You may have invested in a really swanky CRM Database... But don't expect your database to stand still over time - users will want tweaks here and there all the time. You'll always need to fine-tune it to user's requests - to keep usage rates up and people keen.  But keep it as standard as possible - otherwise when it comes to upgrading to the new version, it'll be really expensive and loads of hassle. That's my hindsight talking! Please believe me.  A heavily tweaked database is one that'll probably stand still and be way behind the competition in 5 or 10 years time.

When you have a CRM database, you are probably tied into the supplier for a while... And they know it.  When you are looking for a system, bear in mind that the initial costs will be 'low' with the long term costs weighing in the favour of the supplier.  I say 'low' start-up costs, but that is a comparable figure to the long term 'life costs' of a system.  Low isn't in comparison to your weekly food shopping for instance.  When you are looking at that contract you are about to sign, does it give you an indication of you life time costs with that supplier / reseller?  If not, get one.  Far easier to look at 'total costs' and then compare solutions......

CRM TopTip:  Who does what?  In your database or systems team that is.  

We all know users do nothing, or as near to that as possible.  But how do you allocate the tasks?  Now, I might well be a CRM database geek, but even I will agree that constantly updating those Mr and Mrs fields, or running an email campaign (I've personally done hundreds, and my team even more) can sap the life force out of the best Jedi.  But when you are looking to recruit, tweak the roles, who do you really want doing what? I recall, many moons ago looking for a database 'exec'.  Admin really. You can't flash up these sorts of things to those in the know..... anyway, our HR team ......

Internal Comms about your CRM system: - Everyone hates loads of emails –

So make yours useful, short or communicate via another method, - Be different and stand out from the crowd (like posters in toilets rather on a crowded notice boards)<,- When you've got something to say, say it big (email, poster, memo, Q&A sessions at the same time), - Regular communications should add value not hassle (e.g. weekly activity review of fee-earner's contacts), - Work with key influencers – they'll spread the good word for you in their own meetings and 1-2-1's