Sorry for the excitement, but I've been through a lot. I started using CRM (Contact Relationship Management) software way back with ACT 1.0. Back then you had to walk 5 miles uphill both ways to make it work. I've sweated over single installations and mega projects. I connected over a 1,000 users in North America for Hapig Lloyd. Their network stretched all the way from Toronto to Miami. I used brute force and finesse, email and a VPN to connect them all together. I've found a better way. It's called cloud-based CRM and it rules! Or should I say, it has rules. There are rules that stand the test of time and there are rules that were meant to be broken. Cloud-based CRM does the best of both. If you're tired of trying to manage your contact relationships using Outlook or a spreadsheet, it's time to consider going to the cloud.

Rules That Stand the Test of Time

The best of the traditional CRM offerings delivered the five levels of contact management.

• Address Book - allowing you to capture contact information.
• Notes - the ability to capture contact history.
• Email - the ability to connect electronically and generate leads.
• Activities - the ability to schedule future events to build relationships
• Opportunities - the ability to manage your sales pipeline.

 Rules Meant to be Broken

Traditionally, CRM activities were conducted at a desk, by a single user, who loathed the idea of sharing their valuable contacts or opportunities with their team or manager. Cloud-based CRM breaks these rules, and not a moment too soon. Cloud-based CRM:

• Allows real-time collaboration between teams.
• Makes CRM mobile as well as nimble.
• Enables device independence, accessible from phone, tablet or laptop. 

Until recently, packages delivering this much value came with big price tags, or were only available to big teams. Now even independent business pros and small businesses can afford industrial grade CRM tools. I've switched to Highrise, published by 37signals.com. I simply couldn't believe the capabilities it provides. Then I discovered the secret to all cloud-based software. Using an Application Programming Interface (API), Highrise connects (interfaces) with Gmail, Google Calendar and my MailChimp email marketing platform. Connecting with all these products makes Highrise both smarter and stronger. When I write an email, a copy is archived with the contact record. When I need to send a broadcast email, I send the list from Highrise to MailChimp. When I schedule a follow up task in Highrise, it instantly appears on my Google Calendar. If you're tired of using brute force to manage your vital contact relationships, maybe it's time to stick your head in the clouds. Are you using Cloud-based CRM? I'd love to hear about your success. Add a comment with your favorite tips for Making Technology Work!