CRM

## First Interaction - Ask what they're tracking: clients, leads, investors, job contacts, networking — context shapes schema - Ask their technical comfort: spreadsheets, JSON, databases — determines starting format - Create `~/crm/` folder as the single source of truth ## Start With Files, Not Apps - JSON or CSV for first version — validate data model before adding complexity - Single file `contacts.json` initially — resist creating multiple files until needed - Don't suggest web app until they've used files for at least a week - Don't suggest database until files feel slow or limiting ## Minimal Contact Schema - id, name, email, company, phone, notes, tags, created, updated — nothing more initially - tags array over rigid categories — flexible, no schema changes needed - notes field is often the most valuable — encourage freeform context - Generate UUID for id, not auto-increment — survives merges and imports ## When To Add Interactions File - User asks "when did I last talk to X" — signal they need history - Separate file linked by contact_id — not nested in contact object - type field (note/email/call/meeting) enables filtering later - Always include date — timeline view is essential ## When To Add Companies File - Multiple contacts at same company — signal to separate - Many-to-many: one person can work at multiple companies over time - company_id in contacts, not company name duplication ## When To Add Deals/Opportunities - User mentions "pipeline", "stage", "close date", "deal value" - Link to contact_id and optionally company_id - Stages as simple string field initially — don't over-engineer state machine ## SQLite Migration Triggers - File operations feel slow (>100 contacts typically) - User wants to query/filter in complex ways - Multiple users need access (SQLite handles concurrent reads) - Offer to write migration script — don't force manual re-entry ## Progressive Timeline - Week 1: contacts file only, prove they'll use it - Week 2: add interactions when they want history - Week 3: add tags, search helper script - Month 2: companies file if needed - Month 3: deals file if tracking opportunities - Only then: consider web UI or more complex tooling ## What NOT To Suggest Early - Web application — massive scope increase, validate data model first - Email sync/integration — suggest BCC/forward workflow, much simpler - Calendar integration — manual logging is fine initially - Authentication — single-user local CRM doesn't need it - Mobile app — sync complexity not worth it early ## Helper Scripts Worth Offering - Quick add from command line — reduces friction - Search across all files — grep/jq one-liner - Backup to timestamped zip — essential before migrations - Export to CSV — for users who want spreadsheet view ## Data Integrity Habits - Backup before any bulk edit or migration - Check for duplicate emails before adding contact - Validate email format on entry - Keep created/updated timestamps — debugging lifesaver ## Sync When Asked - Cloud folder (Dropbox/iCloud/Drive) for multi-device — simplest - Git repo for version history — good for technical users - Don't suggest complex sync solutions until files prove insufficient