Episode 45: Do You Really Need a CRM?

In Episode 45 of the Toe-2-Toe Podcast, hosts Jenn Murtland and Monica Weakley duke it out over whether you really need a CRM. Hear why Jenn does not use a CRM and why Monica feels you need to have a system for managing relationships. Stay tuned for the insightful tiebreaker at the end.

 

Episode Highlights: 

• Do you really need a CRM?
• Jenn says no and that she does not use one.
• You can get so busy working in the CRM that you're not doing the work. 
• Jenn prefers communicating with people instead of getting trapped managing a CRM system.
• Monica disagrees. You may not need a traditional CRM system, but you need something.
• Monica uses Facebook as a key tool for relationship management. She also uses a wall CRM divided by As, Bs, and Cs.
• A wall CRM allows you to see the relationships you need to manage and that can help.
• Monica urges you to find a system that will work for you.
• Jenn used to organize her CRM based on a daily folder system. 
• Gary Keller of Keller Williams fame similarly used an index black file box.
• The problem with CRMs is that we can overcomplicate them.
• Jenn says that without some kind of system, your business growth is limited by your memory. 
• Jenn's partner uses a CRM and reminds Jenn who to call.
• CRM tools are only amazing if you use them and populate them with the right kind of information, and then deliver on it.
• Don't get trapped. If you find yourself getting trapped, maybe you need something simpler.
• Today’s tiebreaker guest, Alan Whisman, believes realtors need to use a CRM.
• To stay in touch, you need some way to manage the relationship.
• When you have a system to manage data, you don't have to think about it. 
• It took years for Alan to perfect his CRM system.
• Alan likes putting all of the data in one place and letting it sync with other tools he uses.
• The best CRM is the one you're going to use.

3 Key Points:

1. Even if you don’t use CRM software, you need a system for managing client relationships.
2. The problem with CRMs is that we can overcomplicate them.
3. Find a system to manage relationships that works for you. 

Resources Mentioned:

• Jenn Murtland LinkedIn | Facebook
• Monica Weakley LinkedIn | Facebook
• Toe 2 Toe Podcast Facebook Page
• Alan Whisman website