Collect your customer data properly

You always remember your first... customer that is. (What did you think I was talking about?) One of the best stories I heard recently was from the founder of a $100 million company who still has his first $200 invoice framed up on his wall.

However, framing all your invoices isn’t an option for a fast-growing start-up like yours. You need a robust method of collecting information about your customers – their contact details, shipping issues, product preferences and anything else that might make it easier for them to buy from you.

Collecting all this info in some sort of filing cabinet is a start, but having electronic records makes it much easier to track, analyse and use this information. For example, if you want to contact all your past and present customers with a new offer, it’s much easier if all their email addresses are in one spot.

While you can collect this info in a basic spreadsheet, it may be worth considering setting up a CRM system (which stands for customer relationship management). While these tools used to be very expensive, small businesses-sized systems have been developed in recent years. Have a look around, ask some contacts and check out a new system.

It’s an important investment in your future, so get it done – today!