What Is a CRM and How to Use It: A Beginner's Guide

Leads in your inbox, notes on sticky pads, follow-ups you meant to send last week. If keeping track of customers feels scattered, a CRM can help.

This free, in-person workshop is a beginner-friendly, step-by-step introduction to Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems. NJSBDC consultant Kevin Celisca will walk you through what a CRM does, how to pick one that fits your business, and how to set it up so it actually supports your sales. You'll leave with a clear plan to organize your customer information and follow up consistently.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

- What a CRM is and how it helps you organize customer information

- How to track leads, manage follow-ups, and document communications

- How to choose the right CRM for your business

- How to set up customer records and build a basic sales pipeline

- How to schedule tasks and reminders so nothing slips through the cracks

- How to use your CRM consistently to strengthen relationships and grow sales

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Small business owners and entrepreneurs who are new to CRMs, are still tracking customers in spreadsheets or notebooks, or have a CRM they aren't fully using.

WHY ATTEND

Strong customer relationships drive repeat business and referrals. This session gives you a practical starting point to stay organized, follow up on time, and turn more leads into sales.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

This workshop is free, but registration is required. Seating is limited.

PARKING

Street parking is not recommended. Here is a nearby option:

37 Caldwell Pl, Elizabeth, NJ 07202 (enter via Caldwell Place). Lower rate, slightly farther.

ARRIVAL

Vintage City Offices is a private, shared office space with a locked entrance, so please arrive on time. When you arrive, wait to be let in and wait at the entrance until NJSBDC staff opens the door. Late arrivals are not guaranteed entry.

ACCESSIBILITY & PHOTOGRAPHY

If you need an accommodation, please let us know at registration. For questions, contact the NJSBDC at William Paterson University team at (973) 321-1378 or wpu@njsbdc.org. Photos may be taken during this event. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let a staff member know.

Disclaimer: This training event is supported by federal taxpayer funds. By registering, I certify that I am legally authorized to receive services funded by U.S. taxpayer dollars, in accordance with applicable federal law and Executive Order 14218 ‘Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Bordersʼ (February 19, 2025).