Zoho CRM Certified Consultant

Look Ma! I’m Zoho CRM Certified!

I don’t usually write about myself so hope you’ll indulge me this once:  As of September 25, 2013, I’ve joined (dare I say it?) the elite ranks of Zoho CRM Certified Consultants. Zoho Corp. describes the program:

“The Zoho CRM Certified Consultant program has selected partners who have demonstrated the skill and knowledge necessary to ensure that your CRM project is managed and implemented professionally and cost effectively.”

As of this writing, there are only 40 Zoho CRM Certified Consultants globally, just 1 in New England (Boston area – that would be me), and  20 in all of North America. This is a talented and dedicated group of professionals and I’m proud to be among them.

So, who is the best?

So, should I sell you on why I’m the best? Nope, not gonna’ do it. Each consultant has his or her areas of expertise – if you’re looking for a CRM consultant, your job will be to choose one with the set of strengths and skills that are the best fit for you and your business objectives.

What I can tell you that we have been that perfect fit for many of our clients; here’s what a few of our Zoho CRM clients have said:

“. . . after interviewing several candidates, Lindsay was hands-down our first choice. Not only does she listen well  – when met with obstacles, she is tenacious and creative in her problem solving. She makes it clear that our success is her success. We simply could not have accomplished the Zoho implementation without [her]. She and her firm brought the expertise, resources, and responsiveness that were critical to the project. “

“Lindsay has been instrumental in mapping a way forward for our family company.  Thanks to her… we now have a CRM that is tailor-made for our growing company.  Lindsay has been an invaluable resource and we look forward to a continued working relationship .”

“We’ve really enjoyed working with you and I think we’ve gained so much more out of our relationship with you than a simple database design and launch. I can’t even remember the name of the book you sent us, but I find myself applying those principles to my work almost daily.”

I’ve learned a thing or two

I’ve been certified in CRM software since 1999 (and a Zoho Alliance Partner since 2012). The most important lesson I’ve learned is that a customer relationship management system is not about software. CRM needs to focus on people and process first. Yes, CRM software must have the features to support your process – but features are practically a commodity at this point. It’s what the right solution does for your and for the goals of your firm that are most important.

Here are some of the considerations you’ll need to think about:

• Understand your objectives before you begin and don’t confuse deliverables with objectives. OK, you want reports, but why? You plan to expand your sales, but why? It’s the “why” that’s driving the project.
• Make sure to include at least some of your staff in selection and planning: this isn’t optional. You don’t know what everyone needs to be successful in using the system. Besides, you get buy in from people when they’re included and more resistance when they aren’t.
• Think about how to effect change: chances are you’ll be approaching some things a bit differently once a new system is implemented. Not everyone may be pleased about this. How can you help adapt successfully?
• Training CRM system users is part of a rollout. If you expect that people can “figure it out on their own”, then do yourself a favor and skip the whole thing.
• How will you know when your CRM solution is a success? Is it when you can accurately forecast sales? When you’re finally able to analyze ROI on your marketing campaigns? You need to know what success looks like so you’ll know when you arrive.

If you need help answering any of these questions call my direct line at 781-963-0433. Or you can reach out to me here. You can learn about how affordable Zoho CRM is here.