Every CRM says it’ll play nice with the rest of your stack, but getting your data to actually move between systems without headaches? That’s another story. If you’re looking to connect your CRM to 11x so your contacts, deals, and notes sync up automatically—you’re in the right place. This is for folks who want things to just work and don’t have time for vague promises or endless setup.
Let’s cut through the noise and walk through the real, step-by-step process. I’ll flag the traps to avoid and point out where to keep it simple.
Step 1: Get Clear on What You Want to Sync
Before you even log in to anything, get specific about what you want moving between your CRM and 11x. Here’s why: Not every field or object is worth syncing, and more complexity means more things to break.
- Pick your priorities: Usually, it’s contacts, companies, deals, and maybe notes. Skip the “just in case” fields.
- Decide on the sync direction: Do you want data flowing both ways, or just from CRM → 11x (or vice versa)?
- Map your fields: Grab a spreadsheet, list the fields in your CRM, and match them to what 11x expects. This will save you hours later.
Pro tip: If there are fields you never use, don’t sync them. Less is more.
Step 2: Check Your CRM’s Integration Options
Some CRMs have a direct, built-in integration with 11x. Others need a connector (like Zapier, Make, or custom API work). Let’s be honest: Native is almost always easier and less likely to break.
For Common CRMs:
- HubSpot, Salesforce, Pipedrive: These usually have app marketplaces. Search for “11x” and see if there’s an official or popular connector.
- Zoho, Insightly, Copper, etc.: You may need to use a third-party integration platform.
If you don’t see 11x listed, don’t panic. Most modern CRMs have API access, so you can still set things up—just expect a bit more manual work.
What to skip: Don’t bother with “universal” connectors that promise to do everything with zero setup. They rarely deliver.
Step 3: Set Up Access in 11x
You’ll need credentials from 11x to let your CRM talk to it. This almost always means an API key or OAuth connection.
- Log into 11x.
- Navigate to your integrations or developer/API section.
- Generate an API key (or connect your CRM account if there’s a direct integration).
- Keep this key secure. Don’t email it to yourself or paste it in random docs.
Heads up: If you’re not an admin on 11x, you’ll need to chase down whoever is. Permissions matter here.
Step 4: Authorize the Connection from Your CRM
Now, switch over to your CRM.
- If there’s a built-in 11x integration: Click “Connect” or “Authorize.” You’ll likely be prompted to log in to 11x and grant access.
- If you’re using a third-party platform: You’ll paste in your 11x API key, and possibly your CRM credentials as well.
Double check: Make sure you’re connecting the right accounts (especially if you have test and production environments). Mixing these up is a classic, painful mistake.
Step 5: Configure What Gets Synced (and How)
This is where the rubber meets the road. Most integration tools will let you pick:
- Which objects to sync: (Contacts? Deals? Companies?)
- Which fields to map: Set up your field mapping using the spreadsheet you built earlier.
- Sync direction: One-way or two-way? Be careful—two-way syncs sound great but can cause data ping-pong if not set up precisely.
What works: Start simple. Sync just contacts or deals first, and expand later. You’ll spot issues faster and avoid overwhelming yourself.
What to ignore: Don’t enable every possible sync option “just because.” More data doesn’t equal more value.
Step 6: Set Up Filters and Rules
You probably don’t want every single record moving over. Most platforms let you set conditions like:
- Only sync contacts with an email address
- Only sync deals above a certain value
- Ignore contacts tagged “do not contact”
Use these to your advantage. Less junk means fewer problems.
Pro tip: If you’re unsure, err on the side of syncing less. You can always widen the net later.
Step 7: Test with a Small Sample
Before you hit “Go” on syncing your entire database, test the setup with a handful of records.
- Create or update a few test contacts/deals.
- Watch what happens in 11x. Did everything show up as expected? Any weird formatting?
- Check for duplicates or mismatches. These are often a sign your mapping is off.
What works: Document what you see. Take screenshots or notes—future you will thank you when troubleshooting.
Step 8: Monitor the First Full Sync
Once you’re confident the basics work, run a sync on a larger batch.
- Monitor for errors: Both 11x and your CRM should log integration issues.
- Spot check records: Are key fields showing up? Any missing data?
- Look out for sync loops: If you set up two-way sync, make sure updates aren’t bouncing back and forth endlessly.
Fix issues early: It’s easier to clean up 100 bad records than 10,000.
Step 9: Set Up Ongoing Monitoring and Alerts
No integration is truly “set it and forget it.” Things break—APIs change, permissions get revoked, someone changes a field name.
- Enable error notifications in both systems, if available.
- Schedule a periodic manual spot check (weekly or monthly).
- Document your setup: Record API keys, field mappings, and who has admin access.
What to skip: Don’t assume “no news is good news.” Silent failures are common, and you don’t want to find out months later that half your pipeline never synced.
Step 10: Iterate and Improve (Don’t Overcomplicate)
Once your core sync is running smoothly, you can add more fields or objects if you actually need them.
- Listen to your users: Are sales or support teams missing key info?
- Expand carefully: Add one thing at a time, then watch for fallout.
- Clean up regularly: Duplicates and junk build up over time.
Honest take: The best integrations are boring and invisible. If you’re spending lots of time fiddling, something’s off.
Wrapping Up: Keep It Simple, Stay Sane
Integrating your CRM with 11x doesn’t have to be a months-long drama. Start with the basics, test thoroughly, and resist the urge to sync everything under the sun. Small, boring integrations are the ones that actually work—and keep working. When in doubt, simplify.
Now, go pour yourself a coffee and enjoy not manually copying data between systems.