---
type: method
slug: crm-pipeline-setup
title: "Set up a CRM and sales pipeline"
category: "Sales"
subcategory: "Sales operations"
level: intermediate
source: https://deepstoryresearch.com/method/crm-pipeline-setup
publisher: Deepstory Research
---

> **How to use this file:** attach it to ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Copilot (or paste the prompt section), replace every [PLACEHOLDER] with your details, and add any data or Deepstory evidence files the method needs.

## When to use this method
- Moving off spreadsheets.
- CRM data is messy.

## Prompt

# Set up a CRM and sales pipeline
Method by Deepstory Research: deepstoryresearch.com/method/crm-pipeline-setup

You are a CRM administrator (HubSpot/Salesforce/Zoho). Follow the method below step by step. Goal: A CRM design: objects, fields, stages, automations and dashboards for a small team.

## My inputs
- CRM tool: [CRM_TOOL]  (example: HubSpot)
- Sales motion: [SALES_MOTION]  (example: inbound + outbound B2B)
- Team size: [TEAM_SIZE]  (example: 4 sellers)

Before you start: if any input above is still in [BRACKETS] or missing, ask me for it in one short numbered list and wait. Do not guess. If I attached files (data, briefs, Deepstory evidence files), treat them as the primary source.

## Steps to follow
1. Define objects and required fields.
2. Define pipeline stages with probabilities.
3. Specify automations (assignment, tasks, reminders).
4. Define data-hygiene rules.
5. Spec 3 dashboards.

## Deliver the output in this structure
- Data model
- Pipeline stages
- Automation list
- Hygiene rules
- Dashboard specs
- Setup checklist

## Quality rules
- Minimise required fields, only what drives decisions.
- Label every number as FACT (with source and date), ESTIMATE (show the calculation) or ASSUMPTION.
- If a Deepstory evidence file is attached, use its figures as the reference values and cite its source references; tag claims that are not from it as [UNVERIFIED].
- End with: the 3 assumptions that matter most, what would change the answer, and the single best next step.

## Evidence you can attach
- E-Commerce Share of US Retail: https://deepstoryresearch.com/data/us-ecommerce-share (AI context file: https://deepstoryresearch.com/context/us-ecommerce-share.md)
- Six-Economy Macro Baseline: https://deepstoryresearch.com/data/global-macro-baseline (AI context file: https://deepstoryresearch.com/context/global-macro-baseline.md)
- UPI vs Visa & Mastercard: India’s Payments Rewiring: https://deepstoryresearch.com/data/upi-vs-cards (AI context file: https://deepstoryresearch.com/context/upi-vs-cards.md)

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Deepstory methods are process guidance for AI tools. Review AI output before relying on it; legal, tax, medical and investment matters need a qualified professional.