	Article Directory		Article Submission Service		Article Marketing Blog		Publishers		Member Log In

Article Directory :: Computers & Technology Articles

How to Set Up A Client Database

By Troy Netreba

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 18Feb2012
Word count: 1999
Viewed: 31 time(s)

Get Free Content For Your Site

If you're going to implement a client database you should do it right. Here you'll find an easy to follow guide to preparing for new technology. Including: setting priorities, how to get your staff on-board and how to identify the best system for you.

Phase 1 - Clearly Define Objectives and Outcomes
What are you trying to achieve? Make sure you have a concise answer to this question before you start implementing your client database. An example objective might be to increase repeat business in medium value purchases. In this case you might find that your sales team give a lot of attention to the initial sale but don't follow up customers for repeat business. To solve the problem with a client database you could focus on a system to capture client info after every sale and devise a 'repeat business schedule'. This might include automated emails with special offers and a follow up call calendar for your staff to adhere to.

The above example is very specific and detailed. Your objectives may be broader, like tracking sales results or reducing administration. Broader objectives are fine, if you have a few concrete ideas on how they can be achieved using a client database.

You may have more than one main objective, this is fine too. But try to limit your key objectives to less than 3. Any additional outcomes you want to achieve should be relegated to a 'nice to have' list that you can use when evaluating software choices. Realistically if your list is more than 12 items long you won't find a system that offers every feature you want but by deciding your priorities in advance you can select the system which offers the best possible fit.

Phase 2 - Investigate How The Data Is Currently Managed
Aim your investigation squarely at the data which is most important to meeting your key objectives. And in the process try to be open minded (and non-judgmental), it will make your staff more co-operative. Whether your staff are using excel, outlook or even relying on an old fashioned rolodex, make sure you ask them why they use those methods? What they like about them? And finish with what they think could improve company data management This line of questioning should lead you to the features your staff would really like to see in a new system and any obvious inefficiencies' that could be creating problems in your business.

Change is a funny thing, sometimes your team will instinctively resist change even though all the evidence shows that the changes will make their life easier in the long run. By including your team in the client database set up and selection process you encourage them to buy into the new software. Instead of fighting the change their attitude will be more like 'I chose this software I better make sure it is a success'. This will mean a much more successful uptake and overall implementation.

Phase 3 - Choosing The Best System
You have your list of objectives, you have your staff input and now all you need is the system to make all your dreams come true!. My biggest tip for database selection is that you must keep a clear head at all times. Don't get carried away by all the fancy whiz bang features the software rep will want to show you. Take your objective list with you to all meetings and demo's and focus on the features relevant to your goals.

Earlier we talked about getting your staff to 'buy in' to the new technology. Another way to boost staff participation is by having them test run a few systems. Ask them what features they liked, what they hated and how it would change their daily work?. It is important to note that your staff are the people who will end up using the system, so they can be in a better position to evaluate the suitability of potential systems.

The client database provider can be just as important as the system itself. Try to find a provider who understands your objectives and is willing to work with you to make them happen. Make sure they are able and willing to provide you with the support you need..

If the exact system you want doesn't exist yet, then finding a great provider is even more important, as they can help you customize the client database software to meet your requirements. Bear in mind customization can be costly, so limit yourself to your primary objectives when making changes and learn to live without the lower priority features.

For more information on client database options and how your business processes can be enhanced using technology visit: http://www.picrmsoftware.com.au/

EasyPublish™ this article - publishers click here