Choosing a CRM can be filled with potential missteps. As the VP of Client Solutions at 360 Visibility, I’ve worked with numerous businesses that faced a range of challenges with their existing CRM software—whether it’s outdated technology, poor user adoption, or systems that no longer scale with their business needs. In these situations, businesses often jump into choosing a CRM without fully understanding their requirements – which can lead to costly mistakes.
Knowing that decisions made early in the process can have long-lasting consequences, I want to share my knowledge so your business can make the right decisions from the start. In this blog, I’ll outline three common pitfalls businesses encounter early in their CRM journey, how to avoid them, and how Dynamics 365 Sales can provide the solution.
1. Ignoring What’s Not Working
A major challenge I often see is that businesses aren’t completely honest about what’s not working with their current CRM. Whether it’s ego, fear, or a reluctance to admit internal problems, companies may overlook critical issues such as inefficient processes, poor integration with other business systems, or difficulty in accessing meaningful data. Some businesses even try to “make do” with systems that aren’t user-friendly, leading to low adoption rates across teams.
This is where Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales shines. It is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing tools like Microsoft 365, allowing for smooth data sharing and collaboration. Its user-friendly interface encourages higher adoption rates, while the AI-driven insights it provides give businesses accurate, real-time data. Dynamics 365 Sales also helps streamline sales processes by offering guided workflows, making it easier for teams to follow consistent practices.
If your current CRM software doesn’t give you the visibility or flexibility you need, it’s time for a thorough evaluation. Honesty is critical at the start of the project, and if your team struggles with this, 360 Visibility can step in with a Business Impact Assessment. Our analysis identifies the inefficiencies and risks in your current system and helps you pinpoint where Dynamics 365 Sales can make a difference.
2. Choosing a CRM System in a Rush
Many businesses rush into choosing a CRM system without fully understanding how their teams currently use the existing one. It’s easy to think that switching platforms will solve all your issues, but without analyzing your current workflows and processes, you might end up with a solution that doesn’t address your core problems.
Dynamics 365 Sales helps solve this by offering a highly customizable platform that aligns with your specific business processes. Instead of forcing you into a rigid structure, it adapts to the way your teams work. The AI-powered insights within Dynamics 365 Sales also help businesses make data-driven decisions, identifying gaps in processes and offering recommendations for improvements.
We conduct a Business Impact Assessment to help you avoid the mistake of rushing into choosing a CRM. We work closely with your team to identify how your current system is used, what challenges you face, and how Dynamics 365 Sales can step in. This ensures you’re not just buying technology for the sake of it—you’re investing in a solution tailored to your business.
3. Failing to Define Clear Goals
Choosing a CRM should always start with well-defined goals. Unfortunately, many businesses fail to lock down their objectives early on, making it difficult to measure success. Whether it’s improving customer relationships, increasing sales productivity, or providing more accurate reporting, you need clear goals from the outset.
Dynamics 365 Sales supports goal setting by providing a comprehensive dashboard that tracks key performance indicators (KPIs) and real-time data insights. With customizable reporting tools, businesses can monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed. This makes it easier to ensure the CRM system is driving the desired business outcomes, whether that’s increased deal closure rates, improved customer satisfaction, or more effective lead management.
Let Us Be Your Dynamics 365 Sales Implementation Partner
Choosing a CRM software requires careful consideration and honesty about your business’s current challenges. By addressing issues such as poor system usability, rushed decisions, or unclear goals, and leveraging the capabilities of Dynamics 365 Sales, businesses can overcome these hurdles.
At 360 Visibility, we guide businesses through this process. By utilizing our Business Impact Assessment, we ensure that choosing a CRM not only meets your immediate needs but also scales with your growth. It is designed to determine requirements, processes, project scope, budget and timelines in order to deliver a successful, on time implementation with minimal risk and no surprises. Contact us to get started.