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One thing I’ve learned working with startups:
You don’t need expensive tools to start closing deals.
I’ve worked with teams that had no CRM, so I built simple systems using Google Sheets to:
Track leads
Manage follow-ups
Keep the pipeline organized
It’s not about the tools-it’s about having a process that actually works.
Once the system works, then you can scale it.
The network for creativity
Join 1.25M professional creatives like you
Connect with clients, get discovered, and run your business 100% commission-free
Creatives on Contra have earned over $150M and we are just getting started
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Managing a full sales pipeline in HubSpot CRM — tracking deals from first contact all the way to Closed Won. From logging calls to scheduling appointments and sending follow-ups, this is how I help clients stay on top of their sales process without losing a single lead.
Open to new clients! Let's work together
Why Excel still beats expensive software for small businesses
Most small business owners I talk to feel like they should be using some fancy CRM or ERP system.
But here's the truth nobody tells you:
For businesses under 50 people, Excel done right beats expensive software almost every time.
Here's why 👇
1. You already have it
No subscription. No onboarding. No monthly fees. Excel is sitting right there.
2. It bends to your business
Software forces you into its structure. Excel fits around your workflow — your terms, your columns, your logic.
3. Your team already knows it
No training required. Everyone from the accountant to the sales person can open and read a well-built Excel file.
4. One clean file beats 3 scattered tools
I've seen businesses track leads in WhatsApp, revenue in a notebook and expenses in their head. One organized Excel dashboard brings it all together.
The problem was never Excel.
The problem was never having it set up properly.
What tool does your business currently use to track data?
Excellent insights!
Just wrapped up a lead generation project for a logistics company — built a full prospect database with company names, emails, phone numbers, and outreach status tracking using Google Sheets. This is the kind of behind-the-scenes work that helps businesses grow their pipeline without the administrative burden. Open to new clients!
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