Feeling like your CRM is more trouble than it’s worth—or worse, still stuck in a spreadsheet? This episode is your permission slip to stop the tech overwhelm and start making smart, scalable decisions.

I chat with Frieda Maher, founder of Sales Pod and CRM transformation queen, about how small businesses can ditch clunky systems, stop wasting time, and build simple, scalable solutions that actually work.

Whether you’re CRM-shopping, considering a switch, or just trying to make your current setup work harder (without hiring another admin), Frieda breaks it all down—minus the jargon.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Connect with Frieda on LinkedIn: Frieda Maher

• Visit Sales Pod: salespod.com.au

• Frieda’s course: CRM Game Plan (or update with correct link)

• Tools mentioned: MailerLite, HubSpot, ActiveCampaign, Go High Level, Insightly, Pipedrive, Zoho

• Bonus: Chris L. Davis – ActiveCampaign Education & Mentorship

  My Interview with Chris L. David - listen here

Time Stamp

00:00 – Intro: Why simple, smart, and human systems are the way forward
01:05 – Meet Frieda Ma: From global sales ops to small business game-changer
03:12 – Why big improvements happen in small businesses
06:40 – The truth about what a CRM actually is (and isn’t)

09:55 – “What’s the best CRM?” is the wrong question to ask

13:01 – When it’s time to ditch your system and upgrade (hint: more effort in than value out)

17:15 - Signs your tech stack is holding you back (and wasting money)

19:40 – How to make CRM decisions without losing your min

23:30 – Frieda’s course: CRM Game Plan—structure without overwhelm

29:42 – Real talk on CRM pricing, scale, and hidden traps

30:05 – Listener Q&A from Aya: How to break into CRM as a career

31:10 – Top CRM picks for small businesses right now (MailerLite, HubSpot, ActiveCampaign & more)

34:12 – Frieda’s final advice: Start small, stay human, and pick tech that supports how you work

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