5 critical factors to consider when evaluating a new CRM for your community center

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November 24, 2024

August 15, 2022

Evaluating A CRM

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5 critical factors to consider when evaluating a new CRM for your community center

A roadmap to guide your team through the selection process for your new technology investment, with insights from YMCA of San Diego County and how they navigated the journey.

With all the options to choose from, how do you know which CRM is going to be the right fit for your staff? Your community? The future of your organization?

Digital transformation has always been a hot topic, and recent years have opened our eyes in a new way — a digital approach is no longer nice-to-have, but a need-to-have to stay relevant and innovative -- and that’s especially true for community centers.

To help, we’ve called on our friends at YMCA of San Diego County to share their experiences and help uncover the most important factors to take into consideration when choosing a new CRM.

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During this conversation, you will learn:

Top things to consider before embarking on a technology transformation. An outline of the what and the why questions you’ll need to ask yourself first.
Understanding the differences in CRMs and the challenges of comparing apples to oranges.
5 critical factors to include in your CRM evaluation
Learn from the experience of YMCA of San Diego County and how they navigated the journey

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Panelists:

John Merritt, Senior Vice President & CIO, YMCA of San Diego County
Sean Kurth, Association Director of Membership Operations, YMCA of San Diego County
Stephanie Andersen, Regional Vice President, Sales, Traction Rec

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We've pulled together a recap of our key takeaways from this webinar. You can watch the entire discussion further below.

Embarking on a journey of digital transformation doesn't begin with simply selecting a technology solution. It begins with prioritizing the needs of staff and customers first and foremost.‍

The YMCA of San Diego County shares their priorities in the search for a solution that will grow with their organization. It begins with putting your people first (staff and customers) when it comes to designing systems, delivering an impact, and sourcing the tools that prioritizes their needs.

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Making a business case for technology transformation

Hours saved isn't the only reason you make a technology change, but it is a strong supporting pillar of why to make the change. Dollars can certainly be better spent in the community, rather than on administrative overhead. But what can have just as much of an important impact, is making the work staff are doing more meaningful.

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5 key factors to building your CRM for tomorrow

When evaluating for your future CRM technology, examine these key factors through the lens of your internal customers (staff) and external customers. Future proofing your technology doesn't just take into account technical aspects, but as importantly, the willingness, adaptability and cultural/ value-fit of partner (vendor).

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Watch the complete 60 minute discussion

[1:58] A little bit about the YMCA of San Diego County (and meet the panelists)
[7:30] What ignited change, and how they prioritized staff first
[11:27] Creating tech equity to connect better with customers
[13:00] Time, cost and value spent (in dollar and staff moral)
[16:53] How to start your evaluation (before you even think about technology)
[24:58] Looking for a tech solution that is built for tomorrow (not today or yesterday)
[44:42] 5 key factors to consider for your technology
[51:08] Process of evaluation (priorities and values in mind) and toolsets utilized