CRMs for Consultants
Why should a Consultant use a CRM? Regardless of whether a consultant is a one-man show with a handful of clients, or perhaps a multi-person trust advising prestigious fortune 500 companies, they probably already know that using a system to keep track of client communication is a must. Consultants need a software solution that can pick up the slack and keep all mission-critical client details in one easy-to-use app. This then leaves them free to focus on clients and projects without letting any detail, no matter how small, fall through the cracks.
As a consultant, you have some unique requirements when it comes to selecting a CRM software to manage your consultancy. Here are some important features to look for:
Contact management:
A CRM solution should provide robust contact management features that allow you to store and organize contact information for your clients, prospects, and partners. This includes the ability to store contact details, notes, and communication history.
Task management:
As a consultant, you need a CRM solution that helps you stay on top of your tasks and projects. Look for a solution that offers task management features, including the ability to create tasks, assign tasks to team members, and track progress.
Project management:
Many consulting engagements involve complex projects that require careful planning and management. Look for a CRM solution that offers project management features, including the ability to create and manage projects, assign tasks, track progress, and collaborate with team members.
Time tracking:
As a consultant, time is your most valuable asset. Look for a CRM solution that offers time tracking features, including the ability to track billable and non-billable hours, create time logs, and generate reports.
Invoicing and billing:
Consultants need a CRM solution that can handle invoicing and billing. Look for a solution that allows you to create and send invoices, track payments, and generate financial reports.
Reporting and analytics:
A good CRM solution should provide you with detailed reporting and analytics features, including customizable dashboards, real-time reporting, and data visualization tools. These features can help you track your performance, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions.
Mobile access:
As a consultant, you may need to access your CRM solution while on the go. Look for a CRM solution that offers mobile access, including a mobile app or a responsive web interface.
In summary, when selecting a CRM software for your consultancy, look for a solution that provides robust contact, task, and project management features, time tracking, invoicing and billing, reporting and analytics, and mobile access. By selecting a CRM solution that meets these criteria, you can streamline your business operations and focus on delivering value to your clients.
Below are the CRMs we highly recommend for your consultancy business.
Bigin by Zoho CRM
Bigin by Zoho CRM is an ideal solution for consultants and consulting agencies due to its user-friendly interface and powerful features that streamline their business processes. With its intuitive layout, consultants can easily manage leads, track opportunities, and automate tasks, saving them time and effort. Bigin’s customization options allow consultants to tailor the CRM to their specific needs, while its collaboration features enable team members to work together seamlessly. Additionally, Bigin’s affordability makes it an attractive choice for consultants and consulting agencies of all sizes, as it offers robust CRM capabilities without breaking the bank. Overall, Bigin by Zoho CRM provides consultants and consulting agencies with an efficient, cost-effective, and flexible CRM solution that enhances their productivity and empowers their business growth.
Less Annoying CRM
Less Annoying CRM is a valuable tool for consultants and consulting agencies due to its user-friendly interface and customizable features. The software streamlines client management by consolidating communication, scheduling, and document tracking in one platform, enhancing organization and efficiency. Consultants can easily track leads, manage contacts, and schedule appointments, helping them stay on top of their client interactions. The ability to create custom pipelines and workflows allows for tailored sales processes, while the robust reporting and analytics features provide insights into client interactions and sales performance. With its simplicity and versatility, Less Annoying CRM empowers consultants and consulting agencies to effectively manage their client relationships and drive business growth.
Capsule CRM
Capsule CRM is a perfect fit for consultants and consulting agencies due to its simplicity and versatility. With its intuitive interface and easy-to-navigate features, consultants can effortlessly manage contacts, track deals, and stay organized. Capsule’s robust integrations with popular tools like email, calendars, and task managers streamline communication and collaboration, ensuring consultants can stay on top of their client interactions. Furthermore, Capsule’s flexible customization options allow consultants to tailor the CRM to their specific workflow and requirements. Its affordability and scalable pricing plans make it a budget-friendly choice for consultants and consulting agencies of all sizes. In summary, Capsule CRM offers a straightforward, adaptable, and cost-effective solution for consultants and consulting agencies to effectively manage their client relationships and grow their business.
Accelo
Accelo is a cloud-based software for growing your professional services business, allowing you to streamline all processes while aligning your team and delivering projects on time. Know what’s going on with every client. Automate to ensure that each one of your clients knows that you’re thinking about them. With Accelo you are able to track everything that goes on in your business, including email, and bill for all the time you spend working. Accelo integrates with many popular accounting products to streamline financials and remove redundant administrative processes.
Lime CRM
Lime offers a CRM for Consultants. Most consultants know that working efficiently is a great way to differentiate themselves from competitors. Spending time on the right things and keeping track of business can be what determines a companies success. Lime CRM Keep track of current and prospective clients, tracks assignments and scheduling and strives to increase sales. A free trial is available. All of Lime’s CRM systems include a service agreement.
Myop
Myop, a CRM software system created by consultants for consultants, is a project and time tracking app. Available from any device at anytime, Myop goes where you go. Myop is free for your whole team with an unlimited number of users making it ideal for new start-ups with tight cashflow or smaller businesses. They offer a Premium Plan as well which starts at $9 per user per month.
todo.vu
todo.vu is a product that was born out of the need to create a product that would meet the needs of Agencies, Consultants, Contractors, Freelancers and NGOs. Although this is not a traditional Project Management tool, todo.vu’s mission was to develop a product that will be a fit for organisations that manage client work and the specific needs this creates. They are developing a product which is able to do what is important but at the same time does not burden users with functionality that is rarely used. Todo.vu is a practical software system that is simple, elegant and fast. They offer a free plan for freelancers and pricing plans are capped at the cost of 11 users i.e. pay for 11 and get an unlimited number of users. Pricing starts at $3 per month or $29 if paid annually.