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Crm Faq: Crm And Your Business


* What exactly is CRM?

CRM means Customer Relationship Management. This is a method used by businesses or enterprises to organize and manage customer relationships. It has methods, software, software and web-based capabilities. It is about being aware of customer needs and responding to them efficiently.


* What is eCRM?

eCRM is basically a customer service, self-service web application, sales force automation tools, or the analysis of a customer’s buying behavior on the internet.


* How does customer relationship management benefit a business?

There are many benefits that CRM can provide for a business. CRM can and will help a business if you use it properly. By doing so, your business can really profit and keep your customers loyal. Here are some benefits that CRM can give you:

- Collect customer details, order history, and other vital data.

- Suggest ideas for selling products more effectively.

- Develop more efficient communication channels.

- Identify customer preferences.


* Is it better to have an in-house CRM program or to outsource it?

It depends; both outsourced and in-house CRM have their own pros and cons. It is up to you to choose what will suit your needs. If you are a beginner in CRM, it is probably better to outsource it at first.


* What kinds of CRM Help Desk software are available?

There is a lot of available CRM software in the market today. You can download it through the Internet or you can obtain a program through your local software store or computer shop. However, it is recommended that you first download the free version of a CRM software from the internet and try out which type suits your needs best.


* What tips can you offer for finding good CRM software?

You have to consider some factors in order to find good CRM software that you can use easily and effectively. Here are some of the things you should consider:

- Ease of use

- Ease of maintenance

- Essential tools and features


* What types of automated answering systems are available?

Automated answering systems in a call center are important to improve customer service. There are different types of automated answering systems used in a call center. Here are two of them:

- Interactive Voice Response (IVR)

- Automatic Call Distribution (ACD)


About the Author:

Chad Ivins is editor of CRM-i, the online guide to Customer Relationship Management. He also writes CRM FAQ's for PrettyGreatAnswers.com.