Your business’s customer relationship management (CRM) platform is your tried-and-trusted marketing and customer acquisition tool. But many business owners are increasingly turning to personal CRM systems as well.
With the ability to capture important details about both your professional and personal contacts, a personal CRM might be key to keeping you organized as you build your business and personal relationships.
What is personal CRM software?
Business CRM software helps you track everything from lead follow-up to workflows and more. But while you’re busy running your business, it’s easy to fall behind on managing your personal contacts.
That’s where a personal CRM, or personal relationship manager, comes in. Rather than focusing on professional connections or sales prospects for your business, a personal CRM focuses on your personal connections. These can be friends, family, service professionals, or anyone else you want to stay connected with.
Equipped with everything from an address book to the ability to make notes about your latest interactions, your personal CRM software can be just as helpful as your business CRM.
What are the typical uses of CRM software?
Traditionally, businesses use CRM tools to track leads and the customer experience, ensuring that they don’t overlook important follow-ups or tasks. Most CRM systems help unite sales and marketing teams, allowing everyone to see real-time information and updates.
A personal CRM tool takes a slightly different approach. You can use this platform to track information about your friends, family, and other personal contacts. You can also include information on other business owners and professional relationships, ensuring this platform acts as a virtual address book, database, and appointment calendar.
What’s the benefit of CRM software?
Life gets busy, and it’s easy to overlook important details. A CRM tool not only keeps you organized, but it can also keep you on task. Here are some examples of what it can help you do:
- Set reminders to reach out to a connection or follow up on a previous conversation.
- Put your friends’ and family members’ birthdays into your calendar and create reminders to get them gifts or put cards in the mail.
- Make notes about the names of your contacts’ kids and pets so you can remind yourself of those important details before a meeting or get-together.
Your CRM system can keep track of other important details — like phone numbers, email addresses, and mailing addresses — so you can quickly and easily retrieve this information when you need it.
What are some of the top personal CRMs?
If you’re looking for a personal CRM app or system, there are plenty of options. The following personal CRM tools are versatile and worth considering.
1. Monica
The open-source CRM tool Monica is designed to support your personal relationships, though you can edit its code to personalize it to your needs.
Monica captures important information about a contact, like the names of their significant other, children, friends, or pets; gift ideas for them; how you know them; and more. You can also use it as an online journal, and its user-friendly interface is easy to learn.
2. Jotform
Jotform’s personal CRM template allows you to edit, customize, and access your CRM on any device. You can sort personal information with a spreadsheet view, or switch to calendar mode so you can easily view all of your upcoming events.
Color-coded labels help keep you organized, and you can add details like descriptions of recent interactions.
3. Streak
Streak integrates with your Gmail inbox, creating a browser-based solution that can help you stay on top of all of your correspondence. Its free plan for individuals offers an unlimited number of personal “pipelines” to track any type of process.
Streak also integrates with Google Workspace and Google Calendar. Its automatic email- and call-tracking functions are particularly helpful.
4. Cloze
Cloze can help you track both personal and professional contacts. You can view all of your contacts in one place, and all of your information is synced to the cloud. Cloze is also available as a mobile app for iOS and Android.
Cloze has a Pro plan, which is geared toward individuals, and three business-related plans.
5. HubSpot
The free version of the HubSpot CRM is equipped with plenty of features, and its interface is user-friendly and easy to learn. With the paid version, you’ll enjoy even more customization options. The free version allows for unlimited users, and sales and marketing upgrades start at $50 per month.
6. Zoho CRM
Zoho CRM offers many valuable integrations, including with social media, so you can use it as your main platform without having to switch to other programs. Zoho offers features like call logging and email tracking as well as metrics and reporting to help you manage your time and marketing efforts.
7. Airtable
Airtable is a flexible CRM tool that you can tailor to your needs. Its free plan offers a substantial amount of storage. It doubles as a database and spreadsheet, and its calendar function keeps you on task.
Choosing the best personal CRM tool for your needs
When searching for the right CRM solution for your needs, consider factors like pricing, features, and accessibility. Personal CRM tools are all built slightly differently, but the right tool for your needs can make managing your personal life — as well as your small business — much easier.
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