: Building and deploying a custom CRM involves vendor selection, design and development, testing and deployment (including security verification), and ongoing support and maintenance. High Costs: Developing a custom CRM is significantly more expensive than purchasing an off-the-shelf solution. This can be frustrating for companies that desire the flexibility of a custom solution but lack the resources. ⚪️ Is There a Third Option? Rather than building your own CRM from scratch, consider leveraging the expertise of professionals like Cencomp Systems Solutions Inc. We have a proven track record of working with highly customizable CRM solutions, such as Maximizer , to meet specific business needs. Why Maximizer ? Well... Maximizer offers a balance between customizability and affordability. It helps insulate businesses from software obsolescence by providing new features as they become available and keeping development costs manageable. For those who require enhanced control, Maximizer supports on-premises implementation. Maximizer ’s elasticity makes it a popular choice among our customers who have specific expectations for their CRM. It’s one of the reasons we use it at Cencomp Systems Solutions Inc. We’re Here for the Challenge Throughout our careers, we've encountered diverse ideas and approaches. Potential customers sometimes worry that their needs are too unique. Trust us – they aren’t. The team at Cencomp Systems Solutions Inc. is always ready for an implementation challenge. If you’d like to discuss starting your CRM journey or optimizing your current CRM, feel free to book a session with us here: https://lnkd.in/gJumCvDA #CRM #CustomCRM #CRMImplementation #CencompSolutions

How does Zoho CRM standup? Wait, Zoho CRM? Who? What’s that?👇   If you haven’t heard of Zoho CRM? Don’t panic, but also, don't underestimate an unknown player. Zoho, which began in a small apartment in the suburbs of Chennai 🇮🇳 in the 1990s, and famous for its ‘Zoho Office Suite’, is widely considered to be a modern Indian success story. This apparently “little known business” has offices spanning multiple continents – including a large corporate headquarters in Del Valle, Texas.   AND ON TOP OF THAT: 90% of FORTUNE 500 companies now use some piece of the Zoho technology stack.   The CRM offering itself sits within a wider portfolio of software products specifically targeted at sales and marketing teams, and promises “comprehensive analytics, personalized solutions, and the fastest implementation in the enterprise CRM market”.   PROS: ·  Zoho CRM does what you’d expect of a good CRM. It integrates well with most 3rd party products and has plenty of proper sales automation. Zoho CRM provides their own library of internal apps – each with a specific purpose. ·  Free plans are available, including enough basic CRM features to be genuinely helpful for an individual or ultrasmall company who wants to learn the basics. ·  It’s affordable. When you do want to upgrade – pricing starts at $19 Canadian per month. That’s seriously cheap… ·  It’s super intuitive, has a really fresh look, and is simple to master. ·  Zoho has developed a special version of its CRM for nonprofits which includes omnichannel messaging, smart email forms, and unique targeted campaign features.   CONS: ·  Zia – Zoho CRM's own AI isn’t that fleshed out. Yes, it has lots of features, but it can be overwhelming when it throws suggested automations at you. ·  Though lower tiered plans are affordable, it might find the apps you want (or more importantly need) won’t integrate. ·  According to Forbes Advisor, while most reviews of Zoho CRM are positive, some customers aren’t satisfied with Zoho’s customer support.   ·  Creating custom fields can be really tricky and time consuming.   Are you small? Trying to grow your network? Want to reach new customers? Don’t want to spend lots of money? Packed full of top-level features, Zoho is a high-quality entry level CRM.   For those who need that personal touch, or a CRM that meets a set design brief – you might need to look elsewhere.   That was your latest biweekly CRM review. If you’d like to chat about starting your CRM journey (or getting your current CRM to be a better place) feel free to book into my calendar here: https://lnkd.in/gJumCvDA - CB #crm #zohocrm #zoho #crmimplementation

🌟 Top 3 CRM Softwares for 2024 🌟 Zoho, Salesforce, and Apptivo lead the pack in CRM software. Each platform offers unique features tailored to different business needs. Read on to discover why Zoho CRM might be the game-changer you’ve been searching for! 🎖️ Editor's Choice: Zoho CRM 🎖️ Zoho CRM excels in lead generation and contact management, helping businesses sell and scale faster. Its intuitive interface, powerful AI assistant Zia, and robust customization make it a standout choice for businesses of all sizes. Key Features: 🔹 Customization: Tailor Zoho CRM to fit your specific business needs. 🔹 AI-Powered Sales Assistant: Zia offers predictions, suggestions, and automation. 🔹 Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Zoho apps and third-party applications. 🔹 Affordable Pricing: Competitive pricing with no contracts and a generous free tier for small businesses. 🔹 Intuitive UI: Easy-to-navigate user interface. 🔹 Security: Five-star security measures to protect your data. 🔹 Quick Onboarding: Comprehensive training resources and excellent customer support. 💪 Salesforce: The Titan of CRM 💪 Salesforce is the preferred choice for large enterprises, renowned for its robust features and scalability. It offers comprehensive tools for sales, service, marketing, and more. Key Features: 🔸 Comprehensive Features: Covers every aspect of customer relationship management. 🔸 AppExchange: Access to a vast marketplace for third-party integrations. 🔸 Scalability: Ideal for large enterprises. 🔸 Advanced Analytics: Powerful tools for in-depth business insights. 🔸 Industry-Specific Solutions: Tailored solutions for various industries. 🚀 Apptivo: Ideal for Startups 🚀 Many small to mid-sized businesses choose Apptivo due to its flexible and affordable payment plans and a range of business management apps that integrate seamlessly. Key Features: 🔹 Mobile Access: Manage CRM and business functions on the go. 🔹 Versatility: The integrated suite covers a wide range of business needs. 🔹 Advanced Analytics: Powerful reporting tools. 🔹 Pricing: Starting at $15 per month, it's perfect for startups on a budget. Plus, it has a 30-day free trial. Why Zoho CRM is the Best: Zoho’s advanced features, integrations, and strong customer support give it an edge over Apptivo. Compared to Salesforce, Zoho is far more cost-effective and user-friendly. 👉 Ready to see Zoho CRM in action? Schedule a 1-hour web conference with one of their product experts for a guided tour. Discover how Zoho can transform your business today! Boost your business with Zoho CRM – where innovation meets affordability. #CRM #ZohoCRM #Salesforce #Apptivo #BusinessGrowth #LeadGeneration #CustomerManagement #2024Trends

A few months back we released one if its kind pricing for CRM software, usage-based pricing. Although SMEs are liking it, we frequently get asked, WHY is that? To understand, automateCRM's pricing is not based on the number of users that you add to the account. Primarily, it is based on: - data records that are stored - automation that are configured - documents storage size A data record represents a record that you create in any of the modules. Such as, when a new Lead is created it is 1 record. You make a call to the Lead, that is another record. It is not the count of transactions that happen. So if you update the lead status after the call, that is not counted. You are still consuming only 2 data records, 1 for the Lead record and 1 for the call record. We have also created pre-bundled packages at nearly 40% less cost than the standard cost of a value addon. So if you think you would need around 1 Lakh data records and around 50-60 trigger-based automation, it is best to go with the Growth package. Instead of staying at the least cost package, Plus at 500 INR/month and purchasing value add-ons for data records and automation. The interesting question is, WHY did we introduce usage-based pricing. Wouldn't it slow down our growth? India has nearly 63 Million MSMEs and employs nearly 113 Million people. They are the backbone. Yet, only 2-3 out of 10 businesses use technology like CRM software, which again is only about Sales functions. And only 1 out of 20 have tools for providing Support and Project management. Our first aim is to increase adaptation, we want more and more MSMEs to improve their business with such business solutions. Secondly, the major factor because of which businesses do not adopt such tools is the associated cost. Which to a very good extent seems unfair. A general scenario is that a user might be only updating the Lead status and logging call information. Yet, that user is charged the same cost as of a full-blown user of the sales functions. It seems unfair and businesses adapt to it with ad-hoc solutions (jugad). With usage-based pricing, that is not the case anymore. Organization can bring their entire team including Sales, Marketing, Service and Support, and Operations on one single platform. And the business pays in proportion to its usage. This not only helps the business, but the end result is far more important, happy customers! We also provide free training, so that the systems are implemented the right way. If you are on higher packages, it also includes free implementation service. If you are still not using a Unified CRM and automation tool, talk to us today and explore the benefits, link in the first comment. #automatecrm #smallbusiness #saas #crm #automation

🎒 Tech companies often feel held back by CRM systems that don’t integrate well with other essential tools, causing delays and extra manual work. Instead of a streamlined, efficient workflow, teams find themselves jumping between apps, re-entering data, and losing productivity. Zoho One offers a solution designed to make integration effortless, helping users achieve smooth connectivity across all applications without the headache of managing complex automation. 💎 Solution: Zoho One for Seamless, Hassle-Free Integration ⚡ All-in-One Ecosystem: Zoho One consolidates over 40 applications that seamlessly integrate with Zoho CRM, covering needs from lead generation and email marketing to invoicing and customer support. Rather than piecing together different software, Zoho One provides everything in one suite. This means teams work in a consistent, unified environment where data flows naturally between applications without constant manual updates. ⚡ User-Friendly Integrations: For companies needing additional tools outside Zoho, Zoho One provides Zoho Flow, a no-code workflow automation platform that connects Zoho apps with hundreds of external applications. With an intuitive drag-and-drop editor, even non-technical team members can create custom workflows that automatically sync data between apps like Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, and Mailchimp, all while keeping workflows manageable. ⚡ Smart Data Syncing and Custom Automations: Zoho One’s integration capabilities allow real estate agents to sync customer data automatically across all tools, so updates happen in real time without duplication or inconsistency. For example, when a property is listed in Zoho CRM, the details can be auto-synced to Zoho Books for invoicing and Zoho Campaigns for email marketing—all without lifting a finger. ⚡ Visual Workflow Automation: Zoho One makes automation easy to manage with its visual workflow builder. Users can set up automations that feel simple and intuitive, so they don’t need technical expertise to connect their apps. By visualizing each step, teams stay in control of the process and can make updates or adjustments as needed, avoiding any fear of an overly complex system. ⚡ Robust Support and Documentation: Zoho One provides a rich library of support materials, tutorials, and dedicated customer service to assist teams through any setup or automation needs. This support reduces the learning curve and empowers teams to build and maintain integrations with confidence. With Zoho One, tech companies gain the ability to connect all their applications smoothly without the risk of overwhelming or complicated automation. This unified, simple approach keeps data in sync, reduces workload, and supports growth—so teams can focus on closing deals and building client relationships, not managing software integrations. #IT #Fintech #tech #Zoho #cloudsolutions

🌟 Attention SMS-iT CRM Users! 🌟 Are you ready to revolutionize your CRM experience and unlock a world of possibilities? Introducing SAAS-iT, the game-changing program that empowers you to create your own personalized CRM plan tailored to your unique business needs! 🎉 🔥 Key Benefits of Subscribing to SAAS-iT: 🎨 Customization at Your Fingertips: With SAAS-iT, you have the freedom to select the features you need, ensuring that you only pay for what you use. Say goodbye to one-size-fits-all plans and hello to a CRM that adapts to your business! 💸 Unbeatable Value: SAAS-iT offers competitive pricing, allowing you to access cutting-edge features and tools without breaking the bank. Get ready to maximize your ROI and achieve more with less! 🚀 Accelerated Growth: By subscribing to SAAS-iT, you gain access to 31+ innovative Smart Tools© designed for customer acquisition and retention. These powerful tools will help you attract new customers, nurture relationships, and skyrocket your business growth! 🤖 AI-Powered Automation: SAAS-iT offers affordable AI tools that streamline your workflows and save you time. Let artificial intelligence handle repetitive tasks while you focus on what matters most – growing your business! 🌐 Comprehensive Connectivity: With SAAS-iT, you can connect your SIM cards, gateways, and servers seamlessly, ensuring smooth and efficient communication across all channels. 🥇 SAAS-iT vs. the Competition: While other CRM providers offer rigid plans with limited customization options, SAAS-iT stands out by giving you the power to create a plan that perfectly aligns with your business requirements. No more paying for features you don't need or settling for a plan that doesn't quite fit. Moreover, SAAS-iT's affordable pricing and comprehensive feature set make it the smart choice for businesses looking to maximize their CRM investment. Why settle for less when you can have it all with SAAS-iT? 🚨 Don't Miss Out – Subscribe to SAAS-iT Now! 🚨 The time to upgrade your CRM experience is now! By subscribing to SAAS-iT, you'll gain an unparalleled competitive advantage and position your business for accelerated growth. Don't let this opportunity slip away – your success depends on it! To subscribe to SAAS-iT, simply log in to your SMS-iT CRM account, navigate to the dashboard, click on "Change Plan," and then select "Create Your Plan." In just a few clicks, you'll be on your way to CRM excellence! Please note that while SAAS-iT can be used as an add-on to existing plans, it is not available for Enterprise Plan users, as the Enterprise Plan already includes all the features and add-ons available in SAAS-iT. 🌟 Unlock Your CRM Potential with SAAS-iT Today! 🌟 #SMSiTCRM #SAASiT #CustomizableCRM #UnlockYourPotential

Have you heard about CRM systems and perhaps even tried to implement them on your own? 💻 You may have encountered several difficulties:  ▪ Difficulty in setup: Numerous functions and fine-tuning require time and specialized knowledge.  ▪ Mismatch with business processes: Standard settings often don't fit the unique features of your company.  ▪ Lack of integration: The absence of connection between the CRM and other systems reduces work efficiency.  ▪ Lack of employee knowledge: Even a configured system will not be beneficial if employees don't know how to use it. Why does this happen? 🤔 Modern CRM systems offer an incredible array of functions, but often only a small part of them is truly necessary for your company. Trying to figure out all the possibilities on your own can take months, and the result may not always meet your expectations. What happens when you try to implement a CRM on your own:  ▪ Loss of time: Studying all functions, setting up the system, and adapting it to business processes take precious time that you could spend on business development.  ▪ Risk of errors: Incorrect setup can lead to system failures and data loss.  ▪ Incomplete utilization of potential: You might simply not know about all the system’s features that could significantly enhance your efficiency. 💡 The solution: working with a CRM integrator. A professional integrator will help you avoid these problems and get the most out of your CRM system. Advantages of working with an integrator:  🔥 Personalized setup: The CRM will be tailored to your unique business processes. 🔥 Comprehensive integration: All your systems will be combined into a single entity.  🔥 Employee training: Your staff will receive all the necessary knowledge for effective system usage.  🔥 Time savings: The integrator will quickly and efficiently configure the system for your specific tasks, allowing you to focus on business development.  🔥 Expertise: Integrators possess deep knowledge of various CRM systems and can choose the optimal solution for your company.  🔥 Quality assurance: You will receive a fully functional system adapted to your business processes. What results will you achieve by working with an integrator? 🚀 Increased sales efficiency: Automation of routine tasks, improved deal management, and personalized customer interactions.  🚀 Improved customer service quality: Quick access to interaction history and increased customer satisfaction.  🚀 Increased profits: Optimization of business processes, cost reduction, and sales growth. 🚀 Informed decision-making: Analysis of customer and sales data for strategic decision-making. Implementing a CRM with the help of an integrator is an investment in the future of your business. 📲 Write me a message and I will be happy to consult you on CRM implementation in your business. #CRM #freelance #startup #businessautomation #CRMsolutions #businessgrowth #amoCRM #amo #Kommo #KommoCRM #Pipedrive #KeyCRM #Sensei #BPMSensei #BPMN

Setting up a CRM from scratch can be overwhelming. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the complexities, time constraints, and costs involved. But what if you had a clear, step-by-step guide that simplifies the process and ensures success? Over the past year, I’ve helped numerous clients build robust CRMs tailored to their unique needs. Here's a breakdown of my proven approach and the essential resources that can transform your CRM setup experience. 1. Initial consultation and requirements gathering - Discuss the business processes around fulfillment, sales/marketing, and customer support to identify key features and customizations required for setup. 2. CRM account setup and configuration - Create the CRM account and configure the CRM settings, focusing on email setup and user roles/permissions. 3. Data migration - Prepare and import the existing data (contacts, leads, accounts, etc.) into the CRM, ensuring data integrity and proper mapping of fields. 4. Customization and workflow automation - Create custom modules, fields, and layouts based on the requirements identified in step 1. Focus on automation rules, such as assignment rules, workflows, and approval processes. This process is iterative; you'll never know everything on initial setup. 5. Integration with other applications - Integrate the CRM with relevant third-party applications, such as email marketing tools, accounting software, or e-commerce platforms. 6. User training and documentation - Train the team on how to use the CRM effectively and provide user guides and documentation for reference. 7. Ongoing support and maintenance - Ensure the CRM system remains up-to-date and continues to meet the client's needs. - To help set up your own CRM, I have developed a few resources, including: 1. Module Fields Manager Template - As CRMs grow, your need to add fields will as well. Document what each field collects, the values that can be inserted into the field, how it is updated, and what workflows it affects or vice versa. 2. Tag Organizer & Creator - Tags are a great way to categorize and prioritize leads and customers effectively. Maintain a running list of all the tags and their definitions. 3. Logic and Workflow Outline - This is absolutely crucial. Workflows are a double-edged sword. They can help you save time or send a thousand generic emails to your leads list if not managed correctly. Keep a running list of all the automation workflows and what triggers them. 4. Data Migration Checklist - A checklist to ensure all your data is correctly migrated, mapped, and verified, minimizing the risk of data loss or errors. Maintenance Schedule - A recommended schedule and checklist for regular Ready to take your CRM to the next level? If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—I’m here to help! #CRM #BusinessGrowth #CustomerSuccess

Imagine trying to develop a modern CRM system, like Maximizer , with all its features, custom integrations, and capabilities... Entirely in-house. I can’t. So why do I keep meeting people who think they can? Do they know something I don’t? Am I missing something? When I think about it, I realize that no, they don’t, and no, I’m not. Much of this belief that a CRM can be replicated in Excel stems from a lack of market awareness and the tendency to stick with what’s familiar. Let me explain with an example. A few weeks ago, I was chatting with a friend over dinner. Here’s what he shared: “All our customer information is in his head apparently... He’s the only one who knows how that spreadsheet works. I think he’s made himself un-fireable. He’s mission-critical because all our contract and customer data is on his laptop.” “We’re a major engineering firm, and with these business development targets hanging over my head, it’s going to take me hours to figure this out. Not much we can do though, right?” I actually laughed out loud.. I asked if the company had a CRM? They didn't. I then asked if I could help him myself… The problems he was experiencing weren’t just a result of inefficiencies or poor judgment. Everyone in his team suffered because there wasn’t a centralized place to access the information they needed to do their job. Even junior engineers were struggling to understand what projects they’d delivered without consulting the mysterious Excel codex that was their makeshift CRM. For obvious reasons this was problematic and had the potential to get so much worse as they sought to grow their business. This story isn’t just anecdotal. Gartner reports that around 91% of businesses with more than 11 employees have a CRM. That means nearly 1 in 10 don’t... I’ll keep talking about using a CRM because it’s important. I want to offer a great alternative to companies who feel stuck and think a CRM is out of reach. Especially those in North America. You don’t have to rely on outdated databases or absorb the high costs of custom development. There are flexible and suitable solutions available, and people like me can guide your business to ensure successful implementation – the first time. If you want to learn more about what this looks like in practice, book a slot in my calendar here: https://lnkd.in/gJumCvDA #crm #crmadoption #businessgrowth #crmimplementation - CB