Are you still using a legacy on-premise solution for your CRM?
I get it, you're nervous about a number of things. Let me help put your mind at ease.
Investment advisors are fiduciaries who innately understand the importance of protecting client data and confidentiality. This is why some advisory firms might be wary about the concept of cloud-based technology.
But shifting from servers you can see in your own office to a virtual network of software and services running entirely through the Internet (the “cloud”) doesn’t make your core business systems and files vulnerable -- we believe it is quite the opposite.
Firms using on-premise Client Relationship Management (CRM) technology face challenges such as costly maintenance issues and limited resources, not to mention regular exposure to data leaks and security breaches.
Converting to a cloud-based CRM not only helps address these issues and provides more secure storage for your data, it makes that data and software accessible online anytime, anywhere, from any device.
So as a firm looking to make a move, where do you start? What can you expect?
I’ve worked alongside hundreds of financial advisors, many of who were hesitant at first about cloud-based solutions. I’ll share those concerns with you and demonstrate why making the switch to the cloud can actually help your business grow.
Migrating your data
When considering a transfer from on-premise to cloud technology, the first question many advisors ask is, “How do I migrate my data?”
Data and client records are so important; it’s how advisors connect with clients and prospects. Quick and easy access is a must.
Migrating your data to the cloud should be a painless process. Here at Junxure®, we have a team of specialists to help with the process. A dedicated onboarding engineer is assigned to your firm -- assisting with data cleanup, document uploads, and configuration of third-party integrations. Our conversion tool seamlessly converts desktop data to the cloud database.
Once you have migrated, the cloud makes your life easier and data more accessible. Information is securely stored. It can be accessed anytime, anywhere, and through any registered device. Collaboration with your team is made simple.
Data is automatically stored as it’s updated, so nothing is lost, even if you forget to save. With all data stored in the cloud, reports are effortless, providing efficient insights into your firm’s business. Simply put, cloud-based technology can help your firm grow and scale.
Learning a new system
There’s always going to be some stress that comes with change. Converting to cloud-based technology is no different. Will the new system be challenging to learn? Will your team buy into learning something new?
Here’s the thing, implementing and learning anything new starts at the top and trickles down. Leadership must embrace new technology first. Your team will follow your lead.
Make sure to host meetings to let your team know why you’ve decided to change and what benefits are in it for them. Listen to concerns so that you can mitigate them. Answer questions. Be transparent and open about what is coming, help your team embrace change.
Most importantly, invest in training. A training team can guide you through implementation, design a plan catered to your needs, and shoulder the responsibility of teaching your team.
At Junxure, we provide consulting and training -- building a plan design just for you. We guide you through every step of the rollout process while answering questions along the way. Our goal is to serve as your technology partner, not just a technology provider.
Business disruption
Another concern expressed by advisors is business disruption. There is no way around this one -- business disruption is inevitable -- even when moving data to the cloud. But with proper planning and assistance, you can minimize the impact.
There are strategies to facilitate the transition process to gain the cloud’s benefits without enduring long hours of downtime. Planning is the key. Junxure’s training and onboarding team, which I mentioned earlier, aims to reduce the interruption and help with this planning.
Many other advisors ask about integrations. How does the technology work with my other integrations? How will my business practices be impacted?
The good news, Junxure integrates with many custodians, portfolio management, reporting, and back-office solutions to enhance productivity and create a centralized user experience for your team and your clients.
We are continually working with new and existing technology partners to build deeper, more meaningful integrations beyond the simple “import-export” functionality that help you reduce data entry, minimize errors, streamline workflows and ensure up-to-date information.
A move to the cloud means you’ll have access to the best integrations available. Many of the same functionalities you have in your on-premise CRM can be found within the cloud version.
Ensuring the move is a step forward
Cloud technology is one of the most integral technologies in the business world -- don’t be left behind. The name of the game is automation when it comes to cloud-based technology -- and this automation can be the foundation that moves your business forward.
With a cloud CRM, automated tasks and reminders ensure nothing falls through the cracks. If too many days pass without delivering on a pending action, actions are automatically added to the appropriate person’s pending actions list.
Security
It’s well-known that financial advisors require a high level of security across their business.
Technology is no different, and cloud-based providers recognize the importance of security. These providers must meet the financial industry’s high-security standards. Best practices for security are designed to prevent unauthorized access and keep data in the cloud extremely secure.
Authentication, authorization, logging, and auditing are built right into cloud-based systems. Encryption methods are used to secure data, keeping your CRM safe. System and Organization Controls (SOC) reports can be easily obtained -- allowing advisors to feel confident that technology providers operate in an ethical and compliant manner.
It’s time to give the cloud a chance
Advisory firms still using on-premise, desktop, CRM databases face challenges such as costly maintenance issues, limited resources, and a lack of competitive edge.
These five common concerns are still keeping some firms from migrating to the cloud. I think these worries are unnecessary. But what are your thoughts? Are you ready to give the cloud a chance?
I’d love the opportunity to demonstrate the power of our Junxure CRM. Let me walk you through the benefits of cloud-based technology.
