What should the five deal stages represent?
Choose stages that reflect observable progress, such as a qualified conversation or a proposal sent, rather than a person’s optimism about a sale. The example uses five columns, but the names and entry rules should come from your process. If teammates disagree about where a deal belongs, clarify the stage definitions before adding more fields or reports.
Why link a deal to a contact record?
The link keeps the opportunity connected to the person involved, making it easier to see who spoke with the customer and what was discussed. The sample includes values and next actions as well, so the team can review both the commercial opportunity and its immediate follow-up. Decide how to handle multiple contacts on one deal if buying decisions involve several people.
What makes a useful next action in a CRM?
Write a specific step with an owner and a time frame, such as sending the requested details or arranging a follow-up call. “Check in” is less useful when no one knows when or why. The example gives each deal a next-action field; make it part of the team’s regular review so overdue opportunities are visible.