If previously, the capabilities of CRM systems were of interest exclusively to large companies and corporations, today the situation has changed dramatically. CRM implementation services are now being ordered by small beauty salons, private production workshops, auto repair shops, fitness clubs, clothing stores, event agencies, and startups. In other words, businesses just like yours.
The Frigat Net team is confident that the market has real potential for even more active growth. The restraining factors are the myths about CRM. Let’s delve into this issue and finally dot all the i’s and cross all the t’s.
MYTH 1. CRM is a tool only for big business
Some owners of small companies believe there’s no need to look beyond the capabilities of Excel or a notepad with a pen. In reality, however, this approach is a surefire way to lose a customer: a missed call, an unrecorded contact… and the order goes to a competitor. Yes, this is a serious mistake, not least because it leaves you at the mercy of the human factor.
Why does a micro-business need a CRM? To solve the following tasks:
- Collecting contacts and comfortably managing this database.
- Tracking inquiries, managing orders, and monitoring their fulfillment.
- Creating bonus programs and sending out personalized offers.
- Monitoring payments and preventing arrears.
- Preserving the history of communication with a client even after an employee leaves.
In reality, there are many more advantages. And those companies that already use a CRM do not lose clients and partners due to accounting chaos.
MYTH 2. CRM systems for small businesses are expensive
There are dozens of solutions on the market, including systems for sales automation in small business that cost around $10 per month. Is that really too expensive to wait for your business to grow? Operational comfort is available today.
For example, by choosing NetHunt CRM even with the minimal Basic plan, you get access to the system’s core functionality, convenient data import, email templates, Gmail integration, basic technical support, and more. And all of this is truly inexpensive.
Focus on the benefit, not the price. After all, small businesses don’t need complex and expensive CRM systems, especially if you’re not planning to scale up just yet.
MYTH 3. A CRM is difficult for a small company to implement
The complexity and timeline for installing a CRM system for a small business depend solely on the software’s functionality and the staff’s ability to learn. The optimal approach is to start with basic functions and gradually expand capabilities as needed.
Virtually all systems have an intuitive interface, and integration with other services is done in just a few clicks. The main challenge here is not the software, but the employees’ reluctance to learn something new.
We have prepared a CRM implementation checklist for you, with a detailed description of each stage: from defining goals and analyzing current business processes to working out security issues (access levels, encryption technology, etc.). Feel free to check it out.
MYTH 4. CRM solutions are only needed for salespeople
A CRM for a small company is a universal tool for managing the customer experience, not just in sales. It helps marketers, accountants, customer support specialists, and logisticians work efficiently. Many use CRM capabilities for real-time data analysis, regardless of their industry.
Let’s consider the relevance of CRM solutions for small businesses using the example of a small beauty salon with a few stylists. With its help, you will:
- maintain a complete client database;
- remind clients of their appointment day and time;
- implement loyalty programs;
- analyze the demand for services;
- automate marketing tasks.
A CRM allows you not only to sell but to build the entire funnel from start to finish: from the first contact to repeat business.
MYTH 5. A CRM system hinders business development
This mistaken opinion is often held by those looking for a CRM for a startup. Beginners think they will spend more time entering data than developing the project. In reality, the opposite is true. A CRM eliminates routine, freeing up time for solving other, more important tasks.
For instance, industry-specific CRMs for small and medium-sized businesses are needed to automate email campaigns, invoice generation, chatbot operation, document creation, and payment or material purchase reminders. Many tasks that previously took several hours a day are now solved in 10-15 minutes. Speed is a crucial criterion for the development of any business.
If you don’t know which CRM to choose for your small business, contact Frigat Net directly. We will select the optimal options for you, and no myths will stop us.
