A CRM 101 Primer to Managing Your Presentations
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of the CRM presentation:
Updated January 2024

Set the stage for a fruitful partnership by embracing positivity from the outset. Cultivating a harmonious working relationship can pave the way for mutual benefits.
Unlock the full potential of your CRM demonstration with these valuable insights:
Having narrowed down your options to a shortlist of viable small business CRM solutions, ranging from sales lead tracking to marketing and customer service, you’re now gearing up for a CRM presentation from your selected vendor. Ensure that all your preparations are in order, from your CRM Request For Information (RFI) questions to a clear understanding of what you want to convey during the presentation. If uncertainty looms, take a step back and reassess.
In this buyer’s market for CRM solutions, where choices abound, demands may be higher than usual. Here’s how to enhance your CRM presentation experience:
Take charge of the data import process yourself. If the vendor struggles to connect with your CRM program records, it becomes easier for you and your team to relate to them. Furthermore, handling the data import internally is preferable to delegating it to the vendor or reseller.
Integrate the data import seamlessly into the training session by incorporating it as a live demo or presentation. Request to witness the vendor execute the data import, enabling you to grasp the process better. Utilize your own data, ensuring a realistic database size, and inquire about the specifications of the computers used in the presentation.
Assess the effectiveness of the CRM data transfer, especially if it involves data from your accounting system, Excel spreadsheet, contact database, or other sources. Identify in advance what information might need to be left behind, such as notes or agenda items. Understanding these details now can potentially offer a fresh start for your CRM system. Consider the possibility of data capture assistance from your CRM software.
This phase is also an opportunity to gauge the vendor’s commitment to meeting your needs. If their pre-sale approach lacks conviction, it’s a red flag for their post-sale customer service. A successful partnership starts with attentive service from the very beginning.
A typical CRM presentation may involve a salesperson listing product features. To make it more engaging, challenge them to recreate your working conditions. Unveiling the flaws in poorly designed CRM software helps you perceive “user-friendliness” in a more tangible manner.
Inject some real-world scenarios into the presentation, such as:
Remember, maintaining a light and friendly atmosphere is crucial, especially when dealing with your accountant. Strive for results and value over the long term, but avoid pushing your luck.
By starting on a positive note, this could mark the inception of a truly rewarding relationship. Be kind, and watch the seeds of collaboration blossom.