Your CRM should make running your business easier—not harder. But over time, systems that once worked well can start to feel clunky, outdated, or misaligned with your processes.
Signs You Might Need a CRM Update:
🚩 Your team is struggling with inefficiencies—too much manual work, duplicated efforts, or difficulty finding information.
🚩 You’ve outgrown your current setup—processes that worked when you were smaller no longer fit your growing team.
🚩 Customer relationships are slipping—follow-ups are missed, data is messy, or you’re not getting the insights you need.
🚩 You’re thinking of adding new tools to cover things that your current CRM isn’t handling well.
🚩 You suspect you’re not using your CRM to its full potential—there are features you’re not leveraging, or it just feels harder than it should be.
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time for a refresh. The good news? Not every CRM update requires a complete overhaul. Some fixes you or your team can handle internally, while others benefit from expert help. Here’s how to decide:
What You Can DIY
✅ Basic configuration – Adding fields, updating workflows, or adjusting user roles.
✅ Data cleanup – Merging duplicates, removing old contacts, and standardising formats.
✅ User training – Helping your team adapt to new features with online resources or vendor guides.
✅ Simple integrations – Connecting email tools or setting up basic automation.
DIY is great if your needs are straightforward, but when things get more complex, expert help can save you from costly mistakes. Even if you have an internal IT team, they may not have the specialised CRM expertise or the broad experience in how different businesses use these systems to identify opportunities, optimise workflows, integrate new tools, or customise automation effectively.
When to Get Independent Help (Like Me!)
🔹 An unbiased assessment – If your CRM feels clunky or isn’t delivering value, an independent expert can help pinpoint the real issues.
🔹 Process improvement – If your sales, marketing, or customer service teams struggle with inefficiencies, I can help you identify gaps and opportunities. For example, I’ve helped businesses streamline service interactions by linking systems together, reducing call times and improving customer satisfaction.
🔹 CRM selection and strategy – If you’re not sure whether to tweak your current system or switch to a new one, an independent advisor can guide you without pushing a particular product.
🔹 Customisation & advanced automation – When you need tailored solutions that go beyond out-of-the-box settings. An independent voice can provide insights on how to meet your needs without being constrained by the limitations of your current technology.
When to Bring in a Product-Specific Expert
💮 New or more advanced feature implementation – Setting up new functions, complex reports, AI tools, or integrations specific to your CRM.
💮 Technical troubleshooting – Fixing system errors or performance issues.
💮 Custom development – If you need a developer to create custom apps or workflows within the CRM.
Choosing the Right Help for Your CRM Update
Over the years, I’ve worked with many businesses that started their CRM updates themselves, only to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options and complexity. One client spent months trying to configure their CRM but kept running into roadblocks. By stepping in, I was able to cut through the confusion, prioritise what mattered most, and get them set up with an efficient system that worked for their team.
If you’re not sure which path to take, start by assessing:
✅ How complex the changes are
✅ How much time and technical skill you and your team have
✅ Whether your current CRM is still the right fit
If you need an expert eye to guide you through the process—without the sales pitch—let’s talk. I offer a quick, no-pressure CRM review to help you figure out what’s working, what’s not, and what changes would have the biggest impact. And if I can’t help you, I can point you in the right direction of people who can!
✅ Book a free 15-minute consultation here.
