Introduction
In today’s business world, technology is everywhere — automation, CRMs, AI tools, and data dashboards claim to make everything faster and easier. But here’s the real question: is faster always better?
On a recent episode of the Bricks and Risk Podcast, hosts Sean and his team sat down with Jarrod Blackwell, founder of Let’s Be Strategic, to explore how business owners, agents, and entrepreneurs can build stronger, more authentic client relationships using technology — without losing the human touch.
Jarrod’s approach is rooted in curiosity, empathy, and intentionality. He believes that tools like CRMs and automation aren’t replacements for relationships — they’re enhancers. They free up time so you can listen better, follow up more meaningfully, and create genuine experiences that clients remember.
If you’ve ever wondered how to blend technology and authenticity in your business, this episode is a masterclass in doing both with purpose.
Table of Contents
The Human Side of Technology in Business
When Jarrod launched Let’s Be Strategic, his goal wasn’t just to help companies “get organized.” He wanted to help people connect better.
Technology, he explained, should be used to deepen understanding — not to hide behind screens. CRMs, marketing automation, and AI chat tools are powerful, but only when they reflect real relationships built on empathy and trust.
“Every tool should lead you closer to the person,” Jarrod said. “If it creates distance, you’re using it wrong.”
That mindset has become the foundation of his consulting practice. Whether he’s optimizing a client’s CRM or building an onboarding workflow, his goal is to humanize automation — making sure every message, reminder, or campaign feels like it came from a real person, not a robot.
Curiosity, Empathy, and Authenticity: The Real Relationship Tools
Jarrod believes that curiosity and empathy are the ultimate “tech stack” for business success.
Curiosity helps you uncover what people actually need, not just what they say they want. Empathy helps you respond in a way that builds trust. Together, they create meaningful client experiences that outlast any transaction.
He also emphasizes authenticity — not in the trendy “personal brand” sense, but in showing up honestly and consistently.
Authenticity builds confidence, attracts the right people, and makes marketing easier because you’re not pretending. As Jarrod put it, “Your vibe attracts your tribe.”
When your business and your values align, clients can feel it. And that energy is contagious — both online and in person.
Why Perfectionism is the Enemy of Progress
Jarrod admits he’s wrestled with perfectionism — and what it really means in business.
He keeps a sticky note on his desk that reads, “Perfectionism equals procrastination.” It’s a daily reminder that done is better than perfect, especially in content creation, networking, and marketing.
That philosophy mirrors how the Bricks and Risk team built their own podcast. Early episodes weren’t flawless — but they were necessary. Those “reps” helped the show evolve into what it is today: an authentic space for real conversations about business, mindset, and growth.
Jarrod’s advice: publish, post, and connect — even if it’s not perfect. Every piece of content you release helps you learn, grow, and refine your message.
ADHD as a Business Superpower
In one of the episode’s most personal moments, Jarrod opened up about living and working with ADHD.
Rather than seeing it as a disadvantage, he views it as a creative advantage. ADHD allows him to think fast, connect ideas quickly, and stay flexible in conversations and problem-solving.
Of course, it also presents challenges — attention to detail, overthinking, or getting “stuck” in analysis. But Jarrod’s learned to manage those through systems, delegation, and smart use of technology.
This discussion resonated with many entrepreneurs who often juggle multiple roles. It’s a reminder that self-awareness — not perfection — is the true competitive edge.
How to Build Tech-Enabled Relationships
So how does Jarrod actually help businesses build better relationships through tech?
It starts with systems that reflect human behavior. His company, Let’s Be Strategic, designs CRMs and workflows that match how people actually communicate.
Instead of building cookie-cutter templates, he helps teams identify where conversations fall apart — follow-up delays, mismanaged data, forgotten leads — and then uses automation to fill those gaps.
One of his biggest takeaways: automation should enhance relationships, not replace them. When used right, technology can help you stay present, remember details, and deliver thoughtful follow-ups that strengthen trust over time.
The Role of CRMs in Client Experience
If there’s one thing Jarrod is passionate about, it’s CRMs. He calls them “the lifeblood of your business.”
Many business owners already have a CRM but don’t use it effectively. They either treat it like a contact list or abandon it after setup. Jarrod’s first step with new clients is a free CRM audit — a discovery process that identifies gaps, data issues, and missed opportunities.
Once he knows how you work, he optimizes the system to track conversations, tasks, and follow-ups in a way that supports your natural workflow.
His advice: don’t focus on more software, focus on better use of what you already have.
To explore more about CRM best practices, check out HubSpot’s official guide to CRM strategy.
HubSpot Tips for Real Estate and Insurance Pros
While Jarrod can work in any system, his go-to recommendation for many small businesses is HubSpot.
Here’s why:
It’s intuitive and quick to learn.
The free tier is surprisingly powerful for startups.
It integrates easily with email, calendar, and task systems.
It grows with you — from one user to an entire team.
He cautions, though, that HubSpot’s costs increase with contact volume, so businesses should monitor scaling closely.
His pro tip? Start simple. Create one workflow that saves you time every day — like automated follow-up reminders or birthday emails. Once that works, expand gradually.
Jarrod’s approach is always iterative: test, learn, refine.
Building Community Through Authentic Content
Technology doesn’t just streamline business — it amplifies your voice.
Jarrod and the Bricks and Risk team discussed how today’s best marketing is rooted in documentation, not performance. You don’t need a perfect video or post — you just need to tell your story honestly and consistently.
That’s what makes the Bricks and Risk podcast resonate: it’s about real stories, not sales pitches.
Jarrod believes that when you share your process, your challenges, and your growth, people feel connected to you. And in an AI-driven world full of noise, authenticity becomes your loudest differentiator.
For a deeper read on why authenticity matters in marketing, see Forbes’ feature on authentic brand storytelling.
Lessons for Agents, Entrepreneurs, and Teams
Throughout the conversation, Jarrod dropped insights that apply to anyone building a business:
Be curious, not judgmental. Ask better questions to find real solutions.
Empathy builds loyalty. Listen to understand, not just to reply.
Don’t chase perfection. Progress is made in the reps.
Use tech to enable human connection. Automation should help you remember people, not replace them.
Invest in relationships. Your network’s trust is your most valuable currency.
Be intentional with your systems. Your CRM is only as good as your consistency.
These aren’t abstract ideas — they’re practical frameworks for building a relationship-driven business that scales without losing soul.
FAQ
1. Who is Jarrod Blackwell?
Jarrod Blackwell is the founder of Let’s Be Strategic, a boutique consulting firm helping businesses improve client relationships through technology, CRM optimization, and authentic marketing strategies.
2. What does Let’s Be Strategic do?
The firm audits, designs, and implements CRM systems while coaching businesses on communication, follow-up, and workflow. Their goal: make technology feel human again.
3. What CRM does Jarrod recommend?
He often suggests HubSpot for small to midsize businesses due to its flexibility and ease of use, but he can optimize any CRM to fit a company’s workflow.
4. What industries can benefit from this approach?
Real estate agents, insurance professionals, lenders, and any small business that relies on long-term relationships and consistent client follow-up.
5. How can I connect with Jarrod?
You can learn more or request a free CRM audit at letsbestrategic.com.
Conclusion
The Bricks and Risk conversation with Jarrod Blackwell was more than a talk about CRMs and workflows — it was a reminder that business is still human at its core.
Technology should simplify your day, not strip away connection. The more you automate the repetitive, the more energy you free up for what matters most — listening, understanding, and delivering real value.
Whether you’re an insurance agent, real estate professional, or small business owner, Jarrod’s message is clear:
Use technology not to replace relationships, but to remember, nurture, and grow them.
That’s how you build better client relationships through tech — and that’s the future of business Bricks and Risk continues to explore.
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