Without cultural competence, your employees will not be able to effectively interact with each other or with customers of different backgrounds. Building cultural competence in the workplace takes time and effort, and it involves more than crossing tasks off of a checklist. Still, initiatives focused on acknowledging and celebrating cultural differences are essential for companies that want to stay competitive in a global market.

What is cultural competence?

Cultural competence is a broad concept that generally refers to the ability to understand, appreciate, and interact with people of different cultures and backgrounds. 

In the workplace, this involves analyzing company policies, procedures, and traditions that might be confusing, inconvenient, or offensive to a group of people. Cultural competence also involves addressing differences in communication and work styles as well as the implicit power dynamics those differences create.

It can be difficult to quantify and measure cultural competence because it’s such a complex phenomenon that encompasses many different factors. Despite the complexity, though, cultural competence is a powerful marker of a company.

How can employers improve cultural competence in the workplace?

Employers can take a number of steps to develop employees’ cultural competence, including:

Foster diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives

One main diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiative employers can do is develop DEI training courses to bring awareness to cultural differences. Employers should also offer programs that foster inclusion, like employee resource groups (ERGs) that connect employees with shared identities and backgrounds or diverse interview panels that promote inclusive hiring.

Companies can enact low-effort changes as well, like creating and maintaining a global holiday calendar that is publicly available to everyone. On a more strategic level, HR teams can discuss cultural sensitivity around the company’s observed holidays and consider offering floating holidays to employees who may not observe the same religious or national holidays as everyone else.

Request employee feedback

HR departments should also continuously solicit employee feedback about diversity and cultural competence within the company and use that information to make meaningful improvements. By setting DEI goals and tracking meaningful key performance indicators (KPIs), companies can measure their progress toward building cultural competence.

Employers can get feedback from their employee base in several ways, including employee surveying and employee engagement software. Culture Amp, for example, offers over 30 science-backed templates on subjects like inclusion, so employers don’t have to develop the questionnaires manually.

Watch our video overview of Culture Amp below.

Promote employee communication

It’s also important to promote collaboration and communication within teams and across the organization and provide the tools necessary to do so. Regardless of an employee’s primary language, they should be able to access and engage with workplace policies, notifications, and other information they need to do their jobs.

Employee experience platforms are a way companies can create communication consistency and make important messaging accessible to various groups. Simpplr, for instance, integrates with Google Translate to help employees translate messages into the language of their choice so employees can connect with their fellow employees across the globe.

How to build cultural competence

Many tools help companies promote cultural competence.

Recruiting software

Recruiting software can help source a diverse talent pool and increase accessibility throughout the hiring process. Some platforms like Workable automatically translate job listings, application information, offer letters, and other materials into multiple languages. This allows recruiters and candidates to communicate with each other without the awkwardness or frustration of language barriers.

Learn more about Workable in the video below.

Performance management software

Once employees are onboarded, performance management software can help your company focus on merit-based promotions by quantifying performance and growth. Tools like Leapsome provide performance data to help mitigate biases that can affect managers’ review processes.

Leapsome bridges the gap between employee performance and engagement — explore more of its features below.

Learning management systems

Learning management systems allow HR teams to create training courses for cultural competencies and workplace bias education. These platforms allow HR or course administrators to track employee progress and completion in particular courses.

Employee engagement software

A company can invest in employee engagement software to solicit anonymous feedback about cultural competence opportunities and initiatives and measure employee sentiment over time. In addition to this qualitative feedback, people analytics software helps track DEI goal progress and identify areas for improvement.

Communication software

Communications software promotes cross-team collaboration, productivity, and relationship building. These communication tools can take many forms, from synchronous video conferencing software to asynchronous messaging apps.

Why is cultural competence important?

Culturally competent organizations are better positioned to succeed in an increasingly diverse and global world. In fact, a 2020 report from McKinsey found that companies in the top quartile of ethnic and cultural diversity were 36% more profitable than those in the bottom quartile. Improving cultural competence isn’t just the right thing to do to retain a diverse workforce, it’s also good for the bottom line.

Similarly, under-prioritizing cultural competence can result in serious consequences for your business. For one, many employees are actively looking for diverse workplaces. A 2023 survey by Pew Research Center indicates that a majority of U.S. employees (56%) think increasing DEI at work is a good thing. Thus, if an organization doesn’t effectively leverage a diverse workforce into a culturally competent one, it might have difficulty hiring and retaining diverse talent, especially in a competitive labor market.

Your business might also experience higher turnover as employees leave for more workplaces that more effectively manage their talent and culture. High employee turnover is typically linked to low employee morale, which often occurs because employees don’t feel understood or even psychologically safe in a homogenous workplace. Your company might also experience lower productivity due to a lack of communication or misunderstandings. 

Building lasting cultural competence in the workplace won’t happen overnight, but the performance and retention benefits of investing in these initiatives make it worthwhile. Diverse teams that value cultural competence can communicate, innovate, and problem-solve more easily and effectively, which translates into broader success for the company as a whole.

Not sure where to get started with software that can increase your organization’s cultural competence? Check our HR Software Guide to jumpstart your search.

About the author

Kara Sherrer is a writer and marketer who has worked with both B2C and B2B clients across many different industries, including technology. She is passionate about helping clients to create and promote informative content according to SEO best practices. Discover more of her work at karasherrer.com.

The post Cultivating Cultural Competence in the Workplace (2023) appeared first on TechnologyAdvice.

What is a project kickoff meeting?

A project kickoff meeting is the inaugural huddle where the project’s journey officially begins. It’s the gathering that brings together the project team, stakeholders, and sometimes even clients. This meeting serves a composite role: the platform where the project’s objectives are laid out, roles are defined, and expectations are set. 

Utilizing a template for your project kickoff meeting can offer a substantial advantage. Templates offer a structured framework that ensures you don’t miss out on any critical elements, from setting the agenda to defining roles. Project management software like monday.com, ClickUp, and Smartsheet offers built-in project kickoff templates that can streamline this process.

Steps for executing a project kickoff meeting

A structured approach to a project kickoff meeting is paramount for setting the stage for success. It aligns the team, clarifies objectives, and sets a positive tone for the entire project.

Pre-meeting preparation

Before the actual kickoff meeting takes place, there’s a lot of groundwork to be done. The following steps ensure that the meeting runs smoothly:

Step 1: Set the agenda

Setting a detailed agenda before the project kickoff meeting is like having a GPS for a road trip; it keeps you on course and helps you reach your destination efficiently. An agenda ensures that the meeting stays focused and that all critical points are addressed.

When crafting your agenda, consider including key elements that give a 360-degree view of the project. Start with a project overview to establish the context, then introduce the team members involved. Remember to allocate time for a Q&A session; this is essential for clearing up any uncertainties and making sure everyone is aligned.

Step 2: Invite the stakeholders

The guest list for a project kickoff meeting should be carefully curated to include all the key players. This typically involves the project team, who will be executing the tasks, stakeholders who have a vested interest in the project, and sometimes clients, who are the reason the project exists in the first place. It’s like assembling your dream team; you want all the right people in the room.

Sending out invites well in advance is not just courteous; it’s strategic. It ensures everyone has ample time to clear their schedules and prioritize the meeting. This is crucial because having all the key players present can significantly impact the meeting’s effectiveness. Collaboration tools like Slack for instant communication, Google Calendar for scheduling, and even project management software like Asana for task assignments can be invaluable in this step.

During the meeting

This is the main event where all the planning comes to fruition. The project scope is presented, teams are introduced, and a Q&A session takes place to help clarify any lingering questions or concerns.

Step 3: Present the project scope

The project scope serves as the roadmap for your project, delineating the specific activities, deliverables, and timelines that the team will focus on. Presenting it during the kickoff meeting is akin to unveiling the master plan for a building. The presentation should be clear, concise, and comprehensive, effectively outlining the project’s parameters from start to finish.

In this part, you can also set the expectations and define the metrics for measuring success. To make this segment more engaging, consider using visual aids such as PowerPoint slides that break down complex objectives into digestible bullet points or interactive Gantt charts via project management software like monday.com or Smartsheet. These tools offer built-in visual features like timeline views and drag-and-drop task assignments, making the presentation not just informative but also interactive.

Step 4: Introduce the teams

Introducing the teams is an important juncture in the kickoff meeting. It’s not just about names and titles; it’s about roles and responsibilities. This is when each team member is highlighted, not just for who they are but for what they bring to the table. Understanding each person’s role creates a sense of accountability and sets the stage for effective collaboration.

Beyond the formalities, team introductions also serve as an excellent opportunity for an icebreaker. It’s a chance to build rapport among team members, especially those who may be collaborating for the first time. Activities like “Two Truths and a Lie” or a quick round of “Speed Networking,” where team members have 2 minutes to talk to each other about non-work topics, can be both fun and enlightening.

Step 5: Have a Q&A session

A Q&A session is like the safety net of your kickoff meeting. It catches any lingering questions, doubts, or concerns that might not have been addressed during the meeting. This is the time to open the floor to team members and stakeholders, allowing them to seek clarifications or offer additional insights.

One way to encourage stakeholders to ask questions is to create a comfortable and open environment. You can start by asking a few questions yourself or presenting common queries that often arise in similar projects. Another tip is to use anonymous question submission through tools like Slido or Mentimeter, which can make people more comfortable asking questions they might find sensitive or “obvious.” 

If it’s a virtual meeting, you can use interactive features in video conferencing tools like Zoom’s “Raise Hand” or Microsoft Teams’ Q&A feature to manage questions orderly.

You might be wondering what else could go wrong in project management. Navigate potential pitfalls by reading our article on project management mistakes to ensure your projects run as smoothly as possible.

Post-meeting follow-up

Once the kickoff meeting concludes, the work is far from over. A well-crafted summary email and a clear plan for the next steps are fundamental for maintaining the project’s momentum.

Step 6: Summary email

A summary email is a written recap sent to all attendees after the kickoff meeting. It serves as the official record of what was discussed, what decisions were made, and what the next steps are. This email is important for keeping everyone aligned and as a reference point throughout the project.

The summary email should be both comprehensive and concise. This email should include: 

Tools like monday.com or Asana can be used to attach the summary directly to project tasks, making it easily accessible for future reference.

Step 7: Plan the next steps

Once the kickoff meeting is wrapped up and the summary email is sent, it’s time to focus on the immediate next steps. Planning the next steps involves:

Task management tools like Asana, monday.com, or Jira can be incredibly helpful here, offering features that allow you to assign tasks, set deadlines, and even automate reminders. 

It’s also critical to confirm that all necessary resources, be it workforce or materials, are in place. By clearly defining these next steps, you ensure that the project maintains the speed gained during the kickoff meeting, propelling it forward in a focused and organized manner.

You might be curious about how to take your project management skills to the next level. Read this article on top innovative project management strategies to discover cutting-edge techniques to revolutionize your project approach.

Different types of kickoff meetings

Kickoff meetings come in various types, each tailored to the specific needs of the project and the people involved. Understanding the differences between internal, client, and stakeholder kickoff meetings can help you choose the right approach for your project.

Internal kickoff meeting

An internal kickoff meeting is specifically designed for projects that are internal to the organization, such as rolling out a new document management system or building a new design feature. This meeting is crucial for aligning the internal team and setting the tone for the project within the organization.

For example, if a company plans to upgrade its internal HR software, an internal kickoff meeting would involve the HR team, IT department, and possibly some representatives from other departments using the new system.

Client kickoff meeting

A client kickoff meeting is tailored for projects that involve external clients. This meeting introduces the team to the client, walks them through the project stages, and agrees on effective collaboration methods. It’s essential for establishing a positive working relationship with the client.

For instance, if a marketing agency is about to start a new campaign for a client, the client kickoff meeting would include the agency’s creative team, strategists, and the client’s marketing team to discuss the campaign objectives, timelines, and deliverables.

Stakeholder kickoff meeting

A stakeholder kickoff meeting is a more inclusive meeting involving not just the project team but also other stakeholders with a vested interest in the project. This meeting aims to align everyone’s expectations and establish common project goals.

For example, if a construction company is about to start a new building project, a stakeholder kickoff meeting might include the architects, engineers, local government officials, and even some community representatives to discuss the project’s impact and requirements.

After exploring the different types of project kickoff meetings, you’re well on your way to mastering project initiation. If you have a small team and you want to optimize your team’s efforts, check out our article on the best project management software for small teams.

What is the purpose of a kickoff meeting?

The primary purpose of a project kickoff meeting is to establish a solid foundation for the project and all its stakeholders. One of the most crucial goals is aligning the team. This means ensuring that everyone understands the project’s objectives, their individual roles, and how those roles contribute to the larger project goals. Setting expectations is another key objective. This involves clarifying what is expected from each team member and stakeholder, including deadlines, deliverables, and responsibilities. 

Moreover, a project kickoff meeting also aims to enhance team dynamics and motivation. The kickoff meeting allows team members to get to know each other, which can be particularly important for remote or cross-functional teams. This initial bonding can lead to better collaboration and a more cohesive team. A well-executed kickoff meeting can also serve as a motivational tool and create a sense of anticipation for the project ahead.

By addressing these objectives, the kickoff meeting acts as an elaborate tool that sets the project on the right track and fosters a positive team environment.

The post The 7 Steps to Successful Project Kickoff Meetings appeared first on TechnologyAdvice.

What are project stakeholders?

Project stakeholders are individuals or organizations with a vested interest in a project’s outcome. According to the Project Management Institute, stakeholders are those who stand to gain or lose something based on the project’s performance. These stakeholders can be internal, such as team members and executives, or external, like clients and suppliers. 

Stakeholders can significantly influence a project in various ways. On the positive side, their contributions may include resources, expertise, and support, propelling the project toward success. Conversely, they can introduce project risks such as resistance to change or withdrawal of support, which could hinder progress. Thus, understanding stakeholder needs and expectations is vital for project success.

Identifying stakeholders early is important because each one has a unique role and specific expectations that can impact the project’s success. Doing so allows the project manager to shape the project objectives, project scope, and plans more effectively.

It also facilitates risk assessment, revealing potential challenges and conflicts that may arise during the project. Overlooking this step can lead to missed opportunities and resource wastage, jeopardizing the project’s success.

Why are stakeholders important?

Stakeholders play an important role in determining the success or failure of a project. They can contribute in various ways, such as financial backing or technical support.

Effective stakeholder engagement ensures everyone is on the same page, reducing misunderstandings and conflicts. It also allows for better risk assessment and management. Stakeholder engagement helps in clarifying goals, identifying potential pitfalls, and even finding solutions to challenges you might not have seen coming.

What is stakeholder mapping, and why is it important?

Stakeholder mapping, also known as stakeholder analysis, aims to understand each of the stakeholder’s level of influence, interest, and potential impact on the project. 

This process is crucial for several reasons:

Also read: The 5 Phases of Project Management

Types of stakeholders in project management

Stakeholders come in various forms, each with unique interests and influence levels. From internal and external to primary, secondary, direct, and indirect stakeholders, understanding these different types is crucial for effective project management.

Internal vs. external stakeholders

Primary vs. secondary stakeholders

Direct vs. indirect stakeholders

Determining your project’s key stakeholders

Prioritizing stakeholders is an essential step in stakeholder management. Not all stakeholders are created equal; some have more influence or a higher stake in the project than others. You can use the following questions to identify the key stakeholders:

Identifying key stakeholders and securing their buy-in creates a supportive environment that facilitates better decision-making and more effective execution. These stakeholders’ influence and contributions shape the project’s direction, affect its success, and drive critical decisions throughout its lifecycle.

How project management software can assist in stakeholder management

Project management tools offer numerous capabilities that support stakeholder management:

A well-chosen platform can streamline tasks, help you keep track of timelines, and provide features that make it easier to communicate and collaborate with stakeholders.

Wrike’s RACI matrix centralizes stakeholder management

Wrike’s approach to stakeholder management is quite comprehensive, offering a strategy document to align project deliverables and expectations. Wrike also provides a handy communication plan template to facilitate regular stakeholder updates.

Wrike’s powerful work management software serves as a single location for your stakeholder management plan, making it easily accessible to those who need it. It can even offer a pre-built RACI template to kickstart your stakeholder management strategy.

ClickUp’s integration elevates stakeholder management with comprehensive features

ClickUp offers a comprehensive suite of features designed explicitly for stakeholder management. You can create and share stakeholder lists with ClickUp Docs, visualize stakeholder relationships with Mind Maps, and present project plans through Gantt Charts.

The platform also supports integrated chats and Zoom meetings to keep both internal and external stakeholders updated. Additional features like Email ClickApp, workload view, and customizable dashboards provide various ways to maintain transparent communication and offer insights into project progress.

ProjectManager’s dashboard streamlines stakeholder management through real-time insights

ProjectManager provides a real-time dashboard that monitors six key project metrics: health, tasks, progress, time, cost, and workload. This feature offers stakeholders a high-level view of the project’s progress.

The platform also suggests using detailed reports for stakeholder presentations and Gantt charts for project planning. These features aim to create transparency and keep stakeholders updated with real-time data.

The platform even offers free templates for stakeholder analysis and communication plans, making it easier for project managers to manage stakeholder expectations effectively.

About the author

Irene Casucian is a Project Management Staff Writer for TechnologyAdvice. Irene spends her days researching and covering project management software, topics and trends within the industry.

The post What Are Project Stakeholders? What They Do & Why They Matter appeared first on TechnologyAdvice.

Top 5 Lucidchart alternatives

Creately: Best for visual project management

Creately is a versatile tool that combines a simple whiteboard and a powerful database. Designed to foster team collaboration, Creately offers an interactive and functional workspace without downloads or installations. It’s a platform that mirrors Lucidchart in its core objective of facilitating visual collaboration.

While Lucidchart is a popular choice for diagramming, Creately differentiates itself with features like an infinite canvas, real-time text cursors, and mouse pointers. It also boasts advanced sharing permissions, spotlighting and following other collaborators, and integration capabilities with platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Zoom.

Key features

Visual project management and execution tools

Creately offers visual project management tools that allow users to put anything on a workflow with Kanban boards. The platform supports advanced workflows with multiple boards and timelines.

Tasks can be assigned multiple roles, and there’s a simple My Tasks view for individual tracking. Other features include full-text search, indexes, and the ability to establish dependencies and relationships between tasks.

Advanced diagramming, flowcharting, and whiteboards

Creately supports more than 70 types of diagramming standards, thus providing versatility for various projects. With a library of more than 8,000 professional templates and 200,000 examples, users have many options to kickstart their projects.

The platform also emphasizes a keyboard-first drawing approach with its PlusCreate feature. This means users can prioritize keyboard inputs for faster diagramming. Additionally, Creately offers complete customization for professional diagrams, hand drawing and markup support, and links and connectors for creating navigational flows.

Unlimited visual collaboration

Creately’s platform is designed to foster collaboration among teams. The spotlight and follow part allows users to track other collaborators’ actions, making sure that everyone is on the same page.

Pricing

• Free plan is available.
• Starter: Starts at $5 per month, billed annually.
• Business: Starts at $89 per month, billed annually.
• Enterprise: Requires custom pricing.

Why choose Creately over Lucidchart

Creately stands out with its unlimited visual collaboration features, extensive diagramming standards, and integration capabilities. Its emphasis on both keyboard-first drawing and hand drawing gives users a unique blend of precision and personalization, making it a compelling choice over Lucidchart.

Draw.io: Best for free, open-source diagramming

Draw.io stands out as open-source diagramming software, meaning users can access its features without cost. Like Lucidchart, it provides a platform for individuals and teams to create a variety of diagrams, such as flowcharts, UML diagrams, organizational charts, and ER models.

The software is browser-hosted, making it accessible across various operating systems, and can be used both online and offline. Its integration capabilities with platforms like Google Drive, OneDrive, Confluence Server/Cloud, and Dropbox make it a versatile tool for collaborative projects.

While Lucidchart offers a range of features and integrations, Draw.io sets itself apart primarily due to its cost-free nature. Despite being a free Lucidchart alternative, it doesn’t compromise on essential features. However, it might have limited design options, making it more suitable for simpler projects. Unlike Lucidchart, which might require a subscription for advanced features, Draw.io offers a no-cost solution without the need for account creation.

Also read: Top Airtable Alternatives & Competitors (2023)

Gliffy: Best for intuitive and user-friendly interface

Gliffy is facilitates team collaboration with its user-friendly editor and interface. Much like Lucidchart, it allows users to create diagrams, flowcharts, wireframes, and more.

As an Atlassian Marketplace app, Gliffy is designed to enhance documentation by providing engaging and relevant diagrams to content. Whether you’re familiar with Lucidchart or new to the world of diagramming, Gliffy offers an intuitive experience for creating visual representations.

While both Gliffy and Lucidchart serve as diagramming tools, the two have some key differences. Gliffy stands out with its customization options, allowing users to add images, modify the color palette, and more. Its drag-and-drop interface simplifies the process of drawing flowcharts and organizational charts online.

Moreover, Gliffy’s integration with platforms such as Slack, Trello, and monday.com streamlines the collaborative process by enabling real-time communication and project tracking. However, users may experience performance issues with Gliffy, as it can become cumbersome and less responsive, mainly when dealing with more extensive, complex charts and diagrams.

Key features

Customization

Gliffy’s customization capabilities are designed to cater to the unique needs of its users. Not only can you effortlessly integrate images into your diagrams, but you also have the freedom to play around with a diverse color palette. This feature makes sure that your visual representations align with your brand or presentation theme.

Whether aiming for a professional look or a more creative flair, Gliffy provides the tools to tailor every aspect of your diagrams. From line styles to text fonts, the platform empowers users to make their creations their own.

Online access with Confluence and Jira integration

Gliffy’s online availability gives users access to their diagrams anywhere, anytime, without requiring software installations.

What sets Gliffy apart is its tight integration with Atlassian’s Confluence and Jira. For teams already using these platforms, this means they can embed and edit Gliffy diagrams directly within Confluence pages or Jira tickets. This integration streamlines workflows, making it easier to visualize project timelines, system architectures, or even user journeys right where the team’s documentation and project tracking occur.

User-friendly editor for diverse diagramming needs

Gliffy is designed with simplicity in mind, to help novices jump in and start creating. Its intuitive interface allows users to drag and drop elements, customize shapes, and easily add text.

Whether you’re sketching out a quick flowchart, designing a detailed wireframe for a new website, or mapping out an organizational structure, Gliffy’s editor is versatile enough to handle a wide range of diagramming needs. The tool’s user-centric design approach keeps the focus on conveying information effectively rather than grappling with complicated software mechanics.

Pricing

• Free trial is available. 
• Professional plan: Starts at $8/user/mo. for up to 9 users, billed annually; $6/user/mo. for 10 to 50 users billed annually.
• Enterprise plan: Requires custom pricing.

Why choose Gliffy over Lucidchart

Gliffy offers a blend of intuitive design and customization options, making it a top choice for those seeking an alternative to Lucidchart. Its collaboration features, especially the integration with popular platforms, give it an edge for teams looking to streamline their diagramming process.

If you’re searching for a tool that combines ease of use with powerful features, Gliffy is worth considering.

Miro: Best for scalable team collaboration

Miro is an online diagramming tool that allows users to create comprehensive workflows, organizational charts, and flowcharts. Like Lucidchart, it provides a platform for visualizing complex information, making it easier to understand and share. Both tools are designed to enhance collaboration and streamline the process of creating visual representations of data.

While Lucidchart is known for its data visualization and collaboration features, Miro sets itself apart with its extensive template library tailored for various flowchart needs. It also offers integration capabilities with third-party apps like Google Docs and Microsoft Teams, allowing users to share their flowcharts. Additionally, some users have pointed out areas where Miro’s UX/UI could be improved, suggesting that there might be a slight learning curve compared to Lucidchart.

Key features

Extensive template library

Miro understands that every project has unique requirements, and starting from scratch isn’t always the most efficient approach. That’s why it offers an expansive library of templates catering to many flowchart needs.

Whether you’re mapping out a complex business process, visualizing a user journey, or brainstorming ideas, Miro’s templates serve as a foundation, so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Professionals created these templates so that users, regardless of their level of expertise, have a useful and attractive starting point.

Diagramming tools

Creating a flowchart is more than just connecting boxes with arrows; it’s about clarity, precision, and aesthetics. Miro’s suite of diagramming tools is crafted to empower users to design informative and visually compelling flowcharts.

With a range of shapes, lines, colors, and text options, users can customize every aspect of their diagram. The platform’s intuitive interface makes sure that, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned designer, crafting a professional-looking flowchart is an exceptional experience.

Third-party app integration

In today’s interconnected digital landscape, integrating with other platforms is invaluable. Miro recognizes this and offers third-party app integration capabilities. Whether drafting a document in Google Docs or collaborating with a team on Microsoft Teams, Miro helps you access your flowcharts with ease. 

This integration capability streamlines workflows, reduces the need for constant switching between apps, and fosters real-time collaboration. With Miro, your flowcharts become an integral part of your broader collaborative ecosystem, and keep everyone on the same page.

Pricing

• Free plan: Includes unlimited team members and 3 active boards.
• Starter plan: Starts at $8/user/mo. billed annually.
• Business plan: Starts at $16/user/mo. billed annually.
• Enterprise plan: Requires custom pricing.

Why choose Miro over Lucidchart

Miro stands out as a versatile diagramming tool with an extensive template library and integration capabilities. Its focus on providing a comprehensive platform for creating and sharing flowcharts makes it a compelling choice over Lucidchart, especially for teams looking for a more integrated and template-rich experience.

OmniGraffle: Best for detailed diagramming on macOS

OmniGraffle is designed to help users create professional-looking diagrams and charts with ease. Like Lucidchart, it offers a comprehensive suite of tools for diagramming, making it a go-to choice for many professionals. Its user-friendly interface and features make it a popular choice for those looking to visualize complex information.

While OmniGraffle shares many similarities with Lucidchart in terms of diagramming capabilities, it differentiates itself with unique Omnigraffle features such as the Resource Browser, Document Picker, and advanced export options. Additionally, OmniGraffle’s integration with Apple’s ecosystem, like Apple Pencil support and Touch Bar support, gives it an edge for macOS and iOS users.

What is Lucidchart?

Millions worldwide rely on the premier diagramming and visual collaboration platform, Lucidchart. Renowned for its intuitive drag-and-drop functionality, Lucidchart boasts a vast template library catering to diverse diagramming needs, from flowcharts to organizational charts. Its real-time collaboration feature allows teams to work together, and with compatibility across various devices and platforms, users can access and edit their diagrams anytime, anywhere.

Learn more about Lucidchard in our video demo:

What are the limitations of Lucidchart?

Choosing the right Lucidchart alternative

In today’s digital world, the right tools can optimize our workflow. When exploring Lucidchart alternatives, it’s essential to consider your team’s unique requirements. 

Several factors are essential when evaluating alternatives to Lucidchart:

Here are some considerations based on the top Lucidchart alternatives:

Selecting a Lucidchart hinges on carefully assessing your team’s specific needs and workflow preferences. By weighing these options against the critical factors of user experience, collaboration, integration, cost, and compatibility, you can choose a diagramming and project management tool that not only matches but also enhances your team’s productivity and efficiency.

About the author

Irene Casucian is a Project Management Staff Writer for TechnologyAdvice. Irene spends her days researching and covering project management software, topics and trends within the industry.

The post Top 5 Lucidchart Alternatives for 2023 appeared first on TechnologyAdvice.

What is a work breakdown structure?

In project management, a work breakdown structure represents a structured division of a project into smaller, deliverable-focused elements. It segments the team’s tasks into more digestible portions.

As outlined in the Project Management Body of Knowledge, the WBS acts as a “tiered dissection of the complete scope of work that the project group needs to execute to meet the project goals and generate the required deliverables.”

WBS stands as a cornerstone in project management, particularly in the project planning phase. It lays the groundwork for precise cost predictions and oversight, steering the creation and monitoring of schedules. 

Instead of focusing on the tasks required to produce the project’s primary outcomes, the WBS narrows the focus to each task’s individual outcome. This setup makes linking conditions at different stages easier, like connecting what’s functionally required to the actual design plans.

What are the components of a work breakdown structure?

A work breakdown structure comprises six components: deliverables, tasks, subtasks, work packages, milestones, and control accounts.

What are the different types of work breakdown structures?

Depending on the nature of your project, it might be more effective to structure your WBS around deliverables (e.g., URL, layout, content) or phases (e.g., discovery, design, launch).

Also read: What is Agile Project Management (APM)?

Types of WBS charts and tools you can use

• List
• Spreadsheet
• Tree diagram
• Gantt chart

At its essence, this is a structured list that delineates tasks and subtasks. Consider it an enhanced version of the conventional to-do list that serves as the bedrock of any project.

Trello’s card-based system is perfect for creating WBS lists. You can create detailed tasks, assign them to team members, and monitor their progress. The software is like a digital whiteboard where you can move tasks around as needed.

Spreadsheets offer the unique advantage of formulas and conditional formatting to make managing tasks and dependencies more efficient and effective. For example, you can leverage a WBS spreadsheet to forecast the impact of budget or deadline changes.

Smartsheet offers the familiarity of traditional spreadsheets while adding essential project management capabilities. The grid view behaves similarly to Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel, allowing you to organize and filter tasks based on precise details and conditions.

Visit Smartsheet

A WBS tree diagram is a visual breakdown of task heirarchies:

• The trunk is your primary goal.
• Branches that sprout from the trunk are your major tasks.
• Smaller branches are your subtasks.

Lucidchart is a gem for creating tree diagrams. With its drag-and-drop interface, you can easily map out tasks and see the bigger picture. It’s like having a bird’s eye view of your entire project. Lucidchart makes preparing a tree diagram more efficient.

Visit Lucidchart

Gantt charts are indispensable tools for visually representing task timelines and their interdependencies. Envision a horizontal bar graph where each task is denoted by its own bar, signifying its duration. The length of the bar correlates with the duration of the task. Overlapping tasks? This indicates the presence of dependencies.

Wrike is tailor-made for Gantt charts. It allows you to set task durations, dependencies, and even milestones. With Wrike, you can see how your project timeline unfolds, making adjustments as needed. It’s like having a crystal ball for your project’s timeline.

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Guidelines for creating a successful work breakdown structure

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating an effective work breakdown structure:

1. Define the project

Begin by clearly establishing the project. This might be straightforward for some projects, but for others, it might require refining the actual scope to ensure the WBS is appropriately scaled and manageable.

Use Asana to create a new project board where you can outline the project’s main objectives and goals. Asana’s custom fields allow you to add additional information, such as project stakeholders, budget, and expected timelines.

2. Set project boundaries

After defining the project, set clear boundaries on what is and isn’t included in the WBS. This ensures that the scope remains focused and avoids potential scope creep.

ClickUp’s Spaces feature allows you to set clear boundaries for your project. Creating a dedicated space for your project ensures that all tasks and discussions remain within the defined scope.

3. Identify project deliverables

List out the high-level deliverables associated with the project. This could be items like a Project Scope Statement or a Mission Statement. Wrike’s folder structure is perfect for listing high-level deliverables. Create a new folder for each deliverable, which can be broken down into tasks and subtasks as you progress.

4. Define Level 1 elements

Using the 100% rule, create the Level 1 deliverables. This level typically represents the entire project. For instance, if you’re working on a new website, Level 1 might be “Website for New Brand.”

Use monday.com’s board view to create columns for each Level 1 deliverable. This visual representation helps us understand the project’s primary components at a glance.

5. Decompose Level 1 elements

Break down each of the Level 1 elements into smaller components. This process, known as decomposition, involves dividing tasks into smaller pieces, ensuring the 100% rule is applied at each level. Continue this breakdown until no further decomposition would benefit project management.

Trello’s card system is excellent for decomposition. For each Level 1 element, create cards for its sub-elements. You can further break these down using checklists within each card.

6. Assign team members

Identify an individual or team responsible for each element or task in the WBS. This ensures accountability and clarity in roles and responsibilities. ClickUp’s assignment feature ensures that each task or subtask has an accountable individual or team.

7. Create a Gantt chart

Create a Gantt chart to complement the WBS. A Gantt chart visually represents activities over time, allowing you to see the project schedule and the timeline of various activities. monday.com’s Gantt chart view provides a visual timeline for your project, perfect for tracking progress and dependencies and ensuring the project remains on schedule.

About the author

Irene Casucian is a Project Management Staff Writer for TechnologyAdvice. Irene spends her days researching and covering project management software, topics and trends within the industry.

The post What Is Work Breakdown Structure for Project Management? appeared first on TechnologyAdvice.

Scrum definition

Scrum is an agile project management framework that focuses on adaptability and teamwork. The Project Management Institute defines Scrum as “a framework that helps teams to deliver valued products iteratively and incrementally, while continually inspecting and adapting the process.” It’s designed to manage complex projects by breaking them down into smaller, manageable tasks.

Scrum methodology has three artifacts: 

Scrum has five core values:

Scrum methodology

Scrum is a methodology that’s built on three core pillars. These pillars are transparency, inspection, and adaptation, and they guide the Scrum team in delivering high-quality results. These pillars are the backbone of the Scrum methodology. They make sure that the team remains aligned, efficient, and continuously improves.

Learn more:

What are the roles in Scrum?

Scrum involves a few distinct roles: product owners, Scrum masters, the development team, and stakeholders.

Product owner

This role monitors the project backlog, a list of mandatory features and requirements needed in the final product. The product owner is the customer’s advocate, whether the customer is internal or external, and makes sure the development team implements the end user’s needs and wants.

Scrum master

As the name implies, this person enforces the Scrum process and liaisons between stakeholders, the product owner, and the development team. They see to it that people communicate, reevaluate goals, and stay true to Scrum’s themes of constant evolution. Most likely, this is a project manager or team manager.

Development team

This is essentially the workhorses that do the labor to build the product. This team generally consists of individual contributors, like software developers or graphic artists. The team should have diverse skill sets to rapidly tackle new challenges and needs.

Stakeholders

Although not a formal role, external stakeholders wield a great deal of power. That’s because Scrum provides a voice to these individuals as they provide feedback after every sprint. With that feedback, the product owner adjusts the product backlog, and the development team acts accordingly.

What are Scrum’s key events?

The Scrum framework follows a set of essential ceremonies that keep the team aligned and the project on track. The cycle revolves around a narrow window of time called a sprint; in this two- to four-week period, the team is focused on a relatively small number of tasks that support broader milestones.

The cycle kicks off with a sprint planning meeting, followed by daily scrum meetings, a sprint review, and a sprint retrospective.

Learn more:

Project management tools for mastering Scrum

In mastering Scrum, your choice of project management software can make a difference. The ideal tool should offer features like sprint planning capabilities, real-time collaboration, backlog management, and robust reporting options.

Read our overview of essential software features for Agile project management to help you make an informed decision.

monday.com

monday.com offers a sprint planning template to streamline the Scrum process significantly. It allows Scrum teams to plan, execute, track, and report progress visually. The template is highly customizable, enabling you to add action items, reorder based on priority, and assign team members to each task.

One of the standout features is its built-in automations, such as setting roadblock alerts and integrating with tools like Slack for real-time updates. This makes monday.com an excellent tool for managing Scrum sprints, as it offers flexibility in team composition, retaining sprint history, and even carrying forward unfinished backlog items to the next sprint without data loss.

Asana

Asana offers a comprehensive set of features that align well with the Scrum methodology, making it a valuable tool for Agile teams. With Asana, you can break work into tasks with clear owners and due dates, organize these tasks into shared projects, and visualize your work through various project views like lists, calendars, timelines, and even Kanban boards.

The platform also supports custom fields for labeling tasks, which can be particularly useful for categorizing user stories, epics, or sprints. Automation features can streamline routine tasks, allowing Scrum teams to focus more on delivering value. Overall, Asana provides a flexible and feature-rich environment that can adapt to the iterative and collaborative nature of Scrum.

Trello

Trello’s board-based layout is a natural fit for Scrum, allowing teams to create boards for sprints and backlogs. Each card can represent a user story or task, and the lists within a board can signify different stages of the Scrum process for clear visibility.

Trello’s flexibility allows for custom labels, checklists, and due dates. These functions make it easier to manage sprints and track progress. The platform also supports various integrations and power-ups, like time tracking and reporting tools, which can enhance the Scrum process further.

Jira by Atlassian

Jira by Atlassian is designed to be a comprehensive tool for Scrum teams because it offers specialized boards that serve as single sources of truth. These boards facilitate sprint planning and iterative development, allowing teams to organize their work around specific sprint timeframes.

Jira boards also enhance communication and transparency among team members, providing features like burndown and velocity reports to track progress. The platform even extends its utility to non-technical teams, making it a versatile tool for implementing Scrum across different departments.

How is Scrum different from other project management methodologies?

Understanding how Scrum differs from other methodologies is necessary for selecting the right approach for your project’s needs.

What is Scrum best for?

Scrum is best for dynamic, fast-paced environments. That’s because the framework focuses on adjusting a project’s course on the fly, rather than adhering to a rigid, predetermined path.

As a result, you’ll need a generous amount of freedom to explore unconventional solutions. Indeed, some industries, such as software development, are better built for this kind of out-of-the-box thinking.

And since Scrum operates on a fast-paced work and feedback cycle with sprints, you’ll need a team that embraces speed and regular collaboration.

When should Scrum not be used?

Sure, project managers talk a big game about Scrum. But despite its fame, the framework isn’t suitable in all cases.

Here are some situations where Scrum should not be used:

Additionally, Scrum doesn’t work in some industries. For example, businesses involved in highly regulated environments, such as health care, are unsuitable for this project management framework. These sectors don’t allow for the high degree of flexibility and unconventional solutions Scrum demands.

Is Scrum right for you?

If you work in a highly creative industry without rigid regulations, then Scrum is ideal. And although not required, a team of extroverted people interested in constant meetings and feedback cycles would also perform well within the framework.

Many project management tools can accommodate the Scrum framework and ease some of the more labor-intensive steps. So if you don’t yet have fitting software or are considering a new solution, check out our favorite PM software.

About the author

Irene Casucian is a Project Management Staff Writer for TechnologyAdvice. Irene spends her days researching and covering project management software, topics and trends within the industry.

The post What Is Scrum?  appeared first on TechnologyAdvice.

As a rule, the majority of businesses are looking to grow their revenue. Establishing a consistent sales cycle is the first step in transitioning from “spray-and-pray” to dependable payday.

What is a sales cycle, and why are they important?

What “selling” looks like depends heavily on a number of factors: organization type and size, industry, location, target market, etc. This means the process—and how the process can be refined—will also vary across these factors. 

For consumer brands, this may involve digital shopping carts, retargeting efforts, and other less personal tools, and fewer direct touchpoints. On the other hand, B2B brands or large-ticket sales may involve a measure of lead management to limit wasted efforts and reduce overhead.

In a nutshell, though, a “sales cycle” is a model that describes how potential sales become actual sales. This model is used to conceptualize and quantify the very fluid and qualitative nature of the buyer journey, from prospect to purchase.

A sales cycle has seven steps: 

We’ll go into each of these in depth below, but this is the core of the concept. Sales don’t magically happen. There are factors that drive, hinder, and influence the entire journey, which means it can be managed to improve outcomes.

That said, it’s critical to keep in mind one important detail: your sales cycle is like a deer crossing sign. It doesn’t determine where or how things happen. It can only describe what happens naturally. For that “sign” to work as intended, it has to be accurate. The less accurate it is, the less useful the sign will be.

For a quick buffer on sales pipeline terminology, click here to scroll down.

Step 1: Prospecting

Okay, with that annoyingly needful tangent taken care of, let’s jump into the nuts and bolts of the answer you came here for.

Most sales cycles start at the point of discovery for potential leads/customers/clients. In a very real sense, the furthest upstream you can start with a potential customer is the initial moment of brand awareness. Or, in some cases, even the moment they first learn of the kind of solution your brand offers. 

Whatever their initial level of awareness, most sales teams seek to steer that discovery process, to more effectively point leads in the right direction. These efforts, especially when they take the form of outbound efforts, are referred to as “prospecting.” 

Now, there are countless individual tactics that can be used in outreach, from advertising to physical junk mail. But the key to improving the ROI of prospecting activities is applying those efforts with more accurate targeting. Sure, you can mail a catalog to every address in the country, but it’s not necessarily worth the investment. 

Instead, success is easier to find when you can find relevant conversations already happening online, and use those as a way to identify better candidates. Social media actually makes this remarkably easy (at least in comparison to decades past). But manually scouring the internet for the leads you want to chase is an approach that’s nearly impossible to scale. 

So, we recommend leveraging solutions like LinkedIn Sales Navigator to make the process easier.

Step 2: Outreach (and the automation thereof)

Like prospecting, better outreach results in higher conversion rates. And, like prospecting, outreach, nurturing, and follow-up efforts can be hard to scale when done manually. On the other hand, the more spammy, impersonal, and thoughtless, the less likely the outreach will positively influence lead performance.

In other words, it’s a bit of a tightrope walk. You can’t exactly type up and send every email, text, social message, etc. by hand. But people catch on pretty quick to having their buyer’s journey outsourced to bargain brand Skynet (and they’re not typically fond of it). 

Even the most aggressive, intrusive, and salesy outreach or advertisements can be received positively when it speaks directly to a buyer’s need. 

Start your automation with the parts of the process that are already the most transactional. Confirmation emails, appointment reminder texts, sales receipts, and the like. This alone will dramatically reduce the burden on sales, marketing, fulfillment, and pretty much everyone else who deals with leads or customers. 

From there, apply automation to anything you’re already seeing success when done in bulk (but are sinking too much time into by performing manually). Not every communication has to be bespoke, especially if you can craft messaging that’s compelling enough that your prospects feel seen despite automated distribution. 

As for how to implement automation (especially if you want to track its effectiveness so it can be optimized), we recommend using a tool like HubSpot Sales hub.

Step 3: Qualification station

With the right tools and processes in place, there will be minimal effort from sales staff until prospects begin self-selecting and interacting with your brand of their own free will. That may be signing up for a newsletter, or asking to schedule a demo, or any number of markers that can be used to flag them in the system for follow up.

Once they hit this point, though, it’s up to your team to start sifting and sorting based on use case fit. You can, of course, just dump the whole bucket down the rest of the funnel, but that’s a “work harder, not smarter” approach, and there’s a better way.

Put simply: higher quality leads = better results.

So, vet your leads. Take a look at your data and find the attributes that all of your most profitable sales and highest CLV accounts have in common. Then, use those attributes as qualifiers, and prioritize leads according to how well they fit the ICP. 

Remember, the “buyer’s journey” has value as a concept because of how it puts the focus on the customer’s experience. The better their purchase meets their needs and provides a positive return, the happier they will be. So, if you can pin down the predictors tied to your happiest customers, you focus your efforts on the leads who will end up like them.

Those that don’t qualify can still be left with a positive opinion of the brand, provided you point them to a solution that better meets their needs. And, in the case that the buyer might actually just be a “problem child” that no one wants to deal with? Then, you’re doing your team a double favor by letting a competitor try and meet their ridiculous demands. 

The good news is, because most of the qualifying metrics are essentially yes/no questions (they clicked, signed up, agreed to, responded to, opened the link, etc.), they can be used to automate a lot of the sifting. Our programmer friends would call these “logic gates,” and the right software tools can help you set up these true/false tests to sort leads in real time.

A number of solutions facilitate this kind of automation-enhanced approach, though perhaps most famous among them is Salesforce, and it’s a solid place to start your search.

Step 4: Building and nurturing relationships

Ideally, leads only reach the point of talking to a real person after being thoroughly vetted by the previous stages. A non-trivial portion of society now avoids unnecessary human contact where they can (who calls when you can just text?), and this can work in your favor during steps 1–3. At some point, though, you’ll want to start making the most of your sales pros.

This is the stage in the process where you do that.

When the first three steps are working as intended, the leads that reach this point should be prime candidates, and you should see a lot less wasted effort. That said, no matter how effective the prospecting and qualifying systems, no pipeline is free of “cracks,” and there’s no replacement for the human touch.

The problem here, however, is how this step is often the most difficult to quantify, measure, and manage. A lot can be optimized and improved if you have the right data and analytics, but without a way to track success rates, tactics used, touchpoints involved, and so forth, it can be hard to know if success or failure is due to skill or circumstance. 

Again, proper implementation of software tools will be your best friend, here. Solutions like Nimble CRM can, when used correctly, track many of these details and help identify the top performers from those who just got a lucky assignment. With the right optics, you can map out best practices, identify poor product performance, and even inform decisions about future offerings.

Step 5: Pitching

Your team has been hunting for leads, has done outreach, and started vetting and nurturing those leads. Once all of that has been done, it’s time to shoot your shot. Sure, you could go on coaxing and shmoozing leads indefinitely. At some point, though, you’ll need to cut to the chase and invite them to either make the deal or walk away. 

For most teams, if any part of the procedure has already been converted to a standardized, team-wide process, it’s this. And you may very well have done so with positive results. But there’s always something you can tweak or improve to increase success rates or reduce required effort. 

In this case, we recommend using tools that cut back on the time and investment needed to create engaging, visually appealing pitch decks. 

ClearSlide, for example, is a solid solution that can easily be used to create beautiful interactive sales presentations. And while “making it sparkle” won’t necessarily land you the deal, it’s better than a bland spreadsheet, and it certainly doesn’t hurt. 

Step 6: Reassurance

We mentioned above how some prospects, even ideal matches, may need more than just some compelling copy and a gentle “sign here, please” to commit. Unless your a consumer buying holiday gifts online, “buying” tends to involve more than just buttons for “add to cart” and “buy now.” 

Whatever the case, leads that hit this stage should be worth the additional effort (one would hope, at least). So, take this opportunity to make a final evaluation as to whether they, in fact, are not worth the trouble in the long run. After all, problematic leads frequently turn out to be problematic clients, and the last thing your team needs is another demanding, grumpy customer.

Trustpilot, and platforms like it, can be a goldmine for purposes like this. And don’t sweat it too much if you don’t have a perfect score. We all know that things that seem too good to be true usually are, so if a product or brand has a five-star rating from all 10,000 reviews, it looks a little suspicious. Let them see who liked what you offer, and who was dissatisfied with it.

Odds are, if they find someone who makes valid complaints that speak to their unique situation, and they turn down the offer as a result, then they would have been unhappy after the sale no matter what you did. That’s honestly the best possible outcome in those cases.

Step 7: Closing

With any luck, this reaches its conclusion with a “sign on the dotted line” discussion, a hand shake, and the start of a long, positive relationship with your brand. That being said, much of the future depends on the kind of foundation you lay as you kick things off.

All too often, sales teams promise new clients the moon, then pass them off to the fulfillment team, who only has enough rocket fuel to get them to Jersey. 

Now, as for all that “sign on the dotted line” stuff, there are tools for that, too. Pipedrive, for instance, can help with deal management and closing, making it easier to put all those agreements and expectations on paper (well, digital documentation, at the very least).

Sales Pipeline Terminology

If you know anything about business terminology, you know that no matter the industry, someone’s always trying to come up with a new name for a thing that already exists. At this point, finding consensus on a given piece of jargon is like scoring a high-rez photo of Bigfoot.

So before we go any further, let’s clear up some muddled bits of linguistic diversity.

The terms below try to define and give shape to different aspects of sales efforts, from lead/buyer behavior to internal processes and metrics, to tools for aiding in projections and business decisions. At their core, though, all of them are used to try and make success in sales easier to achieve.

• Sales cycle: as mentioned above, the sales cycle is an outline of the path customers commonly take from initial brand awareness to committing to a purchase. The term is similar in usage to “buyer’s journey,” though there are few distinctions (more on that in a bit).

• Sales process: this term refers to internal activities, policies, and best practices. The “process,” as the name would imply, is the established protocol that sales staff use to guide buyers through the cycle.

• Sales pipeline: pipelines consist of a series of metrics, gates, and checkpoints that allow the cycle to be quantified and monitored. Without the pipeline, you might be aware of what a lead has to go through before the sale, but you don’t have an effective way to track where they currently are on that road. 

• Sales methodology: your sales methodology defines your approach to sales efforts. It’s equal parts philosophy and best practice, and serves as a collection of guiding principles for the sales team. 

• Sales model: the model helps translate the methodology into processes. Sales methodology might determine priorities and identify preferred approaches, (e.g. “higher retention before higher sales” or “tackle inbound leads first”), while the model defines how teams should actually make those things happen.

• Sales funnel: the funnel is the high-level, numbers-focused perspective on the entire sales system. It helps anticipate conversion rates, quantify potential profits, and determine appropriate KPIs. When you’re making projections on how many leads will become buyers, and thus how many leads are needed to hit revenue targets, you’re using the funnel to do it. 

• Buyer’s journey: Finally, the buyer’s journey is, in many ways, an alternative to the sales cycle (and possibly other terms in this list). Most of these terms are expressed from the seller’s perspective, while the buyer’s journey flips that around. The sales cycle says “how do we turn a lead into a sale?” while the buyer’s journey asks “what does the buyer need for the sale to be worth it to them?”

Odds are, you’ve heard, read, or even discussed one or more of these terms in your professional career. And odds are also good that you’ve been part of a team that defined these terms differently than what’s described here. The lines here are pretty fuzzy, and it’s not uncommon for terms to be switched around, used interchangeably, or employed as an umbrella that covers multiple areas of focus.

We’re not saying that our definitions are absolute. Quite the opposite, and that’s part of the problem. But in the age of SEO keywords and internet visibility, having a baseline is important when you’re trying to gather information on the topic. Otherwise, you end up digging through dozens of Wikipedia pages and blog articles, only to end up more confused than you started.

Making the right decisions for your business

Navigating the intricacies of the sales cycle is akin to conducting a symphony, where each movement must be executed with precision and harmony. From the initial prospecting to the final closing, understanding and optimizing each stage is crucial for a successful sales journey. Remember, the effectiveness of your sales cycle is not just about pushing a product or service; it’s about creating a seamless, engaging experience for the customer, one that resonates with their needs and expectations. 

By leveraging the right tools and strategies at each stage, businesses can transform their sales cycle from a mere process into a powerful engine driving growth and customer satisfaction. This journey, though complex, is a rewarding one, offering invaluable insights into customer behavior and opportunities for continuous improvement. As we’ve explored, the sales cycle is not just a pathway to revenue; it’s a roadmap to building lasting relationships and a resilient, thriving business.

Looking for the latest in CRM solutions? Check out our CRM Software Buyer’s Guide.

The post Sales Cycle: What are the Stages of the Sales Process? appeared first on TechnologyAdvice.

The ability to quickly identify which leads are ready to buy is crucial for any salesperson. Lead scoring offers a systematic approach to ranking prospects against a scale that represents the perceived value each lead represents to the organization. 

Traditionally, this process has relied on a mix of instinct and experience to assign values based on explicit behaviors and demographic information. Now predictive lead scoring is an advanced evolution of traditional methods, harnessing the power of machine learning and big data to forecast which leads are most likely to convert. 

This sophisticated approach refines the lead scoring process and revolutionizes it, offering a more nuanced and predictive understanding of where each prospect stands in the buying journey.

Understanding lead scoring

Lead scoring is a systematic approach to ranking prospects against a scale that represents the perceived value each lead represents to the organization. 

Proper lead scoring is a fundamental aspect of sales and marketing strategies, serving as a bridge between marketing activities and sales action. By assigning numerical values to leads based on their actions and behaviors, lead scoring helps align marketing and sales efforts, ensuring that the most promising prospects are prioritized for outreach.

In traditional lead scoring, this process is manual, with sales and marketing teams defining criteria based on past experiences and intuition. For example, a lead might earn points for actions like downloading an ebook or attending a webinar, with more points assigned for behaviors deemed more indicative of a readiness to buy.

What is predictive lead scoring? 

Predictive lead scoring evolves this process by incorporating machine learning and AI by analyzing large datasets, including detailed customer interactions and behaviors, to identify patterns that signify a high likelihood of conversion. 

This model is dynamic, constantly learning and adjusting based on new data, which allows for a more nuanced and accurate assessment of lead quality. Predictive lead scoring automates the process, reducing the potential for human error, and facilitating a more efficient allocation of sales resources to leads with the highest conversion potential.

How predictive lead scoring works

The emergence of predictive lead scoring has been a game-changer largely because of its ability to discern subtle and complex patterns that are not immediately apparent to marketers. For instance, it can detect correlations between various behaviors and conversion success, such as the combination of attending webinars, downloading specific types of content, and engaging with certain topics online. 

This nuanced understanding allows businesses to prioritize their efforts more effectively, focusing on leads that exhibit a high likelihood of becoming valuable customers.

Predictive lead scoring models can identify ‘hot’ prospects much earlier in the buying cycle, sometimes even before they have made direct contact with the sales team. These models can alert sales and marketing teams to leads that are in the consideration phase, enabling timely and targeted engagement by analyzing intent signals gathered from various online activities, such as researching competitors or engaging with related content on third-party sites

Also read: Lead Generation Best Practices

Ideal Customer Profile (ICP)

The creation of an Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) is central to predictive lead scoring. This profile is crafted based on historical data of past customers and their behaviors throughout the sales cycle. By analyzing this data, predictive models can ascertain the characteristics of a ‘high-quality’ lead. When new leads are assessed, they are scored against this ICP—the closer a lead’s profile matches the ICP, the higher their score will be.

This adaptability is crucial for businesses that operate in fast-paced environments or those that have long sales cycles where customer engagement patterns can be complex and varied.

How to implement predictive lead scoring

1. Choose the right software: Begin by selecting a predictive lead scoring platform that integrates well with your existing CRM and marketing automation tools. Top contenders in the market include Salesforce CRM, Pardot, and Marketo, which are known for their robust features and scalability.

2. Collect and integrate data: Predictive lead scoring relies on data, so ensure you have a system in place to collect data from various touchpoints. This includes website visits, email engagements, social media interactions, and more.

3. Create your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP): Use historical data to create an ICP, which serves as a benchmark for scoring leads. Your chosen software should provide tools to help you analyze past customer behavior and identify common characteristics of your best leads.

4. Set up your scoring model: With your ICP in place, configure the predictive scoring model in your software. This will involve setting parameters and weights for different behaviors and demographic factors.

5. Test and refine: Before rolling out fully, test your predictive scoring model with a subset of leads to ensure it’s accurately scoring and segmenting them. Use the insights gained to refine your model for better accuracy.

6. Monitor and adapt: Predictive lead scoring models are dynamic. Regularly monitor the model’s performance and adapt it as needed to account for changes in customer behavior or market conditions.

7. Train your team: Ensure your sales and marketing teams understand how to use the predictive lead scoring system. They should know how to interpret scores and take appropriate actions based on them.

Top software for predictive lead scoring

HubSpot Sales Hub: Known for its comprehensive CRM platform, HubSpot Sales Hub includes predictive lead scoring features that leverage machine learning to prioritize leads. It’s a great fit for businesses already embedded in the HubSpot ecosystem.

Salesforce Einstein: As part of the Salesforce suite, Einstein uses artificial intelligence to score leads based on past deals and customer interactions, making it a robust choice for enterprises with complex sales processes.

Marketo: Now part of Adobe, Marketo offers a lead scoring model that can be customized with predictive scoring capabilities. It’s particularly well-suited for marketing automation and aligning sales and marketing teams.

Pardot: Also under the Salesforce umbrella, Pardot provides a B2B marketing automation tool with predictive lead scoring, ideal for those seeking a seamless integration with Salesforce CRM.

Benefits of predictive lead scoring

Predictive lead scoring is transforming the way businesses identify and pursue potential customers. Here are some of the key benefits that this innovative approach offers:

Increased efficiency and accuracy: By leveraging data and machine learning algorithms, predictive lead scoring can quickly analyze a multitude of factors that indicate a lead’s potential to convert. This not only speeds up the lead qualification process but also enhances its accuracy, ensuring that sales teams focus their efforts on leads with the highest propensity to purchase.

Reduction of human error and bias: Traditional lead scoring methods often rely on human input, which can introduce error and bias. Predictive lead scoring minimizes these risks by using objective data analysis, leading to a more consistent and reliable process for qualifying leads.

Enhanced alignment between marketing and sales teams: One of the perennial challenges in many organizations is aligning the efforts of marketing and sales. Predictive lead scoring provides a shared framework for both teams to understand and agree on what constitutes a high-quality lead. This common understanding helps to ensure that marketing efforts are targeted and that sales teams are following up on the most promising leads, fostering a more collaborative and effective partnership between the two functions.

Also read: 4 Data Enrichment Tools for Lead Generation

Predictive lead scoring in action

Potential hurdles in adopting predictive lead scoring

Predictive lead scoring is a sophisticated approach that leverages data analytics and machine learning to prioritize leads based on their likelihood to convert. While the benefits of implementing such a system are manifold, including increased efficiency and a more streamlined sales process, there are several potential hurdles that organizations may face when adopting predictive lead scoring. One of the most significant challenges is addressing data quality and integration issues.

Addressing data quality and integration issues

Data quality concerns: The accuracy of predictive lead scoring is heavily dependent on the quality of data fed into the system. Poor data quality can arise from various sources, such as outdated information, duplicate records, or incorrect data entry. These issues can skew the predictive model’s output, leading to misinformed scoring that may cause sales teams to chase after low-quality leads or overlook high-potential ones.

To mitigate these concerns, companies must establish rigorous data governance policies. This involves setting clear standards for data entry, regular audits to ensure accuracy, and implementing processes for timely updates. Additionally, employing data cleaning tools can help in identifying and rectifying inconsistencies, thereby maintaining the integrity of the predictive scoring system.

Integration complexities: Another hurdle is the integration of predictive lead scoring systems with existing CRM and ERP solutions. Seamless integration is crucial for the real-time flow of data across systems, which is essential for the predictive model to reflect the most current state of leads. However, legacy systems and disparate data sources can make integration a complex task.

Organizations may need to invest in middleware or employ APIs that facilitate the smooth exchange of data between systems. It is also important to choose a predictive lead scoring solution that is compatible with the existing technology stack or to be prepared for the necessary upgrades.

Data silos and accessibility

Data silos within an organization can severely hamper the effectiveness of predictive lead scoring. When customer data is compartmentalized into different departments without a unified view, the predictive model may not have access to all the relevant data points needed for accurate scoring.

Training and change management

Lastly, the human element cannot be overlooked. The transition to a predictive lead scoring system may be met with resistance from sales teams accustomed to traditional methods. Adequate training and change management are essential to ensure that the staff understands the benefits and can effectively utilize the new system.

The future of predictive lead scoring

Throughout this article, we’ve uncovered the transformative power of predictive lead scoring in prioritizing leads with precision and personal touch. This process, fueled by data analytics and machine learning, stands as a testament to efficiency and heightened conversion potential.

As we peer into the future, it’s clear that AI is the compass by which sales strategies will navigate. With its capacity to adapt and learn, AI promises to refine lead scoring even further, offering real-time insights and a keen foresight into consumer behavior.

Predictive lead scoring is part of a new era in sales. As AI continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly redefine the way businesses interact with potential customers, staying one step ahead in a competitive market.

FAQs

The post What is Predictive Lead Scoring & How Does It Help Sales? appeared first on TechnologyAdvice.

Jump to comparison ↓

What are the best HRIS systems?

*Please see the BambooHR pricing section below for an explanation of discounts.

Gusto Simple: Best HRIS overall

Gusto’s Simple plan includes a lot of features that incur additional fees with other vendors, so it offers the best value if you want to start with the basics and add capabilities as your business grows. However, it’s worth noting that you may outgrow Gusto’s top tier eventually if you have large-scale growth goals in the near future.

In terms of payroll, Gusto and ADP RUN offer similar solutions. However, the main difference is that ADP RUN’s base plan supports payroll in multiple states, while Gusto’s base plan only supports single-state payroll. So, if payroll is one of your must-have HRIS system features, the geographic distribution of employees will be a deciding factor in choosing between Gusto and ADP.

Learn more about Gusto →

Learn more about Gusto:

Gusto is also one of our favorite payroll vendors. Check out who else made the list in our Payroll Software Guide.

TriNet Zenefits Essentials: Best for benefits administration

TriNet Zenefits’ HR software is for companies that prioritize benefits administration. It provides flexibility to use Zenefits’ brokered benefits at no additional cost or bring-your-own-broker for an extra $5 per month, per employee.

TriNets Zenefits is best for companies that are a bit more mature or have in-house HR experts and therefore don’t need much HR support from their HR software vendor. Zenefits’ base plan does not include as much HR support as ADP, but expert HR support is available as an add-on for customers that need it.

Although Zenefits can accommodate employers with fewer than five employees, it does have a five-employee minimum requirement. This means customers pay at least $40 monthly, even if they only have one or two employees.

Nevertheless, Zenefits is relatively affordable, considering the number of features in its base plan, especially compared to GoCo.

Learn more about Zenefits →

Learn more about Zenefits:

ADP RUN Essential: Best for extensibility

Designed for small businesses, ADP RUN is a lightweight HRIS platform that allows companies to bolt on ADP tools as needed or integrate with third-party software. The software is available in four different price tiers, but the Essential plan offers new businesses access to bare-bones payroll and HR features like simple background check services and onboarding.

Besides access to ADP’s massive array of products and services, ADP RUN Essential is a top HRIS contender because it offers a level of customer support that other HRIS starter packages do not. For instance, in addition to payroll tax compliance and new hire reporting, businesses can access customer support 24/7.

Moreover, for small businesses without a dedicated HR department, ADP offers human resources outsourcing (HRO) or PEO services. These services can take over most of the administrative and support functions of payroll and HR so that companies can focus on the money-making aspects of their businesses.

Learn more about ADP RUN →

Learn more about ADP RUN:

BambooHR Essentials: Best for HR workflow automation

BambooHR Essentials is one of the best HR software solutions for small businesses that want to eliminate spreadsheets and automate HR tasks in a centralized database. It streamlines core HR processes, particularly approval workflows, which frees HR staff to undertake more meaningful work aligning with the company’s broader goals. 

However, as a business grows, it will need to integrate more third-party HR solutions, opt for more add-ons, upgrade to the Advantage plan, or upgrade to another system entirely, such as a human resource management system (HRMS) with more advanced features.

BambooHR’s add-ons for payroll, benefits administration, performance management, and time tracking compete with ADP and GoCo for modularity. However, ADP and Gusto include payroll as a foundational product to build out from. BambooHR is, therefore, better suited for companies that already have a payroll and benefits administration solution that they can integrate with BambooHR. However, they can only do so with the Advantage plan.

Learn more about BambooHR →

Key features

Built-in workflows

Bamboo’s Essential plan features pre-built workflows like employee information updates, promotions, compensation increases, and time-off approvals. These standard workflows help HR teams, managers, or whoever else is involved make time-sensitive decisions more quickly.

Time-off management

BambooHR’s employee vacation tracking software automatically calculates an employee’s accrued time off, so there’s no need for guesswork or asking the HR department about time-off availability. It also allows you to customize your time-off policies. For example, you can create unlimited PTO or different time-off policies by department, team, or employee.

Pricing

Implementation

BambooHR includes a one-time implementation fee with a project manager. Companies with 20 or fewer employees can opt for the Quickstart Training for $299.

Essential

• For up to 20 employees: $108/mo. flat rate.
• For 21+ employees: $5.40/employee/mo.
• Volume discount applies for 25 or more employees.

Advantage

• For up to 20 employees: $180 per month flat rate.
• For 21+ employees: $9 per employee, per month.
• Volume discount applies after 30 or more employees.

Add-ons

Payroll (US only)

• One-time implementation fee
• For up to 20 employees: $150/mo. flat rate
• For 21+ employees: $7.25/employee/mo.
• Volume discount applies after 21 or more employees.

Note: Additional factors, like the number of FEINs or the number of states you need payroll for, can affect this price. Please contact BambooHR for specific pricing quotes.  

Benefits administration (US only)

• $5.25/employee/mo.
• Volume discount applies after 30 or more employees.

Time tracking

• $3.00/employee/mo.
• Volume discount applies after 30 or more employees.

Performance management

• $5.25/employee/mo.
• Volume discount applies after 30 or more employees.

Alternatives

Zoho People Essential HR: Zoho People is a popular HR software as it includes a forever free plan for businesses that only need an employee database and time off features similar to BambooHR Essential. It also has AI-powered HR features and customizable automations to reduce manual tasks and prevent double data entry.

Visit Zoho

Homebase Essentials: Like BambooHR Essential, you must purchase payroll as an add-on with Homebase Essentials. However, its free plan and time tracking and scheduling features make it a great alternative if you employ mainly hourly workers.

Visit Homebase

Explore other BambooHR alternatives →

Why we chose BambooHR Essentials

BambooHR targets small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) by balancing a user-friendly interface with out-of-the-box automations for simple setup. Like ADP, it also integrates with several third-party applications, making it a great first HRIS for small businesses needing a single system of record and easy-to-understand workflows for first-time users.

Learn more about BambooHR:

BambooHR is one of our favorite small business HR software solutions, but it’s not for everyone. Browse other options in our list of the Best HR Software for SMBs.

GoCo: Best for onboarding

GoCo is an all-in-one HRIS that follows a modular pricing model. All users start with access to its onboarding, employee self-service, and document management modules. However, similar to TriNet Zenefits and BambooHR, they must pay extra for embedded payroll, benefits administration, HR workflows, time tracking, and HR advisory support.

Despite this, GoCo’s onboarding features come standard — unlike BambooHR Essentials — and are particularly advanced. Companies can send onboarding paperwork to new employees to complete before their first day so that managers can focus more on training than administrative work their first week.

GoCo’s onboarding module also includes customizable offer letters, I-9 and W-4 compliance checks, and task lists. For more granular control, companies can add GoCo’s workflow automation to craft preboarding workflows for new hires based on roles, departments, or needed equipment. This allows for collaboration from multiple stakeholders, such as the IT department or executive management.

Employees can even self-enroll in benefits during onboarding if companies add on GoCo’s benefits module. And, unlike other HRIS on this list, GoCo offers workflows to accommodate I-9 Section 2 verification, even for out-of-state remote employees, in accordance with USCIS regulations. Thus, GoCo is suited for employers with distributed teams, reducing onboarding compliance risks.

Learn more about GoCo →

Key features

Compliance tools

GoCo ensures you comply with I-9 and W-4 processes during onboarding. With the benefits module add-on, GoCo also monitors employee ACA and COBRA eligibility, removing these administrative functions from you. This is especially useful if you do not have a dedicated HR department to track or follow up with labor law compliance.

Customizable documents

You can move away from paper processes by uploading your unique forms into GoCo’s MagicDocs. There, you can transform these documents into fillable forms and even collect legal e-signatures. As a result, GoCo makes it easier to switch to electronic document management for more efficient data-tracking and audit processes.

Pricing

Pricing starts at $5/employee/mo. and includes the following modules:

• Hiring and onboarding.
• Employee self-service.
• MagicDocs.

GoCo also includes the following modules, but you must contact GoCo directly for a custom quote.

• Benefits.
• Automated workflows.
• Payroll.
• Time tracking.
• Compliance.
• Remote I-9.
• Performance management.
• Messages.
• HR reports and insights.
• HR support on demand.
• Vaccine tracking.
• COVID-19 paid leave.

Alternatives

ClearCompany: ClearCompany is another great HR software with well-rounded onboarding features. If you prioritize creating a welcoming company culture, ClearCompany allows you to add messages and videos from executives, team members, and managers in your new hire onboarding packets.

Visit ClearCompany

Sage HR: Sage HR starts at $5.50 per employee, per month with similar e-signature documents and onboarding features in its starter module to GoCo. Sage HR’s Core HR + Leave Management also includes “recipes” to build your own HR workflows without paying extra for a separate module.

Visit Sage HR

Why we chose GoCo

GoCo is highly flexible, with modular pricing, so you can add the features you need when you need them. In particular, GoCo stands out for its onboarding processes that allow you to collect, maintain, and store documents and collaborate with multiple stakeholders.

Even without payroll, time tracking, or benefits administration, GoCo’s document management module can help you move toward 100% electronic recordkeeping. Digitizing your physical employee records can speed up information search processes and free up physical office space that formally housed filing cabinets.

Learn more about GoCo:

How to choose the best HRIS systems

Several HRIS solutions are available today, making it tough to decide which one is the right fit. But our favorites below may offer you a starting point:

Not ready to buy yet? Check out our comprehensive HR Software Guide to compare more HRIS solutions.

Human resources information system FAQs

About the author

Jessica Dennis, a lead writer at TechnologyAdvice.com, specializes in HR software solutions for midsize businesses. With a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Michigan and over six years of HR compliance experience, she’s dedicated to researching and writing about software that balances employee satisfaction and engagement with the bottom line. In her free time, you can find her obsessing over her labrador retriever or jumping into the nearest body of water.

The post The Best HRIS Systems of 2023 appeared first on TechnologyAdvice.

Choosing the best CRM for contractors or construction companies can be challenging in the seemingly endless sea of platforms. Streamlining sales and forging stronger relationships with your clients can be made easier with the right construction CRM software in place. 

CRM software allows you to focus more on selling home construction projects and overseeing major projects for your clients. However, finding the best CRM for contractors can be tricky; it’s easy to get overwhelmed when it comes to the selection process. But once you land on the appropriate solution that meets your business requirements, it will become easier to maintain and grow your company. 

Top 7 construction & contractor CRM software

Some construction CRM software options include:

• HubSpot CRM: Best free CRM that offers no-cost marketing tools 
• Salesforce: Best cloud-based CRM
• Pipedrive: Best for centralizing multi-channel data and automation
• Insightly: Best overall CRM for construction contractors 
• Houzz Pro: Best for streamlining payments and online invoicing 
• SalesRabbit: Best for field sales tracking and lead management
• BasisBoard: Best for bid management for subcontractors

The right CRM platform for your business should have features that benefit your daily operations and are in tune with your business’s unique needs. Typically, good CRM software for construction companies and contractors focuses on better managing company-wide email, project planning, bid tracking, and processing payments.

HubSpot CRM: Best free CRM with no-cost marketing tools

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Pros

• Free plan option.
• Easy content creation.
• Strong customer service, depending on your plan.
• Free tools.

Cons

• Confusing pricing tiers for available plans.
• Lack of customer support in the free plan option.

Our Rating: 4.5/5

Talk to an expert

Visit Website

Gallery

A Hubspot dashboard.

HubSpot crm marketing automation.

Key features

Flexible pricing: HubSpot CRM offers several different plans that vary in cost, with features that are often specific to each plan. The free plan carries a lot of value, is easy to use and navigate, and offers robust tools to help streamline your company’s operations. It is important to note, however, there are other plans that bundle services with solutions that are fully customizable. HubSpot’s marketing, sales, customer service, and operational hubs are part of a starter bundle that carries a $45 monthly cost for two users, with options available for plan expansions.  

Ease of use: HubSpot CRM is easy to use with a user interface that’s simple to navigate. For most businesses, this ease of use goes a long way, which is especially important since there is a lack of customer service support when working with the free version. However, tutorials for some of the tools you regularly use are available online and should help you adequately resolve any issues. There is also a large HubSpot knowledge base that’s free to access.

Content creation made easy: When it comes to content creation, HubSpot makes it easy. The drag-and-drop experience for creating custom content like landing pages, various forms, and email templates couldn’t be simpler. This CRM also has an option that offers a hands-off approach to managing social media. Scheduling approved content to post online through automation frees up time and allows you and your team to focus on more important tasks.

Pricing

Free trial available

Free plan available

Paid plan starting at $45/user/month

Why we chose HubSpot

HubSpot CRM’s user interface is designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind. Its dashboard and reporting tools are particularly beneficial for construction businesses to track projects and client interactions seamlessly.

What sets HubSpot CRM apart in the construction industry is its comprehensive suite of no-cost marketing tools. Unlike many competitors, HubSpot offers a free plan that includes essential marketing tools, making it an ideal choice for construction businesses looking to maximize their marketing efforts without additional costs.

While other CRMs like Salesforce and Zoho offer industry-specific features, they often come at a higher cost, especially for marketing tools. HubSpot provides a balance of functionality and cost-effectiveness, making it more suitable for construction businesses with tight marketing budgets.

Our ratings

Pricing: 4.8/5

General features and interface: 4.4/5

Core features: 4.5/5

Advanced features: 3.8/5

Integration and compatibility: 4.8/5

UX: 4.8/5

Industry-specific features: 3.5/5

HubSpot CRM is an intuitive and easy-to-use software platform. While HubSpot offers tools and services for free right from the start, it also features flexible planning bundles that you can adopt and customize for your business. HubSpot’s tools are modular in nature and coincide with the growth of your company.

HubSpot CRM has become more intuitive and construction industry-friendly. It has enhanced its project management features and integrations with construction management software, addressing the specific needs of the industry more effectively than in previous versions.

Having said this, HubSpot CRM could further enhance its construction-specific features, such as more advanced project tracking and on-site communication tools, to stay ahead of competitors like Salesforce and Zoho, which are continuously updating their industry-specific offerings.

Salesforce: Best cloud-based CRM

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Pros

• Fully customizable CRM with powerful add-on tools
• Platform integrations
• Powerful analytics and reporting
• Advanced project management tools

Cons

• Very costly
• Time-consuming maintenance

Our Rating: 3.9/5

Talk to an expert

Visit Website

Gallery

Using a CRM’s powerful filtering tools to create customizable reports and client lists is a key component of any sales pipeline analysis. | Salesforce photo

Salesforce dashboard.

Key features

Project management: Salesforce CRM offers specialized project management tools essential for tracking and managing construction projects.

Analytics and reporting: Its advanced analytics and reporting capabilities provide insights into project performance and client interactions.

Customization and flexibility: The platform’s high degree of customization means it can be tailored to meet the needs of the construction industry.

Integration capabilities: The platform integrates with various construction management software, enhancing operational coherence.

Mobile accessibility: Its mobile functionality allows construction professionals to access and manage CRM data on-site.

Collaboration tools

Pricing

Free trial available

Essentials: $25/user/month

Professional: $75/user/month 

Enterprise: $150/user/month 

Unlimited: $300/user/month

*All plans billed annually

Why we chose Salesforce

As one of the largest CRM solutions on the market. For construction, Salesforce is best for firms seeking a cloud-based CRM that offers flexibility, comprehensive project management tools, and integration capabilities. Its ability to provide real-time data access across project sites sets it apart from competitors.

The interface design scored 75 out of 100, reflecting a user experience that balances complexity and usability. This is crucial for construction professionals who require quick, intuitive access to project data.

Unlike many competitors, Salesforce offers a comprehensive suite of tools tailored for the construction industry. Its cloud-based nature allows for seamless integration with on-site activities, a critical need in construction project management.

Our ratings

Pricing: 2.7/5

General features and interface: 4.5/5

Core features: 4.5/5

Advanced features: 4.2/5

Integration and compatibility: 3.8/5

UX: 4/5

Industry-specific features: 5/5

Salesforce is especially useful for established companies wishing to streamline their sales processes through automation, which makes it easier to convert leads and maintain a healthy customer base. 

For construction firms, factors like project management efficiency, data accessibility, and integration capabilities are paramount. Salesforce’s high scores in these areas (100 in document storage and 100 in API availability) highlight its alignment with these industry-specific needs.

This CRM comes with many dedicated tools that work well, including a marketing product that offers full automation for email campaigns and keeps track of customer activity. Additionally, Salesforce has integrated dvanced features like AI analytics and multi-channel support in recent years.

However, while there are many add-on features that can complement your business and make it run more efficiently, smaller businesses will find the amount of money they’ll need to invest to get the most out of this cloud-based CRM may not fit their budgets. 

There is no free version of Salesforce, so smaller businesses will likely benefit from an alternate CRM platform.

Pipedrive: Best for centralizing multi-channel data and automation

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Pros

• Workflow automation.
• Affordable paid plans.
• Unlimited and fully customizable sales pipelines. 
• Simplified application programming interface (API) access.

Cons

• No free plan option.
• No phone support on low-tier plans.

Our Rating: 4.2/5

Talk to an expert

Visit Website

Gallery

Key features

Sales pipeline management: Pipedrive provides a visual sales pipeline specifically designed to track and manage construction bids and contracts.

Activity and goal tracking

Customizable workflows: The platform offers customizable workflows that can be tailored to fit the unique processes and stages of construction projects.

Integration with construction tools

Mobile accessibility: Workers and managers can access and update project information from construction sites.

Reporting: The CRM includes comprehensive reporting tools that provide insights into project performance, client interactions, and financial metrics.

Document management: This allows for easy storage and retrieval of construction project documents like blueprints and contracts.

Custom fields and data management: Pipedrive allows the addition of custom fields to manage specific data relevant to construction projects.

Pricing

Free trial available

Essential: $14.90/user/month

Advanced: $27.90/user/month

Professional: $49.90/user/month

Power: $64.90/user/month

Enterprise: $99/user/month

Why we chose Pipedrive

Pipedrive proves its mettle as a construction CRM with a stellar blend of features tailored to the industry’s needs. Its intuitive visual pipeline management, coupled with forecasting and reporting capabilities, offers a clear snapshot of project progress and potential bottlenecks.

Pipedrive CRM is best for construction businesses seeking a CRM that excels in centralizing multi-channel data and automation. Its high scores in user experience, integration, and core features, backed by positive user reviews, make it a top recommendation.

What sets Pipedrive apart from its competitors in the space is its intuitive design focused on centralizing data from multiple channels. This feature is crucial in the construction sector, where managing diverse data streams is a daily challenge.

Pipedrive also scores higher than its peers in multi-channel support and ease of data import/export, making it ideal for construction businesses that deal with various data sources and require seamless integration.

Our ratings

Pricing: 3.5/5

General features: 4.3/5

Core features: 4.6/5

Advanced features: 3.5/5

Integration and compatibility: 4.8/5

UX: 4/5

Industry-specific features: 3.2/5

Pipedrive is another cloud-based CRM platform that’s geared toward improving a company’s sales figures. This CRM is designed from the ground up to facilitate sales teams and is a more affordable option for small-scale businesses that would benefit from an easy-to-use and fully customizable software solution.

Pipedrive’s user interface is designed for simplicity and efficiency. Its customizable dashboard and easy navigation significantly benefit construction managers who need quick access to project data.

As the platform has progresses, it has put an emphasis on enhancing its multi-channel data management and automation features. These improvements are particularly beneficial in the construction industry, where efficiency and data centralization are key.

Lower-tier versions of Pipedrive can be limited, so your company stands to benefit more from paying extra for a higher-tier option. Like some other CRMs, Pipedrive also offers contact management, automation, anywhere-access, and  the option for mobile phone support.

Insightly: Best overall CRM for construction contractors

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Pros

• Integrations with third-party applications. 
• Reliable automation of workflows, various tasks, and email.
• Full web and mobile access. 
• Dashboard customization. 

Cons

• Limited features available in free plan.
• Lack of phone support.
• Workflow automation is an option that’s only available for high-tier paid plans.

Our Rating: 3.9/5

Talk to an expert

Visit Website

Gallery

Key features

Unique sales tools: Unlike other CRMs, Insightly allows salespeople to take photos of business cards on their mobile phones; all of the information found on the card is then used to generate new leads within the software for easy reference. 

Useful email tools: Insightly offers a unique tool that schedules customer and lead emails. Because the platform can automate tasks and workflow processes, it will save your team a lot of time and reduce the amount of work that is usually done manually.

Pricing

Free trial available

Plus: $29/user/month

Professional: $49/user/month

Enterprise: $99/user/month

Why we chose Insightly

When it comes to construction-focused CRMs, Insightly carves out a unique space with its dual emphasis on customer relationship and project management. Its advanced pipeline visualization and tracking, contact management, and integration with popular tools like G Suite and Office 365 make it an excellent fit for handling construction projects.

It offers comprehensive project management features, ease of integration with construction-specific tools, and its ability to scale as businesses grow. Its focus on enhancing contractor-client relationships through management tools makes it an asset in the construction industry.

A must for the industry, it integrates well with construction-specific tools and focuses on project-centric functionalities. Unlike many competitors, the platform provides a unique blend of CRM and project management, making it an all-in-one solution for contractors.

Insightly scores impressively across various performance categories. With a total score of 77.6 out of 100, it demonstrates strong capabilities in user experience, integration, and core features, particularly in contact management, task automation, and document storage.

Our ratings

Pricing: 4.2/5

General features and interface: 3.6/5

Core features: 4.3/5

Advanced features: 3/5

Integration and compatibility: 4.2/5

UX: 3.8/5

Industry-specific features: 3.5/5

For construction contractors, the ability to seamlessly integrate project management with customer relationship management is paramount. Insightly’s design caters to this need more directly compared to others that might excel in either CRM or project management but not necessarily in the integration of both.

It’s an easy-to-use CRM that allows businesses to create data fields and modules that, when optimized, can be used to oversee projects, manage events, and complete various tasks all within one platform. At its core, Insightly is a cloud-based CRM that makes managing your sales pipeline a cinch.

There are a variety of plans you can select from that will improve workflows and optimize regular tasks. This applies to tasks for marketing and sales teams working together on general projects and events, in particular.

However, while Insightly leads in many aspects, it could further strengthen its position by enhancing its AI analytics and collaboration tools, ensuring it remains at the forefront.

Houzz Pro: Best for streamlining payment scheduling and online invoicing

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Pros

• Ease of use.
• Strong customer support.
• Good user interface. 
• Reasonably priced.

Cons

• Issues syncing invoices.
• The large number of features can be confusing for some users.

Our Rating: 3.4/5

Talk to an expert

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Gallery

Key features

Useful tools overall: Professionals are able to do many things through available platform features like progress tracking for every project, which betters project management, and lead management, which includes growing client lists and the ability to easily communicate with them through client dashboards.

Personalized attention with email notifications and quick replies: Houzz Pro offers features like “quick replies” for time-saving message creation, email nudges for client actions on estimates or proposals, and reminders.

Virtual consultations: The CRM program integrates with calendars for scheduling video meetings or phone calls.

Cloud-based file sharing: This feature supports unlimited file uploads.

Gmail extension: Houzz Pro includes a built-in Gmail extension, allowing users to create new leads directly from Gmail, manage leads, and save email templates without leaving their email interface.

Automation and integration: The CRM program is designed to sync with various tools, reducing manual errors and duplications.

Pricing

Free trial available

Free plan available

Starter: $65/month

Essential: $99/month

Pro: $149/month

Ultimate: $499/month

Why we chose Houzz Pro

Houzz Pro sets itself apart with its industry-specific features. Its comprehensive project management, 3D floor plan visualization, and client collaboration tools are tailored to the unique needs of construction and design businesses. With its ability to generate detailed proposals and synchronize project schedules with business goals, Houzz Pro emerges as a top choice.

Unlike many of its competitors, Houzz Pro integrates payment scheduling and invoicing seamlessly into its CRM platform. Uniquely, this integration is a core feature rather than an add-on, designed with the specific needs of construction contractors in mind.

While other CRMs like HubSpot offer broader functionality, Houzz Pro’s focus on construction-specific needs like payment scheduling and invoicing makes it more suitable for contractors who prioritize financial management within their CRM system.

Our Ratings

Pricing: 2.9/5

General features and interface: 3.5/5

Core features: 4.1/5

Advanced features: 2.9/5

Integration and compatibility: 3.3/5

UX: 4/5

Industry-specific features: 3.8/5

Houzz Pro is primarily designed for use by home builders, remodelers, and contractors. It offers an all-in-one marketing and client management tool to help with online advertising, profile customization, and lead generation. Team members can directly collaborate with their clients using a simple dashboard that configures estimates and creates useful design templates and 3D floor plans that can be used in future projects. 

Houzz Pro has evolved significantly through its updates, particularly in enhancing its invoicing and payment features. Earlier versions focused more on general CRM functionalities, but recent updates have seen a shift towards specialized construction industry needs.

The primary areas of improvement for the platform are in the AI analytics and multi-channel support arena, making it a stronger competitor to comprehensive CRMs solutions like HubSpot.

SalesRabbit: Best for field sales tracking and lead management 

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Pros

• Well-organized user interface. 
• Excels at tracking a rep’s progress and referencing completed sales.
• Easy to use.

Cons

• Software can sometimes crash. 
• Can be buggy when using software on Android mobile devices.

Our Rating: 4.2/5

Talk to an expert

Visit Website

Gallery

SalesRabbit CRM dashboard.

Key features

Exceptional sales tools: SalesRabbit’s tools can improve a sales representative’s pitch when in the field. With direct mobile access, sales representatives can also refer to interactive presentations, documents, and other relevant content, all of which can help them close a sale. Users can also access digital contracts from any mobile device as they meet with prospective clients who are a digital signature away from becoming a new customer.

Pricing

Free plan available

Team: $29/user/month

Pro: $39/user/month

Enterprise: Contact SalesRabbit for a customized quote

Why we chose SalesRabbit

SalesRabbit CRM is best for construction businesses focusing on field sales tracking and lead management due to its specialized features, ease of use in field conditions, and lead management tools.

The tools SalesRabbit makes available to sales representatives allow them to further develop their efficiency, increase motivation, and deepen their understanding of the goals set by the company. SalesRabbit also allows management to track a rep’s progress by using built-in GPS functionality.

What sets SalesRabbit apart from its competitors is its laser focus on the construction industry’s specific needs. Unlike generic CRM solutions, SalesRabbit offers tailored functionalities for field sales tracking and lead management.

Compared to broader CRM platforms, SalesRabbit provides more nuanced tools for on-site sales management and client interactions, which are crucial in the construction industry. While other CRMs might excel in office-based sales or digital marketing, SalesRabbit makes its mark in the field where construction sales happen.

Our ratings

Pricing: 4.2/5

General features and interface: 4.6/5

Core features: 5/5

Advanced features: 3.3/5

Integration and compatibility: 3.8/5

UX: 4/5

Industry-specific features: 4.2/5

SalesRabbit’s user interface is designed with field sales teams in mind, offering an intuitive and responsive experience. This design choice significantly reduces the learning curve and enhances on-site productivity, a critical aspect for construction professionals often working in dynamic environments.

SalesRabbit’s user interface is designed with field sales teams in mind, offering an intuitive and responsive experience. This design choice significantly reduces the learning curve and enhances on-site productivity, a critical aspect for construction professionals often working in dynamic environments.

SalesRabbit tracks sales and lead management and is tailored for door-to-door field sales representatives. These professionals rely on the software to improve their sales performance and increase lead conversions.

While SalesRabbit excels in many areas, it could further enhance its offering by expanding its e-commerce compatibility and improving VoIP capabilities.

Basis Board: Best for bid management for subcontractors 

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Pros

• Tracks bid deadlines and open projects through automation. 
• Emails are well-organized and easy to manage. 
• Successfully eliminates overhead. 
• Easy to use.

Cons

• Difficulty when attempting to merge projects.
• Navigating plans can be somewhat tedious.

Our Rating: 4.1/5

Talk to an expert

Visit Website

Gallery

Key features

Excellent bid board tool: By providing a bid board, Basis Board helps companies complete various tasks like sending proposals, responding to requests for information (RFIs), and inviting vendors to bid on projects.

Centralizing systems: Companies can use Basis Board to organize bid invitations by placing them in a centralized hub for easy reference. This will ultimately prevent estimators from working on the same tasks.

Pricing

Free trial available

Contact Basis Board for a customized quote

Why we chose Basis Board

We selected Basis Board for its extensive bid management system. The ability to track bids from start to finish adds in an extra tool that is supremely beneficial to manufacturers. Having bid management woven tightly into CRM software creates a synergy that is hard to beat as you bounce between bidding jobs and working with existing clients.

Compared to more generalized CRM systems, BasisBoard offers more detailed and construction-specific functionalities, such as integrated bid calendars and direct communication channels with contractors. This focus makes it more suitable for subcontractors who need specialized tools over generic CRM features.

Basis Board has evolved to become more intuitive and aligned with the specific needs of construction bid management. This evolution is seen in its streamlined interface, improved data integration capabilities, and enhanced communication features, all of which are critical for efficient bid management.

For subcontractors in construction, the key decision-making factors for Basis Board include its specialized bid tracking system, integration with construction management software, and tailored communication tools.

Basis Board’s design prioritizes ease of use and efficiency, with a clear, intuitive interface that reduces the learning curve for subcontractors. This user-centric design approach ensures that subcontractors can quickly adapt to and benefit from the CRM, even under the fast-paced conditions of construction projects.

Our ratings

Pricing: 4.2/5

General features and interface: 4.4/5

Core features: 5/5

Advanced features: 3.3/5

Integration and compatibility: 3.8/5

UX: 4/5

Industry-specific features: 4/5

Basis Board is an efficient software platform that is intended to be used for construction build management. The software offers features that will appeal to businesses that want to focus their attention on commercial subcontractors, material vendors, and supply houses.

Basis Board offers a collaborative workspace that is free from tedious data entry. The software also successfully automates daily manual tasks, where repetition usually consumes a lot of time and resources.

To further solidify its position as the leading construction CRM for bid management, BasisBoard could enhance its analytics capabilities and expand its range of integrations with emerging construction technologies. These improvements would provide subcontractors with even more robust tools to manage bids effectively and stay competitive in the dynamic construction industry.

Choosing the best construction & contractor CRM software solution

The best CRM for contractors or construction will depend on the size of your business, its budget, and whether a given software system addresses the issues your business is currently facing.

HubSpot is a great all-around CRM platform that over delivers on its free plan. While you can opt for HubSpot’s paid plans with added tools and features, most contracting businesses will have a great starting point with its free CRM plan.

While costly, Salesforce is a CRM that is aimed at established businesses with larger budgets and is fully customizable, with powerful add-on tools available. Similarly, Pipedrive offers support for robust third-party add-ons, as does Insightly, which comes complete with full-tool integration.

Houzz Pro is a great option for online advertising and profile customization and is excellent for team collaboration as well, while BaisisBoard is another great option for automation and eliminating overhead. And for door-to-door infield sales, you’d be hard pressed to find a better CRM than SalesRabbit.

Looking for the latest in CRM solutions? Check out our CRM Software Buyer’s Guide.

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