In today’s fast-paced business environment, institutions constantly seek ways to streamline processes and improve data accuracy. One of the most critical areas to consider is your Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) system.

 

Like many others, my client wants to create a CRM automation solution to reduce manual entry and increase data accuracy—key benefits institutions desire for their CRM.

 

However, as we embark on this project, we face some challenges and aren’t making adequate progress toward a CRM automation solution.

 

This is despite having multiple teams working on the solution and meeting several times a week. We also have workflows, specification documents, test plans, and data maps in place. But it seems like we take one step forward and two steps backward. So, what’s going wrong?

 

We need to catch up on the big picture. Everyone is focused on creating their deliverables, so we no longer consider how things fit together or how the changes or revisions impact the teams. This siloed approach must be revised to avoid miscommunication, duplication of efforts, and a solution that fails to meet their needs.

 

If you find yourself in a similar situation, it’s time to take a step back to make a giant leap forward. We discuss three fundamental things to consider as you work toward overcoming similar challenges when implementing a CRM automation.

 

Foster Open Communication and Collaboration

Encourage your teams to communicate openly and frequently. This fosters creativity and innovation, but also allows teams to see themselves as an integral part of the organization and establish a greater sense of ownership.

 

Schedule regular meetings where everyone shares their progress. Discuss challenges they may be facing and brainstorm solutions together. Deconstructing silos ensures everyone is working toward the same goal while simultaneously promoting a culture of collaboration. This supportive approach creates an environment that inspires problem solving and growth for the long-term.

 

Review Objectives and Priorities During CRM Automation

Project objectives are specific, measurable, and time-bound goals that define a project’s goal. These objectives provide a clear direction for the project team and stakeholders, guiding their efforts and ensuring everyone aligns with the project’s purpose.

 

Project prioritization determines the best order for completing a group of projects or tasks. Prioritization may be based on criteria like how the work impacts business or financial goals, organizational risk, staff availability, and potential for success.

 

Regularly review the project’s original objectives and priorities. Confirm the team understands what they should achieve and why it’s essential. This aligns your team’s efforts—allowing them to remain focused on delivering a solution that meets the goals and complements the big picture.

Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability for a CRM Automation Solution

 

Change is inevitable in any project. Flexibility and adaptability are indispensable qualities for success in fast-paced project environments. Flexibility allows teams to adjust plans, resources, and strategies in response to changing circumstances, while adaptability enables them to thrive amidst uncertainty and ambiguity.

 

Be open to adjusting your approach as needed and encourage your teams to do the same. If something needs to be fixed, don’t be afraid to pivot and try a different approach. Flexibility and adaptability propel your team forward, even during challenges.

 

Implementing a CRM automation solution can be complex and challenging, but it provides significant benefits to an organization. And sometimes, taking a step back is just what you need to make a giant leap forward.