In one episode of The Shades of Entrepreneurship podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Shannon Nelson, owner of Sassy Classy Digital Marketing.
Sassy Classy Digital Marketing is a digital marketing hub in the heart of Roseburg, OR, an innovative agency that specializes in driving businesses forward through the power of digital strategies.
During our conversation we covered: Why Every Entrepreneur Should Care About CRM: Managing Relationships for Business Success
What is a CRM?
A CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system is a technology designed to help businesses manage their interactions with both existing and potential customers. The primary goal of a CRM is to streamline processes, improve customer relationships, and, ultimately, boost profitability.
Ever heard of Salesforce? That’s one of the most well-known CRM platforms, but there are plenty of others out there, each serving a variety of functions. From sales and marketing to customer service, CRMs have become essential tools for businesses of all sizes. They help you track customer interactions, manage tasks, automate communication, and even analyze customer data.
Why is CRM Important for Entrepreneurs?
As entrepreneurs, we juggle a lot of hats: sales, marketing, customer service, networking, and beyond. A CRM system helps us stay organized and on track by managing the chaos of client relationships. It allows you to keep all your customer information in one place, whether you're tracking potential leads, nurturing relationships, or closing deals.
For example, a CRM can remind you who you last emailed, how long it’s been since your last interaction, and whether that contact is a guest for your podcast, a collaborator, or someone else. It’s a way to stay on top of your relationships, helping you manage the lifeblood of your business.
My Personal Experience with CRM
I’m a big fan of using a CRM to stay organized. While I’m not naming any specific systems here (unless they want to collaborate—my phone lines are always open!), I will tell you how it keeps me on track.
For instance, when someone applies to be a guest on The Shades of Entrepreneurship through my website, their information is automatically synced into my CRM. This includes details like their name, business, website, phone number, and email. Now, when I send out a follow-up email to either thank them or discuss next steps, all that personalized information is pulled right into the email template—no extra effort on my part. That’s efficiency!
Not only does the CRM help me automate these processes, but it also tracks my communication history with each person, ensuring I never miss a follow-up or leave someone hanging.
Why CRMs Are a Game-Changer for Entrepreneurs
One of the standout features of a CRM is its ability to provide insights into customer behavior.
For example, I can use CRM analytics to see which pages on my website are getting the most traffic, or which blog posts are resonating with my audience.
If I notice a lot of interest in a particular topic—like CRM tools—then I can easily pivot my content strategy, create more relevant posts, or even revisit that topic on the podcast.
This ability to adapt based on customer data is invaluable for entrepreneurs. It’s not just about producing content you think your audience will enjoy, but about creating what they actually want.
CRMs help bridge that gap, offering insights you might not otherwise have access to.
CRMs aren’t just for large companies; they’re used by sales reps, marketers, customer support teams, and yes—even podcast hosts like myself.
They provide clarity and organization, allowing you to focus on what really matters: growing your business and nurturing relationships.
Choosing the Right CRM for Your Business
There are tons of CRMs available on the market today, and choosing the right one depends on your specific needs and budget. While some CRMs can cost an entrepreneur around $300 per user annually, there are also free versions available with limited features. When you’re starting small, it’s always smart to start with the basics and grow from there.
Here’s my advice: Take advantage of free trials and demos. Almost every CRM offers a trial period, so take the time to test it out and see how it fits your workflow. I’ve personally gone through multiple trials and countless meetings with sales reps before finding what works best for me. It’s like testing out a car, clothes, or even those Costco food samples—sometimes you need to try it before you buy it.
How CRMs Help You Work Smarter, Not Harder
CRMs help you automate tasks, like tracking phone calls, emails, newsletters, and marketing campaigns. This means you can spend less time on the administrative side of things and more time doing what you love—whether that’s closing sales, recording podcast episodes, or scaling your business.
At the end of the day, it’s not about working harder—it’s about working smarter. And CRMs help entrepreneurs do just that. They make sure you’re focusing on the right things, nurturing the right relationships, and tracking the right data to ensure your business continues to grow.
Final Thoughts: Entrepreneurs, It’s Time to Invest in a CRM
If you’re an entrepreneur and you’re not using a CRM, it’s time to seriously consider it. The right CRM system can make your life easier, keep you organized, and help you grow your business efficiently. From managing customer relationships to automating processes and analyzing data, a CRM is a tool that every entrepreneur can benefit from.
And remember, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re unsure where to start. Talk to other entrepreneurs, sign up for trials, and figure out what works best for you. Just like with any business decision, the more informed you are, the better equipped you’ll be to succeed.
To all the entrepreneurs out there: Let’s work smarter, together. And trust me, investing in the right CRM is one step toward making that happen.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of CRMs, streamline your processes, and take your business to the next level.
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