Modern CRM based on 5 basic steps

In the famous David Allen’s Getting Things Done (GTD) time management philosophy we can find the basic 5 steps that lie in the core of any structured even small business CRM program. They are 1) collect, 2) process, 3) organize, 4) review and 5) do. Keeping in mind all these working steps we can find out the features any professional Customer Relationship Management software should possess.

1) Collect

According to Allen when we collect the information we are to store it somewhere and the best option to store it and keep tabs on in a “bucket”. Such a “bucket” must be easy to get an access to everywhere you go. Some CRMs have already followed this and implemented this feature in the whole concept of a program: a web-based CRM solution that enables users to find and track all the changes either from a PC or from a laptop or even a PDA. If you are working in a group you can use a online calendar tool to coordinate the data with other members.

2) Process

Allen suggests that all information must be processed very often and you are to consider updating and cleaning the information as often as you can. To do it manually can be quite a challenge – the best option here is to organize processing using special features of a CRM that functions according to the preset parameters.

3) Organize

After the information has been stored and processed automatically the next step is an organization of information and its redistribution into relevant categories and folders: projects, to-do-lists, meetings, etc. An online calendar is an ideal feature of any CRM software that will ease your life in sorting the necessary incoming information.

4) Review

Review is the most important step that you should always keep in mind. No one denies the fact that information ages and out-dated information cost nothing. But fortunately with the help of special features of modern web-based CRMs you can easily access and make corrections in all informational lists wherever you are.

5) Do

According to Allen most of your time you are to be involved into completing the tasks to get them off your to-do-list. Modern web-based CRM programs combine a number of features that ease this process (the actual process of completing a task) as well.