Overcoming CRM Relationship Challenges Together

For years, Buildout has been at the forefront of supporting brokers in navigating the complexities of CRM solutions. Over the years, we've gained a deep understanding of the common obstacles brokers face on the road to CRM success.

Here's how you can overcome some of these challenges:

Transitioning from Manual Solutions

Switching from manual methods like pen-and-paper or spreadsheets to a CRM system can be overwhelming. This transition often feels like a system shock, but with the right tech partner, it doesn’t have to be. Leverage help articles and resources that break down individual features, from maintaining records to customizing deal pipelines. Make sure to utilize all available support resources, including training sessions, to ease this transition.

When it comes to making a switch, take a look at what resources will be available at your disposal. Do you have a dedicated account manager, implementation support, or resources you can constantly refer back to? When it comes to automating, it’s more than just tech features but finding a true tech partner to help you every step of the way.?

Customizing Your CRM

Your workflow is unique, shaped by the specific needs of your brokerage, the types of deals you handle, and the relationships you cultivate. Because of this, it's crucial that your CRM system supports, rather than hinders, the way you do business. Many brokers make the mistake of trying to adapt their existing methods to fit the rigid structure of a new CRM, leading to frustration and inefficiency. This approach can feel like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole, where the technology ends up dictating your workflow instead of enhancing it.

The key to avoiding this pitfall is to focus on customization and finding CRMs built specifically for the CRE industry.?

For instance, look for a solution where you can customize fields, templates, and reports to capture the specific data points that matter most to your business. You can also configure your deal pipeline to reflect the stages that are relevant to your transactions, ensuring that the CRM mirrors the flow of your deals from prospecting to closing.

By investing the time upfront to configure your CRM, you transform it from a generic tool into a powerful extension of your business.

Maintaining Data Hygiene

Data hygiene is critical in ensuring your CRM remains a reliable and effective tool for your brokerage. Clean, accurate data forms the backbone of any CRM system, driving everything from client communications to deal tracking and strategic decision-making. However, maintaining this level of data integrity is often easier said than done. One common pitfall that many organizations fall into is the overzealous use of mandatory fields on records.

While it might seem logical to require as much information as possible to be filled out, this approach can backfire. When users are confronted with too many mandatory fields, especially when they don’t have the necessary information at hand, they may resort to entering placeholder data just to move forward. Inaccurate or incomplete data can lead to a host of issues. Reports generated from this data might be misleading, leading to poor business decisions. Miscommunications can arise from incorrect contact information, and the overall trust in the CRM system can erode if users feel that the data it holds is unreliable. Over time, these small inaccuracies can accumulate, turning what should be a powerful asset into a liability.

Maintaining data hygiene is about more than just keeping your records tidy—it’s about ensuring that your CRM remains a dependable resource that you can trust to help drive your brokerage's success.

Successfully integrating a CRM into your brokerage is about more than just adopting new technology—it's about aligning that technology with the way you work. By addressing the challenges of transitioning from manual processes, customizing the CRM to fit your needs, and maintaining data hygiene, you can ensure that your CRM becomes an invaluable asset rather than a source of frustration. With the right approach and support, your CRM can help you build stronger client relationships and drive your business forward. Ready to learn more key strategies and takeaways? Access our Ultimate CRM Guide for CRE Brokers today!