Episode 124 – How to Select a CRM For Your Consulting Business

Today’s episode is about how to make the most of a CRM in your independent consulting business. 

So many independent consultants have questions about how to effectively use and implement a CRM into their business process. 

So today, I share how you can maximize how you think about using a CRM through the lens of a business owner so you make the most of your CRM.

A CRM, when used effectively, will help you maximize your business development time, streamline your lead generation and sales, and balance supply and demand to keep your pipeline constantly flowing. 

I want you to think about using a CRM from the perspective of a business owner. I pulled together key points to consider when employing a CRM in your operating procedures, such as:

• Why I changed my mind about CRMs
• Six ways to think about using a CRM in your consulting business
• Treating a CRM like an employee
• Three ways to implement a CRM into your business

Tune in to get the answers to frequently asked questions about CRMs for consultants. Learn how a shift in mindset can improve results in your business. 

KEY POINTS IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:18] Latest podcast reviews
• [02:17] Personal life update
• [06:53] Episode agenda
• [08:45] 3 accompanying resources to read
  • What Are the Best CRMs for Consultants? (And Which Ones to Avoid)
  • How to Scale Your IC Business With a Consulting Sales Funnel
  • 14 Essential Tools Every Independent Consultant Should Use
• [09:50] How and why Melisa changed her mind about CRMs
  • [11:00] Old stance: CRMs are not necessary to land your first client
  • [13:13] Old stance: Task management tools are sufficient
• [15:00] 6 ways to think about using a CRM in your business
  • [18:05] #1: Make it easier to follow through with business development
  • [20:40] #2: Provide data to support your business decisions
  • [22:55] #3: Reduce friction of growing your pipeline
  • [26:40] #4: Streamline nurturing of leads and development
  • [29:05] #5: Maximize time investments your make in your business
  • [31:20] #6: Streamline & balance business development actions
• [23:42] 3 ways to put a CRM into action
  • [23:55] Answer: “What job am I giving the CRM in my business?”
  • [34:25] Choose or optimize the CRM by embedding the chosen jobs
  • [34:53] Read accompanying resource blogs

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE —

• I invite you to book a Strategy Consultation call with me. On this call, we’ll dive into your business, get clear on your goals and challenges and determine an action plan for you so that you can create the business impact, income, and flexibility that you desire. To book yours, click here.
• Read 3 accompanying resource blogs about CRMs for consultants:
  • What Are the Best CRMs for Consultants? (And Which Ones to Avoid)
  • How to Scale Your IC Business With a Consulting Sales Funnel
  • 14 Essential Tools Every Independent Consultant Should Use
• Listen to other episodes on tightening your consulting business operations
  • Episode 123 – A Simple Strategy to Revive The Relationships You’ve Neglected In Your Network
  • Episode 122 Two Ways to Elevate Your Consulting Sales Process To Command Higher Fees 
  • Episode 121 Four Tools For Consistent Consulting Lead Gen (Even When You’re Busy)
  • Episode 120 Using Retrospectives To Unlock Continuous Improvement in Your Independent Consulting Business
  • Episode 119 Premature Consulting Proposals: A Costly Mistake To Avoid
  • Episode 118 How To Get Powerful Testimonials From Your Consulting Clients

FOR MORE RESOURCES SPECIFIC TO THE INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT —

1. Discuss working with me as your coach – Click here to schedule your consultation
2. Watch my YouTube Podcast Channel 
3. LinkedIn 
4. Website 

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If you love the content that I am providing, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to create a growing, profitable IC business. 

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode.