Importing Data into Microsoft CRM
March 13, 2009 by JFerguson · Leave a Comment
A challenge many people face is the myriad of ways importing data into Microsoft CRM can be performed, and choosing the best way for their current scenario.
Luckily, help is at hand … as on the dynamics site, a great tutorial exists to step you through your options.
To quote:
Every organization has data stored online about customers, products, leads, contacts, contracts, sales literature, competitors, and more. Perhaps you want to transfer this data to Microsoft Dynamics CRM as part of your initial implementation, or have purchased data after everyone was already using Microsoft Dynamics CRM. Wherever the data comes from, you can automate the process of importing it into Microsoft Dynamics CRM so that no one has to manually enter the data.
Take a look at the article here and if you need any assistance or advice, don’t hesitate to drop me an email.
‘til next time.
Lead vs Prospect … what’s the difference?
February 27, 2009 by JFerguson · Leave a Comment
I often have discussions around the concept of Leads vs Prospects, and the difference in how these are treated in Microsoft CRM.
The CRM Lady has a great summary of same:
In Microsoft Dynamics CRM there can be a specific difference between the understanding of "LEAD" versus "PROSPECT"
A lead imported into the leads pool is often considered unqualified and perhaps not even real. This could be a person from a purchased marketing list, a casual meeting, an association member or a bogus entry such as "mickey mouse" from a web form.
The first goal around any given lead is initial qualification. Do they exist, are they worth the potential of engagement?
Within the software Microsoft offers a "leads pool" where once qualified a lead can be marked qualified and closed and then leave this area of the database and be further expanded into Contact, Account and Opportunity.
A prospect on the other hand is or can be a type of contact or account. A prospect represents a company that has the real potential to be a new client. They have passed initial qualifications (as in they actually exist) and they are currently engaged or are worth pursuing for engagement.
Tracking all that happens on a prospect is often done within the Account or Opportunity record. This includes the gathering and documenting of all contacts within this prospect, the projecting and scheduling of activities needed to close this prospect and the historical notes.
‘til next time.
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