CRM
CRM
a) Operational CRM
• Key Components:
o Sales Force Automation (SFA): Helps manage leads, contacts, and sales
opportunities.
b) Analytical CRM
• Key Components:
c) Collaborative CRM
• Key Components:
o Multi-Channel Communication: Integrates email, phone, social media, and chat for
unified customer interaction.
d) Strategic CRM
Several theoretical models explain how CRM frameworks work and contribute to business success.
Payne’s Five-Process Model (2006) is a widely recognized framework for Customer Relationship
Management (CRM) that emphasizes the integration of business strategy and technology to
maximize customer value. This model highlights five interconnected processes essential for effective
CRM implementation:
Each process plays a crucial role in ensuring that CRM efforts align with organizational objectives and
enhance customer relationships.
The Strategy Development Process is the foundation of CRM, ensuring that business and CRM
strategies are aligned to achieve customer-centric goals.
Key Components:
Example Application:
A retail company implementing a CRM system must ensure its CRM strategy (e.g., personalized
recommendations and loyalty programs) aligns with its overall business strategy (e.g., increasing
customer lifetime value and retention).
The Value Creation Process focuses on identifying and delivering superior value to customers while
ensuring profitability for the company.
Key Components:
• Customer Value:
• Business Value:
• Co-Creation of Value:
Example Application:
Amazon uses CRM data to offer personalized recommendations, ensuring customers receive relevant
products while maximizing their spending potential.
The Multi-Channel Integration Process ensures a seamless customer experience across different
communication and sales channels.
Key Components:
• Customer Touchpoints:
o Customers should have a unified experience whether they interact via phone, email,
or a mobile app.
Example Application:
Starbucks provides a seamless omnichannel experience through its mobile app, website, and in-store
services, ensuring customers can order and redeem rewards across multiple platforms.
The Information Management Process involves collecting, storing, analyzing, and utilizing customer
data effectively.
Key Components:
o Integration of data from different sources (ERP, CRM, social media, analytics).
Example Application:
Netflix uses customer viewing habits to recommend shows and movies, enhancing user engagement
through AI-powered personalization.
The Performance Assessment Process measures CRM effectiveness by evaluating key performance
indicators (KPIs).
Key Components:
• Customer-Centric KPIs:
• Financial KPIs:
• Operational KPIs:
Example Application:
Apple continuously tracks customer satisfaction through NPS surveys and feedback mechanisms to
refine its CRM strategy and enhance customer loyalty.
The QCI Customer Management Model is a widely used framework for managing customer
relationships. It focuses on customer acquisition, retention, and development, ensuring that
businesses build sustainable and profitable customer relationships. The model is structured around
key elements that drive effective customer management.
The model is built on four key elements that support customer management:
Customer Value Management (CVM) ensures that businesses understand and enhance the value
they provide to customers. It involves:
• Customer Lifetime Value (CLV): Measuring the long-term revenue potential of customers.
• Personalization & Targeting: Tailoring products, services, and interactions to meet individual
customer needs.
Example:
Amazon analyzes customer purchase history to provide personalized recommendations and targeted
discounts, increasing customer value and loyalty.
2. Channel Management
Key Components:
• Multi-Channel Strategy: Integrating physical stores, online platforms, call centers, and
mobile apps.
• Sales & Marketing Integration: Aligning sales and marketing efforts to provide a unified
customer experience.
Example:
Starbucks offers a mobile app, website, and in-store experience that work together seamlessly,
allowing customers to place orders, earn rewards, and make payments across all channels.
Key Components:
o Customer Retention Rate: Percentage of customers who stay engaged over time.
Example:
Netflix uses viewing behavior analytics to recommend shows, improving user retention and
satisfaction.
Technology is the backbone of customer relationship management in the QCI model. It ensures that
businesses can efficiently manage and analyze customer interactions.
Key Components:
• CRM Software:
o Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho CRM – Manage customer data, sales pipelines, and
interactions.
o Data Warehousing & Integration: Centralized storage of customer data for in-depth
analysis.
The Gartner CRM Maturity Model is a framework that helps organizations assess their CRM
(Customer Relationship Management) capabilities and maturity levels. It defines a progressive
journey through different stages, from basic CRM adoption to a fully optimized strategy that aligns
with business objectives.
This model allows companies to identify where they stand in their CRM journey and how they can
improve customer relationships using technology, data, and strategy.
At this stage, businesses are just beginning their CRM journey with limited capabilities and a basic
focus on data collection and storage.
Characteristics:
Challenges:
Example:
A small business using Excel or Google Sheets to maintain customer contact details and record
interactions, without any automation.
Organizations at this stage start integrating multiple CRM components, such as marketing, sales, and
customer service, into a unified system.
Characteristics:
• Use of CRM platforms like Salesforce, Zoho, or HubSpot to centralize customer data.
Challenges:
Example:
A mid-sized retail company implementing a CRM system that tracks customer purchases and sends
automated follow-up emails but still lacks AI-driven insights.
At this stage, businesses leverage AI, machine learning, and data-driven decision-making to improve
customer relationships and sales strategies.
Characteristics:
• Omnichannel CRM integrates customer interactions across digital and offline platforms.
Challenges:
Example:
A healthcare company using AI-powered CRM to predict which patients are likely to miss
appointments and sending them personalized reminders to improve adherence.
At the highest level, CRM is fully embedded in the company’s strategy, driving superior customer
experiences and business growth.
Characteristics:
Challenges:
Example:
Amazon’s CRM system, which uses AI and predictive analytics to offer real-time product
recommendations, optimize logistics, and enhance customer support via chatbots and Alexa voice
interactions.
Conclusion
Gartner’s CRM Maturity Model provides a roadmap for businesses to evolve from basic CRM usage
to advanced, AI-driven customer engagement strategies.
Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) – A Key Segmentation Tool for Classification, Targeting, and
Customer Profitability Analysis
Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) is a critical metric in customer relationship management (CRM) that
estimates the total revenue a business can expect from a customer over their entire relationship
with the company.
CLV enables businesses to prioritize customers who generate the most long-term profits rather than
just short-term sales.
1. CLV as a Key Segmentation Tool for Classification and Targeting
CLV helps classify customers into different segments based on their profitability, enabling businesses
to target them effectively.
High CLV Loyal, frequent purchasers who bring Retention-focused (loyalty programs,
Customers high revenue exclusive offers)
Medium CLV Moderate engagement, but potential Upselling & cross-selling (bundle offers,
Customers to increase spending discounts)
Once customers are classified based on CLV, businesses can use targeted marketing strategies:
• Abandoned Cart Follow-ups – Encourage low CLV customers to make repeat purchases.
Example:
Amazon tracks purchase history to classify customers and sends targeted emails with personalized
recommendations to maximize CLV.
Customer Profitability Analysis (CPA) is a method to evaluate the profitability of different customer
segments based on revenue generated vs. costs incurred.
• CPA = Total Revenue from a Customer - Total Costs of Serving that Customer
High CLV, Low Valued customers with high Optimize cost-to-serve (self-service options,
Profitability service costs automation)
Low CLV, Low Price-sensitive, low-value Limit marketing spend and upsell
Profitability customers strategically
• High service/support costs can turn a seemingly profitable customer into a loss.
Example:
Netflix uses predictive analytics to assess CPA and optimize CLV by reducing churn and increasing
retention through personalized content recommendations.
Where:
• Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) = Total marketing spend ÷ New customers acquired
Example Calculation:
If an e-commerce company’s average purchase value is ₹1,000, retention rate is 80%, and CAC is
₹500, then:
This means each customer is worth ₹4,500 in revenue over their lifetime.
Example:
Starbucks increased CLV by 25% through its loyalty rewards program, offering discounts and
personalized offers to frequent buyers.
Strategic & Operational CRM – Customer Centricity, Culture Building, Business Transformation, and
Automation
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is broadly categorized into Strategic CRM and
Operational CRM, both playing crucial roles in enhancing customer engagement, optimizing business
processes, and driving long-term profitability.
Strategic CRM is a long-term, customer-centric approach that aligns business strategy with customer
needs. It focuses on developing relationships rather than just managing transactions.
Customer-centricity means treating customers as the most valuable business asset by focusing on
personalized experiences, long-term engagement, and satisfaction.
Example:
Amazon is highly customer-centric, using AI-driven recommendations, personalized marketing, and
Prime membership benefits to retain customers.
CRM is not just a technology; it requires a fundamental cultural shift within the organization.
Employees across all departments must adopt a customer-first attitude.
3. Integrated Communication – Ensure all departments (sales, marketing, support) are aligned.
4. Customer-Centric Metrics – Measure NPS (Net Promoter Score), CLV (Customer Lifetime
Value).
5. Cross-Functional Collaboration – Marketing, sales, and customer service teams should work
together.
Example:
Zappos transformed its business with a customer-first culture, empowering employees to take extra
steps in delivering personalized experiences (e.g., surprise free shipping).
Example:
Salesforce transformed its business by shifting from software sales to cloud-based CRM services,
emphasizing customer success and relationship management.
2. Operational CRM – Marketing, Sales, and Service Automation & Key Account Management
Marketing automation helps businesses engage prospects, nurture leads, and convert customers
efficiently.
Example:
Spotify automates user engagement with personalized email recommendations and AI-driven music
suggestions based on listening history.
Sales automation optimizes lead management, forecasting, and sales pipeline tracking.
Example:
Salesforce CRM uses AI (Einstein Analytics) to predict which leads are most likely to convert, helping
sales teams prioritize high-value prospects.
Service automation ensures faster, more efficient customer support with minimal manual
intervention.
Example:
Amazon’s AI-powered chatbots & self-service help centers automate millions of customer
interactions daily, reducing response times.
Key Account Management (KAM) focuses on managing high-value, long-term customers who drive a
significant portion of business revenue.
4. Track Key Metrics & Feedback – Monitor growth, satisfaction, and churn rates.
5. Optimize Offerings & Cross-Sell Opportunities – Expand services/products per client needs.
Example:
Microsoft manages enterprise accounts with dedicated teams, priority support, and custom
solutions to maximize long-term value.
Analytical CRM – Data Collection, Analysis, Insight Building, and Managing Unprofitable Customers
Analytical CRM helps companies enhance decision-making, optimize marketing strategies, and
improve customer retention through data-driven insights.
Example: E-commerce companies like Amazon collect user browsing and purchase data to
recommend personalized products.
What is it? A centralized repository that consolidates customer data from different sources for
analysis.
Key Benefits:
Eliminates duplicate data.
Enables faster reporting and insights.
Integrates marketing, sales, and customer service data.
Once data is collected, AI-driven analytics extract insights to enhance customer engagement, loyalty,
and sales.
Example: Netflix analyzes customer watching history and engagement levels to recommend
content and reduce churn.
Example: Google Analytics provides CRM insights on website traffic, conversions, and user
behavior.
CRM insights help businesses understand customer preferences, predict future actions, and
personalize offerings.
Using clustering algorithms (AI/ML), Analytical CRM divides customers into meaningful segments:
Example: Uber segments riders based on ride frequency and offers personalized discounts to
retain users.
Businesses analyze the entire customer journey, from awareness to post-purchase interactions, to
optimize touchpoints.
Example: Starbucks tracks customer purchases and preferences to offer customized rewards and
retain loyalty.
Example: Netflix and Spotify suggest movies and music based on user preferences.
5. Managing Unprofitable Customers in Analytical CRM
Unprofitable customers consume excessive resources without generating enough revenue. Analytical
CRM helps detect them by:
Analyzing customer acquisition cost (CAC) vs. Customer Lifetime Value (CLV).
Tracking customer support interactions – High-cost customers needing frequent help.
Measuring late payments, refunds, and chargebacks.
Example: Banks identify customers with high service costs but low transaction volumes.
1. Optimize Service Costs – Move low-value customers to self-service portals (chatbots, FAQs).
2. Upselling & Cross-Selling – Offer relevant products/services to increase revenue.
3. Behavioral Change – Encourage profitable behaviors using loyalty programs.
4. Disengagement Strategy – Politely let go of non-profitable customers by increasing pricing for
premium services.
Example: Telecom companies shift unprofitable prepaid users to lower-cost plans while focusing
premium services on high-value subscribers.
CRM Metrics – ROI Calculation on CRM Initiatives for Customer Acquisition, Retention, and Growth
CRM (Customer Relationship Management) initiatives aim to acquire, retain, and grow customers
while optimizing revenue and profitability. Measuring the Return on Investment (ROI) of CRM
initiatives ensures businesses make data-driven decisions for long-term success.
CRM ROI is the financial return generated from CRM investments, expressed as a percentage of the
total cost incurred.
This helps businesses assess profitability and efficiency in CRM-driven customer management
strategies.
Marketing ROI
Churn Rate
4R’s of Relationship Marketing and Other Customer Parameters – BRV, CIV, CKV, Wallet Share
The 4R’s of Relationship Marketing help businesses build strong, long-term customer relationships
that drive loyalty and profitability. These 4 R’s stand for:
1⃣ Retention
2⃣ Referral
3⃣ Repeat Purchase
4⃣ Recovery
Definition: Customer Retention refers to a company’s ability to keep existing customers over
time.
Key Strategies for Retention:
Personalized Marketing (Emails, Loyalty Programs)
Excellent Customer Service (Faster Responses, Problem Resolution)
Subscription Models (Amazon Prime, Netflix)
Engagement through Social Media & Feedback Loops
Example:
If a company had 5,000 customers at the start of the year, gained 1,000 new customers, and
ended with 5,500 customers, the retention rate is:
NPS=%Promoters−%Detractors\text{NPS} = \% \text{Promoters} - \%
\text{Detractors}NPS=%Promoters−%Detractors
Example:
If 70% of customers are Promoters, 20% are Neutral, and 10% are Detractors, the NPS = 70 - 10
= 60 (which is a high score).
Example:
If a company has 1,000 customers and 400 of them make repeat purchases, the RPR =
(400/1000) × 100 = 40%.
Definition: Handling customer grievances effectively to regain lost trust and satisfaction.
Example:
If a company receives 500 complaints and resolves 450, the Resolution Rate = (450/500) × 100 =
90%.
Definition: BRV measures the emotional and financial value a customer associates with a
brand.
High BRV means customers have strong loyalty and preference for the brand.
Low BRV means customers might switch brands easily.
Example:
Apple’s customers stick with the brand due to its innovation, quality, and ecosystem integration.
2⃣ CIV (Customer Influencer Value)
Definition: CIV measures the impact of a customer in influencing other potential buyers.
Example:
A person shares a positive review of an iPhone on social media, leading to 50 new purchases
from their followers. This increases CIV for Apple.
Definition: CKV represents the information a customer provides that helps a business improve
its offerings.
Example:
Tesla’s early customers provided critical feedback, helping improve Autopilot & EV technology.
Definition: Wallet Share refers to the percentage of a customer’s total spending in a category
that goes to a specific company.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Strategy is the blueprint for how a business manages
interactions with customers to drive acquisition, retention, and profitability. A well-structured CRM
strategy involves:
Definition:
Customer Lifecycle refers to the different stages a customer goes through while interacting with a
business, from awareness to loyalty.
Customers express interest and make the first Conversion rate, CAC
2. Acquisition
purchase. (Customer Acquisition Cost)
4. Loyalty & Customers become brand advocates, referring NPS (Net Promoter Score),
Advocacy others. Referral rate
Features of KAM:
Long-Term Customer Focus – Special strategies for premium clients
Personalized Services – Dedicated account managers for tailored solutions
Strategic Partnerships – Joint business planning with key clients
Example:
Amazon Prime Membership customers receive exclusive benefits (faster delivery, discounts),
making them Key Accounts for Amazon.
Definition:
Customer Experience (CX) refers to the overall perception customers have about a brand based on
their interactions across multiple touchpoints (website, service, support, etc.).
CX Metrics:
Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT) – Measures immediate satisfaction
Customer Effort Score (CES) – Evaluates ease of interaction
Net Promoter Score (NPS) – Identifies brand advocates
Example:
Apple provides seamless experiences across devices (iPhone, MacBook, Apple Watch) and
ensures premium customer support, making CX a priority.
A CRM Software Package is a platform that helps businesses manage customer data, sales,
marketing, and customer service in one place.
Popular CRM Software Examples:
Salesforce
HubSpot CRM
Zoho CRM
Microsoft Dynamics 365
Definition:
Sales Force Automation (SFA) automates sales tasks to improve efficiency and close deals faster.
Example:
A sales team using Salesforce CRM can track potential customers, log interactions, schedule
follow-ups, and generate automated reports.
2⃣ Marketing Automation
Definition:
Automates marketing campaigns like emails, ads, and social media engagement.
Key Features:
Email & SMS Marketing Campaigns
Social Media Management
SEO & Paid Ad Tracking
Example:
HubSpot CRM automates personalized emails for leads based on their browsing history.
Definition:
Helps manage customer queries, complaints, and support requests efficiently.
Key Features:
Ticketing System for Support Queries
AI Chatbots & Helpdesk Automation
Customer Satisfaction Analytics
Example:
Zendesk CRM uses AI chatbots to resolve common customer queries 24/7.
Definition:
Provides insights into customer behavior, sales trends, and campaign performance.
Key Features:
Customer Segmentation & Behavior Analysis
Sales Performance Dashboards
Predictive Analytics for Future Trends
Example:
Power BI integration in Microsoft Dynamics CRM helps visualize customer data and predict
trends.