5 Change Management Rules to Live by When Implementing a CRM at Your Nonprofit

Change can be hard for anyone, no matter how well-intentioned or how well versed you are. Humans are creatures of habit and when we’re presented with something new and unfamiliar, it can be intimidating. This can especially true when implementing a new CRM, as people have an established system that work for them, regardless of how amazing the new CRM is. While users may be resistant at first, the following steps will help to make your transition seamless.

Start Training Early

Before users even begin to use the new software, provide opportunities for them to get acquainted. Learning that you’ll be asked to change your way of doing things is a lot less scary when you’re already familiar with the new methods. Training helps streamline a transition by quickly getting everyone accustomed and using the CRM as intended.

Provide training sessions for users to learn about the program and what they’ll be asked to do differently. This not only allows people to understand how to accomplish the same tasks, but they can become familiar with the new options and features that are available. Once users are comfortable navigating around, they can begin to understand the inner processes.

Understand the Process

You may have users asking, “What is the point of this new software?” “Why can’t I do things the old way?” Answering these questions makes transitioning to new software much more productive from the jump. While they might be more comfortable with old habits, you want users to understand how and why the new ways are more efficient in the long run.

To do this, draw direct comparisons between the new and old ways of operating so users can understand how things have changed and why this way is more efficient. It’s much easier to build on previous knowledge than to start completely from scratch. Making these relationships a part of the training process is an excellent way to get everyone on the same page.

Update Your Data

In addition to knowing how to use the CRM and understand its processes, users also need to trust the new software with their data. Understanding the process is only helpful if the data you’re using is accurate. Keeping data up to date and easily accessible ensures this trust. Users are reassured their data is dependable and consistent without having doubts.

Creating a system to measure data errors also encourages this trust. Users want to see how the system stores their data and understand how inconsistencies are tracked. Making sure data is relevant and reliable, especially during the period of transition, supports initial use of the new CRM and inspires long-term trust.

Work with the System

Once users understand the ins and outs of their new CRM, it’s vital to work with the system to make positive changes. Evaluate your processes and see what needs updating or fixing. Is your outreach too much? Not frequent enough? How do you monitor and report on donations? Now that you have the CRM in place, it’ll be easier to spot areas of improvement, and having users who feel confident using the system assures they make the most of the software to help your nonprofit achieve its goals in the long run.

Expect Bumps Along the Way

It’s a good idea to map out a time period where the transition will take place. You can problem-solve, make training available, and slowly implement new aspects, knowing not everything will go smoothly. It might even take some troubleshooting to figure out the best away around any issues that arise from your new CRM. Assuring users that they’ll have time to get acquainted with the new way of doing things is a lot less intimidating than forcing change all at once.

With these steps, you have the tools to successfully transition your nonprofits’ CRM. Remember, nobody likes changes, so be prepared to lead by example and your users will follow suit!