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Full time ministers - Do you use CRM software?

phydaux

Newbie
Oct 22, 2014
434
52
59
Hudson, NH
✟21,748.00
Country
United States
Gender
Male
Faith
Calvary Chapel
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
At a young age, many years ago, I got involved in running a martial arts studio. The owner set me up as the "chief instructor" at a new school a few towns over. And he gave me a few simple instructions:

On the first day of every month, I was to write down the names of all the "regular" students, both the new ones and the long timers, in a book. I was to keep that book with me as much as possible.

Every day I was to try to have a brief, one on one conversation with as many students on the list as possible.

Several times each day I was to check the list. Anyone on the list that I had talked to one on one, I was to draw a line through their name.

Every morning I was to check the list, and anyone whose names wasn't crossed out I was to look for them, and make a point to have a brief one on one conversation.

After three weeks I was to check the list. Anyone that I hadn't talked to after three weeks I was to call at home and ask them how they were - Were they sick? Were they having trouble at home or with regular school? That sort of thing.

Then the next month, make a new list. Hopefully I didn't lose too many names, and a few new names got added.

Many years later I got into B2B sales, and my company used CRM software similar to Goldmine or Act! to manage customer contact and schedule "touches." It didn't take me long to realize that it was just my old martial arts instructor's paper notebook system, just upgraded.

Now I'm getting more involved in ministry. I'm wondering if any of you full timer's use CRM software to help you stay in contact with your staff, volunteers and flock?