Software for consultants is designed for enabling consulting firms in managing their day-to-day operational processes and tasks; so your consultants can dedicate their time and energy on delivering their work. The potential value of consulting software goes even a step further than just reducing time spent on admin. The right software can just transform the profitability of your consulting business. If you’ve planned to implement a software solution in your own consulting business, then you should read this post till the last line!
In this guide, you will be taken on the trip to different types of software for consultants, the key functionality you can look forward to from each system; and what you gain from using them to manage your processes:
Project Management Software
As consulting firms are project-based businesses, project management software plainly suggest being the next logical step when you make the switch from spreadsheets or pen and paper. Dedicated project management software is delivery-centric. Simply put, it enables consulting firms deliver their work effectively, streamline task management and manage projects efficiently.
Basically, consulting project management tools contribute in helping you create, assign, and track tasks letting you stay on top of the individual activities within a project. Certain advanced project management tools may also come with special features that helps learn soft sales skills for introverts, and visualize key milestones with charts and reports. Plus, the option to collaborate with internal and external people on the project.
Key functionality to look forward to in a good project management software for consultants includes:
- Task management
- Project templates
- Budget tracking
- Project dashboards
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software
Customer relationship management (CRM) software is a valuable addition to your toolkit if you want to keep existing clients happy and discover new opportunities with prospective clients. Managing multiple clients can become cumbersome, especially when those multiple clients have multiple different needs, and you’re engaging with them at multiple levels!
Acting as a centralized database for all your key client data, sales leads, and communication history, a CRM lets you manage your pipeline and distill the vital information on your potential opportunities, giving you more possibilities to secure your work. Alongside helping learn soft sales skills for Introverts, and convert leads into loyal clients, customer relationship software can also help you spot opportunities to collect powerful social proof; for instance, client testimonials or case studies which can be harnessed all through the sales process.
Key functionality to look forward to in a good CRM software for consultants includes:
- Contact and company management
- Interaction tracking
- Job costing and quoting
- Analytics and reporting
- Automated workflows
- Integration capabilities
Sum Up
To say in the end, one can’t overstate the importance of integrating your diverse tools and systems for an all-embracing approach. You’ll truly feel the benefit as you start to grow. Moreover, you’ll save yourself an immense amount of money in the long term.
