Transform Your Spreadsheets into a Dynamic Sales Pipeline with…

Curious about how I managed to double my sales? The secret was simple: I started tracking them diligently. Instead of relying on hope, guesswork, and jotting down notes during Zoom calls, I implemented a system to monitor every interaction—from that initial “hey there” to the final handshake and invoice.

This is where the power of a sales pipeline comes into play. It serves as a visual guide that reveals the current status of each lead, outlines the next steps, and indicates how close you are to hearing a resounding “yes.” With this clarity, you can guide prospects through the process, resolve any roadblocks, and keep everything running smoothly like a finely tuned espresso machine.

And it’s effective! Companies utilizing robust pipeline systems experience revenue and profitability increases of up to 80%. Why is that? Because most sales opportunities slip away during the follow-up phase, but a pipeline makes following up straightforward, automatic, and nearly foolproof.

That’s where Zoho Bigin comes in. It’s a user-friendly CRM designed specifically for real businesses—not just software demos. So, if you’re currently managing your sales with a spreadsheet and an overflowing inbox, keep reading; we’re about to change that.

Introducing Zoho Bigin: The Simple CRM for Small Business

Here’s the game changer: Zoho Bigin is not just another CRM; it’s built for you—the solopreneur, the small team, the business owner juggling multiple tasks.

It’s budget-friendly (starting at just $7/month per user), mobile-accessible, and simply intuitive, requiring no extensive training to get rolling. Think of it as a compact control panel for your business—packed with powerful automation without the unnecessary complexity of enterprise systems.

You can access Zoho Bigin through Zoho One, which offers the best value for your investment.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.

What Sets It Apart?

First, let’s address the fact that most CRMs tend to prioritize management reporting over actual sales support. Sales professionals often dread CRMs because entering details can take longer than closing the deal itself.

That’s why I appreciate Zoho Bigin; it focuses on helping you close deals and keep prospects informed without wasting your time on unnecessary data entry.

Here are a few features that make it easy to manage:

• User-friendly pipeline views for instant clarity on where each prospect stands in your process.
• Automated tasks and follow-ups to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
• Seamless email and calendar integration that truly functions well.
• Customizable fields and tags to maintain organization in your preferred style.

In short, you can tailor Bigin to be as simple or as comprehensive as you desire, making it an exceptional choice.

How to Smartly Start Using Bigin (Without Importing a Single Thing)

Here’s a tip: avoid kicking off with a massive contact import. Why? Because dumping a bunch of contacts into a CRM before you understand how to use it is like buying a closet full of clothes before organizing your dresser—overwhelming and counterproductive.

Instead, let Bigin grow alongside your business. Start by setting up your sales pipeline—the stages your prospect will navigate from their initial contact to the final sale.

Select a Pipeline Template

If you’re uncertain about how to structure your pipeline, don’t worry—Bigin offers templates suited to 12 popular industries for small businesses.

While you can certainly create a custom template, I recommend selecting one of the available options first, allowing for customization as you progress.

Manually Add Your Prospects

Once your pipeline is established, start inputting your prospects manually. Avoid importing them—doing so can lead to clutter. Manual entry allows you to familiarize yourself with the system and qualify prospects with specific notes related to each one. This practice will also help you identify what information to automate later.

Set Up Automatic Prospect Addition

Once you’ve added your prospects manually, create methods to automatically input new prospects while maintaining the same level of quality. Here’s what I do:

1. Integrate with your calendar tool. I use Zoho Bookings, which works seamlessly.
2. Utilize forms. You can create forms using Zoho Forms or Zoho Campaigns, or leverage other lead capture systems like MailChimp to gather targeted leads.
3. Connect Bigin with tools like Microsoft 365, Google Contacts, Mailchimp, Constant Contact, Zoho Books, and Zoho Forms for automatic synchronization of new or updated contacts.
4. Business Card/QR Scanner: Use the Zoho Card Scanner app to scan business cards or QR codes, automatically filling in relevant fields and creating new contacts in Bigin—no typing required.
5. Email-In Feature: Set up an email alias for your Bigin pipeline. Any email sent to that alias will automatically create a new contact (if it’s new) and associate it with a record in your pipeline; if it’s an existing contact, their information will update as needed.
6. For existing contacts in spreadsheets, you can import directly into Bigin. During the import process, map spreadsheet columns to Bigin fields for seamless data transfer.

Bonus: Automate Your Sales Process

Bigin lets you craft “if this, then that” workflows with ease. For example:

• If someone fills out a contact form, send a welcome email and assign a follow-up task.
• If a deal hasn’t moved in 7 days, send a reminder.
• If a deal is won, send the onboarding documents and tag them as a “Client.”

The outcome? A system that operates efficiently, even while you sleep. This means fewer missed opportunities and more deals closing themselves.

Real-Time Access on Mobile

Recognizing that most small business owners are always on the go, Bigin’s mobile app ensures you can manage your sales pipeline effortlessly.

What makes a CRM transformative? The ability to use it while away from your desk.

Bigin’s mobile app is fully functional and user-friendly. You can make calls, log meetings, check your pipeline, and receive reminders all without opening your laptop.

Ideal for:

• Following up post-networking before conversations fade from memory.
• Making quick updates between appointments.
• Keeping your pipeline active while you focus on running your business.

FAQ: Sounds Good – But…

Do I need other Zoho tools for Bigin to function?

Nope! Bigin operates seamlessly on its own, but it integrates well with the Zoho ecosystem. Even without Zoho Books, Zoho CRM, or Zoho Mail, you’ll have everything you need to manage leads and close deals.

Is Bigin too complicated for non-tech-savvy users?

You’re in good company. Bigin is designed for those who lack time for complicated systems. If you can handle a calendar and email, you’ll find Bigin easy to use. Most users are up and running in under an hour.

Can I use Bigin if I provide various types of services?

<pCertainly! You can create multiple pipelines for different services—consulting, coaching, VIP packages, and more. Each pipeline can feature unique stages, automations, and workflows tailored to specific services.

How secure is my client data in Bigin?

Zoho prioritizes data security. Your information is encrypted, stored in secure data centers, and safeguarded by enterprise-level security measures. You own your data; Zoho doesn’t sell it.

Can I grant access to Bigin to a VA or team member without full access?

Yes! You can add users to your Bigin account and control their access levels. Whether it’s a virtual assistant, sales representative, or project manager, you dictate what they can see and do.

The Final Thoughts

You didn’t start your business to waste hours searching for client phone numbers or rewriting the same email repeatedly. Your goal is to serve clients, generate income, and enjoy greater freedom.

Zoho Bigin empowers you to do precisely that—at a cost that even the most budget-conscious businesses can afford.

Let’s make 2025 the year you finally streamline your systems.

No more spreadsheet chaos. No more missed follow-ups. No more second-guessing whether you accomplished what you promised last week.

Give Bigin a try. You’ll be thanking yourself by next Friday.

Ready to make the switch? Start your free trial of Zoho Bigin today and discover the benefits of a professional-grade business operation.