For  many businesses, purchasing a CRM software is only the first step. Learning how to use it properly (and efficiently) is the second and most important step. The good news is that with adequate planning and research, it becomes very doable. Keep in mind, however, that learning how to use your CRM is not something that happens overnight. It involves many other factors, some of which are not even related to the software. As a business owner, you have to first and foremost learn how to act like a business owner.

So without further ado, here’s how to use your CRM software efficiently:

1. Know its features well. And be sure to teach them correctly to your team as well, if applicable. The more familiar you are with your CRM, the better.

2. Identify its key feature. Does your CRM revolves around automating sales? Each CRM has a key feature. This is partly why finding one that fits every single business on earth is impossible. Reflect back on why exactly you bought this software. Did you need it to help you centralize data? Once you have figured out how your CRM software will benefit you the most, go back to the step above and familiarize yourself with it completely.

3. See it as a tool, not a burden. You should never see entering data into your CRM as a burden. This tool is incredibly powerful if you know how to use it well. Remember that if something is not present on this software, it never happened. Your CRM is your friend, not your enemy, so treat it as such.

4. Learn how to be organized. Organization always goes hand in hand with success. If you aren’t organized in your everyday business life, then it will reflect poorly in the way you handle your CRM software. Learn proper organization and it should be easy for you to progress in the future.