guides

Keeping a network you can actually use

Guides on personal CRMs, managing a professional network, and making warm introductions, written for advisors, investors and founders.

Personal CRM

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What is a personal CRM?›

A personal CRM keeps track of the people you know, what you last discussed, and who needs a follow-up. Here is what one does and when you need it.

How to choose a personal CRM›

Five questions that separate the personal CRM you will still be using in six months from the one you abandon in three weeks, and a test that takes a month.

A personal CRM for consultants›

Consultants have few clients, long gaps between them, and referrals as the whole pipeline. That shape needs a different tool from the one salespeople use.

Networking for introverts, with the performance removed›

Most networking advice asks introverts to act like extroverts. This is the other approach. Fewer people, more memory, and a system that does the remembering.

Personal CRM vs spreadsheet›

A spreadsheet works until the last contact column stops being true. Here is what breaks, when to switch, and what to carry over when you do.

CRM for advisors

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The CRM for startup advisors›

Advisors who support several companies need to track each one's needs and the introductions they owe. Here is what that system looks like.

Managing your network

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How to manage your professional network without it becoming a job›

Keeping a few hundred relationships alive is a system problem. Which ones to keep, how to notice when one is fading, and what to do about it.

Warm introductions

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How to make a warm introduction›

The double opt-in, when to skip it, what to write, and what to do when one side says no. A guide for people who make introductions for a living.

Comparisons

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The best personal CRM for networking, by who you are›

Twelve tools grouped by the job they do, with a recommendation for each kind of networker. No affiliate links, no rankings, real strengths and limits.