11 Ways a QuickBooks CRM Amplifies Business
When evaluating software for business, we want it to accomplish as much as possible so we don’t end up needing to implement and access multiple applications. Consolidating processes, data, and business intelligence into a single application (either by itself or through integrations) is the goal; this creates efficiencies previously unknown. A well adopted QuickBooks CRM is commonly this solution, and becomes the nucleus of an organization. How does a QuickBooks CRM system amplify business exactly? Well, there are a plethora of real-world examples to pull from but here are our top 11 to consider:
#1 – Understanding the Client Relationship
When evaluating CRM solutions, we want to find one that integrates well with the financial software of the organization. Since QuickBooks is the #1 accounting software for businesses in the U.S. we will use that as the benchmark. When you integrate QuickBooks with our CRM software, we have an instant snapshot of client relationship lifecycles. We can see in one centralized location what they have purchased, when they purchased, how often they purchase, and any problems they may have had. CRM’s record every touch in client management.
#2 – Easy Collaboration
When we have a QuickBooks CRM solution it is simple for anyone in the organization to have access to specific information at a moments notice. Since most CRM solutions are located in the cloud, anyone in the company (at anytime, and from anywhere) can access the information, give feedback, make additions to the data and more. This ensures real-time data and allows collaboration between employees to be hassle free.
#3 – Easily Manage and Maintain Tasks
When running a company it is essential to have visibility into what has been completed and items that remain outstanding. With a QuickBooks CRM solution, you can easily view progress reports as well as notes contained within the CRM. This data is updated instantly so there is no need to second guess if you are wasting time, money, or resources on tasks that have already been completed. It also provides visibility into bottlenecks that need to be resolved.
#4 – Track KPI’s
KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators) can be tracked within a QuickBooks CRM as the data is pulled from not one, but two sources of critical information: your CRM system and your accounting software. You can evaluate the health of the organization through KPI’s such as profit and loss, cash on hand, and time to conversion in the sales process. Integrate QuickBooks with a CRM to keep track of all your sales, inventory, and the financial health of your organization. Adding an integrated CRM solution to QuickBooks is a no-brainier.
#5 – Improve Sales Conversions
If you are looking to amplify your business, increased revenue is at the top of your list. When working with a QuickBooks CRM solution, you can increase sales as more data on the client is being tracked and tasks that employees would normally have to manually perform are automated giving them more time for actual sales work. On average, it will take 7 prospect touches (email, phone, social, ad, video etc) before they engage. A CRM system makes sure to remind your sales team of the necessary touches and doesn’t let anything fall between the cracks.
#6 – Assess Employee Productivity
CRM systems enable managers to track the progress of employees and identify high-performers, bottlenecks, and more importantly – those that are a time or money suck. If they are performing then you know who to count on for the big deals. If they are underperforming then you know where your dead weight is and you can adjust to hire more productive people.
#7 – Upsell Opportunities Realized
Integrated QuickBooks CRM systems assist in increasing revenue not just through the acquisition of new clients, but by identifying new opportunities within your current customer base. Purchasing habits can be identified and other products/services that work in conjunction or solve other problems can be proposed. One of the most underused assets of a business are the customers you already have. Use your QuickBooks CRM solution to keep these relationships happy, and healthy.
#8 – Predict the Future
By integrating the accounting software with your CRM solution, you can forecast future trends as well as make better informed decisions. Easy to understand charts, reports and graphs are like a crystal ball into the future of your company.
#9 –Communication Enabled
Communication is vital, both internally and externally. With staff, asking for status updates can slow your team down and hinder productivity. If a CRM is being used, then the information that you need is already inside the CRM. Clients need to be communicated with regularly to set realistic expectations and log deliverables. Business will be amplified if communication is enabled and that is exactly what customer relationship management is all about!
#10 – Up in the Clouds
We are in a digital world, and we need accessibility to information wherever we go. This is why a QuickBooks CRM solution that is hosted in the cloud is essential. Accessing data on a mobile device or via the internet on your PC amplifies the connectedness with clients, other staff members, and data. This in turn keeps your business moving regardless of if someone is in the office to keep the lights on.
#11 – One-Stop Shop
At the beginning of this amplified business journey, we discussed the importance of creating a nucleus for your organization so that staff don’t have the cumbersome task of jumping between multiple applications. With a QuickBooks CRM, your team has one place to get everything that they need. This type of one-stop shop empowers employees to work smarter, not harder. It sets them up for success and improves company morale.
When it comes to your business management solutions, these 11 benefits are just the tip of the iceberg. There are hundreds of reasons why you want to implement a QuickBooks integrated CRM system for your company, and why not use the most award-winning QuickBooks CRM of them all? Results CRM. Delivering exactly what we are named for. Try for free today, and see the difference.
Top 7 Features of a CRM for QuickBooks
Starting and running a business can be a dream of many people. Developing a product from scratch or offering a service that is filled with benefits can be beneficial both personally as well as monetarily. One aspect of this process however is being able to manage the customers you have, leads you encounter, and ensure that everyone is taken care of. The easiest way to accomplish this is to implement a CRM, Customer Relationship Management software program. If your business is like the top 80% of SMB’s in the U.S. then your accounting software is QuickBooks, by Intuit. To ensure accuracy and reduce double data entry, the ideal solution would be to integrate QuickBooks with a CRM software seamlessly.
CRM is a software program that allows you to track and manage a wide range of aspects related to your customers, prospects, employees, and the overall health of your business. Using a CRM solution can be the difference between growing your company or watching it wither and die.
So what should you look for in a CRM for QuickBooks solution?
Feature #1 – Simplicity
When running your business you want tasks to be simple. Overcomplicating tasks for yourself or your employees will lead to mistakes. Choosing a CRM solution that is simple to use and easy to manage is vital. When evaluating simplicity, you want to look at the user interface; is it clean, documented well, have a defined collection of features that are useful and not cumbersome? These are all questions you need to ask yourself as well as your employees. Get your employees input on what is most comfortable and user friendly for them since they will be the ones using the CRM most of the time.
Feature #2 – Accessibility
When looking at a CRM for QuickBooks you want to find something that is accessible anytime, and anywhere. Since QuickBooks has an online version, you will want a CRM that you can connect 
to via a mobile device. No matter where you are in the world or from what type of device you are using, you should have the capacity to allow your employees the ability to login whenever and wherever they need. We are in the age of internet and disabling this function is no longer an option.
Feature #3 – Campaign and Project Management
Depending on your company, you may have several different people working on the same project. In fact they may be working on several different projects within different groups and with people from all over the world. Finding a CRM for QuickBooks that allows designation of campaigns and projects will ensure everything is organized and tasks are completed in a timely manner.
Feature #4 – Flexibility and Customization
The world would be a perfect place if everything worked straight out of the box. The truth however, is that each business is unique and the CRM that you choose will need to be flexible as well as customizable. These customizations can be as simple as creating user accounts with different permission levels to provide protections from sensitive data being seen by the wrong staff member.
Feature #5 – Leads and Customer Conversion
When dealing with customers, not everyone will jump at the chance to purchase your products or services. These leads may have a specific barrier to entry such as budgets, employee constraints and even contracts that need to be renewed. When it comes to leads and the process of converting these prospects, your CRM for QuickBooks solution needs to be able to handle all aspects of the sales process. Your CRM should have intelligence to note when the conditions are met and your lead converts into a client; you want to be able to click a few buttons and integrate them directly into QuickBooks without having to duplicate data or manual entry.
Feature #6 – Pricing, Users and Migration
Budget constraints are a real concern for businesses of all sizes. When selecting a CRM solution you want one to find one that has an affordable price point. Open source solutions are great but may not be the perfect fit for your organization. Another feature you will want to look at is the number of users you can have per license. The final aspect you want to look for is the migration challenge. Once you start entering data into the CRM, the last thing you want to do is switch. Running a small company with three to five employees and data being entered in on a daily basis can turn into a large chunk of information that would be a nightmare to migrate over into another CRM. This is why selecting a CRM for QuickBooks solution that you have vetted thoroughly is a wise move. Since you are already using QuickBooks for your bookkeeping, adding in this solution just makes sense.
Feature #7 – E-mail and Communication Support
The final feature that you will want to look at is its integration with email and communications between the office, other employees, and possibly even clients and prospects. When researching CRM for QuickBooks solutions you want to ensure the application will be able to have e-mail notifications sent to employees if there is a change in a scheduled appointment or other reason. The use of communication between all of your departments is a well desired asset and one that should be heavily considered when choosing your CRM.
Finally when it comes to choosing your CRM for QuickBooks test several of them out. Make sure that they really fit your company’s needs. Jumping into a CRM that will only become outdated in six months is not a wise investment. The CRM for QuickBooks solution you choose will act as the nucleus of your organization, so choose wisely. One QuickBooks CRM to try is the award-winning Results Software.
6 Time-Saving Benefits of Smart Integration
What Happens When CRM and QuickBooks Talk
Did you know that integrating a CRM with QuickBooks can not only save a business valuable time but can also streamline workflow with automation, generate revenue through up-sell opportunities and improve business relationships by 
providing visibility into client and vendor information to all staff?
When a CRM solution is designed to be fully integrated with QuickBooks, it provides everyone in the company visibility to the customer and vendor information they need, without giving them access to sensitive accounting data. In fact, when a CRM system properly integrates with QuickBooks (meaning bi-directionally and at the transaction level), Sales and Management teams have up-to-date account information at their fingertips so they can immediately identify up-selling opportunities and respond to customer and vendor inquiries, and it also saves Accounting from needing to respond to these inquiries and from needing to generate and send periodic sales reports.
When CRM and QuickBooks integrate bi-directionally, businesses can expect to save time by being able to:
1. Respond quickly to client questions or concerns regarding order status, purchase order history, payment information, invoice balances and more.
2. Work within the application of choice. Contact information, employee calendars, important emails, important documents, order history, payment history, and the sales pipeline will all be centralized in one database.
3. Quickly identify up-sell opportunities with comprehensive reporting and access to the order history of each account.
4. Assure accuracy by automating “pipeline to invoice” workflow. With a click of a button, quotes can be easily converted into sales orders and orders into invoices, ensuring no “human-error” in re-entering information and there are never any details missed.
5. Eliminate double entry. It shouldn’t matter if information is updated in QuickBooks or the integrated CRM application; contact information, sales orders and invoices should only need to be entered once.
6. Improve information accuracy by ensuring that contact information is always up-to-date. Integration automatically makes sure the latest changes are reflected in both systems, thus ensuring all your communications, including invoices, purchase orders and sales promotions will always be sent to the correct address.
Every organization faces competing priorities and automating the way you do business should not be overlooked. An integrated CRM solution will provide any company with competitive advantages and improved customer satisfaction – two things that are particularly important to grow your business. Now is a better time than ever to consider the many ways your organization would benefit by implementing an integrated CRM solution.