CRM Planning

How can you increase your odds of success? Simple, be SMART!

Use the letters S-M-A-R-T to remember what CustomerThink has learned from analyzing thousands of CRM projects. Concentrate your efforts first on strategy, metrics and organization alignment. Then decide how processes and technology can help you execute your strategy.

Click on the links below to view content relevant to each SMART category:

  • Define your Strategy for customer value, including both the value you deliver to customers and what you expect to receive in return.
  • Use appropriate Metrics to guide your customer-centric journey. Don't forget to include the emotional side of relationships in your measurement process.
  • Ensure proper organization Alignment with the vision and objectives of your CRM program. People must be motivated to do the right jobs to serve customers. Are they?
  • If necessary, Redesign customer processes and experiences before you spend time automating to improve efficiency. Don't "pave the cow paths."
  • Use Technology as an enabling tool. Just make sure you're a good "carpenter" before buying the latest "hammer."

Putting customers first is good business. If you work at CRM, it can deliver the ROI and differentiated relationships you'll need to succeed in today's competitive marketplace.

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Top Authors

Author Awards for October 2008

Vandana Ahuja
Jaypee Institute of Information Technology University
[Best Article]
Graham Hill
CACI Customer Solutions Group
[Best Blog]

  1. Graham Hill, CACI Customer Solutions Group
  2. Andrew Rudin, Outside Technologies, Inc.
  3. Dick Lee, High-Yield Methods
  4. Jim Barnes, Barnes Marketing Associates, Inc.
  5. Sampson Lee, G-CEM
  6. Bob Thompson, CustomerThink Corp.
  7. Elana Anderson, Unica Corp.
  8. John I. Todor, Ph.D., The Whetstone Edge, LLC
  9. Chris Stiehl, StiehlWorks
  10. Alan See, University of Phoenix

View Top 50 Authors »



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