Once upon a time we were dissatisfied with the way CRM projects were usually approached, and we figured that a different and ultimately more beneficial perspective could be brought to them.
We tried to summarize our view in a few catchphrase we hope to pass down to our grandchildren when they’ll start working on their own little CRM projects.
Stay in your lane and focus on your job
It’s tough to say no but it’s absolutely key for maintaining a high standard of quality. Do one job, do it hard, do it well and be proud of it. And never let anyone use “we would like / are using an agile approach” as a way to justify complete and utter chaos – or their inability to manage a project.
It’s not done until it’s done. But when it’s done, it’s done.
Better to do something small and to do it well than to shoot for the moon and blow up on take-off. Long term efforts to maintain and develop a CRM ecosystem, whether it is already part of a dense applicative landscape or grows in complexity as the business expands, will always blow up in your face if you can’t start on a robust basis.
Also, be clear with yourself and your sponsors about what “done” means. That kind of clarity is truly essential for everyone’s success.
Once you have pinpointed what “good enough” is, it is, indeed, good enough
When it comes to your interactions with business stakeholders – or with business analysts if you’re a developer, or with anyone really – be like a methodical detective trying to get to the truth of the matter, not like an eager waiter at a fancy restaurant.
Any project is a negotiation but it’s critical to understand when and how to close that negotiation – and for that purpose think in iterations. It is always much more affordable, practical and durable to stop at good and prepare for better.