The Nervous Founder’s Ultimate Guide to CRM Software

written by Bardo McMillion | November 5, 2023
Dont be nervous

Even if software is not your thing, this guide to CRM Should Help.

“I remember the first day that I decided to quit my job and start my first business, I’m not going to lie, I threw up in my mouth a couple of times that day. Even though starting a business is thrilling, it was also overwhelming. I had products to sell, I needed to find clients, not to mention data to manage, all without much income coming in at first.

To say I was nervous, was an understatement, and one of the first things my partner and I had to do was figure out what CRM software we were going to use to track it all, because I was damned if I was going to run a business with pen and paper like my parents. I wish I had this guide to CRM the day I started.”

Kevin, co-founder of a software company in 2014.

Don't be Nervous, it's just software, you'll master it in no time.
Don’t be Nervous, it’s just software, you’ll master it in no time.

If the term “CRM” has popped up in your research, and you’re feeling a tad anxious about it, fear not! This guide is here to ease your worries, let’s get you started, and in the words of Douglas Adam’s in the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, “Don’t Panic”

What is CRM Software?

A CRM, or Customer Relationship Management system, is like a digital assistant that helps you manage all your business’s relationships and interactions with customers. Imagine having a tool, on day one of your startup, that remembers every client detail, every transaction, and every promise you’ve made. And as you grow, and add employees, the business software becomes a critical part of your business. Check out this ultimate guide to CRM, it may help.

Why Do You Need CMR software?

CRM software is essential for businesses of all sizes. It helps you to manage your customer relationships more effectively, which can lead to increased sales, improved customer service, and reduced costs. Good CRM’s include Invoicing, websites, selling systems, task management and much more. Have you ever forgotten a client’s name or missed a follow-up call? Then a CRM system is your safety net, It ensures you stay on top of tasks, remember client preferences, and never miss an opportunity to grow your business.

Benefits of Using a CRM System:

  • Stay Organized: No more juggling between notebooks, emails, or apps. Everything is in one place.
  • Build Stronger Relationships: By remembering client preferences and past interactions, you can tailor your service, making clients feel valued.
  • Boost Sales: With all client data at your fingertips, you can spot opportunities faster and act on them. Great CRM’s include selling system’s to help you make those deals, such as Selling Lane’s Menu Selling System. It gives customers choices so they upgrade themselves.

A Nervous Person’s Guide to CRM and Choosing the Right Software:

  • Understand Your Needs: Do you want mobile access? Do you need it to integrate with your email? Do you want it to give you free stuff like website builders and link to pay invoices?
  • Test a Few: Most CRM systems offer free trials, for example, Selling Lane offers 31 days free, so you can play around and hopefully get hooked. But, test a few to see which one you’re most comfortable with.
  • Consider your budget. CRM software can range in price from $6 per month to hundreds of dollars per month. It’s important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you don’t overspend. For example, we set a budget of $25 per employee per month for Phone, CRM and Accounting software, not an easy task, but to this day we still use that budget.

How to implement CRM Software:

  • Start Slow: Begin with basic features. As you get comfortable, explore more advanced features.
  • Train Your Team: If you have employees, ensure they know how to use the CRM.
  • Stay Updated: CRM software gets updated. Make sure you’re always using the latest version.
  • Consistency is Key: Make it a habit to update the CRM regularly.
  • Clean Your Data: Outdated or wrong data can hurt your business. Regularly check and clean your CRM data.
  • Use Integrations: Many CRMs integrate with other tools like email marketing software. Use these integrations to save time.

A couple of CRM Software Case Studies:

Sarah and her mom love CRM Software in their jewelry business
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  • Sarah’s Handmade Crafts: After using a CRM, Sarah saw her sales double in just one year, mostly because she could follow up on leads coming from Etsy and eBay more efficiently. She even added tasks to previous customers to remind them to purchase at key holidays such as Hanukkah and Christmas.
  • Tech Fixers: A tech repair shop used CRM to track customer device repairs. They reduced device return rates by 30%. Selling Lane CRM also improved the speed in which they were able to fix the devices, because no device got left behind while they were waiting for parts, Selling Lane’s task manager specifically prevented this.

Common Myths About CRM Software:

  • “It’s too technical for me!”: Modern CRMs are designed to be user-friendly. Plus, there are tons of tutorials available.
  • “I’m just a small business. I don’t need it.”: CRM isn’t just for big corporations. Small businesses stand to gain a lot from using a CRM. Even when I was a solopreneur, my CRM was a crucial part of my operation and it just 6 to 12 bucks a month it was highly affordable and was like having an AI employee.

Why we created this guide to CRM?

We created this guide to CRM to help business owners like you understand the benefits of using CRM software and how to choose and implement the right system for your business.

Starting and running a business is challenging, and there are many things to juggle. Customer relationship management (CRM) software can help you automate tasks, streamline processes, and gain valuable insights into your customers.

With Selling Lane’s CRM, you can:

  • Track leads and manage your sales pipeline with CRM
  • Increase sales, upsell easier and grow your business, with Menu Selling
  • Create proposals and invoices, then get paid faster with Invoicing and Link to Pay
  • Automate tasks, create to-do’s, and get things done with Task manager
  • Create your own business website and get found easier with Website Builder
  • Share your business or personal contact info with potential clients with QR Code Business Card
  • Create custom tags for your customers companies and projects, with Tag Manager

Bottom line, with CRM software, you can gain valuable insights into your customers, and turn them into raving fans

I get it, embracing a CRM software system might feel daunting at first, but it’s a game-changer. And with Selling Lane’s CRM, you’re not just getting an easy-to-use tool; you’re getting an AI partner that helps your business grow and thrive. So, take a deep breath, dive in, and watch your business soar to new heights!

We hope this guide is helpful. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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