Are you Introducing a new CRM to your team? Wonderful! It’s a big step forward – one that can really deliver benefits if your team feels empowered and ready to make the most of it. But successful adoption takes more than just sending over a login link! it’s about creating excitement and ensuring the CRM is something your team actually can’t wait to use. After all, it’s there to support everyone’s daily tasks, not just to make your reporting easier.
Interestingly, even with all the bells and whistles CRM systems offer, we’ve seen first-hand how teams aren’t fully tapping into all their tools. A massive 43% of businesses with CRMs are only using less than half of the available features. Don’t let your team fall into that trap! A CRM should make everyone’s life easier – so getting the whole team engaged, trained, and excited about the new system is key.
Here’s how to help your team fully embrace the CRM and dodge the dreaded “Can we just go back to the old system?” groans.
1. Involve Your Team Early On
You’ve probably heard it a million times “Teamwork makes the dream work” (yes, we know, we hate that saying too.) But it’s spot on when it comes to CRM success. Don’t just surprise your team with a new system and hope for the best. If you haven’t picked your CRM yet, why not get them involved with the selection process? Ask for their input on features they need. When your team feels involved, they’re much more likely to actually use it, and that’s one of the secrets to getting them to embrace it from the start.
2. Set Clear Expectations and Objectives
No one likes a vague goal. So, define clear expectations and objectives for how the CRM will be used across your team. Is it increasing sales? Improving customer retention? or streamlining communication? Make sure your team knows why the CRM is essential for achieving these goals. You can do this by making it crystal clear – for example: “We’re going to increase sales by 15% in the next quarter, and we’re going to do it by using this CRM to automate our follow-up emails.” Now that’s something your team can get behind. Clear, specific goals that give them a target to aim for! Keep it measurable, keep it visible and watch the productivity fly.
3. Offer Comprehensive Training and Support
New software can be intimidating, It can feel like a labyrinth but it doesn’t mean your team has to get lost. Think videos, manuals quick reference guides, anything to turn confusion into confidence! We see you CRM champions… every team has one, it’s your job to become the CRM buddy and the go-to person to support the team to get up to speed.
We recommend offering tips, tricks, and hacks that make the system feel less like a mystery and more like second nature. And don’t forget, being a CRM buddy isn’t about knowing everything right away, it’s about showing your team that it’s okay to stumble, ask questions, and learn together.
4. Encourage Ongoing Learning and Feedback
The learning process doesn’t stop after the initial training. Encourage ongoing learning through regular check-ins, refresher courses, or monthly workshops. There should be access to resources like online tutorials and forums where your team can learn more about advanced features if they get stuck.
Maybe even throw in a ‘lunch and learn’ or to keep things lighthearted, we do this here at WeDoCRM (so we know it works). And remember: feedback isn’t just a suggestion box gathering dust. Create an open channel where your team can ask, gripe, or share how the CRM could be even better. When they know their voices matter, they’re more likely to stick with the system and push it to its full potential.
5. Celebrate Successes, Big and Small
People like to feel appreciated, especially when they’ve tried to learn something new. Celebrate your team’s milestones and CRM wins – whether it’s a successful implementation, increased productivity, meeting sales goals or even just trying their best. Who doesn’t love a good celebration and any excuse to get some cakes in?
Maybe a shout-out in the next team meeting or a virtual high-five on Slack? People will stick with it and keep pushing forward when they feel valued.
A new CRM system doesn’t have to feel like a dreaded task
With the right mix of involvement, clear goals, and ongoing support, you can get your team to embrace a new CRM. Make learning fun, celebrate the wins, and keep everyone engaged, and soon your team will be using the CRM like pros. Remember – When your team feels supported, recognised, and engaged, they’ll not only embrace the CRM to its full potential.
Are you thinking of implementing a new CRM or upgrading your current system? Get in touch and share your business goals with us. With over a combined 80 years of experience as a CRM agency, we’ve seen more CRM scenarios than we care to count. From smooth sailing to complete chaos, we know it all and can point you in the right direction, no matter your industry.
Get in touch with us today, we look forward to hearing from you!
