Summary: To be a dynamite CRM sales rep, there are several key habits one should posses. This article outlines 7 habits an effective CRM representative should develop.

CRM consultants are not exactly a welcome lot in industry.  I n fact, as a rule, consultants is usually looked upon with distrust.  Given the high rate of failure with deployments, CRM consultants are often required to put up with unsatisfied customers and most of them want their money back.
The success of a CRM deployment depends to a very large extent on the capabilities of the team of consultants overseeing the project.  Here are seven habits that ideally, all CRM consultants should possess.

1. Be the right consultant – Companies looking to deploy a CRM solution are not in the best position to decide upon a CRM consultant; they have already spent too much energy trying to select CRM software.  As a consultant, you should clarify your capabilities at the very beginning.  It benefits everybody involved.  Your chances of adding a successful CRM deployment to your roster increase and the company can hope to start achieving an ROI swiftly.
2. Understand the significance of an integrated approach – CRM consultants, whether they operate at a strategy level or at the implementation level, need to recognize the importance of an integrated approach, which stresses both the technological as well as strategic aspects of CRM.
3. Understand what CRM means for your client – CRM is a broad subject, as a consultant you are expected to be an independent voice on what’s best for your client.  However, do take your client’s expectations into consideration.  It is his requirements from an SFA or an e-commerce module that you are expected to fulfill.
4. Leverage your experience – This is a basic rule in all consulting business.  Some issues are industry-specific and some are not.  Wear your thinking hat at all times.  R efer to previous projects and you will not have to reinvent the wheel.  You save valuable resources for your customer.
5. Remember that CRM modifies employee behavior – CRM tools modify employee behavior.  They bring about changes in business processes and require adaptation and getting used to.  An effective CRM consultant always has room for the human angle in his CRM deployment plan.
6. Be there for the company – CRM deployments usually overshoot their timeframe.  Consultants who spare time for their clients even after their contractual obligations are fulfilled are sincerely appreciated for their gesture.
7. Maintain your integrity – A consultant’s integrity is key to his work.  It’s not uncommon for vendors to court consultants, expecting them to suggest their products/services to a company.  However, as a consultant, your client’s agenda is paramount to build a career in CRM consultancy.  I ntegrity is also paramount.  

Conclusion
A CRM consultant who remembers that he’s into customer relations is likely to do well.  People skills are important.  A CRM deployment touches every department in an organization and as a consultant, you have to sometimes deal with conflicting interests within a company.  T his is where you need to refer to the above mentioned seven habits of highly effective CRM consultants.