Navigating the sea of online tools for managing contacts and customers can feel overwhelming. The internet is awash with products that can help you, but that do slightly different things. From social CRM through to shared address books, the features of these products overlap, yet cater to diverse needs. For any small business looking to manage their contacts and their relationships, knowing the difference is essential to selecting the right product.
Discover tips on organizing contacts for better relationships.
Evaluating your Business needs
Choosing the right tool to manage your business contacts comes down to understanding your specific needs. Consider these questions to guide your decision:
- How large is your customer base?
- Do you have a simple sales process or a more complex cycle that involves multiple touchpoints?
- What does your customer service workflow look like – is it a straightforward process or one that requires detailed tracking and follow-ups?
Your answers will highlight whether a streamlined contact management system like ContactZilla or a more intricate CRM solution is the right fit for your business's pulse. Keep it simple if that’s all you need, or go for something more robust if your processes demand it.
Shared address book
So, first off, let’s take the shared address book. In its simplest form, this is a basic form of contact management. Names, telephone numbers and addresses are shared in a central location, easily accessible by any member of a team. While the features may vary, the primary goal remains simple: to keep contact details organized and accessible to everyone who needs them.
Advanced contact management software
More sophisticated forms of contact management systems introduce conversation history and notes that can be linked to each contact. There may be additional social media features, a record of previous communication with that individual or organisation, the ability to assign tasks and even drip feed automated marketing communications. The system actually helps you ‘manage’ your contacts, rather than just see their contact details.
CRM software
Customer relationship management (CRM) is the next step up and is used in organisations where there are multiple people dealing with the same customer. It allows anyone with access to the CRM to see the customer’s communication history, contact information and purchase history. CRM systems are complex beasts that help with selling and retaining customers.
Finding Simplicity with ContactZilla
Where does Contactzilla fit into this? ContactZilla strips away the noise, focusing on what matters most - sharing contacts easily. We've intentionally pared down the complexity of traditional CRM features to focus on what small businesses truly need: a straightforward, effective way to manage contacts.
Unlike contact management systems or complex CRM systems, ContactZilla is for all your contacts - including colleagues, suppliers and associates to yet allows you to keep your personal contacts private. It’s the ideal solution for small businesses who need a shared address book.
Start sharing your contacts today. Create a shared address book here.
FAQ's
Are contact management and CRM two different concepts?
Yes, contact management and CRM are different. Contact management is a simpler system that stores basic details like names and numbers. CRM is more comprehensive, tracking a customer's full interaction history, sales, and more, aimed at enhancing business relationships.
Why should I use a CRM?
You should use a CRM to systematically manage customer interactions, sales processes, and after-sales support. It offers a centralized database for tracking customer history, preferences, and feedback, leading to improved customer satisfaction, loyalty, and ultimately, increased revenue and growth for your business.
What key functionalities define an effective contact management system?
A good contact management system supports small business operations by enabling quick access to contact details, facilitating smooth communication with clients and suppliers, organizing customer information efficiently, and automating follow-ups. This leads to improved time management and customer relations, vital for growth.