Marketing ERP to People Who Don’t Know They Need ERP – A Journey into Madness
Trying to explain why you need a proper system is like convincing someone they need a map while they’re confidently lost. You nod along, sure you’ve got it handled, then five minutes later, you’re knee-deep in spreadsheets and wondering why everything takes so long.
Here’s the thing – you already have a system, whether you call it that or not.
"We don’t need a system! We’ve got accounting software, an inventory tracker, and Bob’s legendary spreadsheet that only he understands."
Well, congratulations – you already have a system. It’s just held together with copy-paste, crossed fingers, and the hope that Bob never takes a holiday.
Why Marketing Business Systems is Harder Than It Should Be
(Maybe your system is already holding you back – worth a read: 7 Warning Signs Your ERP System is Holding You Back)
You’re not searching for something you don’t even realise is a problem
(Choosing the right consultant can be a game-changer: How to Choose the Right ERP Consultant for Your Business) – If you’ve never heard of these systems, you’re not Googling them. Instead, you’re probably searching for ‘Why is my business admin so painful?’ or ‘Best stock tracking software’ – not ‘Cloud-based, integrated ERP solution with customisable workflows.’
You might think these systems are only for the ‘big guys’
(Keeping NetSuite running smoothly? Here’s why aftercare matters: Why NetSuite Aftercare is Essential for Growing Businesses) – The moment someone mentions ‘business systems,’ you might picture global enterprises with IT departments the size of a small country. But the truth is, these systems can save you time and money – it’s just about finding the right fit, not overcomplicating things.
Be honest – is your ‘system’ actually a Frankenstein setup?
We know it’s not Halloween – in fact, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. But let’s be honest, some of these ERP setups are more like Frankenstein’s Monster than a well-oiled machine. And just like a bad relationship, they keep limping along, held together by hope, frustration, and the fear of change. Maybe it’s time to fall in love with a setup that actually works?
(Manual processes eating your time? Why Every 30-Minute CSV Import Is One Special Script Away from Obsolescence) – A mix of legacy software, disconnected tools, and that one employee who knows how everything works but is definitely retiring next year. You might not realise that upgrading isn’t just about fancy new tech – it’s about avoiding a business meltdown when Bob and his 20 years of spreadsheet wizardry leave the building.
So, What’s Your Move?
Getting you to see the value of the right system is like trying to sell you a camel when you’re convinced a donkey will do just fine. Sure, the donkey has worked for years – it gets you from A to B, it carries what you need, and you know exactly how to handle it. But the camel? It can go further, carry more, and won’t need constant refuelling. You just have to get past the idea that what you’ve always used is the best option simply because it’s familiar. You don’t see that you could carry more, go further, and do it with way less effort – if only you knew what you were missing.
(ERP doesn’t have to be painful – here’s how: The Ultimate Guide to a Stress-Free ERP Implementation)
Instead of shouting “You need a system!” at you, let’s meet you where you are:
But how do you realise it? It’s not about using fancy language – it’s about helping you realise there’s even a problem in the first place. The struggle isn’t that you don’t understand business systems, it’s that you don’t yet see why you need one. No one can just tell you ‘the right system will solve all your problems’ – you have to see the pain for yourself. Picture your business without constant admin headaches, missing stock, or ‘Bob’s Beast of a Spreadsheet’ deciding your future. And once you realise the problem, don’t let business systems sound like some scary corporate monster. Let’s keep it light. No one wants to read about ‘digital transformation roadmaps’ – you just want to stop drowning in spreadsheets and missing orders.
The right system is the answer – you just haven’t realised what the real question is yet.
How We Can Help
Look, we get it – switching to a proper system feels like a big deal. But what if we told you it doesn’t have to be? That’s where we come in. At ERP Experts, we help businesses just like yours move from clunky, time-consuming processes to something that actually works without the stress.
We work with NetSuite, a system that grows with your business instead of holding it back. Whether you need better reporting, automation that saves hours, or just a way to get rid of ‘Bob’s Beast of a Spreadsheet’ for good, we’ve got the expertise to make it happen without the jargon or corporate fluff.
If you’re tired of firefighting your own systems and ready to see what a real setup could do for your business, let’s chat. You might just find that camel isn’t so bad after all.?
What’s the wildest ‘Frankenstein system’ you’ve seen? Drop your best ERP horror stories in the comments!
CEO of SMB Consultants | Connected systems for product selling businesses to drive accurate inventory data and efficient workflows | Award Winning Consultant | 3 x Cin7 Partner Award Winner | Xero Preferred Integrator
2 周I completely agree with your observations regarding the challenges of changing ingrained habits. It's fascinating how often businesses cling to outdated methods. I’ve found that incorporating user feedback early in the transition process can ease fears and encourage buy-in. Have you seen success with similar approaches in your work?