Set Up a CRM That Runs Your Follow-Up
As a solo business, the money you lose isn't to competitors — it's to forgotten follow-ups. A simple CRM, set up in an afternoon, makes sure no lead or client ever slips. Here's the lightweight setup that does the remembering for you.
Why follow-up is where solos leak money
Most solo founders are great at the work and inconsistent at the follow-up. A prospect says 'check back next month,' you mean to, and life happens. A CRM exists to make remembering automatic — it's a follow-up machine, not a database to admire.
The simplest CRM that works
| Stage | Means | Your next action |
|---|---|---|
| New | They raised a hand | Reply + qualify within a day |
| Active | In conversation | A scheduled next touch — always |
| Won / Client | Paid you | Onboard + set a check-in |
0/5 complete
Make the follow-up automatic
- Capture every lead in one place
Route web forms, DMs, and referrals into the CRM automatically.
Why: If capture is manual, you'll skip it on busy days — exactly when it matters.
✓ Checkpoint: New leads appear without manual entry⚠ Pitfall: Leads living in your inbox and your memory - Always set the next action
Never close a record without a next action + date.
Why: A CRM with no next action is just a contact list.
✓ Checkpoint: Every active deal has a future touch⚠ Pitfall: 'I'll remember to follow up' - Automate the reminders
Let the CRM nudge you (or auto-send a templated check-in) on the due date.
Why: The system should chase, not your memory.
✓ Checkpoint: You get a daily 'who to follow up' list⚠ Pitfall: Relying on willpower instead of reminders
FAQ
No. A free tier or even a well-structured spreadsheet works to start. The discipline of 'always a next action' matters more than the tool.
A CRM makes sure you get the chance to bill. Getting paid quickly once you do is the other half — the companion guide below covers invoicing that gets paid faster.
Keep going
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