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CRM-on-Excel
08-11-2010, 03:24 PM
What CRM systems are other small businesses using?

I'd be interested to hear what the most popular options are (from a notepad to full blown CRM).

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Thanks

Steve

SL-Freelance
09-07-2010, 09:57 AM
Hi Steve,

I work with many small businesses, helping with Business Development / Lead Generation / Telemarketing.

In order to help my clients track the progress I generally use MS Excel spreadsheets that I've adapted over the years. That said, some clients like to buy a CRM so they can integrate accounting or other back end systems.

The favourite CRM for the big boys is Oracle, but it's very expensive. If you can afford it - SalesForce is probably the most well known CRM along with ACT.

For the SME there are many systems out there, but the most popular CRM for SMEs appears to be Sugar at present. If you want to work with other people - many SME owners are now choosing software like Sugar because it's hosted - i.e. it's online and accessible by anyone globally.

There are many ins and outs to choosing the right CRM, but I'm happy to give some free advice if anyone wants to know more.

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Paul Elliott
09-07-2010, 10:34 AM
Steve, I've used ACT in the past and was quite satisfied with it. I don't currently have need of a true CRM but would go back to ACT if I did.

Paul

rdcclu
09-28-2010, 02:40 PM
I have used Goldmine extensively. Now they can be found at CRM Software | GoldMine | FrontRange Solutions (http://www.frontrange.com/software/crm/goldmine/)

Recently, I have used SalesForce. It's more complicated than most small businesses need, but very good. Application Development with the Force.com Cloud Computing Platform - salesforce.com (http://www.salesforce.com/platform/)

Something very easy, simple and with a free version is Highrise HQ. Highrise: Small Business CRM, Web-Based Contact Manager (http://highrisehq.com/)

I believe this covers the field from enterprise solutions to something for those just getting started.

boogle
10-02-2010, 04:59 PM
So I must be honest, i am a poor boy with a love for open source. For years my crm was open office excel and database. I have played around with salesforce, but not enough. I am currently using CiviCRM. It is an free open-source crm that installs directly into your sever and can be operated from your cms backend. (sorry for the acronyms...) I will admit I do not have as high of needs as I am sure some companies do, but so far it has done me well. Since my lack of experience keeps me from really knowing what I might be missing, anyone have experience with CiviCRM to offer some feedback?

svdolphin1
12-14-2010, 11:41 AM
I usually go to some of the software directory sites, like Buissy.com (http://www.buissy.com) or Capterra (http://capterra.com) to find good software. Most of the better software vendors are listed on these kind of sites and it is usually quite easy to read about them as well.

Jacoby
03-23-2011, 11:08 AM
@scdophin1 - thank you for the links! I've never even heard of software directories. Interesting stuff.

I've been using Salesforce for about 4 years now. My only complaint is that they change things to frequently.

Capitalist
03-23-2011, 02:30 PM
I've always been impressed by 37 Signals' stuff, but I've never effectively used any of it. I just signed up for the free account for Highrise... I think I'll be using this from now on. It seems like a good fit.

MyITGuy
04-24-2011, 01:08 PM
As an IT consultant, I started out with a variant of SugarCRM. SugarCRM has a free version, however I chose a variant that was a pay product to suit my needs.

I've since outgrown that platform and moved to a new one at a cost of 5K+ (More than just a CRM), but the SugarCRM product worked for me for 2+ years...