Do I need help choosing and setting up a CRM?

Some people can set up a CRM themselves, but is it worth your time and attention? This is how you should decide.

Do it yourself if...

If you’re already a systems-minded person or have the time to teach yourself this way of thinking as a new skill, you can probably do it yourself. It comes down to two questions: do you actually want to learn this skill and can you realistically afford to hire an expert?

Do you want to learn it?

Learning to set up a CRM well is a skill. You have to understand how your business runs, how to choose a tool that fits, and how to build it around your processes. Then you have to get your team to use it. Some people enjoy this. They like puzzles, tidying things up, and they’ll happily give up a few weeks to get it right. If that’s you, go for it. Genuinely.

But if you’re doing it only to save money, I’d reconsider. It's sensible to want to save money, but it isn't enough to keep you motivated for the amount of time it will take you to learn.

You tried DIY but...

Many of my clients tried to find or set up a CRM themselves first. They searched online and immediately became overwhelmed with advice. Everyone seemed to recommend a different platform. Some bought a template, opened it, and couldn’t work out what to do next.

They start with every intention to see this through and get more structure into their business, but ultimately setting it all up properly slides down the to-do list against the work they're being paid for.

A CRM is a big decision, and most people don’t have the time to research it properly.

Additionally, a CRM won’t fix a muddled process. If the way you take an enquiry is unclear today, a new system won't solve anything. Taking the time to map out your processes is key to setting up a platform that actually gets used.

What if hiring an expert isn’t realistic right now?

The truth is that hiring an expert costs money, and sometimes the budget just isn’t there. Most businesses start out this way.

If that’s you, doing it yourself is a perfectly good choice. Start by writing down how an enquiry happens in your business, from first message to signed contract and invoice. Then start small. Pick the one part that takes you the most time and focus on simplifying that.

How I can help

If you decide to get help, this is what it looks like to work with me. I start with discovery, meaning I take the time to learn how your business runs. Then I research and consider your options against your business. I’m not tied to any one tool, so I give you two or three options and a clear recommendation. You choose.

Then I build the system around your processes, document everything, and train your team. I finish with a live session and a recorded walkthrough, so the system doesn’t live in one person’s head.

Most projects take 12 weeks. Some take longer. Prices start from £3,000, and we agree a fixed price before any work begins. That is what I mean by done once, done well.

If you’d like help without committing to a project, you can start smaller. I can work on one process, one handover or one tool at £600 a day, with the number of days agreed before we begin. It’s a lower-risk way to see how I work. Send me a message if this sounds useful.

How to make the decision

If you want to learn this skill and have the time, give it a go yourself. If the budget isn’t there yet, start small and keep it simple. If you don’t want to learn it and you can afford the help, getting an expert in is a sensible choice.

Either way, you know your business best. You don’t have to work out the rest alone.

If you’d like help choosing and setting up a CRM around how you work, see how Simplify works.

If you’d like to read more first, you can start with my guide to the best CRM for a small service business in the UK, or my post on how to choose a CRM consultant.