Chapter 12

Keeping It Healthy

Keep your data clean, review who has access, watch costs as you grow, know when to add features and when to stop, keep backups and an exit plan, and recognize when it's time to change systems.

6 lessons · about 37 minutes of reading

Lessons

1. 1Keeping Data CleanData goes bad slowly and on its own. Here are the four kinds of mess, how to stop most of it at the door, and a monthly hour that deals with the rest.6 min read
2. 2Reviewing Who Has AccessYour CRM holds your customer list, your prices and your pipeline. Here is how to decide who can see what, what to do when someone leaves, and a short review to run every quarter.6 min read
3. 3Watching Costs as You GrowCRM bills rarely jump all at once. They creep up through seats, tiers, add-ons and renewals. Here is how to see the real figure and act before the renewal date.6 min read
4. 4When to Add Features and When to StopEvery field, automation and report feels small when you add it. Together they can bury a CRM. Here are four questions to ask before you add anything, and how to remove what no longer earns its place.7 min read
5. 5Backups and Your Exit PlanA vendor backs up its systems for its own reasons, not to undo your mistakes. Here is how to keep your own copy, check it works, and write a one-page exit plan.6 min read
6. 6When It's Time to Change SystemsSometimes the CRM really is the problem, and often it isn't. Here is how to tell the difference, what to fix first, and how to make the call.6 min read