It's crucial to recognize that technology and tools, while powerful, are not easy fixes for bad processes. The foundation lies in well-defined processes and rituals. The question that follows is: How do technology and tools integrate into these processes to make them more efficient and how can you bend your processes to conform to the tool making them more efficient?

A pragmatic evaluation is essential, keeping budgets in mind. It's a reality check that no tool can be a perfect 100% solution. Instead, we should focus on progress over perfection. In the context of CRM marketing, a practical mindset acknowledges that tools may not accomplish everything, but they can significantly contribute to our efficiency.

No tool can perform 100% of what we desire, but if it can deliver 80%, it's a winner. The emphasis is on incremental gains over time. Like a triathlon that starts with the first swim stroke, using the tool is the key. Waiting for it to reach 100% perfection is counterproductive. It's akin to trying to plan every detail of a triathlon before taking the first step – an approach that hinders progress.

The key is to start using the tool and gradually grow into it. Waiting for perfection leads to stagnation. Imagine bringing up clay from a wheel; initially, you create a basic bowl shape. Similarly, with technology, it's about playing with it, working through its features, and gradually molding it into what you need and to some extent, you molding into what it offers.

Incorporating technology and tools into CRM marketing is not about seeking a flawless solution from the outset. It's about embracing a practical and pragmatic approach that recognizes the limitations of tools while leveraging their capabilities. No tool can do everything, but if it can take you 80% of the way, that's a solid foundation. The emphasis should be on progress over perfection, allowing incremental gains as users become more adept with the tools and processes continue to evolve. In the end, it's not about waiting for perfection but about starting, growing, and adapting.