What Productivity Tool Do I Need?

People using productivity tools.






People are obessed with productivity, largely because being productive is the best way to increase your chance of success whether your running a business or a household. Technology has enabled us to be exceedingly more productive than we have been in the past but it can be daunting finding the right tool for you and your business.


This is where my super easy quiz comes in handy. Simply answer a few questions about your current needs and goals and we'll provide software recommendation for you instantly.


1. How large is your team?

2. What's your main priority?

3. Do you need case or ticket management?

4. Do you need email automation and reminders?

5. Do you need a mobile app?

6. Do you need integrations with tools like Outlook, Slack, or Google Workspace?

7. Are you in a regulated industry (HIPAA, Financial regulations, etc.)?

8. Do you prefer a self-hosted or cloud-based CRM solution?

9. Do you need data visualization and analytics features?

10. Do you need advanced reporting capabilities?


Your Recommended CRM:


Do I need a CRM or Project Management Software?



If your business model revolves around contacts, leads, accounts, or any combination of these, you need a CRM. But if you're business is more project centric then roll with a dedicated PM tool. Often times you'll find that your business needs fall somewhere in between and buying a dedicated tool will eventually require you to purchase another one to fill the void your first purchase left behind.


Fortunately platforms like mine, Super Easy CRM, exists. My users get the best of both worlds as project management is integrated seamlessly into contact and account management. You can track leads, log calls, manage project budgets, allocate tasks to the project team and get reporting all from one system, for one price.


But, if you're dead set on using a dedicated tool, here are some pros and cons to that approach.


Feature CRM Software Project Management Tool
Pros
Contact & Lead Management Robust contact and lead management with a 360° view of the customer journey. Allows effective project timeline and task management without customer data complexity.
Customer Experience Tracking Provides a comprehensive view of the customer experience, tracking all interactions. Focuses purely on project tasks and timelines, keeping the tool streamlined for project-centric use.
Sales & Marketing Integration Includes tools for automating sales, marketing, and customer service workflows. Can be integrated with CRM for a combined project management experience when needed.
Reporting & Analytics Offers insights on customer behavior, sales trends, and customer journey analytics. Provides analytics focused on project budgets, timelines, and team performance.
Cons
Project-Centric Features Limited project management capabilities; often lacks advanced project timelines and task dependencies. Does not include customer contact management, lead tracking, or customer experience monitoring.
Complexity Can be overwhelming for businesses that don't focus heavily on customer relationships. Lacks CRM capabilities, potentially requiring additional CRM tools to manage customer data.
Cost Typically requires per-user licensing, which may be more expensive than some PM tools. Often cost-effective for project-focused needs but may require additional CRM tools, increasing total cost.
Task and Timeline Management Basic task and project management features; may require integration with PM tools for more advanced capabilities. Lacks any customer-focused analytics; data insights are solely project-focused.

No matter the tool you choose, Super Easy CRM is here to help


To remain competitive in today's market, regardless of your industry you'll need a scalable, methodical approach to running your business. And as much as you may love spreadsheets and emails, there is no subsitute for a good CRM. If you're stuck on deciding between hosting the CRM yourself and using a cloud based platform my article on Cloud vs On Premise Software will answer any questions you may have.


Matt Irving is the CEO of Super Easy Tech, LLC.
 
Matt is the CEO of Super Easy Tech and creator of Super Easy CRM. He is a passionate software engineer, tech blogger, and gamer. Feel free to connect on any of the platforms listed below.

Posted by: Matt Irving on 11/12/2024