Why mobile CRM will change your business.

If you haven't made the transition over to mobile CRM, act now to retain your competitive edge.

Are mobile sales enablement and CRM applications just another, smaller version of your regular CRM? Believe us, they’re so much more than just another gimmick adapted for use on the go that don’t really bring you much in the way of innovation or practicality. In fact, mobile CRM apps can change the way you do business for the better, forever. But how?

We’ve put together this guide to mobile apps for CRM to help you get to grips with the basics for mobile – and more.

Chapter 1 – Mobile is where it's at.

When was the last time you checked your smartphone? An hour ago? Ten minutes ago? Or three times in the last five minutes? And we bet that was just to re-tweet your favourite comedian, check your emails, and organize this weekend’s get-together with your friends via the medium of the meme.

Let’s face it. We’re addicted.

In the last 20 years, the use of smart devices has increased significantly. We’re more connected than ever, which has propelled innovation to unimaginable heights. In fact, tablets and smartphones are multiplying five times faster than we are. And with our ever-increasing need to access information quicker while keeping costs to a minimum, all while keeping up with the Joneses, it’s no surprise that the smartphone has found its way into our work lives as well as our personal ones.

How do the facts stack up?

It’s safe to say, we’re firmly attached to our smartphones and mobile devices. The rise of mobile in all its various mutations means we have access to more information than ever before. And it’s accessible from our pockets, at the mere touch of a button.

So why isn’t your CRM system?

Chapter 2 – What is mobile CRM anyway?

In short, your customer relationship management data can be accessed and operated via your smartphone or tablet.

It’s accessing an opportunity while you’re on the go, following up on a lead during a conference, or updating business critical information as and when it happens – not waiting two days until you can get back to your desk.

You and your sales team will have access to customer data, wherever they are, 24/7. It’s there whenever they need to get hold of it, tucked away in their pocket to deliver excellent customer service.

The desktop has taken a dive in popularity in recent years and been replaced by portable devices on a global scale. As your sales team travels more, works remotely on a regular basis and does its best to nurture leads on the road, its reliance on desktop computers is becoming a thing of the past.

CRM applications on your mobile phone or tablet can help your sales team hit the ground running, and your business picks up the pace.

Chapter 3 – Why mobile CRM software is better than you think.

So what are the main benefits of having CRM apps on your mobile device compared to desktop use?

For a start, they’re available pretty much anywhere, anytime providing you have enough juice and a working internet connection. Although some of the best mobile CRM applications are now available offline. Notes can be logged against a customer no matter where you are and uploaded automatically once you get connected again. The ability to act fast on managing your customers’ needs is the biggest and most important difference between mobile and desktop CRM solutions – revolutionizing the speed and delivery of your actions to create a whole new level of service and sales management.

Not only does this allow you to manage your customer service and customer relationships better, but it also increases your efficiency. Be reactive to a whole new degree without having to let opportunities stagnate while you’re out in the field. This will effectively shorten the sales cycle – meaning there’s more room for closing more deals long term. Increased productivity – an increase in effort = more sales and higher turnover.

It’s that simple. If you use it to its full potential…

Chapter 4 – How to kick-start your usage of a mobile sales app.

Making sure your mobile CRM app is used to its full potential is important. And the best way to do that is to get the trust of the people who will be using it first. If possible, provide training on how to use the application and gauge the feedback of the sales team. They’re the ones who will be using it day to day – so their seal of approval is the one that matters.

Once you’re confident they’re as up-to-date as they need to be, you can let them loose on their new toy. For real added incentive, many sales departments like to provide a company handset with the app pre-downloaded and set up, just to make the transition even easier.

With increased efficiency and productivity, this may very well result in your sales team having more time on their hands to spend with customers – as well as nurturing new ones.

Being prepared for this change is essential. Formulating new ways of approaching current processes is part of the experience of integrating CRM for mobile. How exactly this is approached is completely up to you and your team – giving you the flexibility to maximize the benefits and get the most from your shiny new tool.

Ask yourself questions like the ones below to discover if your processes need changing:

• How much time are my team now spending out of the office?
• Do their targets need to be increased to a higher frequency?

Can we be more selective in our prospect search?

Conclusion – CRM on the go: Your next gen sales tool.

Apps are developed for one of several reasons – with ease and practicality being up there as two of the most important. Sales management apps are no different. They bring what has traditionally been a static workflow onto the road and into the 21st century. More than just another version of your CRM in miniature, mobile CRM puts your office to your fingertips, giving you the ability to improve the way you work significantly.

Find out more about sales-i CRM Integration today and see how your team could be increasing their sales, all without even being in the office…