Why Your CRM Should Start With Your Personality

I love networking. Not just for the connections, but for the questions. The best ones come from people who are genuinely trying to build something meaningful, and they spark ideas in my tech brain that I know will help others too.

Recently, a partner asked me this gem:
“How would you go about understanding your first steps in building the foundation of your CRM systems… based on your aligned values and personality type?”
She added, “I’m sure my question is basic as hell.”
Spoiler alert: it’s not.

In fact, it’s foundational. Most people skip this part and dive straight into tools and features. But the real power of a CRM comes from alignment with your values, your workflow, and how you naturally build relationships.

Let’s break it down.

🧭 Step 1: Strategy First

Before touching any software, get clear on how you want to engage with your contacts. Ask yourself:

• What types of relationships am I managing? (Networking partners, prospects, clients, collaborators?)

• How do I want to show up for each group?

• What does consistency look like for me based on my energy, communication style, and business goals?

This isn’t about copying someone else’s system. It’s about designing one that reflects you.

🛠 Step 2: Structure That Supports You

Once your engagement style is defined, we translate that into a system that works for you, not against you. That might include:

• Automating repetitive tasks so you stay present and personal where it matters

• Creating tags, pipelines, or workflows that mirror how you think and move

• Designing follow-up rhythms that feel natural, not forced

This is where strategy meets tech. And if you’re not sure how to bridge that gap, that’s where someone like me comes in to translate your style into a CRM that feels like an extension of your best self.

🔄 Step 3: Ongoing Refinement

A CRM isn’t a one-and-done setup. It evolves with you. You’ll build, test, tweak, and improve just like we do in life and business. The goal is a system that runs smoothly without stripping away your authenticity.

🚫 Let’s Bust a Myth: CRMs Aren’t Magic

They don’t work out of the box without customization. You’ll need to invest:

• Time (learning and building it yourself)

• Money (hiring someone to build it for you)

• Or both (if you want someone to build and train you)

If you’re not ready to commit time or money, I actually recommend not getting a CRM. It’ll feel like a waste. But if you are ready, the payoff is huge: a system that helps you thrive, stay connected, and grow with intention.

So no, her question wasn’t basic, it was brilliant. And if you’re asking similar questions, you’re already on the right track.

Your CRM should reflect your values, your personality, and your way of doing business. When it does, it becomes more than a tool. It becomes a growth engine.

Want help mapping this out? I’d love to help you build something that works because it’s built around you. Contact me at [email protected] with any questions. I love nerdin' out on all things CRM (Customer Relationship Management).