What are some tips to advance your career in Customer Relationship Management (CRM)?

2 Choose a platform

One of the most important decisions you will make as a CRM professional is which platform to use. There are many CRM platforms available in the market, each with its own features, benefits, and drawbacks. Some of the most popular ones are Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho, Microsoft Dynamics, and Oracle. To choose the best platform for your needs, you need to consider factors such as your budget, your industry, your business size, your goals, and your preferences. You also need to compare the different options and test them out before you commit.

3 Get certified

Getting certified is one of the best ways to advance your career in CRM and demonstrate your expertise and credibility. Many CRM platforms offer certification programs that cover different levels and aspects of CRM, such as administration, development, marketing, sales, service, analytics, and more. By getting certified, you can show your employers and clients that you have the knowledge and skills to use the platform effectively and efficiently. You can also boost your resume, increase your salary, and expand your network.

4 Keep learning

CRM is a dynamic and evolving field that requires constant learning and adaptation. To stay ahead of the curve and keep your skills fresh and relevant, you need to keep learning new trends, best practices, tips, and tricks. You can do this by following industry experts, joining online communities, attending events and conferences, taking courses and workshops, reading case studies and success stories, and seeking feedback and mentorship.

5 Apply your skills

Learning is not enough if you don't apply your skills in real-life situations. To advance your career in CRM, you need to practice what you preach and show your value and impact. You can do this by working on projects, solving problems, creating solutions, improving processes, delivering results, and exceeding expectations. You can also showcase your work by creating a portfolio, writing a blog, sharing testimonials, or participating in competitions.

6 Network and grow

Finally, advancing your career in CRM also depends on your ability to network and grow your connections and opportunities. You can do this by joining professional associations, groups, and clubs, connecting with peers, mentors, and influencers, asking for referrals and recommendations, volunteering for causes, and applying for jobs and gigs. You can also leverage social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to build your personal brand, share your insights, and engage with your audience.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?