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A lot of individuals have heard the term CRM, and they have heard CRM software mentioned in certain business circles. They do not, however, necessarily know what CRM software actually is or what it can do for a person*s business. In order to know what CRM software can do, though, a person must first understand what it is. There is a common misunderstanding that CRM software is nothing more than a way to store customers* names and numbers, and that any interest in what the software can or should do does not go beyond that. That assumption, however, is very inaccurate. CRM software provides much more than simply a way to store contacts and remember people*s names and numbers.

CRM software is designed to store contacts in the form of names, addresses, phone and fax numbers, and email addresses. In addition, however, birthdays, anniversaries, and other important dates can be saved. The CRM software can also store purchases, returns, and other buying information, such as how long a warranty will be good for and whether the customer has purchased extended protection coverage or other plans which might be helpful. These kinds of information are very important to the efficient running of a business, but many small business owner do not feel that having this software is really necessary. For a one-person or even-two person business, this may be true. However, even a very small business can have a lot of clients, and those clients can be remembered with CRM software so that there are no problems with their future orders or correspondence.

People who do business with a company generally want to feel as though they matter to that company, especially if they have a lot of repeat business and use that company quite often. These people appreciate it when their birthday is remembered, when they are asked to take a survey and give their opinion, or when they are reminded that their warranty is about to expire. They like to know that the company they give their money to is giving something back to them, and that it is appreciative of the fact that the person shops there or uses their business in some way. CRM software is very helpful in allowing business people to *remember* their clients with the click of a button. By storing notes of telephone calls and other conversations, people who talk to a customer in the future can see what has already been addressed and discussed. This is especially helpful for individuals who may have problems with equipment or services from a certain business.

In short CRM software is an all-in-one type of software for keeping track of everything pertinent about every client that a business has. Of course, it can also be used for vendors and other individuals, because they are also very important to a business. By using the CRM software for the vendors as well as for the customers, there is no doubt that a business will remain on the cutting edge of what they need to know.