Engage Your CRM Pit Crew
CRM sits at the intersection of marketing and IT. It will not be successful without both teams fully engaged.
Marketing needs to communicate the business case to IT.
IT needs to educate marketing about the challenges and pitfalls that come with any data management project.
Review your big picture strategy with IT and find out what other projects they are working on and how they might impact your rollout.
Chances are, other departments have relationship data management projects they are trying to manage and CRM may provide a solution for them also. IT will be in a position to connect you with other stakeholders who could benefit from working with you.
After your IT meeting, set up meetings with leaders of other departments, finance, HR, professional development and others who manage information involving people. Incorporate their ideas and feedback into your strategy.
Technology without people is akin to trying to drive a car without a driver. Whether a Honda or a Porche, you are just not going to get anywhere