One last rant for 2024! Why is it that normally rational business owners become victims of magical thinking when it comes to buying CRM software? They convince themselves there is one perfect unicorn piece of software out there that will do everything—at an amazingly low price!

My personal favorite is the question I hear all the time: “What is the best CRM?” The reality is, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. No single piece of software can magically suit every business, because every business has unique needs, processes, and goals.

The Role of Marketing in the Myth

Maybe the root of this magical thinking lies with the software companies themselves. They sell their products as if they’re magical. They promise transformation, instant results, and seamless integration. But this is a terrible mistake. Why? Because many customers, faced with buyer’s remorse after purchasing these overhyped solutions, are left thinking they made a bad choice.

And here’s where the victim-blaming creeps in: “You just didn’t use it right! What were you thinking?” That’s not a good look for anyone, least of all the vendors.

The Intangible Challenge

Another reason for this magical thinking might be that software feels so intangible. Unlike a physical product, it can be hard to visualize how software will actually work in your business. What does “streamlining your sales process” or “better customer engagement” really mean in practice? When faced with this kind of uncertainty, it’s tempting to search for the easiest answer, the quick fix. We’ve all done it!

A Better Way: The CRM Game Plan

But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be this hard. Having a structured approach and a few tips for decoding software vendors’ promises can make choosing the right product much more achievable. That’s exactly why I created the CRM Game Plan Course.

This course is designed to help small businesses choose the right CRM without relying on marketing fluff from people trying to sell you something. My goal is to empower you with a framework for evaluating software based on your unique business needs. No unicorns required.

Software Purchases Should Be Like Buying a Car

Think about it: when you buy a car, there’s a big element of personal preference, sure. But you also rely on input from trusted sources and make practical decisions based on your needs. It’s a big decision—and for a business, buying software can be just as impactful. The cost of the software itself might not seem huge, but the value of your time—and the potential for growth—certainly is.

Approaching your purchase with clarity is key. You don’t want to waste time looking at hatchbacks when you really need a people mover! My dream is for every small business owner to have the tools they need to cut through the noise and make smart software decisions.

Join the Waitlist Today

Watch this space for the launch of the CRM Game Plan Course—it’s coming next week! I know that many small business owners use the New Year’s break to work on their business, not just in it. If you want structured direction and a practical plan, join the waitlist to be notified as soon as it’s ready to go.

Let’s make 2025 the year we leave magical thinking behind and make smarter software decisions for our businesses.