text: It takes teamwork to run on CRM. Whether you’re transitioning to CRM for the first time or you’re switching to a new CRM provider, change can be difficult for your processes and your employees.
  Fortunately, you have the control to make your CRM transition a smooth ride. By keeping everyone at the company involved, you can make the migration to new customer relationship management software seamless and painless.
  Make It a Group Decision
  Tell everyone at your company that you plan to transition to CRM. Ask your teams to suggest any customer relationship management software options that include the features and integrations most relevant to your company’s needs.
  Chances are, someone at your company knows a friend in the business in love with their CRM. Not only will your team be more open to the change, but they could also find a CRM provider that better fits your needs than the options that you were reviewing.
  Get Everyone Excited
  It’s much easier to migrate to a new CRM when your company backs your decision. So motivate them to want a new customer relationship management software by showing, not demanding.
  Meet with each team in person to how each employee can benefit from using the new CRM. Use specific examples that show them how the software will make their job easier and how it will improve their results. They may find additional benefits to transitioning to a new CRM that you might have overlooked.
  Train Your Team
  Schedule a block of time for your employees to meet and learn the software together. Make sure there is enough time to walk through the software and to answer questions.
  Be aware that every employee is comfortable with one aspect of the software before moving to the next step of the training. You may need to carve out time for one-on-one trainings with employees who are still struggling with the new CRM.
  Keep Your Company in the Loop
  Reduce the levels of frustration by giving your employees enough notice. Allow them to prepare for the transition by giving periodic updates in company newsletters, emails or meetings.
  Take the time to explain where your business is in the transition process, what they can expect in the next phase and how they can now prepare for the change today. You will experience less resistance when you are more transparent about the transition to a new CRM.
  Ask for Feedback
  The opinions of your employees matter. Let them know by asking for their feedback on the new CRM. How is their experience going? What’s working? What still needs improvement? This is an opportunity to show your employees that their feedback is heard and valued.
  By asking for criticism—good or bad—you can gauge where everyone in the company is with the software and what issues still need to be addressed. This will help you notice patterns of recurring issues so that you can solve the problems before they escalate into something serious.
  Be Flexible
  Before transitioning to a new CRM, make a list of possible issues that could arise, then devise feasible ways to counteract those situations.
  Cushion each phase of the transition with extra time in case of unexpected emergency situations. Make sure each employee has access to your CRM’s customer support line when they need personal or team assistance. Being prepared early in the game will reduce bumps later in the road.
  Test and Adjust
  After your company is all set up on the new CRM, it’s time to determine if your transition was successful. Monitor the early use of your customer relationship management software by reviewing your CRM’s metrics and data reports. What fixes do you need to make to your sales process? Where in the customer relationship management software are your employees still struggling to use?
  Don’t hesitate to adjust your sales process. Your CRM is designed to be flexible around any changes made to your sales practices.
  Still evaluating your CRM options? Read our guide to learn how to decide which CRM is right for your business.
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