Small business owners have a lot to think about. With a million things happening every day, CRM solutions tended to fall on the back-burner, and for a long time it seemed that small businesses were actively avoiding CRM adoption.
Well, according to a Dell Cloud Business Applications study, CRM apps are the most adopted cloud apps by small businesses (up from 34% in 2010 to 55% in 2012), which hints to me that cloud technology is becoming a driving factor in CRM, especially Social CRM, adoption.
This should come as no surprise to readers of this blog, though.
So, why has this recent shift happened in the minds of SMBs? I have a few thoughts on that (are you surprised?).
- The growing accessibility and universal access to cloud-based systems
- The continued proliferation of technology beyond the ranks of the IT department
- The increased importance of social media
Cloud 9, 10 and 11
I, personally, am an avid user of cloud-based systems. I can’t go a day without using my Dropbox file and rarely go a week without accessing my Google Drive. Years ago, cloud-based services were few and far between and only those companies that had the expendable financials could really set up a system worth using.
Small businesses now exist in a time where everywhere you look you can get access to free versions of cloud software. Even the paid versions and levels are affordable enough to access. The ubiquity of the services and their proliferation in the market make them extremely affordable, as well as allowing for SMBs to get SaaS-CRM services as well.
i-Robot
Not only are more and more business owners using modern technology, but more and more are relying on it. Most of you reading this right now, whether or not you own a business, are probably reading it on a mobile device (or are less than 5 feet from it) at this very moment. Unlike in large corporations, small business owners are directly involved in all facets of their brands and now take their technology with them.
CRMs are natural integrated fixes for those owners who are looking to connect all the difference facets of the organization and create those channels.
Social Networked
Building off the fact that most SMBs now have access to cloud-based services and that because of the owner’s direct involvement in all departments, CRM solutions become a perfect fit for the situation. Adding in social networks is the logical next step.
Now we’re in the world of Social CRM. It’s a natural fit for SMBs and their owners who are looking to connect all aspects of their businesses. This can truly be the lifeblood connection for all SMB owners.
If you own a small business, never think that setting up a Social CRM solution for your organization is “above your level.” If 2012 has taught us anything thus far, it’s that Social CRM is not only right at your level, but it’s a level you need to be playing at in order to survive.
Thoughts?
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@flemingsean Thanks for the RT!
cc @JugnooMe
Social CRM is very much essential for small business , they can easily enhance the customer relationship and promote the business sales,
@Engagedots CRM Yep! Thanks for your comments today.
@joey_strawn Posts are really wonderful. Good job keep going…
@Engagedots CRM I really appreciate you saying that. : )
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