If you’ve ever scrolled through a business group on social media, you’ve probably seen posts like these:
"Looking for a CRM. What’s the best one?"
"I need a better email marketing platform. Suggestions?"
Simple, right? Except these posts tend to get dozens of responses ranging from actual recommendations to the dreaded “Use Google” comment.
The problem? These posts are often too vague to spark genuinely helpful advice.
If you're about to take the plunge into a new software system, here’s how to approach the hive mind—and get answers you can actually use.
Preparing Your Ask
Before you ask anyone for recommendations, get crystal clear on what you’re looking for:
1. Know Thyself (and Thy Needs)
- What do you want and need?
- Is this about automating tasks, tracking leads, or improving communication?
- Jot down your non-negotiables.
- What are your must-haves?
- Is integration with your other tools essential?
- Does it need to be user-friendly for a non-tech-savvy team?
- What’s your budget?
- Knowing your financial limits helps narrow the options and avoids wasted time on systems out of reach.
2. Reflect on Your Current Setup
What’s pushing you to make a change?
Maybe your current system feels like trying to program a VCR in 2024.
Be specific about what’s not working—slow performance, clunky design, or lacking a feature critical to your workflow.
Knowing what you don’t like helps steer the search in the right direction.
3. Keep the Bigger Picture in Mind
Your software shouldn’t just work for today; it should grow with your business.
Ask yourself:
- What are your immediate goals?
- What do you want to achieve in a year? Three years?
- Will the system scale with you as your business evolves?
4. Research Like a Boss
There’s a wealth of information online. Comparison articles, blog posts, and even YouTube walkthroughs can give you a solid starting point.
The more you know going in, the better prepared you’ll be to evaluate the advice you receive.
Asking For Recommendations
-
Ask in the Right Places
The quality of your answers depends on the community you ask.
Target groups or forums where members have similar needs and experience. Asking a group of solopreneurs about enterprise-level CRMs might leave you empty-handed.
-
Be Specific When Asking for Advice
The vaguer your question, the less helpful the response.
Instead of “What’s the best CRM?” try:
"I have a professional dog walking company, and I am looking for a CRM that integrates with QuickBooks, allows multiple user access (up to 15 as we continue to grow our staff), and has robust reporting and scheduling features. I also use MailChimp, ClickUp, and Google Workspace. I tried Zoho, but it was more than I needed. My budget is $50/month. Any recommendations?"
See the difference? When you’re specific, you’re far more likely to get responses that actually help.
Finding The Right Fit
Finding the right software system is like finding the perfect pair of shoes: it’s all about fit.
-
Test Before You Commit
Have some good recommendations? Test them out before you commit to a paid subscription.
Most software platforms offer free trials. Take advantage of these to see if the system fits your workflow.
If time is tight, consider hiring someone to test and report back on your options.
-
Think About the Ecosystem
Your new software needs to play nicely with the rest of your tools.
Make a list of your current systems and check for compatibility or integrations. The last thing you need is a CRM that doesn’t sync with your email marketing platform.
You can turn the avalanche of opinions into a treasure trove of actionable advice by getting clear on your needs, doing your homework, and being specific in your ask.
And who knows? You might even find yourself giving recommendations next time.
Comments