Survey: Crm Tools

10/01/2019 Redacted Redacted

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Kenan-Flagler Business School George Washington University

Results are in! Thank you to the 20 respondents to the survey. The full results with data visualizations can be found on the LinkedIn article I put together for you all.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/searcher-crm-survey-results-joe-steigman
Key results:
+ Top platforms (# respondents): Excel (8), Zoho (6), HubSpot (4), Pipedrive (3), Streak (2), Copper (1), Klenty (1), Microsoft Dynamics[redacted]), Persist IQ (1), Tryoncourse.com (1)
+ 85% of respondents are satisfied with their CRM
+ Top attributes (# respondents): Ease of Use (16), Price (15), Comprehensive Capabilities (10), Email Integration (6)

13 likes 118 views 12 comments

searcher University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School Harvard University - 10/02/2019

Has anyone encountered a target that is ESOP owned, or can anyone comment on what acquiring an ESOP owned company would look like? I met a founder/owner who is retiring, and is gradually moving his ownership to employees in an ESOP model. I'm interested in the company, but unsure how the ESOP structure may hinder my efforts to acquire. Advice appreciated!

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searcher University of Dallas - 10/03/2019

OnCourse CRM should be on this list (tryOnCourse.com)

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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Kenan-Flagler Business School George Washington University - 10/04/2019

Thanks! I will definitely break out the "other" services when I report back out.

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University of Southern California Claremont Graduate University Baylor University - 10/03/2019

Good post, interested in seeing the results. I'd be interested in a follow up survey on b2b databases such as zoominfo, data.com or others.

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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Kenan-Flagler Business School George Washington University - 10/04/2019

great idea - could you message me a list of some of the databases you're interested in? I can get that going.

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University of Southern California Claremont Graduate University Baylor University - 10/09/2019

Fantastic! I've used zoominfo, salesloft, data.com but have also outsourced this work on upwork with varying success. I know there are a lot newcomers to this space, would be good to hear of others.

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intermediary City University of New York (CUNY) System - 10/09/2019

We did an evaluation about two years ago and looked for a blend of price/operating cost (for our entire organization), functionality, extensibility, and developer strength to ensure the offering can be maintained to current technology and business needs and standards. Having had a lot of CRM experience, it was interesting to see the landscape again and narrow it down from the 400+ credible CRM's to the few that pass the litmus test. The CRM can be an adjunct to your ops or it can be centric to ongoing operations on multiple fronts. Depending upon how you view it and what you want from it will influence your view of potential candidates. I answered your survey too. Look forward to your results.

On the other front for B2B, include uplead.com. Another DB that is robust, has AI routines to narrow focus and integrates with CRM systems.

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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Kenan-Flagler Business School George Washington University - 10/14/2019

Stephen, give your experience do you have a CRM that you recommend personally? Also, thanks for the suggestions on the b2b databases. I'm starting to build the survey.

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intermediary City University of New York (CUNY) System - 10/16/2019

We eventually chose Zoho, and in one of the rare life moments where you don't second guess a decision, this was one. Since we converted over, it has only been improved and given us a better means to control costs and improve our process. Ultimately, a good choice.

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admin Stanford University - Graduate School of Business Massachusetts Institute of Technology Harvard University - 10/11/2019

Thanks, ^[redacted]‌, for updating your post to reflect the data and visualizations. Very interesting.

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investor University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School Washington University in St. Louis - 10/11/2019

Do you find that these CRM tools are as useful for target companies as searchers/PE firms? We have had several of our portfolio companies ask for assistance choosing a CRM (or asking advice on whether they even need a CRM), and I'm curious as to whether you think a CRM for an operating company (say, a manufacturing firm) would need different capabilities.

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intermediary California State University, Los Angeles - 10/12/2019

Brooke, the "which CRm for who and why?" it's a standing question asked often. I find that the essential elements of a business drive the type fo CRM not the exact company crm.
i.e. how many contacts now ? are tagged and grouped and presorted? 125 people or 11k or is it brand new company or first CRM.
Will it contain email marketing campaigns, pull in website opt ins or manage commerce orders or just be online rolodex with a calendar for reminders.
I don't sell one...I've used many and feel qualified to weigh in with advice if you want it.
thanks
Dan

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