Thankyou. As I mentioned, the intention isn't really to launch a SaaS platform similar to HubSpot/Salesforce etc, but instead develop a base system that we can then build upon for each client, although we might launch an SaaS too for anyone that wants it or as an introductory product to attract attention.
As a bespoke software development company, a lot of the enquiries we get are essentially CRM systems at heart but with a few unique features for that customers needs. By developing a base product, we can then cut development time and costs in half.. making it more appealing to a wider audience.
The other plan is to white label it - and offer it to lead generation companies/marketing agencies. What better than signing with a marketing company that offers you their own custom CRM? They then have access to your account so they can monitor your interactions and step in when necessary to help you convert the enquiries to customers. Especially lead generation companies - we've been pitched by a few of them, and most just send you through an excel spreadsheet of leads. For £1,000 a month!. Why not create a nice dashboard where clients can log in and see their leads, then interact with them as a CRM system.
I think by offering a slightly different approach we can carve out a decent size market for ourselves (200-500k a year... I'm not talking a Salesforce rival here). As I said, we've already had two project enquiries recently that we could use the base system to give us a head start on the project, and looking at government tenders, again there are a lot out that are essentially CRM systems at heart but with unique requirements that mean HubSpot/Salesforce aren't an option.
I worked for the world's biggest CRM vendors for 20 years including Siebel, Oracle CRM, Salesforce and now I own my own, video production business, my customer base includes CRM firms.
I've seen this approach a zillion times and what you're describing is very much a Dynamics sales strategy.
So when I worked at CRM companies, the primary drivers for midmarket CRM buyers are: Functionality, heavy niching down, the big idea or early engagement for bespoke solutions (Dynamics partners, essentially).
E.g. I have one customer which entirely focuses their CRM sales on midmarket accountancy firms. So their off-the-shelf solution integrates with accountancy billings software which means they dominate this market.
Or I have another CRM customer which focuses on midmarket manufacturing. So their off-the-shelf CRM solution integrates with manufacturing supply chain solutions. E.g. A salesperson can get a sale with a customer and the order has hit the factory in the Far East before the salesperson has left the building. So they sell a ton of CRM solutions ot midmarket manufacturers.
At SFDC, the whole point was the big idea.
Dynamics vendors are all early engagement bespoke systems.
What I'm seeing is your proposition is more like a Dynamics prop. It's based on early engagement for bespoke customers wanting specific functionality they don't believe they'll get elsewhere (but in reality could do if they shopped around). I think it's a good idea. What I'd challenge is why you'd need to develop your own if you could use Dynamics as the primary development platform. It would give you the headstart, the functionality you need and MicroSoft's brand.
Also, if you are trying to sell your own solution, you will need serious marketing expertise. CRM firms spend a ton of money and time on this and while my business is a happy beneficiary, this is something which will eat your time like nothing else you can believe.
If you want to chat about it, just let me know. There are things I know about CRM which I learned over 20 years and will save you a ton of time. If you feel like it, just DM me and I'm happy to chat.
