Unfortunately, there’s no set answer for this question. It's dependent on quite a few things: the type of implementation or migration, the number of users, how many entities in the data migration, and the amount of data we're migrating and in how many pieces.

In fact, there are so many factors, that we recorded an entire podcast episode about it, if you’d like a deeper dive.

However, I will say that most people think of the cost as the price of the implementation, when it’s far more complicated.

Here are some other costs:

• The cost of mistakes - At Lift, we’re called on to fix a lot of botched CRM implementations performed by other companies. That’s a big cost.
• Hidden costs - Friction is a hidden cost. For example, the average salesperson sells only 30% of their day because they’re so busy with administrative tasks. If you can boost that to a modest 35% with a new CRM, this new efficiency is the equivalent of hiring one new salesperson for every five current salespeople. 
• The cost of the status quo - What’s the cost of not making a change? You may not think there’s a cost, but there is.
• The cost of change - There’s also the non-financial cost of changing to a new system, like a downturn in adoption and utilization. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t incur that cost, but you should plan for it. For example, a well-designed system and excellent training can help mitigate that change. 

We are happy to sit down with prospective clients and give you a quote.

1. New -  If you have a homegrown system—or sometimes even an “official” tool—that isn’t meeting your needs, this is for you. While it can happen at any time, this often occurs when companies are growing fast and transitioning to the next level. They need to set themselves up for scalable growth with a database that functions as a “single source of truth,” allowing them to more efficiently manage prospects and customers.
   
   
2. Replace - If you have a CRM that’s not giving you the ROI you’re seeking, you need to replace it with a system designed and built to support your business processes. And let’s face it: no one changes CRMs because the process is fun.
   
   For success this time around, you must examine the underlying change you want and need. Is it missing sales targets? Is it managing your data efficiently? At Lift, we dive into those issues and design a system that will help your business succeed.
   
   
3. Update/Optimize - There’s nothing inherently wrong with your current system. You just want to rethink things to see better results. This works best when your underlying business processes are clearly defined and you just need some tweaks to better support them. Lift can help you see more benefits from your current CRM.

For a deeper dive into all three types of implementations, this episode of The RevOps show goes into more detail.

Your CRM should be built to be almost invisible because people actually don't adopt CRM or technology. They adopt business processes and behaviors, and technology enables this through structure. 

Your system should be built to be so user-friendly that your user doesn’t realize their using the CRM. It should feel seamless and comfortable. Of course, excellent training helps, too!

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question because your CRM needs to support your company’s unique needs. You need to start with the problem you’re trying to solve and the behavioral change you want to bring—because when you implement new technology, you’re implementing change.

That’s why Lift spends significant time mapping your current and ideal business processes before we design your system. If an agency tells you what features you need before having those discussions, that’s a red flag. Your business doesn’t operate exactly like any other, so why should your CRM?

We have a lot of thoughts about adoption and utilization—so many, in fact, that our CEO Doug and our Chief of Staff Jess recorded an entire podcast on the subject. If you have the time, take a  listen.

If you don’t, we’ll give you the Cliff Notes version: Utilization occurs as a result of prioritizing your business processes during the design phase. That results in a CRM that focuses on what’s important. If your CRM makes it easier for your sales rep to use it than not use it, you’ll see them start to utilize it. During training, we ensure your sales reps understand how the system helps them get better results. No CRM is ever 100% utilized on the day of launch, but we provide support and training videos that help reinforce how and why they’re using the system.