What almost seemed like a fad in the mid 90s is now a way of life… or is it? If you read some of the recent pundit analysis on CRM usage, you will find that most companies have not completely adopted CRM — and those that have, not all of them have done it successfully (which is a whole different subject for another time).

So, for those on the sidelines, why CRM and Why Now? Here is the simple answer:

Why CRM? CRM technology, when combined with Strategic Execution has proven to increase Sales/Revenue, Reduce Customer Service Costs, Increase Efficiencies, Improve Customer Loyalty, Increase Retention, Standardize processes and the list goes on and on…

Why Now? Now… this is an interesting question… My first thought was, if you have been educated about the value of CRM, then why not now? It’s like saying, I am going to wait because I don’t need all that CRM offers. So, that in itself should be enough. But just incase you are not convinced, let add a few more reasons:

• The Current State: Heck why not? Everyone is talking about how the economy and its negative impact on their business. So, why would you not invest in changing the state of your business for the better. Small price to pay and perhaps…. just perhaps the key too keeping your business alive!

• Affordability: The common excuse: I simply can’t afford it. Well my friend, you can. CRM is no longer for the big boys – the playing field is now level — you too can utilize automation to provide the best value for your customers. Credible CRM software are available for as low as $40 per user per month. Like the old saying goes — you pay for what you get. So remember not to be sucked into Free solutions or Fire-sales!

• Reach: I remember doing business with companies within 50 miles of my business. With the Internet, the entire world is within 50 miles of my business. The proof is in the pudding — just sold to a company in Estonia, Saudi Arabia, Ireland and in talks with a company in Madagascar. Wow! Madagascar — never thought that the movie I so much enjoy watching with my kids would actually be a place that could use my products and services!

• Easy Deployment: I want to do it but I don’t have the technical know-how. Okay, we have heard that one too… So, do you use Gmail or Hotmail or Yahoo Mail? In many ways, you can start using CRM — like opening up a new Gmail account. (I am just talking about opening the account — don’t forget the strategy side of things). With Online CRM, securely hosted somewhere else in the Internet Cloud, you can start using CRM today without hiring a full-time IT person or consultant. Just find the solution that is right for you (another topic for another day), and get cranking! Hey the best part about online CRM is that you won’t have to worry about Software purchase, installation, maintenance, upgrades and backups because all reputable online vendors include these features as part of the monthly cost.

As Winston Churchill put it so well, If you mean to profit, learn to please. Learning to please in todays world requires the right tools. So, what are you waiting for? Search for "Small Business CRM" or "Online CRM" or "CRM Software" and start looking at the many solutions available to help take your business to the next level.