Hubspot CRM: Expectations vs. Reality

Like a well-oiled machine, a CRM system can nurture prospects and rake in sales for sure. The only thing is... it needs to be maintained and constantly taken care of. Hey, if you're willing to reap the rewards you need to be willing to put in the effort. Let's take a deep dive into what makes this tool tick while being realistic all the way. 

Let's face it: sales can be a messy, high-energy, go-getter profession, even if you have all your ducks are marching to the beat of the same drum. However, coming to the sales desk with the right expectations can help turn an endless slog into a spirited challenge-solving. Those too-real moments can inform the choices you make and just how easy it is to stick to your work.

Let's not bore you with an over-the-top explanation of what a Customer Relationship Manager (CRM) is, but what we will tell you is that the future of CRM is bright. CRM will continue to report key data and give insight for future action, however, leading experts see CRM evolving to measure and inform sales enablement and customer engagement while playing a tremendous role in the success of future business. You've got us hook, line and sinker!

Expectation: My CRM Will Solve All My Problems

You may think when you sit at your desk to make calls that your customer relationship management (CRM) software will be the ticket to easy sales. In reality, though, the notes you make about each interaction with your clients, the automatic reminders for follow-ups, and system settings that let you know when a prospect is engaged with you matter most. You get out what you put in - make sure you have the right systems in place to bolster your sales process.

Reality: The Tank Is Only As Good As The Engineer. 

Expectation: Great Products = Great Sales

It doesn't feel great when you put a lot of love and hard work into a new product or program that goes on to get no interest from clients. While it never hurts to take a look at how you might change up your marketing to better explain what you have to offer, sometimes you just have to accept that the customer has final say over what they do and don't buy. Try not to be discouraged and keep trying to offer services you feel there's demand for.

Reality: Clients won't always participate in something, even if it is in their best interest

Expectation: CRM Is A Crystal Ball That Tells Me Who's Going To Buy

Sometimes your rudest, hard-line prospects can be your best paying clients, and it can be impossible to tell which will convert and which are a waste of time. To avoid missing out on a potential client just waiting to choose you, always put your best foot forward and try not to strike out prospects you may not personally care for. Partition your resources appropriately based on the hard numbers for your engagement and sales, but always leave a door open for a prospect to change their mind.

Sales expectations can make or break your pipeline process. Greet your next prospecting session with an open mind and your goals firmly grounded. With a well-maintained CRM, sustained marketing efforts for great programs, and a willingness to see all prospects as potential clients your marketing lists may see fruitful additions in the future.

Reality: It's easy to misjudge a potential prospect if you're only making guesses, even educated ones