Brian Shultz is Vice President of Sales & Marketing at ABB, a pioneering tech company that is over 100 years old. The two main elements of ABB are electricity and process automation where Brian’s role resides. He leads his teams to optimize business while delivering a premium experience for ABB’s customers and partners. In this podcast episode, we discuss what it takes to deploy a modern CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system. The insights Brian provides may change the way you think about CRM systems regarding their value to a business.
Advertisement: Learn about the most important think tank event for sales leaders by Frost & Sullivan.
Why Businesses Need a Modern CRM
Brian says it’s crucial to implement a modern CRM to:
- Allocate scarce resources
- Forecast properly
- Improve the customer experience before, during, and after the sales cycle
- Reduce SG&A (Selling, General & Administrative Expense)
The challenges to launching a modern CRM software or system relate to adoption within the organization and the technology. Brian points out that no one enjoys data entry, so the trick is to show the salesperson how inputting accurate data can benefit them. To facilitate adoption, he took it a step further at ABB and introduced Pipeline Manager as a layer on top of Salesforce. It reduces the need for data entry which has helped with adoption rates.
Tune into this podcast episode to discover Brian’s insights on overcoming resistance to adoption of a CRM.
[clickToTweet tweet=”Find out how a #CRM can help you better cater to customers in this @sbengine podcast w/ Brian Shultz @abbnorthamerica @bernieborges #DigitalSales #ModernCRM.” quote=”Find out how a CRM can help you better cater to customers in this @sbengine podcast w/ Brian Shultz @abbnorthamerica @bernieborges.”]
The Customer’s Role in a CRM System
The customer is one of the most significant stakeholders when adopting a new CRM platform. They benefit from the customizations you deliver in the customer experience. With a global base of employees, an up to date CRM software comes in handy when addressing issues. ABB even created a client portal to allow customers access to their information and history with the company.
Having an easy CRM system allows ABB to solve problems before they arise. Brian says that data drives what matters. It’s no longer enough to have a great product; brands need to provide a great experience too.
Hear more from Brian Shultz how a CRM system can serve the customer before, during and after the sale at the Frost & Sullivan Sales Team Alpine Retreat February 7 – 9, 2018.
[clickToTweet tweet=”‘The #modernCRM is much broader than a #sales tool,’ says Brian Shultz @abbnorthamerica #experience @bernieborges #DigitalSales #Sales” quote=”‘The modern CRM is much broader than a #sales tool,’ says Brian Shultz @abbnorthamerica #experience @bernieborges”]
The modern CRM is much broader than a sales tool. Brian recommends forming a committee to decide on what and how to integrate a CRM system. He says your discussion needs to involve the customer to find out how to make it easier to work with your company. Get leadership involved and get buy-in from all customer touch points. Listen to episode 187 to learn more about the benefits and challenges of launching a modern CRM.
Episode Sponsor: Frost & Sullivan STAR
Featured On This Episode:
- Brian Shultz on LinkedIn
- Email Brian Shultz
- ABB’s website
- Register for Sales Team Alpine Resort (STAR) – the most important sales leadership think tank ever.
- Download Social Business Journal Vol. 10, The 5 Most Influential Topics for B2B Marketing
- Visit the Vengreso website
- Follow Vengreso on Twitter
- Discover how to boost your sales through the Vengreso Social Selling Virtual Boot Camp
- Write a review of this podcast in iTunes
- Social Business Engine on Twitter: @sbengine
There are TWO WAYS you can listen to this podcast. You can click the Listen Now button at the top of this page…
Or, you can listen from your mobile device’s podcast player through iTunes or Stitcher.
This podcast originally appeared on Social Business Engine.