CRM Basics for Sales Teams

About this course

A customer relationship management system is only as useful as the information entered into it. This course explains how to structure contact and company records, log activity consistently and keep pipeline stages honest, so that reports can be trusted when decisions depend on them. The lessons are practical, and they suit any CRM, including free versions.

What you will be able to do

• You'll be able to create and update contact and company records accurately
• You'll be able to log calls, meetings and emails consistently
• You'll be able to keep pipeline stages and values up to date
• You'll be able to read a basic pipeline report for decisions

Course outline

1. What a CRM Does

   8 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   A CRM is a shared record of customers, conversations and opportunities. Its real value is that the whole team can see the same information and act on it, rather than relying on memory or private notes.
2. Structuring Records

   8 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   Well-structured records make searching, reporting and handovers easy. A clear approach to companies, contacts and deals keeps the information consistent across the team.
3. Logging Activity Consistently

   8 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   Logged activity shows what has happened with each customer and what should happen next. Logging calls, meetings and emails in the same way each time keeps the history useful.
4. Keeping the Pipeline Honest

   8 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   Pipeline stages describe how far a deal has progressed. Honest stages, with clear entry criteria and realistic values, make forecasts reliable.
5. Reading Pipeline Reports

   8 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   Pipeline reports summarise deals by stage, value and expected close date. Reading them well helps you decide where to focus effort and where risk is building.
6. Tools you'll need

   5 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   You can learn CRM basics with free options and trials before committing to a paid plan. The principles matter more than any single product.
7. Careers & next steps

   5 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   CRM skills are valued in sales operations, sales support and account roles. This lesson shows where they lead and how to check what they may be worth.
8. Final quiz and certificate

   10 questions, pass mark 8 of 10. Pass to get your Reesby Academy certificate with a verification link.