Why Small Businesses Need CRM and ERP Systems (Even If You Think You’re “Too Small”)

Hey there! It’s Elizabeth here—yes, that Elizabeth Muhiudeen who’s been running her little online store, coaching clients, and juggling a million WhatsApp messages since 2018. Trust me, I’ve been exactly where you are right now: drowning in sticky notes, Excel sheets that won’t open on your phone, and customers asking “Didn’t I already pay for this?”

Let me save you years of headache. If your business is growing (or you just want it to stop feeling like organized chaos), you need two magic tools in your life: a CRM and an ERP. And no, they’re not just fancy words for big companies. Let me break it down like we’re having coffee.

First Things First: What the Heck Are CRM and ERP?

CRM = Your Customer Relationship Bestie

Think of CRM (Customer Relationship Management) as the super-smart friend who remembers everything about everyone you know.

• Remembers the last time Mrs. Ade bought something from you
• Knows her baby’s name and that she loves the color blue
• Reminds you to send her a birthday discount
• Tracks every email, call, WhatsApp… everything

I use mine (I’m on Daytona right now, previously HubSpot) and it literally changed my life. I went from “Oh no, I forgot to follow up!” to “Elizabeth, you look so professional.”

ERP = The Behind-the-Scenes Boss Lady

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) is the one who runs the actual business when you’re sleeping.

• Tracks your stock so you never sell something you don’t have
• Does your invoicing and receipts automatically
• Tells you which products are actually making money (spoiler: sometimes it’s not the one you love most)
• Handles payroll, expenses, purchases… all in one place

I switched to Odoo last year and cried happy tears when I saw my profit margins in real time instead of guessing every December.

Okay, But Do You Really Need This as a Small Business?

Short answer: Yes. Long answer? Here’s what happened to me when I kept saying “I’m not big enough yet”:

• I double-sold 20 custom bags because I didn’t know stock was finished → lost money + angry customers
• Spent 6 hours every month chasing invoices that were already paid
• My best customer left because I forgot to reply for two weeks (I still feel bad about that one)
• Paid tax penalties because I mixed up expenses

The day I finally got a proper CRM + ERP? Everything calmed down. My blood pressure thanked me.

Real Talk: The Difference It Makes (With Numbers From My Own Business)

2022 (before systems):
→ Worked 70–80 hours a week
→ Forgot 40% of follow-ups
→ Profit? Honestly, I had no idea

2024 (after CRM + ERP):
→ Work 30–35 hours most weeks
→ 95% follow-up rate (my CRM literally texts me)
→ Profit up 180% because I finally saw what was working

When Should You Actually Get One?

Don’t wait until you’re “big.” Get it when:

• You have more than 50 regular customers
• You’re using more than 3 different apps/tools to run the business
• You ever say “Let me check my WhatsApp” when someone asks about their order
• You’re scared to look at your bank account because numbers don’t match

Basically, the moment it stops being fun and starts feeling messy—you’re ready.

How to Pick the Right One (Without Crying at the Price)

Start small and simple. My recommendations for beginners in 2025:

Best Affordable CRM Options

• Zoho CRM (free for 3 users—perfect start)
• HubSpot (free tier is honestly amazing)
• Daytona (African-made and super easy for WhatsApp businesses)

Best Affordable ERP Options

• Odoo (free community version if you’re brave, paid is worth it)
• QuickBooks + inventory add-ons
• AkaBiz or WyzeERP if you’re in Nigeria/Kenya

Pro tip: Start with just CRM first. Once customers are happy and organized, add ERP. Baby steps!

Let’s Wrap This Up, Friend

You started your business because you’re passionate—not to become a professional email-chaser or Excel warrior. CRM and ERP systems aren’t “extra expenses.” They’re peace of mind in software form.

If little old me—someone who used to write customer names in a physical notebook—can run a smooth six-figure business from my laptop using these tools, I promise you can too.

Take that first tiny step today. Even signing up for a free CRM account counts. Your future self (the one who actually sleeps at night) is cheering for you.

Which one are you going to try first—CRM or ERP? Drop it in the comments, I reply to everyone 🤍

P.S. If you want my exact checklist for choosing the right system for African/small businesses, comment “CHECKLIST” and I’ll send it to your DM. No spam, just love.