I've switched to Nimble.com to manage my CRM (Contact Relationship Management). Not on a whim, not just because it's cheaper, but because it works, the company works and their future is bright. During last night's tele-seminar for SpeakerNet News on how to develop an Internet Game Plan I was asked about the process of acquiring new technology. Let me share with you the process I used to choose Nimble.com to demonstrate how you can invest wisely, and save time, effort and your sanity when you choose to make your technology work. "Which technology should I choose?" is a great second question. In fact, it's the second essential element of a successful Internet Game Plan. The 5 include Brand, Acquire, Connect, Create and Master. Following this strategy allows you to make all your technology work, all the time.

Brand

More than logos, fonts or colors, brand is a reflection of what your customer believes about your brand. Reviewing my customers I spotted two trends of note, mobile and social. I decided I needed a CRM platform that allowed me to gather together not just emails and tasks but all signals. I need to see in one place all of their communications, including social feeds. I realized I needed a CRM platform with a mobile-first design philosophy. I need the ability to have a conversation by phone or message, schedule events and track commitments and completions, anytime, anywhere. Nimble.com delivered.

Acquire

I opened a Nimble account (full featured and free for the first month). I worked with support, accessed their knowledge base and discussed their challenges and future plans with Eric Quanstrom, VP of Marketing & Sales. After the trial period, I chose to pay monthly to extend the honeymoon until I was sure I had made the right decision. Nimble.com delivered.

Connect

One of the most important features for me was Nimble's ability to connect with all the social platforms, my email and my calendar. Instead of 5 open tabs in my Chrome browser, I now simply open Nimble. Inbound email and social posts appear automatically when I access any contact.

Create

While viewing an existing contact record, I can choose to send a message via any channel, Email or social. I now get to meet my contacts where they are. I can even launch a voice call.  I can effortlessly schedule meetings, create tasks and more importantly, document agreements and document the relationship.

Master

Now that I've decided to commit to Nimble. My plans include learning more about how I  can leverage my technology investment  by making connections to extend my reach, by automating my lead nurturing and crushing the competition with my prospect-onboarding process.

Insight

Investing in the power of technology requires more than swiping a credit card. You need a plan, an Internet Game Plan.

Resource

Nimble.com