Membership Software Issues

Many of the membership software databases on the marketplace today have drawbacks and also lack flexibility when it comes to servicing all the requirements of users.

Membership software must support improving the recruitment of members, first time members and re-joining members. This will be done by improving the customer's experience of the recruitment process and providing a more professional and personalised approach. All contact with prospective customers must be captured and a relationship should be developed with them that leads to application and payment. The outcome should be a better experience for the customer, and improved assurance that they have joined an organisation that will provide immediate benefit. FPB would expect improved conversion rates between enquiry-application, and application-payment and also a deeper understanding of prospective members, their buying processes, that will help improve targeting, promotions, and campaign planning.

The following typical problems with turnkey membership databases are also being experienced - and these need to be addressed when implementing a new system:

Classic Pain Points for Membership Organisations and Associations CRM

  • Complete lack of integration with ERP & Microsoft Exchange and poor integration with MS Office
  • Manual and poorly communicated Renewals procedures
  • Lack of coordinated approach with the web (Event registration, Self-Service functions, online payment etc)
  • No HTML email functionality
  • Little or no reporting - no trends on membership retention and pipeline available
  • High year on year support costs
  • Technology refresh very rare
  • Competitors all very inflexible and business processes cannot be set up to reflect the business
  • No functionality around sales of publications etc - no stock control options
  • User adoption very poor due to rigid screens and confusing interface

Microsoft CRM for Memberships addresses all the above points and more and allows you to increase effectiveness and income in the following ways:

  • Targeting communication to ensure regular and relevant content
  • By increasing membership levels and improving attrition rates
  • Improving self-service and interaction with all members
  • Developing business process improvements to maximise staff efficiency

To book a demonstration of Microsoft CRM for Memberships, simply email us at info@pythagoras.co.uk or call 0845 850 1550.