Introduction

👋 What's up Breakcolders!

Consulting can be one of the most rewarding careers out there. You get to help businesses grow and succeed, all while making a great living for yourself. But let's be real, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Consulting is difficult, and one of the biggest challenges consultants face is retaining clients.

Impact of a CRM for consultant on your business

You work hard to get clients in the first place, but then you have to work even harder to keep them. According to a study by Bain & Company, increasing customer retention rates by just 5% can increase profits by up to 95%. That's a huge difference!

Imagine this scenario: you're a consultant who just landed a new client. You put in the work, and everything seems to be going well. But a few months down the line, the client decides to take their business elsewhere.

Maybe they found someone cheaper, or maybe they just weren't happy with the service they were getting. Whatever the reason, it's a tough pill to swallow. And if this happens too often, it can really hurt your business.

That's why building relationships is so important. Clients are much more likely to stick around if they feel like they have a personal connection with you.

And not only that, but happy clients are also more likely to recommend you to others. Word of mouth is incredibly powerful in the consulting world.

So, how can you make sure you're doing everything you can to retain clients? One solution is to invest in a great CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system.

With a CRM, you can keep track of all your client interactions, stay on top of follow-ups, and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.

But don't just take our word for it. According to a survey by Salesforce, businesses that use a CRM see an average increase in sales of 29%. That's a huge difference! By investing in a CRM like Breakcold CRM, you could see a significant boost to your bottom line.

But with so many CRM options out there, which one should you choose? Stay tuned, Breakcolders! In this post, we'll be taking a deep dive into the best CRMs for consultants to retain clients in 2024. We'll be looking at features, pricing, and more to help you make an informed decision. Let's get started! 💪

CRM for consultants 1: Breakcold

What is Breakcold CRM?

Breakcold is a CRM to build modern B2B relationships, not in 2010. Compare to traditional CRMs, Breakcold allows you to interact with B2B contacts natively inside the CRM not only via Email but also with LinkedIn & Twitter.

The top 1% of online salespeople build the best B2B relationships but they have to open +1000 tabs a day to do so. The other 99% just don't have the time or the energy to do so, Breakcold helps you fix that to join the 1% club.

Hope to see you soon becoming Breakcolders 🧊🔨

Key features of Breakcold

✅ you can aggregate the LinkedIn/Twitter posts of your B2B contacts to save time on prospect's research

✅ you can like, comment LinkedIn/Twitter posts & send messages/emails to your B2B contacts in 1 place so you can:

• stay top of mind during a deal to win it

• bond with existing clients to increase retention, feedback and word of mouth

• generate high-value leads with fast personalized outreach

✅ built-in cold email sequences to generate leads

✅ you can assign Virtual Assistants or team members to engage on your behalf

✅ you can create curated feeds of your B2B contacts to engage them as a team

✅ you can turn your traditional CRM into a Social Selling CRM by sending your most valuable leads to Breakcold

Conclusion on Breakcold

While Breakcold is the youngest CRM for agencies on this list, this weakness is its strength because the CRM software has been designed to close deals in our modern era.

💡 Pro tip: Breakcold has a free plan that allows you to start a free LinkedIn engagement list.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a sales CRM to build B2B relationships faster than ever, then Breakcold is the way to go.

CRM for consultants 2: Less Annoying CRM

One of the most popular CRM options for consultants is Less Annoying CRM. With a name like that, it's no surprise that it's known for being user-friendly and easy to use.

And as a consultant, you don't want to spend hours trying to figure out how to use a new software. You want to focus on your clients and your work.

Pricing of Less Annoying CRM

But what really sets Less Annoying CRM apart is its pricing. Unlike some of the bigger CRM players, Less Annoying CRM offers a simple, straightforward pricing model.

It's $15 per user, per month. No hidden fees, no long-term contracts, no surprises. For consultants who are just starting out or who are on a tight budget, this can be a game-changer.

Key features of Less Annoying CRM

Of course, pricing isn't everything. You also want a CRM that has the features you need to keep your clients happy and engaged.

Some of the features that Less Annoying CRM offers include:

• Contact Management: Keep track of all your clients' contact information in one place.

• Task Management: Assign tasks to yourself or team members and set deadlines to ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.

• Calendar: Schedule appointments, calls, and meetings directly within the CRM.

• Pipeline Management: Visualize your sales pipeline and track progress towards your goals.

• Customization: Customize fields and workflows to fit your unique business needs.

By using a CRM like Less Annoying CRM, you can take the guesswork out of client management. You'll be able to see at a glance who you need to follow up with, what tasks are still outstanding, and what your overall progress looks like. And as a consultant, this can be invaluable.

Conclusion on Less Annoying CRM

In conclusion, if you're a consultant looking to retain clients and grow your business, a CRM can be a powerful tool. And if you're looking for a CRM that is easy to use, affordable, and packed with features, Less Annoying CRM is definitely worth considering. So what are you waiting for? Start managing your client relationships like a pro today! 💼

CRM for consultants 3: Pipedrive

While Less Annoying CRM is a great option for consultants, it's not the only one out there. Another popular choice is Pipedrive, which is known for its sales-focused features and visual pipeline management.

What is a sales CRM?

As a consultant, you might be thinking, "Why would I need a sales-focused CRM? I'm not selling a product." But the truth is, every consultant is selling something - whether it's their expertise, their time, or their services.

And with Pipedrive, you can manage your sales process from start to finish, from the first contact with a potential client all the way through to closing the deal.

Key features of Pipedrive

Of course, Pipedrive isn't just for sales. It also has a number of features that can help you retain clients and build better relationships. For example, you can:

• Automate your outreach: Use Pipedrive's automation features to send personalized emails and follow-ups to clients and prospects.

• Schedule meetings: Use Pipedrive's built-in scheduling tool to set up calls and meetings with clients.

• Collaborate with your team: If you work with other consultants or team members, Pipedrive makes it easy to collaborate and share information.

But what about pricing? While Pipedrive is a bit more expensive than Less Annoying CRM, it still offers competitive pricing options. Plans start at $15 per user, per month, and go up to $99 per user, per month for more advanced features.

Pipedrive vs Less Annoying CRM: which one wins?

So how do you choose between Less Annoying CRM and Pipedrive? It really depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for a more affordable option that is easy to use and straightforward, Less Annoying CRM might be the way to go.

But if you're looking for a more sales-focused CRM that can help you close more deals and grow your business, Pipedrive might be the better choice.

At the end of the day, both Less Annoying CRM and Pipedrive can be powerful tools for consultants who want to retain clients and build better relationships.

By using a CRM, you can streamline your client management process, save time, and ultimately grow your business. So why not give one a try today? 💻

CRM for consultants 4: Insightly CRM

While Less Annoying CRM and Pipedrive are great options for consultants, there's one more CRM that's worth mentioning: Insightly.

What is Insightly?

Insightly is a cloud-based CRM for small businesses and teams, making it a great choice for consultants who work with clients on a one-on-one basis. One of the standout features of Insightly is its project management capabilities.

With Insightly, you can create projects and tasks for each of your clients, track progress, and collaborate with your team in real-time.

Key features of Insightly

But that's not all Insightly has to offer. The platform also includes:

• Contact management: Keep track of all your client information in one place, including contact details, notes, and history.

• Pipeline management: Create custom pipelines to track your sales process, from lead generation to deal closing.

• Email marketing: Send targeted email campaigns to your clients and prospects to nurture relationships and drive sales.

In terms of pricing, Insightly is more affordable than Pipedrive but slightly more expensive than Less Annoying CRM. Plans start at $29 per user, per month, and go up to $99 per user, per month for more advanced features.

Insightly CRM vs Pipedrive and Less Annoying CRM

So, how do you choose between Less Annoying CRM, Pipedrive, and Insightly? It all comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for a CRM that's easy to use and affordable, Less Annoying CRM might be the way to go.

If you're looking for a sales-focused CRM that can help you close more deals, Breakcold & Pipedrive might be the better choice. And if you're looking for a CRM with robust project management features, Insightly could be the best fit for your consulting business.

At the end of the day, choosing the right CRM for your consulting business is crucial for retaining clients and building better relationships.

By leveraging the power of a CRM like Breakcold, Less Annoying CRM, Pipedrive, or Insightly, you can streamline your client management process, save time, and ultimately grow your business. So, don't hesitate to explore these options and find the one that's right for you! 💼

CRM for consultants 5: Monday CRM

We'd be remiss if we didn't mention one more CRM option that could be a great fit for consultants: Monday.com CRM.

What's Monday CRM?

Monday.com is a highly customizable CRM that's designed to help businesses manage their workflows and projects more efficiently. While it's not specifically designed for consultants, Monday.com's flexibility makes it a great choice for those who need a CRM that can adapt to their unique needs.

Key features of Monday CRM

One of the standout features of Monday.com is its visual dashboard, which provides a clear overview of all your tasks, deadlines, and projects. This can be especially helpful for consultants who need to manage multiple clients and projects at once.

Monday.com also includes:

• Customizable workflows: Create workflows that are tailored to your specific needs and automate repetitive tasks.

• Collaboration tools: Work seamlessly with your team and clients, with features like @mentions, file sharing, and real-time updates.

• Reporting and analytics: Monitor your performance and track key metrics to make data-driven decisions.

In terms of pricing, Monday.com is slightly more expensive than the other CRM options we've discussed. Plans start at $8 per user, per month, and go up to $16 per user, per month for more advanced features.

Monday CRM vs Pipedrive and others

So, which CRM should you choose for your consulting business? It really depends on what you're looking for. If you need a CRM that's easy to use and affordable, Less Annoying CRM might be the best fit.

If you're looking for a sales-focused CRM that can help you close more deals, Breakcold or Pipedrive might be the way to go. And if you need a highly customizable CRM with robust project management features, Monday.com could be the perfect fit for you.

In conclusion, CRM software is an essential tool for consultants who want to retain clients and build better relationships. By using a CRM like Breakcold, Less Annoying CRM, Pipedrive, Insightly, or Monday.com, you can streamline your client management process, save time, and ultimately grow your business. So, don't hesitate to explore these options and find the one that works best for your needs! 💻

CRM for consultants 6: Notion

We've talked about some great CRM options for consultants, but what if you're looking for something a little more versatile? That's where Notion comes in.

What is Notion?

Notion is a powerful tool that can be used for everything from project management to note-taking to team collaboration. It's highly customizable, which makes it a great choice for consultants who need a tool that can adapt to their unique needs.

Key features of Notion

One of the standout features of Notion is its flexibility. You can use it to create databases, to-do lists, calendars, and more. You can also create custom templates for different types of projects, making it easy to stay organized and on track.

Notion also includes:

• Collaboration tools: Work with your team and clients in real-time, with features like comments and mentions.-** Note-taking tools**: Keep track of all your ideas and notes in one place, with support for rich text, images, and more.

• Project management tools: Create custom workflows and project boards to manage your work more efficiently.

In terms of pricing, Notion is one of the most affordable options on our list. The basic version is free, and the paid version starts at $4 per user, per month.

Can Notion be used as a CRM? How to use Notion as a CRM?

So, why should you consider using Notion as a CRM for your consulting business? It all comes down to versatility. Notion can be used for so much more than just client management. It's a tool that can help you manage your entire business, from start to finish.

Imagine you're a marketing consultant working with multiple clients. With Notion, you can create a database of all your clients, including their contact information, project details, and notes from your meetings. You can also create custom templates for each client, so you have a clear understanding of their unique needs and goals.

But Notion isn't just for client management. You can also use it to create project boards, to-do lists, and calendars, so you can manage your work more efficiently. And because Notion is so customizable, you can create a workflow that's tailored to your specific needs.

Conclusion on Notion

In conclusion, while Notion isn't a traditional CRM software, it's a powerful tool that can be used for client management and so much more. If you're a consultant looking for a versatile tool that can help you manage your business more efficiently, Notion might be the way to go. And with its affordable pricing and robust features, it's definitely worth considering. 💼

Which CRM is the best for consultants depending on your activity?

Now that we've covered some of the top CRM options for consultants, let's take a look at which one might be the best fit for different types of consulting businesses. There are three scenarios we can consider.

Which CRM is the best for consultants depending on your activity?

Scenario 1: Marketing Consultant needs a CRM

Let's say you're a marketing consultant who works with a lot of different clients. You need a CRM that can help you manage all of your client information in one place, while also providing tools for project management and collaboration.

In this case, Breakcold might be the best option for you. With its customizable pipelines and social media integration features, it's a great choice for consultants who work on a lot of different projects with different clients.

Scenario 2: Financial Consultant needs a CRM

If you're a financial consultant, you might need a CRM that's specifically designed for financial services. Insightly CRM offers features like pipeline management, lead tracking, and project management, making it a great choice for financial consultants who need a tool that can help them manage their sales and client relationships.

Scenario 3: Executive Coach needs a CRM

Finally, let's say you're an executive coach who works with a small number of high-profile clients. In this case, you might not need a full-featured CRM like Pipedrive or Insightly. Instead, a tool like Monday.com and Breakcold again might be a better fit.

With its customizable workflows and collaboration features, it can help you stay organized and on track with your coaching sessions.

No matter what type of consulting business you run, there's a CRM out there that can help you manage your client relationships more effectively. By choosing the right tool for your needs, you can stay organized, build better relationships with your clients, and ultimately grow your business. 💼

CRMs used by famous consultants

In addition to the many benefits that CRMs offer to consultants, it's worth noting that many high-profile consultants also use these tools to manage their businesses.

CRM used by Tony Robbins

Tony Robbins is one of the most well-known self-help coaches in the world, and he relies on CRMs to manage his large client base. According to a Forbes article, Robbins uses Keap CRM to "automate his sales funnel and keep track of his many clients and leads."



CRM used by Marie Forleo

Marie Forleo is a popular life coach, author, and motivational speaker who also uses CRMs to manage her business. In a blog post on her website, Forleo discusses how she uses Ontraport to automate her email marketing and manage her client relationships.



CRM used by Neil Patel

Neil Patel is a digital marketing expert and entrepreneur who has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world. He uses a CRM called Close.io to manage his sales and client relationships. In a blog post on his website, Patel explains how Close has helped him stay organized and close more deals.