Classify contacts with useful categories

Choose a classification approach

A category should answer a question you actually ask of the database. Is this a client, prospect or partner? Is the contact linked to a particular activity? Define a few common reference points and avoid mixing relationship type with a temporary action in the same category.

Keep a short, coherent list

Two nearly identical categories make searching harder. Before creating a new one, check whether an existing distinction meets the need. In a team or association, agree on each term’s meaning. Tasks handle what must be done; categories help explain which group a record belongs to.

In your working day

An association distinguishes members, volunteers and partners. Preparing a call is a task, not a new category that becomes irrelevant once the call is over.

Three steps to get started

1. 01

   Define the meaning of each category

2. 02

   Avoid nearly identical terms

3. 03

   Use tasks for temporary actions