CRM User Adoption

Planning and Training the Business Usage of Sage SalesLogix

April 18th, 2011 by Janetta

To prevent data inconsistencies in Sage SalesLogix we recommend you document the business rules around your usage of CRM. We have created what we call a QCard (quick card) to record the practical application of Sage SalesLogix to your business processes. For example, take the Account screen and teach your users how to make changes to pick lists as your relationship with this Account evolves. Don’t you hate it when you receive mail or email from a company you have been doing business with for several years and they treat you like you are a brand new prospect. Those kind of mistakes can be eliminated if you will tie the usage of Sage SalesLogix to your business processes.

If you need help converting business processes into action in Sage SalesLogix or you want to conduct some refresher training for your teams, give us a call at 937-885-1204 x3204.

Use this Link to a sample Qcard to document your own usage guidelines.

If you would like to learn more tips or have a CRM topic you would like us to write about please contact Simplesoft Solutions, Inc. in one of our Cincinnati/Dayton (OH), Charleston (WV), or Charlotte (NC) surrounding area office locations:

Dayton, Ohio Office:
Simplesoft Solutions, Inc.
550 N. Main St. Suite A
Springboro, OH 45066
Phone: (937) 885-1204 x 3204
Fax: (937) 885-3580
sales@simplesoft.net

Ripley, WV Office:
Simplesoft Solutions, Inc.
710 Random Rd.
Ripley, WV 25271
Phone: (304) 521-2387
Fax: (937) 885-3580
sales@simplesoft.net

Charlotte, NC Office:
Simplesoft Solutions, Inc.
3635 Eastover Ridge Drive
Charlotte, NC 28211
Phone: (704) 910-3872
Fax: (937) 885-3580
sales@simplesoft.net

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Tags: CRM User Adoption, Customer Relationship Management, End Users, Sage SalesLogix Implementation, Sales Process, SalesLogix Usage
Posted in Improving Skills and Usage | No Comments »

It’s Here, It’s Here! – Sage SalesLogix Mobile

March 16th, 2011 by Janetta

We have been telling our clients since the fall of last year that Sage SalesLogix Mobile is coming. We had seen several demos at various Sage events and were just waiting to get the final release date. It is here! This new Mobile client is browser based so available for iPhone®, iPad®, Android™, and BlackBerry®2.

Please join us to learn how to implement at your company based on whether you currently have Web or LAN implementations.

Simplesoft will have Gene Arnold, Sage Sales Engineer, hosting webinars for our clients to learn how to implement the new Sage SalesLogix Mobile.

Sage SalesLogix Mobile – for Current Web Users – March 29th at 2:00 pm

Sage SalesLogix Mobile – for Current LAN Users – March 31st at 2:00 pm

Requires Sage SalesLogix v7.5.3. Supports iPhone 3.x and higher, iPad, Android v2.1and higher, and Blackberry v6.0 and higer, and HTML5/CSS3-compliant browsers.

Dayton, Ohio Office:
Simplesoft Solutions, Inc.
550 N. Main St. Suite A
Springboro, OH 45066
Phone: (937) 885-1204 x 3204
Fax: (937) 885-3580
sales@simplesoft.net

Ripley, WV Office:
Simplesoft Solutions, Inc.
710 Random Rd.
Ripley, WV 25271
Phone: (304) 521-2387
Fax: (937) 885-3580
sales@simplesoft.net

Charlotte, NC Office:
Simplesoft Solutions, Inc.
3635 Eastover Ridge Drive
Charlotte, NC 28211
Phone: (704) 910-3872
Fax: (937) 885-3580
sales@simplesoft.net

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Tags: CRM Mobile, CRM User Adoption, Sage New Releases, Sage SalesLogix Mobile
Posted in Spreading the News | No Comments »

SalesLogix Spring Cleaning – End User Tasks

February 28th, 2011 by Janetta

Spring is a great time to involve all your users in help cleaning up Sage SalesLogix. Let’s consider some basic cleaning tasks by major entity:

Accounts – Some key fields at the Account entity are Type, Subtype, Industry, and Status. Clean up your pick lists for each, lock down the pick lists for each, and create some administrative groups to push out to your users where these fields are blank. Be very specific about what fields are to be completed, the name of the Account Group, and give them a target date for completion. Along with the key fields above, you should also encourage general address, phone number, and web address information be completed and updated. Create some positive press on the project by sending out emails with updates on who has completed the tasks and/or what % of the tasks has been completed. Ex. 75% of our Accounts are complete!

Contacts – The key fields for Contacts are Status and email. Again, create the groups with missing information and set a timeline for completion.

Opportunities – The key fields for updating Opportunities are Status, Close Date, Probability, and Opportunity Value (which is done by making sure the products and pricing are current). If you are serious about using SalesLogix for forecasting these fields must be kept up to date and your users should be conditioned to update these fields on a regular basis.

Activities – Encourage users to update their scheduled Activities that are way out of date range. You could create groups for Activities 90 days old, 6 months old, and 12 months old then suggest they reconnect with these Prospects, etc.

When making a fire people like to join you, when cleaning the ashes you are often alone” African Proverb

Interested in more on this topic? - join us for the next Heartland SalesLogix Users Group

Dayton, Ohio Office:
Simplesoft Solutions, Inc.
550 N. Main St. Suite A
Springboro, OH 45066
Phone: (937) 885-1204 x 3204
Fax: (937) 885-3580
sales@simplesoft.net

Ripley, WV Office:
Simplesoft Solutions, Inc.
710 Random Rd.
Ripley, WV 25271
Phone: (304) 521-2387
Fax: (937) 885-3580
sales@simplesoft.net

Charlotte, NC Office:
Simplesoft Solutions, Inc.
3635 Eastover Ridge Drive
Charlotte, NC 28211
Phone: (704) 910-3872
Fax: (937) 885-3580
sales@simplesoft.net

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Tags: Administrators, CRM User Adoption, Data Tips, Sage SalesLogix, SalesLogix Tips and Tricks, SalesLogix Usage, SalesLogix Users Group
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Why SalesLogix?

October 18th, 2010 by Paul

7 Reasons to Choose Sage SalesLogix as Your CRM Tool

After deploying hundreds of Sage SalesLogix implementations at customer sites, I thought I would offer some insight into a few of the key elements for companies selecting Sage SalesLogix. To make it a challenge, I thought I would start each reason off with the letter “F” for fun! (Brought to you by the letter “F”)

1.) Flexible Sage SalesLogix fits your business. Sage SalesLogix Cloud offers the best of both worlds – the flexibility and rapid time-to-value of a traditional CRM SaaS solution, combined with the benefits of an on-premise solution like security and control. With payment and subscription options, data ownership, greater data storage, and advanced customization, Sage SalesLogix Cloud is a great option for businesses that already leverage the Cloud or are looking to incorporate Cloud computing in their customer relationship management strategy. There is also remote, network, web clients, and mobility clients.

2.) Familiar Sage SalesLogix works in an intuitive way and that encourages user adoption. This helps you to minimize training and get up and running quickly. This helps your sales team focus on what they do best…selling. Time saving features such as the ability to update multiple Opportunities at once, quick list building capabilities, one-click access to important tasks and features, and customized views of information enable sales reps to be successful at what they do. User acceptance is critical with any CRM implementation. SalesLogix provides a true utility to get everyone on the same team, shortening the learning curve.

3.) Financially Rewarding Sage SalesLogix gets you more for your money. Does your CRM allow you to do more with less? Sage SalesLogix doesn’t require a “technology stack” investment or servers and software upfront investment. Sage SalesLogix can be hosted in the Cloud or a third party hosting company, and can be brought on-premise when the time is right for a low upfront investment per user. The ROI is topline results that have a positive impact on your customers, partners, and employees. You can start with a free trial today!

4.) Functionality Sage SalesLogix delivers functionality that is unmatched at its price point and ROI that is hard to beat. Here is a summary of the features that you get out of the box:

• Account, Contact, & Opportunity Management

• Calendar & Activity Management

• Microsoft Outlook and Office Integration

• Process & Workflow Automation

• Sales Forecasting & Territory Alignment

• Lead Qualification & Management

• Campaign Management & ROI

• Integrated E-mail Marketing

• Ticket Management

• Service Contract Management

• SpeedSearch KnowledgeBase

• Defect Tracking & Returns

• Customer Self-Service Web Portal

• Web, Windows, and Mobile Access Methods

• Disconnected Web Client

• On-premise or Cloud Deployment Options

• Back-Office Integration Capabilities

• Advanced Customization Capabilities

• Data Mashups Capabilities

5.) Freedom Sage SalesLogix offers operational insight by delivering customizable reports, dashboards, spark line charts, and more that are intuitive and easy to use. Only Sage SalesLogix provides users the freedom to create their own dashboards using nearly any parameter to query data. The dashboards can also be customized to each individual users specific needs, and then shared with other users at any time. Nobody wants their sales team spending time building queries, generating reports and designing dashboards. But when it’s this easy, the value of the product becomes unique to each individual. Sage SalesLogix provides users the ability to configure the system to help them work best.

6.) Fusion Sage SalesLogix works with other applications and hundreds of add-on tools. This rich development platform can help you build a customer relationship management (CRM) ecosystem for incorporating closely related functions like bill management, quote management, order management, or contract management.

7.) Fit Sage SalesLogix works the same either by premise or hosted. You can choose how your people work with the tools – through a Windows client, a web browser, a mobile device or a combination. You can even decide whether to buy it or to rent it. It’s easy to switch if your business needs move your deployment to the Cloud and then later back to your own facility. In so many words, it fits your specific business needs and infrastructure. ( You can’t place a square peg in a round hole and expect users to be happy with the results.)

So there you have it, my 7 reasons why Sage SalesLogix is a great CRM tool for most companies. Hope you find some useful nuggets in this list.

Here is a quote from a Founding Father on his method for making decisions:

When confronted with two courses of action I jot down on a piece of paper all the arguments in favor of each one, then on the opposite side I write the arguments against each one. Then by weighing the arguments pro and con and cancelling them out, one against the other, I take the course indicated by what remains.

- Benjamin Franklin

If you would like to learn more tips or have a CRM topic you would like us to write about please contact Simplesoft Solutions, Inc. in one of our Cincinnati/Dayton (OH), Charleston (WV), or Charlotte (NC) surrounding area office locations:

Dayton, Ohio Office:
Simplesoft Solutions, Inc.
550 N. Main St. Suite A
Springboro, OH 45066
Phone: (937) 885-1204 x 3204
Fax: (937) 885-3580
sales@simplesoft.net

Ripley, WV Office:
Simplesoft Solutions, Inc.
710 Random Rd.
Ripley, WV 25271
Phone: (304) 521-2387
Fax: (937) 885-3580
sales@simplesoft.net

Charlotte, NC Office:
Simplesoft Solutions, Inc.
3635 Eastover Ridge Drive
Charlotte, NC 28211
Phone: (704) 910-3872
Fax: (937) 885-3580
sales@simplesoft.net

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Tags: CRM Flexibility, CRM User Adoption, Customer Relationship Management, Sage SalesLogix, SalesLogix Cloud, SalesLogix End Users
Posted in Exploring CRM Strategy | 2 Comments »

The Great CRM Implementation Sabotage

June 1st, 2010 by Lisa

Are you contemplating a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) project? The process, people, and technology you choose to deploy your project will have a big effect on the success or failure of your overall plan. User adoption is one major key to success and here are a few ways to ensure failure.

Just buy the first one you see or the one everyone else is using. Whatever! Don’t set goals or define objectives for a successful CRM project. Throw that “must-have” requirements list out the window. And don’t involve any other departments in the decision. They will love whatever you pick, right? And please don’t ask the vendor or salesperson to demonstrate how your data will perform in the proposed environment. He’s a busy guy! Besides, that web demo was really flashy.

Don’t worry about getting the executive team involved. They like you so much they’ll agree with whatever you say, right? Sign those contracts! After all it’s only money and who cares about that fine print anyway. Everything will go smoothly and no one will question your decision. Oh and be sure to tell your sales department that the reason for the new CRM is to allow management to look over their shoulder and monitor their every move. It has nothing to do with making their job easier or helping them sell more. The sales team will be excited to jump in and get started. They LOVE change and especially rigid “big brotherish” accountability!

Pick the cheapest solution. Everyone knows that you’ll get a quick ROI with the cheapest CRM. Don’t ask questions or do research…and never ask for references. Don’t worry about contract lengths, service agreements, storage limits or data management. You get what you pay for and cheaper is always better! Besides, it’s got that sweet new app that downloads ringtones. It doesn’t matter if the tool enables you to better serve your customers. And don’t worry if you need to change your business model to fit the tool. Remember… people love change and price should always trump features!

Tell everyone that this new CRM will solve every problem the company has ever had. Create hundreds of data entry fields and pick lists for your users. Sales reps love being data entry clerks! Don’t change any of your current processes or make improvements in your spreadsheet mentality. That’s the way you have been doing it for decades. Those forms are timeless and essential. Oh, and be sure to knock your team out with all the amazing features and promise them that nothing will go wrong. Let them know that this new CRM will be the panacea that fixes everything. Make sure the executive team has the absolute highest expectations of you and the CRM tool. You need a raise anyway, right?

Make sure the CRM you choose a really difficult to use. Everyone knows that difficult means superior and the more times you click through screens the better. All of your peers have amazing IT skills so they will appreciate your time-saving choice. Besides, the user experience is totally overrated. Oh yes, and be sure to “dump” all your old data into that shiny new tool. Everyone in your organization is a perfectionist and that data is clean as a whistle. Now… roll that thing out to the entire company all at once. You’ll get lots of positive feedback, I promise, and rollouts are more manageable without phases or trials.

While my list is ridiculous and no one would ever set out to sabotage their own project, there are some implementation truths to heed. Upper management can demand the use of a CRM tool, but the front end users can make or break your success.

The Simplesoft approach to CRM is unique, and we do invest the upfront time needed to listen and understand how our clients currently work with their customers. We take the time to help them define “best practices” and configure the tool to fit the personality of their business. And, we understand that any investment in a software technology alone will be wasted unless the management, the end users, and the system administrator have a vision and understand how to implement the software properly to serve the customer better.

Consider joining us on June 8^th for the Heartland SalesLogix Users Group meeting. If you are in the Ohio area or a nearby state, it’s a free event and it is held quarterly. The topic this quarter is “Strengthening User Adoption”. Click here to sign up and learn more.

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Tags: CRM, CRM User Adoption, Customer Relationship Management, End Users, OH, Sage CRM Solutions, SalesLogix, SalesLogix Training, SalesLogix Users Group
Posted in Enhancing Deployment | 1 Comment »

The Sound of Ideas being Exchanged……so much Enthusiasm!

March 22nd, 2010 by Don

There are so many ways to collaborate and exchange ideas in this day and age, including this very medium, a blog. I think most people would still agree that the face-to-face dynamics and exchange of thoughts remains the most energizing. The Heartland SalesLogix Users Group meeting was held in our office again recently, and although I did not participate I was very pleased to hear the enthusiasm, the sound of interaction between attendees in our training center. I know the group has struggled with offering the ability for some attendees to participate in the meeting via a web meeting, but has staved off that option to promote face-to-face participation only. From what I heard, I believe that remains the best decision.

Although I could hear the spirited exchange of ideas and the laughter, I received most of the feedback from the after meeting event over dinner. One of the attendees conveyed a pivotal comment made by their SalesLogix database administrator recently that focused the whole group on next month’s meeting topic. The comment was about a power user in her organization that called and said, “ Do you know that it takes me 3 clicks to ……” The power user continued, “See if you can get it down to 1.” The rallying challenge of “user adoption” was embraced by the entire group. Everyone is anxious to see the design ideas this company has implemented and those planned to improve the user adoption of SalesLogix. Next month’s meeting will be held at that company’s location and a full demonstration of their ideas will be shared.

In the end, the purpose of the users group is all about building relationships and that is still done most effectively looking one another in the eye! Having said that, I would like to look you in the eye at the next meeting. Register for the next Heartland SalesLogix Users Group meeting.

“Electric communication will never be a substitute for the face of someone who with their soul encourages another person to be brave and true.” -Charles Dickens

“It is good to rub and polish our brain against that of others.” -Michel de Montaigne

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Tags: CRM User Adoption, Improve CRM Usage, Sage SalesLogix, SalesLogix, SalesLogix End Users, SalesLogix Usage, SalesLogix Users Group
Posted in Improving Skills and Usage | No Comments »