So now that you are ready to make the move out of No CRM Land and embark on the Journey to CRM Success, it is time to pack for the trip. The next phase of the journey is one of preparation, and it includes planning, data review and setup. This is a continuation of the pre-implementation phase of the journey and is the critical foundation for long-term success much like route planning and packing are important for a successful vacation.
Prep Step 1: Planning
A clearly defined implementation plan is key to success with any CRM. Identifying an internal project manager (even if you are working with an outside partner), gaining agreement from leadership and thorough documentation will make all the difference in what you are able to achieve. Here are the basics of what you will need to cover in your implementation plan:
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Clearly defined expectations of functionality and use
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Specific timeline for implementation
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Project team members and roles
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Major milestones and checkpoints
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Project risks and contingency plans
The best plan will only result in success if the team fully supports it. Laying out each step from "No CRM Land" to "CRM Land" with clear ownership for completion is a necessity. An internal project manager who can help keep everyone on task is critical, as is management's support of their power to influence others' time. Even when working with an external partner who provides a turn-key implementation, it is necessary to have an internal single point of contact who owns the project and knows the status and potential roadblocks.
Done right, the plan created will provide a framework for delivering information to the rest of the team. Sharing with users what they can expect and what will be needed of them will help smooth the overall process. Detailed planning and diligent plan management is the only way to keep the project on track and users apprised of what is coming and when.
Prep Step 2: Data
Now is also the time to review the data that will go into your new CRM. The cleaner and more complete the data is when it goes into the system, the better your results will be. In many cases it takes team members working in concert to get data filled out and scrubbed. Remember the old saying, "GIGO: Garbage in, garbage out?" It is important that data is accurate prior to moving it into the new system.
Working in the existing system is the most common place to make updates in preparation for the new system. It usually works fairly well because users are comfortable working in it and therefore quicker and more willing to do the work needed. In some cases exporting the data to a spreadsheet makes for easier evaluation and management of the data as it is cleaned.
